As a way to show there's more to them than parties and date functions, fraternities and sororities are rolling out the red carpet for Greek Week.
It's a week of games, charity events, entertainment and friendly competition that spotlights other facets of the system.
Every day this week features a different activity, either on Grounds or within the Charlottesville area. All students, regardless of Greek affiliation, are encouraged to participate.
"We tried to pick activities that people would actually participate in and that would also make a difference in the community," said fourth-year College student Zach Terwilliger, vice president of the Inter-Fraternity Council judiciary committee. "It's a time when we can really come together and bring in people who otherwise wouldn't get to see the Greek system."
Over 50 houses from the IFC, Inter-Sorority Council, Black Fraternal Council and Multicultural Greek Council are participating in this week's activities.
"We've had some negative publicity," said fourth-year College student Pat Reilly, IFC chairman of scholarship and faculty relations. "In general, the Greek systems around the country the media portrays in a negative light. This is a way to spotlight the positive aspects of the Greek community."
Reilly added that by allowing first-year students to see the values, social life and service opportunities that lie within the Greek system, Greek Week aims at encouraging first-year students to rush in the spring.
Events for the week include blood donation, live entertainment at Mellow Mushroom, a monetary collection for the Charlottesville Fire Department, a crab feast, kickball with Madison House and Blues & Brews, an AIDS service event on the Downtown Mall.
Greek Week ends Saturday with the Rock 'N Rally in Mad Bowl, featuring musical performances from O.A.R and 2 Skinnee J's.
At the Rock 'N Rally, which is sponsored in conjunction with University Programs Council and Student Council, students also can register to vote and learn about the General Obligation Bond.
In the spirit of friendly competition, each sorority and fraternity will receive points throughout the week for winning Greek Week athletic events, attending activities and raising money.
At the end of the week, one fraternity or sorority chapter will be awarded the Greek Week Cup -- a trophy inscribed with all the names of the past winners.
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