As the 2023-24 Academic Year rolls around the corner, Ashland University’s Fraternity and Sorority (FSL)  life is gearing up for an exciting batch of freshmen to recruit to join their specific chapters.

For freshmen entering college, an important part of adapting to the new environment is becoming involved in organizations. One of the most common organizations across American college campuses is Greek Life.

“ I joined a sorority looking for women who also valued leadership and service and now I have some of the best memories doing what I’m passionate about with my best friends,” Panhellenic Council President Alena Aguayo.

The FSL community on campus consists of three fraternities and four sororities with those being Phi Kappa Psi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, Theta Phi Alpha, Alpha Phi, Alpha Delta Pi and Delta Zeta. However, those seven chapters rely on heavy recruitment to keep them flourishing for years to come.

“For incoming students to Ashland University, getting involved on campus will make the college experience a much smoother transition and a more enjoyable time,” said Interfraternity Council President Joel Williams. 

There are several perks to joining a sorority or fraternity, such as “networking opportunities, friendships, leadership opportunities, and academics,” according to Williams.

In the fall, each chapter holds elections for positions within their chapter, where students have the ability to get involved and hold leadership positions. This not only teaches important skills but also adds to students’ resumes. 

Alongside elections, the fall sees fun events such as “Lip Sync”, where each chapter competes against each other in lip sync dance battles, which helps bring a fun competitive nature to the FSL community. 

The FSL life on campus also prides itself on the constant image of selflessness in the community and throughout the world. 

“Fraternities and Sororities are some of the most charitable organizations on campus with their philanthropy work and community service,” said Williams.

For example, the community service and philanthropic projects for Phi Kappa Psi raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. On the sorority side, Delta Zeta partners with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to raise funds that provide help for hearing to people across the world.

These projects and opportunities become available from day one to students as soon as they become involved with a chapter. 

“People should join Greek life because of the lifelong connections that you will make with so many people and the leadership opportunities that you can take on to grow yourself as a person,” said Phi Delta Theta President Evan Smigel. “Greek life has something for everyone and it grows you as a person.”

Not only does Smigel believe that lifelong connections can come from the bonds students build within their respective fraternities, but students also can grow.

“College is your place to grow as a person and through this community, you get a chance to prepare yourself for life after school with skills you wouldn’t get unless you become involved,” said Smigel.

The rushing process for fraternities lasts from Sept. 5-23, with countless events running up until bid day which occurs on the 23rd. For sororities, bid day is set for Sept. 16.

“​​Greek Life is one the best ways to get involved on campus, especially as a freshman,” said Aguayo. “AU is different from most schools because whether you are in the same chapter or not, it’s a close-knit community filled with opportunities for friendship & personal growth.”

Along with Aguayo, Delta Zeta President Meghan Ferrante also believes that sorority life can be important for incoming students to meet lifelong friends. 

“”I think a freshman should get involved with Greek life is for starters a sorority can really help get you on your feet when coming on to campus. Joining a community will help you navigate your way around this new season of your life,” said Ferrante. “All of the older members that are currently in Greek life have been in your shoes, and know exactly how overwhelming this time can be, and what next steps they took in order to get them where they are and can help you do the same.”

Students can sign up for recruitment up until the 22nd by heading over to Engage Ashland and filling out the form. 

 “Joining a fraternity or sorority has an impact even beyond time at college, the values, friendships, and networks created will last a lifetime,” said Williams.