Sorority and Fraternity Life at Ohio University has seen a steady increase in recruitment over the past decade, and this year’s record-sized freshman class pushed participation to an all-time high.
OU’s 31 sororities and fraternities welcomed one of their largest and most diverse groups of new members this fall, as anti-hazing policies and stronger regulations continue to shape a safer and more inclusive environment.
Although Greek organizations have faced criticism in the past for hazing and exclusivity, many students now say the process feels more welcoming. Emerson Anderson-Feils, a freshman studying biology and a new member of Gamma Phi Beta, said joining felt like a casual, supportive experience.
“I knew I wanted to rush at OU because my aunt actually rushed at OU,” Anderson-Feils said. “She was in a sorority and loved it, and ever time she would talk about it, she would be so excited. I chose (Gamma Phi Beta) because I liked the atmosphere.”
Anderson-Feils is among 780 students who registered for Interfraternity Council recruitment this year, a record high.
Chris Medrano Graham, director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, said the spike shows not only a larger freshman class but also deliberate outreach efforts from her office and student organizations.
“We started really marketing and promoting fraternity and sorority life, especially through Bobcat Student Orientation,” Graham said. “We’ve also started to bring organizations to meet the needs of other students … This year, we lost the Pride Center, the Multicultural Center, and the Women’s Center, so a lot of students were feeling a little bit displaced.”
Tim Gronert, the chapter president of Beta Theta Pi and a senior studying marketing and finance, said Greek life can help students develop friendships and develop a sense of community in college.
“Greek life was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Gronert said. “I made more friends than I thought I would joining Greek life, and I don’t regret it at all. It really expanded my network.”
Despite lingering concerns about hazing, Graham said OU fraternities and sororities operate under a strict zero-tolerance policy.
“Hazing is morally wrong and does not stand congruent to the fraternal values that we say we espouse, so there is no tolerance of hazing,” Graham said.
This year, Beta Theta Pi offered 28 bids, 26 of which were accepted. Gronert said his role as president includes managing day-to-day communication, supporting members and ensuring the executive board meets fraternity standards.
“We have 88 guys that I look after, so being able to delegate and schedule meetings between 88 guys,” Gronert said. “If they have a problem, it becomes my problem.”
Greek life remains a major part of OU’s student experience, offering leadership, philanthropy and social opportunities. The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, located on the third floor of Baker University Center, provides resources for students interested in joining throughout the year.
“Being a part of a fraternity or sorority is the best collegiate experience you can have if you do fraternity right,” Graham said.
