Greeks unite to bolster recruitment

by Mandi Kane

Daily Lobo

The rush is on for the UNM Greek community as individual chapters come together to concentrate on successful spring recruitment.

"We want to make sure anyone who is interested in becoming Greek sees the system as a whole," said Kevin Stevenson, UNM's Interfraternity Council president. "We are trying a lot of new things hoping this will be an eye-opening experience."

Allison Holcomb, student activities adviser, said the University's Greek organizations are trying to figure out what works in recruitment and what doesn't.

"Instead of each chapter recruiting independently, this year it is more collaborative," she said.

Tables are set up in the SUB as word gets out about UNM fraternities and sororities, said Lauren Haggerty, chairwoman of Panhellenic Recruitment.

"Obviously in the past, the housed chapters have had an advantage," Stevenson said. "Usually a (potential new member) will only visit with one or two chapters that will traditionally be on Greek row. This gives everyone an opportunity to look at all of the chapters and to go where they feel most comfortable."

A lot of times, if someone doesn't like one house, they have no idea the house up the street may be perfect for them, said Cari Crappell, UNM's Panhellenic Council president. The perception of the entire Greek system can be discouraging, she said.

The three governing Greek Councils - the Panhellenic, the Interfraternity and the Multicultural - have been sponsoring informational sessions in the SUB to acquaint students with Greek life this past week. All of UNM's 21 Greek-letter organizations are represented.

Three of the informational sessions have been scheduled for the week. One was held Monday afternoon and two more are being held today at noon and again at 12:30 p.m. in the SUB Higher Grounds. The non-housed chapters will be speaking about their organizations, followed by tours from the housed chapters.

In preparation for the tours and the events of the week, the few Greek organizations that are allowed to have alcohol at their houses have been ordered to remove all liquor during the recruitment period, Stevenson said.

Holcomb is confident all three councils will see successful recruitment this year, especially with freshmen who may have wanted to focus more on academics during the fall semester.

Haggerty said the spring recruitment provides a more inviting and less intimidating atmosphere.

"There is more participation, and people are more accepting of the concept of Greek life," he said.

Ensuring there will be a place for everybody, Holcomb said Greeks are not the stereotypical people seen on television. They are diverse, focused on community and able to provide students with a great place to learn leadership skills.