Interfraternity Council encourages students to 'Go Greek'

By: Rachel Nelson
www.universitystar.com

It is not uncommon to see back windshields adorned with Greek decals or shoe polished slogans that read "Go Greek" cruising around the Texas State campus. Houses with "rush" banners stand tall around the school. But what does it all mean?

According to Michelle Lopez, associate director of student activities, joining a fraternity "provides an instant community and instant connections for students on the campus. It offers that opportunity for them to really connect."

Although Lopez recognized the social aspect of being involved in a fraternity, she said there is more to it than the party stereotype often associated with the groups.

"I'm not gonna lie," Lopez said. "We have social aspects of our organizations, but these are not the reasons that these organizations are founded or why they exist. They also create a community to make sure they are living up to highest standards for academic excellence."
Jay Yarbro, president of the Interfraternity Council, said fraternity members must meet GPA criterias.

"Most are just a typical 2.5 to stay an active member and to become initiated," he said.
Lopez said fraternities also complete community service projects.

"We've got some who will do things with the local community such as we have one fraternity that will put on an annual easter egg hunt (in Sewell Park) for kids in the community who may not have the opportunity to do an easter egg hunt," Lopez said.

The three fraternity principles are brotherhood, philanthropy and scholarship, Yarbro, a computer information systems senior, said.

"We ask you to be leaders within the community as well as the classroom," he said. "We have a lot of Greeks in the ASG senate."

Yarbro said he encourages incoming freshmen and returning students to consider Greek life.
"It's one of the best decisions I've ever made coming to this school and I would strongly, strongly suggest it to anyone I'd talk to," Yarbro said. "There's so many opportunities to go from being Greek. Some doors are opened for you and stuff like that."

Jordan Johnson, a management senior, said being involved in a fraternity can lead members to desired positons.

"Greek organizations are gateways to leadership positions on campus and other organizations," Johnson said.

Meeting connections is one of the biggest advantages to being involved in a fraternity, said public administration senior Kyle Lamb.

"Fraternities are a great way to surround yourself with a large group of gentlemen who hold themselves to a higher standard than your average student," Lamb, a member of Phi Delta Theta, said.

Yarbro said there are a couple of ways students can get involved in a fraternity.

"Once they step foot on campus, they see all the houses and stuff like that," Yarbro said. "You can go up and talk to some of the guys."

A formal recruitment will take place Sept. 12 at the LBJ Student Center where male students can visit different rooms to obtain information on the various fraternities at Texas State. Those who want to attend the event should register online at the Texas State IFC Web site and pay a $35 registration fee, Yarbro said.

Yarbro said hazing is not tolerated by groups involved with the IFC.

"All initiation really is is you actually becoming an active member," Yarbro said. "All fraternities do it different, and it's all secret. Everyone keeps that very secret. It's nothing bad, don't get that from it. Greeks will understand that it's just a ritual that was written by the founders and stuff like that, but it's nothing bad. It's just you becoming a full active member of the chapter."

Another concern to those seeking fraternity membership is the cost.

"Your first semester might be the most expensive, and I say that just because of all the materials you get when you're a new member," Yarbro said.

Yarbro said his ball park estimate to be involved with a fraternity could typically range from about $600 to $700 per semester and be reduced to about $500 or $600 after that. He also said some organizations reward students with good grades by reducing their dues.

"It varies from different fraternities," Yarbro said.

Lopez said Texas State currently has 13 Interfraternity Council groups that students can get involved in. A list of those organizations can be viewed at www.txstateifc.com.

"Being Greek is not just four years of your life," Yarbro said. "It's from the time that you're initiated to the time that you pass on."