The Brown & White

In the first step toward improving fraternity recruitment, the Interfraternity Council sponsored a barbecue on the front lawn of the University Center Thursday night.

The event marks a change from fraternities hosting fall open houses, which will not be held this year. IFC President Bobby Buckheit, '09, said spring open houses may or may not be held this year.

"This sort of event, it's not connected with open houses, but there will be no fall open houses this semester. As far as we're concerned, spring open houses are still up in the air," said Buckheit.

"This is an event looking to do something different from open houses, but still generating buzz about recruitment," he said.

The event generated a large turnout, including fraternity brothers, IFC members, Greek life coordinators and freshmen.

Griffin Humphreys, '09, IFC vice president of administration, said the changes in the recruitment process reflect the newly adopted Fraternity Code of Conduct, which is designed to increase accountability within fraternity life at Lehigh.

Humphreys, Jack Cherewatti, '09, IFC recruitment chair and Buckheit brainstormed the new Code of Conduct, Humphreys said.

Humphreys said the new recruiting process will be more integrated into the Lehigh community, which is why the first event took place off the Hill.

"We want to dismiss the stereotype that fraternities are exclusive, sexists, elitist groups, because we're not," Humphreys said. "Fraternities are values-based organizations that have a social outlet."

Tim Wilkinson, director of fraternity and sorority affairs, said the fraternity recruitment process is evolving.

"Traditionally, fraternity recruitment relied heavily on alcohol and women," he said. "Now, it will be about getting to know the guys, the values of the chapters and will serve as a good networking event."

Parker Gill, '10, president of Chi Phi fraternity, said he had no complaints about the changes to the fall recruitment process.

"We've abused our privileges at open houses in the past, so now we're reproving ourselves that we can conduct ourselves in the proper manner," he said. "Lehigh has given us the ability to rebuild our reputations."

In November, as in previous years, there will be a convocation in Lamberton Hall for all men to sign up for houses in order to show their interest.