It’s a year of change for Greek life on Vanderbilt’s campus, according to the latest issue of “The Chapter,” the weekly Greek life newsletter.

After numerous sanctions and probations were handed down to chapters last year, the recent newsletter described a need for change within the Greek community.

According to the newsletter, the Greek community “must be more than what we have been in the past.”

The movement to “Be More” was kicked off with a summary of changes to be made within the Greek community this year, highlighting changes to Interfraternity Council recruitment.

The student-motivated initiative for change began last spring through the IFC’s creation of the Delta Force, a recruitment team of 10 IFC men who focused on ways to improve the recruitment process. After a month of research and discussion, the Delta Force presented their proposal to the IFC presidents, who voted in favor of nearly all of the proposed changes. Some of the changes included an increase in minimum GPA requirement from a 2.3 to a 2.5, a community service requirement for potential members, and the institution of a formalized recruitment process in January.

“The biggest changes this year are lessening the usage of the social component of our organizations as a recruitment tool and the advertisement of our community service contributions in order to recruit new members for what we deem the right reasons,” said IFC Recruitment Chair Patrick Seamens.

By advertising other aspects of fraternity life, such as academics and community service, Seamens said the Greek community will reach a wider audience and more accurately reflect Greek contributions to campus life.

Director of Greek Life Kristin Torrey said she hopes the new process will put less emphasis on alcohol and social activities. She said the new eligibility requirements are meant to promote a well-rounded fraternity community.

“We talked more about making smart choices, good behavior and being accountable within a fraternity,” Torrey said. “There is shared ownership within leadership of the Greek community that should help us have a successful year.”

Clarifying expectations also was important to Seamens.

“Sometimes kids want to join because of an incorrect perception of Greek life, and they are surprised by the other responsibilities that come with membership after the fact,” he said.

While several of the main changes to fraternity recruitment have yet to come into effect, both potential and current members of the fraternities are anticipating their effects.

“The rush process has been a fun experience thus far,” said Bobby O’Donnell, a freshman who plans on joining a fraternity. “It is fun to be able to go out with your friends and meet older people that, for the most part, want to include you in their very selective and important group.”

He said while the process has been primarily social so far, he expects that to change because of the community service requirements. Others are not convinced the changes were vital.

“I don’t think the changes were necessary, but I think that it was a very wise decision that the Delta Force made,” said sophomore and Lambda Chi Alpha member Adam Meyer. He said he hopes the initiatives will help change the negative reputations of Greek life on campus.

Torrey said many of the changes are “behind the scenes,” and the addition of formal recruitment in January will probably be the most noticeable to the Vanderbilt community at large.

“The process was not transparent enough before,” Torrey said, “but now potential members will have more power and control in the recruitment process.”

Changes made to recruitment process:

• Increase minimum GPA requirement of potential members from a 2.3 to a 2.5.
• Each chapter must sponsor at least 3 community service events that are open and advertised to potential members.
• Potential members must attend at least two community service events with a fraternity and/or complete three community service hours at fraternity service events throughout the fall.
• Institute a formalized, structured recruitment process in January. The fall will remain an open contact period for fraternity members and potential members, but selections will be made during the formal process in January.
• Chapters will receive a minimum $5,000 fine for hosting parties during orientation, having potential members at the winter formal or giving bids to ineligible men.
• Implementation of the Greek Legacy Fund. All IFC fraternity members will pay $5 per semester toward the fund to be used for need-based dues scholarships for fraternity members.
• Enhanced opportunities for involvement with first year students at the beginning of the semester will include a Greek Life Information Session on the first day of classes, an IFC Information fair with all chapters the Sunday after classes begin, and an open house event in the Greek area on the second Sunday.
• Increased publicity and awareness of positive fraternity accomplishments and activities through the student newspaper and presentations.