For Kevin Behernt, joining a fraternity could be a way to make him feel at home.
Behernt, a freshman from Lincoln studying architecture, has been considering joining SIUC's Greek life during spring recruitment, when fraternities and sororities try to attract new pledges. Sororities and fraternities have been holding informational sessions since the beginning of the semester and have hosted their own events for rushes to get familiar with each chapter.
Tiffany Newman, graduate advisor for Greek life, said spring recruitment practices are more individualized for Greek chapters than in the fall.
"Spring is a little more laid back," Newman said.
Newman said, in fall, Greek recruitment is more formal with all chapters recruiting together and mandatory events for rushes. There is also a designated period for rushing in fall, Newman said, but spring recruitment lasts all semester and events are up to the individual chapter.
Behernt said he transferred to SIUC for the spring semester and has been interested in fraternities since he came.
"It looks fun," Behernt said. "It's a brotherhood and I come from a big family so I like the idea of having a close bond with so many people."
Behernt said he hasn't decided which fraternity to pledge with and may wait to pledge until next semester when there is formal recruitment.
"I think there seems to be more traditions with pledging in the fall," Behernt said. "I feel like it's part of the experience."
But not everyone is rushing to rush.
Amy Maciag, an undecided freshman from Decatur, said she attended a couple of sorority informational sessions, but decided not to pledge with any sorority.
"I guess I don't really see the point," Maciag said. "I've met a lot of people already and I've made my own friends."
Maciag said she attended the informational sessions because she was curious about Greek life at SIUC, but didn't want to take part in the formal recruitment that took place in fall.
"It makes it seem more permanent," Maciag said. "I'm really just checking it out because my mom wants me to."
Maciag said her mother was in a sorority and she made many friends through the organization, but she said the dorms offer a similar opportunity at SIUC. There are just as many people in the dorms looking to make friends and meet people as there are rushing, Maciag said.
"I met people last semester without being a Greek," Maciag said. "It's just not for me."
Madeleine Leroux can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 270 or mleroux@siu.edu.
