Many fraternities and sororities at ETSU will be taking their events virtual via Zoom throughout the semester.
Unlike the usual events on and off campus, new recruits can attend zoom events to decide which fraternity or sorority they would like to join.
One such event was the virtual fair during welcome week. Fraternities and sororities had their part of the fair on Aug. 25, which gave new students a chance to learn more about Greek life and decide which sorority or fraternity fit them best.
Sigma Chi President Blake Wright said recruits will likely be put into breakout rooms on Zoom to give them a chance to have one-on-one conversations and figure out which fraternity values they align themselves with.
“It’s definitely going to be a learning curve,” said Wright. “I don’t think anyone in the country has ever experienced anything like [COVID-19]. I think it could have a positive affect because we’re having to adapt, so we may come out on the other side better.”
Wright said the reason he joined Sigma Chi was for the fraternity’s leadership opportunities, as well as its involvement within the community. Sigma Chi supports the national Huntsman Cancer Association and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Last year it celebrated its 50th anniversary after being chartered at ETSU in 1969.
“It’s a genuine bond between everybody and a genuine friendship that I can carry on the rest of my life,” Wright said.
There are many other fraternities and sororities at ETSU that students can join. The university has five NPC member organizations that create the College Panhellenic: Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Kappa Delta and Sigma Kappa. There are five social fraternities governed by the Interfraternity Council at ETSU. The National Pan-Hellenic Council at ETSU is the governing body for the campus’ historically African American fraternities and sororities.
“I would encourage all the freshmen to give [fraternity and sorority life] a shot,” said Wright. “Meet as many people as you can.”
For more information on fraternity and sorority life at ETSU visit https://www.etsu.edu/students/sao/fsl/
