While Sacramento State students spent the first few weeks of the semester familiarizing themselves with class schedules, visiting the financial aid office, or standing in line for books, Greek fraternities and sororities began making preparations to recruit students into their organizations.

Members of the university’s National Panhellenic Conference, National Interfraternity Conference Fraternities, and local and regional fraternities and sororities have posted and placed fliers and signs throughout the campus to alert students of the upcoming recruitment process known as Rush Week. Members of Greek organizations are also making themselves available to students by setting up daily information booths in the quad area outside of the library.

“The Greek booths are intended to serve as a general spot where prospective members can come to talk to active members about joining their organization,” said Panhellenic Council President Jill Freedman.

Beginning last week, organizations belonging to the local and regional fraternities and sororities were permitted to set up their booths over a two week period, ending Sept. 4.

Information booths for Panhellenic sororities and IFC fraternities will be set up in the quad the following weeks.

Generally between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, one or more members of an organization are stationed at their booth ready to supply interested or curious students with information or answers to their questions.

“Fliers are okay, but with somebody at a booth there’s an opportunity to talk,” said Robert Armstrong of Beta Alpha Psi. Armstrong volunteers his time at the co-ed accounting fraternity’s booth, discussing the benefits of the organization, membership, fraternity activities and events, and the orientation meeting.

Sophia Monroy, sergeant-at-arms of Sigma Omega Nu, agreed that personal contact was important. The contact not only gives students a chance to learn more about an organization, but they get a feel for the organization and its members as well. Students are also able to make arrangements in case they aren’t able to attend an informational due to a conflict in schedule.

Though all organizations are looking for prospective members to recruit, members don’t feel they are in competition. With approximately 40 Greek organizations on campus, there seems to be something for everyone.

“Each Greek organization has its own strengths and weaknesses, so they are not necessarily competing against each other for the same members,” said Freedman.”We encourage them (students) to check out other organizations to make sure (they know) which one is right for them,” Monroy concurred.

With this semester’s enrollment reaching a record high of almost 27,000 students at CSUS, Greek organizations are optimistic about this year’s total of prospective members.

“I do expect a significant increase in both the fraternity and sorority recruitment numbers this year,” said Freedman. “There are numerous benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority. First of all, it is a group of people who will love you as if you are family. They will be there through good and bad times. Also, many future employers look for involvement in a fraternity or sorority because they know it shows leadership and dedication to be a member of a Greek organization.”

Though student awareness of Greek activities seems high, interest in participating in those activities ranges from not being interested, to worrying about financial responsibilities, to trying to decide which organization to make a commitment.

Monroy believes that many people are under the impression that they have to be a freshman or a sophomore to become involved in Rush week. “It doesn’t matter,” she said, “If you’re interested in a group you want to be a part of, everyone’s welcome.”

“Everybody can find their niche,” added Sigma Omega Nu member Helena Orozco.