A new semester means new members for Greek organizations on campus.
Fraternities and sororities from various Greek councils have accepted or are looking to recruit new members to their local chapters in the coming weeks.
Recruitment, often called “Rush Week,” in the spring semester is often considered less formal than fall recruitment, according to Brooke Hutson, vice president of membership recruitment for Alpha Omicron Pi.
“Spring recruitment is much more casual than fall,” Hutson said. “Where there are several rules and infractions we have to worry about during the fall recruitment process, we can stress less on maintaining strict guidelines and focus on bettering our chapter with women who have a true passion for joining an organization that will better themselves.”
The National Pan-helleninc council held their Greek Assembly last night, a required meeting for students interested in joining that council.
On Thursday, the Multicultural Greek Council organizations will host their MGC Showcase where fraternities and sororities from that council meet prospective new members.
Interfraternal Council fraternities will hold their recruitment period next week. Phi Gamma Delta member Ryan Caycoya said spring recruitment is scaled down in comparison to fall.
“Spring is a little more laid back than fall,” Caycoya said. “Fall [has] a lot more of future members coming through than spring. It’s exactly as the same thing as fall rush just not as big of pledge classes will be taken.”
Panhellenic Association sororities Zeta Tau Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Alpha Delta Pi and Alpha Omicron Pi wrapped up their recruitment process this past week. Alpha Chi Omega will recruit later in the semester, according to member Blair McDougal.
Often times, recruitment week ends with “Bid Day,” where new members are officially welcomed to a Greek organization. Alpha Omicron Pi held their “Bid Day” on Saturday, according to member Nabil Valenzuela.
“Bid day is a great bonding experience between current members and those we are welcoming,” Valenzuela said. “We had seven new members join and we’re super excited to have them as our sisters.”
Rush events take place every semester for most active chapters. For more information on Greek life at Sam Houston State University, visit shsu.edu/greeklife.