GREEK LIFE
PAGE 7 | THE ALABAMIAN
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2012
THE FRESHMAN’S GUIDE TO FRATS
FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT FROM A VETERAN FRATERNITY MEMBER BY KYLE JONES Assistant Editor
BY JENNIFER CORONA
On May 3, 2012, Montevallo’s Pi Kappa Alpha chapter, Beta Theta, silenced their charter after 38 years on the campus. The fraternity is made up of seven members that hope in the future they will be able to regain their affiliation on campus. However, the previous pledge classes left a large debt, of about $10,000, that has left current members in a difficult place to come back from. After meeting with ten alumni a few months before the chapter officially went silent, the current members had two choices: give up completely or start over from scratch. Two alumni that were present during that meeting were members of the founding Pi Kappa Alpha chapter here at Montevallo, one of which was Jim Methvin, who is now president of the University of Montevallo National Alumni Association. Methvin was not only part of the founding members of Pi Kappa Alpha, but also part of the colony that eventually became the Interfraternity Council (IFC). Another alumni that was present at the meeting is Daniel McBrayer, member of the 2003 pledge class. McBrayer, a 2008 graduate from the University of Montevallo, started on the Alumni Advisory Board in November of 2011. When asked about the current state of Pike, he replied, “These are grim circumstances, but I have
hope for the future. It’s not all these boys fault.” Andrew Fancher, Pi Kappa Alpha President 2010 is proud of the progress his chapter has already made. “Even though we have gone silent as a chapter, the brotherhood is probably stronger than it has been for many years,” said Fancher. “We hope to reestablish our charter quickly.” The Pi Kappa Alphas that are still attending the University will continue to work to get their chapter back. They have planned to revert back to the colony status that the fraternity held before it was founded in 1974. The Meisters, as they will now be known, will be able to accept new members and collect dues, but they will not be recognized by the IFC. The colony may or may not have better luck raising money than before. “We have no house and low numbers as it is. Gaining more members and paying off our debt will be difficult,” said Hunter Hanson member of the 20102011 pledge class. Despite the circumstances, members maintain that they are ready to do what they can to rebuild and revamp the Theta Beta chapter. John Engle, member of the 2011-2012 pledge class, is looking forward to what this means for the Pikes. “We are the last initiates, and we could be the new founders. We can do anything we want with this—it’s our chance to start over.”
just because you align yourself with one organization doesn’t mean you can’t have If you’ve walked outside friends outside it. The plus your dormitory since side to our small system is you’ve moved in, the notion that it allows you to actuof going Greek has probally connect with a group of ably come up. There are brothers on a much greater three types of people when level than if you were at a it comes to this topic, the school with a hundred man ones who will always join, strong chapter. It also crethe maybe joiners and the ates a platform to be greatly no-way-in-hell-guys. I my- involved in your commuself was at one time includ- nity and on campus because ed in the latter category. no matter what fraternity Most of the information we you join, someone knows get about college and Greek someone somewhere. life comes from the movies, 2. Hazing media or that one guy who For most, this is the graduated before you who number one concern says his frat is awesome… when it comes to joining like you don’t even know… a fraternity, this being it’s the coolest! With that enforced by the movies and amount of misinformation media. Hazing is illegal and the general puffery and in the state of Alabama boastfulness that is fraterand against the University nity recruitment, I wish of Montevallo’s policy. I there was someone to clear would be a liar if I told you a few things up. That’s why that fraternities do not haze I’m here; these are the five their new members, and I things you need to know would once again be lying before going Greek. if I told you that it doesn’t 1. This isn’t Division 1. happen here. As recent as As you will learn, Monthe spring 2012 a fratertevallo has a special way nity was removed from the of doing things, and that University for hazing. For goes for just about everysome, the possibility of this thing. The Greek system is accepted, for others the here is small, there are no mere possibility is a comwild parties, you can’t get plete turn off. The question away with anything just you must ask yourself is, because you’re Greek and does this group of men I am
interested in joining really have my best interest in mind?
Delta Chi Nationals dismiss local chapter
DOS AND DON’TS OF SORORITY RECRUITMENT
BY HEATHER BUCKNER Editor-in-Chief
In a recent interview with The Alabamian, Justin Sherman, director of fraternity growth and advancement with Delta Chi Fraternity, Inc., commented on the loss of the University of Montevallo’s chapter. “The chapter was closed in January of this year for not living up to the expectations we have of our fraternity. There are expectations to meet for national headquarters,” he explained, “and the group wasn’t meeting a lot of those expectations. After years of working with the group, our organization decided that it was in our best interest to not have an organization at this moment in Montevallo.” When asked about the rumors of the chapter closing due to hazing, Sherman answered, “There were some incidents that could be constituted as hazing, and that was part of it— financially, not meeting our standards, all that compiled together led to our decision.” Sherman looks forward to a better relationship with the university in the future, but said that it will be some time before Delta Chi returns.
“The closure is permanent, but we would like to return at some point in the future,” said Sherman. “If we were to return, we would completely start from scratch and recruit completely different men. We would have no affiliation with that group at any point in the future.” Sherman further commented on the possibility of the men starting a new organization on campus, “That group has no affiliation with Delta Chi. Whatever that group decides to do is not supported by Delta Chi Fraternity.” “Let students and administration know that particular group has no affiliation with us,” he continued. “We’ve wiped our hands clean of the group.” Former Delta Chis were contacted but had no comment on the loss of their chapter or the possibility of a new one, however, Brian Hayes, a member of the alumni board and an alumnus of UM, had this to say: “We are dedicated both to the University of Montevallo and the re-establishment of our chapter. We feel a strong bond with both entities and look forward to working with the University in the future.”
3. Who Are You? It would be too easy to place stereotypes on each of the fraternities on campus. In reality, the men who make up these fraternities are all very unique. What makes them the same is that they all decided to better themselves and their community by joining fraternal organizations. My best advice is figure out who you are and become a better version of it. Really take the time to find the group that best reflects yourself, ask yourself if these are the type of people you want representing you and if this is a place where you can retain your identity and flourish.
even higher. The average dues per semester are around $400 but could be more depending on whether you live in fraternity housing. Associate membership or pledgeship also requires time for meetings, activities, intramural games and general fellowship and brotherhood. The load may seem daunting but it gets easier from there. The time and experiences that come from it prepare you for the future and create lasting friendships. But remember, you get what you put into it.
Last initiates, new founders
5. Really, what else do you have going on? Joining or even just rushing is a great way to get out and meet people. You have no obligation to join just because you went through rush. If you do decide to 4. Well, what happens join, there is no greater way to get involved then through after bid day? a Greek organization. The If your time as a new Greek men and women on member was easy then everyone would do it. If you campus are leaders in their departments, other organido not have at least part of your week to devote to your zations and even on the field of their respective sports. fraternity and its duties These organizations become and responsibilities then your family away from reconsider joining. No one home, a support system and likes a flakey friend, and a network to a future job the same goes for active brothers and new members. or opportunity. But let’s not forget one major perk, Many fraternities require almost instant social access members to keep above a to the fairer gender. 2.0, though some require
ANONYMOUS SENIOR GREEK WOMAN
Many Greek women live by the mantra, “From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it.” The Greek experience has both universal and individual aspects, and this is part of its charm; this is also the reason why sometimes it is difficult to fully explicate the intricacies of Greek life, especially the female Greek experience. All National Panhellenic Conference sororities are built upon a foundation of sisterhood, philanthropy and support for the college years and beyond; a lifetime of sisterhood is a hallmark of being in a sorority. But how can you know which sorority is right for you? How can you know if Greek life is right for you? At the University of Montevallo, the best way to get to know people on campus is to go through Formal Recruitment. If you are interested in being involved on campus, hav-
ing good grades, having fun and being philanthropic, Greek life is for you. There are five (of twenty six) NPC sororities on this campus: Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi), Alpha Gamma Delta (Alpha Gam), Chi Omega (Chi O), Delta Gamma (Dee Gee) and Phi Mu (Phi Mu). By far the best way to join one of these organizations is to sign up for Formal Recruitment, which is a mutual selection process in which you have the opportunity of meeting each sorority at least twice before narrowing your selection down. It sounds intimidating, but there are a few tips that could save you from embarrassment or blunders. Here you can find some of the best advice around. Keep an open mind. If you do nothing else, do this. Anxiety and nervousness is normal. Relax. Freaking yourself out will do no good. College is a time where you can be the person that you always wanted to be, right? Wrong. This is the time to be the you that
SGA and Student Life introduces the AIM Incentives Program
you’ve always wanted to be. Don’t create a personality for yourself that may wither in a few weeks. Be you. Smile. It’s any woman’s best accessory. Don’t be afraid to talk, even about yourself. We’re trying to get to know you just as you are trying to get to know us. That having been said, we don’t want to listen to you go on and on about how wonderful you are. Humility, too, can be impressive. Do not show up looking like you just rolled out of bed. No one will take you seriously. Take a shower, brush your hair and apply any make-up that you are comfortable wearing. Do not talk about your significant other. It’s superfluous. Although that person may have been influential in your life, we’re trying to get to know you,
not them. Do your research. It’s easy to get confused when all five groups share similar colors and Greek letters. The mascots/symbols are the easiest way of differentiating between them. Alpha Delta Pi – Lions Alpha Gamma Delta – Squirrels Chi Omega – Owls Delta Gamma – Anchors Phi Mu – Ladybugs Be prepared to talk about what you want out of the Greek experience. Be prepared to talk about why you want to be in a sorority. Honestly, if you are in it for the wrong reasons, the experience won’t mean as much. I promise. Enjoy it—life is an adventure, and so is the college experience. Why not have sisters there to enjoy it with you?
Mike Champion ———
Technical Support
Homeland Computer Systems 665-9578 Mchampion@homeland-computers.com
COMPUTER REPAIR
AIM stands for Active In Montevallo. This year when you attend designated AIM events, you can get your AIM card punched and earn prizes. AIM cards are available in the Student Life Office. When you obtain 15 punches on your card, you can trade it in for a prize at the Student Life Office. 1st Card = stainless water bottle 2nd Card = Montevallo folding chair with cup holders 3rd Card = Sweatshirt blanket
For every card you fill up after your third card, your name will be entered in a drawing for larger prizes. This drawing will be held at the end of the school year.
Check your e-mail each week for a list of that week’s AIM events.
628 Main Street Montevallo, AL 35115
Phone 205.665.0035 Fax 205.665.0034