Greek house search kicks off

Dunn Meadow will transform into a sea of testosterone this evening as the greek community commences Men's Recruitment Kickoff Weekend.\nMale students interested in "going greek" will have the opportunity to explore their options at 5 p.m. at Dunn Meadow. All 25 campus fraternities will be represented, said senior Justin Sloan, Interfraternity Council executive vice president of recruitment. \n"If they're interested in one particular chapter, they can go and check them out and talk to the brothers of that fraternity," Sloan said.\nSloan expects a turnout of about 1,000 students despite a "stagnant" showing of only about 900 in previous years.\nThis year, Sloan said the IFC put extra effort into marketing the event, including sending "Go greek" pamphlets to all incoming freshmen and transfer students this summer, painting bridges and purchasing a Facebook.com advertisement.\nSloan said though freshmen are typically targeted for recruitment, he encourages involvement from sophomore and juniors, too. \nHowever, women are asked to exclude themselves from men's recruitment, so as not to influence the potential greek males' decisions regarding the chapters. Sloan said nothing should interfere with choosing the right house.\n"You're making a lifelong decision," he said. "From here on out, you'll be a part of that fraternity."\nAbout 15 members of all IU's chapter houses will flood Dunn Meadow and hand out pamphlets on about their chapters, including information regarding house colors and slogans as well as the chapter's seal.\nFriday's activities are just the beginning of the weekend-long recruitment process. Sloan said the pledges will be put into groups Saturday and Sunday and guided to each chapter for a 15-minute tour and presentation.\n"This is just something we facilitate to create a connection between the student and fraternity," Sloan said.\nJunior Phi Kappa Psi rush chair Erik Styacich said his chapter is using tour time to answer pledges' questions and "meet as many guys as possible."\nSunday evening, after the completion of chapter tours, men will be given a red and white wristband sponsored by T.I.S. Bookstore to wear to the following week's social events at the different fraternities to show they've completed formal recruitment and are genuinely interested in becoming a brother. \n"The wristband will be their VIP access into rush the next few weeks," Sloan said.\nPledges will receive formal invitations to the chapters within three weeks after formal recruitment.\nStyacich said his chapter has a barbecue planned as well as live music, and even a Slip 'n' Slide party for incoming members during that time.\n"We want guys to be able to see if this is the right place for them," he said.\nA make-up meeting for males unable to participate in the weekend's events will be held Monday in the Maple Room in the Indiana Memorial Union.\nStudents can register for recruitment and find more information on the recruitment process at www.indiana.edu/~gogreek.