Fraternities buck national trend, increase membership

Although national trends show less interest in Greek life, fraternity membership at Penn has increased approximately three percent since last year. "Our Greek system is really front-running," InterFraternity Council President and College junior Matt Baker said at the new IFC Executive Board's first meeting Wednesday night. Thus far, 533 men have accepted bids from University fraternities, up from last year's 518. But the Alpha Chi Rho brother added that there remain approximately 100 outstanding bids. He said he expects an additional 60 to 70 men will pledge, bringing brotherhood figures up five to eight percent above last year's. "We did very well -- extremely well," Baker said. Prior to the conclusion of rush last Sunday, some fraternities had already distributed bids. But Tuesday night, rushees gathered in Meyerson Hall to receive the rest of their pledge invitations. Based on the success of this year's rush, Baker said he is "excited about next year." He added that he hopes implementation of the Greek system's 21st Century Report programs and requisites will help alleviate negative stereotypes which students often associate with the Greek system. "People don't realize how much you can learn about from being Greek," said IFC Secretary and College sophomore Noah Bilenker, a Phi Kappa Psi brother. In accordance with the report, pledges will be required to go through a "ten-point membership education program." The program includes workshops on time management, acquaintance rape, responsible alcohol consumption and cultural awareness. New brothers will also have the opportunity to combine efforts with other campus organizations for "a couple of very large community service events," Baker said. Further, the IFC will plan more fall events to attract new members. "I would love to see this entire campus Greek," Baker said. He added that he hopes next year's membership numbers would increase to 10 percent more than they were last year. "I think there's a house on this campus for every single male," said IFC Treasurer and Wharton junior David Poline, a Delta Tau Delta brother.