The appeals of Greek life attracted a larger-than-average number of first years last month. As a result, both the Inter-Fraternity Council and Inter-Sorority Council saw a marked increase in turnout during rush.
IFC Rush Chairman Steve Bowman said 621 men rushed this spring, up from last year's 498.
Bowman said he believes technology helped account for the increase.
"We allowed first years to register and pay online," he said. "This made the process a lot easier."
He added that online registration prevented rushees from "slipping through the cracks."
IFC President-elect Phil Trout said he agrees the new registration system proved critical in the reported rise and reaped many benefits for fraternities.
"The improved registration process is very important because it helps us do so many more things," Trout said. "We can maintain more comprehensive information and statistics on those who rushed and pledged, as well as make sure everyone that rushes is actually a University student."
Trout said improved registration also increased the IFC's revenue.
"We can use this to improve and expand our programs and events like Greek Week, while trying to steer away from the traditional sanction of fining chapters," he said.
Although the ISC maintains a policy of not releasing rush numbers, ISC President Kristin Braggins confirmed that the numbers of rushees increased.
"We saw a really good trend," Braggins said.
Aaron Laushway, assistant dean of students for fraternity and sorority life, said he felt the IFC-ISC's greater involvement in rush also increased participation.
"The IFC and ISC worked very hard to advance and promote their recruitment periods," Laushway said. "Both councils took great strides in governing their recruitment activities."
Dean of Students Penny Rue said she agrees the IFC-ISC's involvement in rush contributed to heightened turnout.
"Specifically, the existence of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, and their work with the councils to be more proactive and orderly in the recruitment process" encouraged involvement, Rue said.
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