Greeks claim increase in numbers with early recruitment

Greek Life members at the University of South Dakota are hailing this year as an increase in new membership.

Originally, the recruitment process for sororities took place during the first week of classes. Now in it’s second year, students interested in joining a sorority rush the week before classes start so they can get a feel for each house and make sure it’s the best fit for them. Fraternities still hold Rush Week during the first week of classes.

Before rushing begins, the sororities and fraternities begin the recruitment process with introductions and house tours. Some of the fraternities also played yard games and have grill outs, while sororities have certain days dedicated to wearing specific attire for their social events.

“We’ve seen in the data that’s come back, the members that have visited more than one house, they stick to the chapter they initially chose through the years,” said Tau Kappa Epsilon President and senior Lucas Peterson. “Ultimately, we want people to find the right fit.”

Laura Roof, director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, said the official numbers on how many students rushed this year won’t be available until later this month. But Greek Life members from various houses said their recruitment numbers had increased from previous years.

As the number of students attending USD increases, the number students interested in becoming part of Greek Life also increases. The structure had to become more formal to expand the membership within the different chapters, Roof said.

“At PIKE we have a recruitment structure in place that is typically very successful. Each year, we have a scholarship for incoming freshmen that allows us to meet more men,” said Pi Kappa Alpha President and senior Nathan Christiansen. “There was a significant increase in overall numbers this year.”

To be a part of formal sorority recruitment, students have to move in a week early and pay $75. Even with the fee, there has been a broader turn out since this change, said Kappa Alpha Theta member and senior Alexa Moeller.

“Being a sorority woman at USD is kind of a life changing experience,” Moeller said. “You have the support system of not only your chapter but all of the chapters on campus.”

(Photo: Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity members pose in front of the fraternity house. With USD’s expansion of students, Greek life has, in turn, seen an increase in interested and potential members in both fraternities and sororities. Eden Hemmingson / The Volante)