Murray State’s fraternities met in the quad Monday at 5 p.m. to kick off Rush Week. Each fraternity set up its own station in the quad where members could hangout and get to know some of their potential new members.
At Rush Week, kick-off events included cornhole games, music and discussion between potential members and actives.
The week serves two main purposes for fraternities and students. First, it gives fraternities another chance to recruit new members and, second, it gives prospective fraternity brothers a chance to meet all the fraternities.
Mike Young, assistant vice president of Student Affairs, said recruitment is essential to a fraternity’s survival and success.
“For fraternities, recruitment is the life blood of the organization,” he said. “If you are not recruiting new members, you cease to exist.”
Although any student is allowed to rush the fraternity of their choosing, they still have to meet a high school GPA of 3.0. If the student is a current or transfer student they must have at least a 2.3 GPA and 12 credit hours.
Each fraternity determines if a student is suited for their organization.
Austin Reed, freshman from Montecello, Ill., was attending the Rush event and gave his thoughts on the GPA requirement.
“I am confident in my GPA and I know it will not be an issue for me, especially when I become a member,” Reed said. “Because I know the brothers will keep me accountable and help me succeed.”
Last year approximately 175 men registered to rush. This year, more than 200 men registered.
When searching for the right fraternity, it is important students keep options and minds open, said Sean Edgin, junior Sigma Phi Epsilon member from Fulton, Ky.
“I would advise weighing your options and paying attention to which fraternity you feel most comfortable with,” Edgin said.
Seth Hall, senior Sigma Phi Epsilon member from East Prairie, Mo., said students come check out some fraternities even if they have decided not to join.
“Even if you don’t want to go Greek, you should still try it out,” he said. “It is a great way to make friends and network with other students.”
The fraternity hopefuls were allowed to meet with as many fraternities as they were interested in, but as Rush Week progressed they were required to narrow down their choices.
Vice President Young said the opportunities fraternities present to students are unique.
“It is an excellent opportunity for young people to find that sense of family and the groups they can connect with and provide that mentor type environment,” Young said.
Story by: Alex Berg, Staff writer