BIG-C intake continues

Bringing new members into minority Greek organizations is a year-long process. When the Panhellenic and InterFraternity councils end their rush periods this week, the University's third Greek umbrella organization -- the BiCultural InterGreek Council -- will continue its year-long recruitment process. While Panhel and IFC hold formalized, two-week rush periods followed by months of pledging, the BIG-C organizations have a three-tiered system that roughly adheres to the same process. The first two levels -- an interest meeting, in which each chapter tries to sell itself to prospective members, followed by an invite-only meeting -- serve as the equivalent of rush for BIG-C groups. Interest meetings and "informationals" -- the second round of the process -- are not "as formal a structure as [rush]," BIG-C Program Director Larry Moses said. The final stage -- called the "intake process" -- is much stricter. For example, there are minimum grade point average requirements before someone can proceed with the intake process. Regional chapters determine the guidelines for intake processes, which differ because of the varying historical backgrounds of each organization. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., an African-American chapter, celebrated its 91st anniversary on January 15, while the Latino organizations were founded in the 1980s and are still relatively young. Composed of African-American and Latino fraternities and sororities, the BIG-C looks for leadership and communication skills in selecting new members, according to BIG-C President Ramon Marmolejos, a Wharton junior. The recruiting periods for Panhel and IFC are more uniform, with their national chapters dictating rush regulations, Marmolejos noted. Since their organizational practices differ so greatly, Panhel and IFC do not coordinate very often with the BIG-C to promote Greek life, according to Office of Sorority and Fraternity Affairs Director Scott Reikofski. He added, though, that they do "want to work together in the future." All three umbrella organizations are taking strides to coordinate their activities. Panhel President Becca Iverson, IFC President Mark Metzl and Marmolejos met for the first time this month to discuss the upcoming year. The three presidents, along with other OFSA officials, will hold regular meetings every other Friday. "We hope that increased communication will benefit the Greek system as a whole," said Metzl, a College junior. For instance, two cross-council community service events -- entitled Greek Weekend and Greek Into the Streets -- are in the works. Iverson, a College junior, said there will be "changes in the next year with increased interaction between the BIG-C, IFC and Panhel."