You've seen them in your classes. You've seen them around TheUniversity of Memphis campus, wearing their paraphernalia andattending school events in large masses.
They're Greek, and they're recruiting.
The U of M Greek Affairs will start their annual recruitmentprograms Sunday. Participants in the recruitment process will beall Greek organizations: the Interfraternity Council (IFC) Sept.2-6, National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC or PHC) Aug. 31-Sept. 6, and theWomen's Panhellenic Councils (WPC) Sept. 16-21.
The purpose of recruitment is to introduce new and continuingstudents to Greek life on campus, officials said.
Some students around campus are ready to get involved.
"I am ready to have a lot of fun during recruitment, but most ofall I am ready to meet everybody," said Blake Whiddon, a freshmanphysical therapy major.
Some say joining a fraternity or sorority is not only aboutparties but also about the service to help others, said PariceTyler, Greek Affairs advisor.
"Fraternities and sororities are an integral part of studentlife in Memphis and they contribute much to The University," Tylersaid. "Greeks are also visible throughout the campus, holdingmemberships and leadership positions in campus organizationsranging from departmental clubs and honor societies."
Marcus Washington, senior broadcast journalism major, also seesthe leadership benefits of joining a Greek organization.
"Going Greek is for leaders," Washington said. "It has given methe opportunity to expand on my leadership abilities and networkwith other organizations. (Greek organizations) allow people towork together with the same goal, which can make a stronger impacton campus."
Another common misconception, officials say, is that manystudents in Greek organizations have low or failing grades.
However, fraternities and sororities maintain higher academicaverages over non-affiliated students on campus.
In spring 2003, the average grade point average of all Greekswas 2.76, while non-Greek students averaged 2.64, officialssaid.
Sororities and fraternities offer academic assistance andsupport through assisting in developing social skills andeducational awareness in social issues, Greek representativessaid.
Kim Gross, freshman pre-med, said she is ready to participateand make a difference on campus.
"I am ready to get involved with social and formal events aroundcampus and making new friends at The University," said Gross.
Most of all when you are joining a Greek organization you arebecoming a part of a brotherhood or sisterhood, the representativessaid.
"Going Greek will allow you to make friends that will last alife time," said Christen Castleberry, president of WPC.
There are two ways to join IFC: through open recruitmentprocess, which occurs over the summer, or through FormalRecruitment, which is a five-day event. These events are held atchapter houses or designated locations.
Members of NPHC organizations select their new members through amembership intake process. The organizations select their newmembers based on specific qualifications and criteria.
The recruitment for the WPC consists of five rounds. Each roundis an opportunity for potential members to discover what WPC has tooffer. Potential members can attend the events available duringrecruitment such as Color Me Greek, Open House or Blue and Grey andcome willing to have a great time, officials said.
"Each woman is to keep an open mind while attending these eventsand give all seven chapters a fair opportunity to show them what itis all about," said Lauren Burrus, vice president of recruitmentfor WPC.
For more information about recruitment with any Greekorganization, contact Greek Affairs, 427 University Center, at678-2093.
