Frats optimistic about new rules

Interfraternity Council President Tom Merrihew shook hands with members of several fraternities Thursday as he toured houses during the third evening of the spring rush season.

About 90 students have officially signed up to participate in rush this semester, which kicked off Tuesday and includes several changes implemented earlier this year.

During fall semester, the IFC split the fraternities into two groups according to their geographic location. Each group held an open house for potential members on either Wednesday or Thursday this week.

In past years, all of the fraternities hosted open houses for two successive days.

Merrihew said he believes the new system makes it easier for rushees to visit houses in the same area and easier for fraternity members, who now spend less time and money on the process.

Another change in the rush process this year includes not requiring rushees to visit a specified number of houses.

Some fraternity members said they applaud the change after hearing complaints from past rushees about the old requirements.

“In the past, the school has not done all it can to increase the Greek scene, but any positive change … is always helpful,” said Brendan Byrnes, president of Kappa Sigma.

Merrihew said shortening the rush process during the spring semester alleviates part of the time burden on the members and rushees, helping to ease academic pressure during the busy rush season.

Last semester, the IFC responded to concerns expressed by the UNC Board of Trustees regarding personal servitude and hazing practices during the pledge season.

The IFC implemented a new code of conduct that specifically forbids these practices, and fraternity members remain optimistic about monitoring the upcoming pledge season.

Many fraternity members said they frown upon the bad image such practices create for the Greek community.

“Being in a fraternity can be a great thing, and it’s a shame that, at UNC, there’s a history of bad experiences with pledging,” said Rob Menendez, president of Zeta Psi.

Menendez said it is important for pledges “to feel safe and know they won’t be brutalized or tormented” and added that fraternities have a tough image to escape.

But Menendez said he is confident that pledges in Zeta Psi will not look back dauntingly on their pledging experience.

Unity among the pledge class and a sense of brotherhood among the pledges and members alike are also important aspects of the process, Menendez said.

Merrihew said he anticipates a smooth rushing and pledging season this semester with the new code of conduct still in place.

“We’ve cooperated a lot with (the BOT),” Merrihew said. “We’ve also made an effort to have consistency across the system. … Everyone is on the same page.”

Merrihew credits last year’s IFC officers for tending to many of the board’s concerns.

“They did a great job of tackling those issues and finding resolution for them,” Merrihew said. “And that will help the IFC system in the years to come.”

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.