This semester, after a barrage of negative press following last year's alcohol-related death of CSU sophomore Samantha Spady at the Sigma Pi fraternity house, the Greek community has committed itself to changing the general public's conception of fraternities and sororities at CSU
"The process of recruitment is the same, but the message we're sending out has changed," Mark Koepsell, director of Greek Life, said. "We are trying to get the message out that the Greek community is broad and diverse."
"There are black-and-white posters all over campus of 16 different people from a sorority or fraternity at CSU," Koepsell said. "They each look different and represent different beliefs, religions and ethnicities."
Both sororities and fraternities saw an increase in the number of recruits this semester
The Greek community is participating in two different programs that may have contributed to the increased interest: the Seal of Approval program and live-in advisers in fraternity houses.
"All of the sororities and fraternities participate in the Seal of Approval program. Each chapter must meet a specified list of criteria to receive the seal. All of the sororities meet the requirements for the seal," said Koepsell. "And there is a clear difference between the fraternities that got the seal and those who didn't."
One of the other new programs implemented this year in three of the fraternity houses is that of a live-in adviser.
Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Sigma Phi Epsilon volunteered to participate in the pilot program.
Colorado State Collegian - Greek community strives to change 'Animal House' image
