If you have ever wondered what it’s like to be greek and are looking for new friends across campus, you might want to mark Aug. 25 and Aug. 27 on your calendar.
Those dates mark the beginning of Rush for sororities and fraternities, respectively, at the U.
At different events during the week, students will have the opportunity to learn about the different houses on campus and what they offer, as well as hear experiences of life as a greek from current members.
Brittany Anderson, head of the Panhellenic Recruitment Council, said joining a house on Greek Row is “a good way to meet tons of new people and create long, lasting friendships.”
This year, Greek Row will be made up of nine fraternities and six sororities, all of which are active nationwide.
Even though every house courts new members who want to become pledges, all sororities and fraternities have different requirements to join.
Some houses require students to partake in community service projects and others require that members know the history of the house they plan to join.
“Members of a house can expect to meet a lot of new people (and) be put into leadership roles,” said Chase Winsor, who works on an interfraternity recruitment group. “It’s (also) a good way to get contacts after graduation.”
As a member of a fraternity or sorority, students can expect to find themselves involved in a broad range of activities, from social events to active volunteer work in the community.
Justin Noertker, president of the Pi Kappa Alpha house, said that by becoming a member of a greek house, “all kinds of experience can be gained that you can’t get from a classroom.”
In addition to Rush Week, houses will be hosting open house barbeques throughout August.
For more information about Rush Week and Greek Row, visit www.greeks.utah.edu, which lists a full calendar of events and contact numbers.
Mike TerryMembers of the Sigma Nu fraternity and the Pi Beta Phi sorority hang out in front of the houses during last year’s Rush Week.