By Jill Miller
Staff Writer
The timeline for initiation into Union’s Greek system is being altered.
In the past, Greek organizations could not initiate new members until a full semester of grades were turned in.
Over the last three or four years, however, national Greek organizations have started to move toward same-semester initiations, said Jason Castles, Interfraternity Council adviser.
Now, same-semester initiation can take place at Union without a grade report.
Castles said he and Karen Taylor, Panhellenic adviser, spoke to each national Greek organization, advisers of each group here and to other schools in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities with Greek organizations before deciding to change Union’s policy.
Once the research was done, they felt like it would be a good move for Union’s Greek life, Castles said.
“If nationally, they’re able to go ahead and get initiated, then we’ll let them do so,” Castles said. “It’s just up to the organization now.”
Castles emphasized the importance of maintaining the GPA requirements set by national organizations in order to remain an active member in the chapters on campus.
“I think this will be a very positive change for the Greek community because this will allow for a better opportunity to retain and engage the chapter members,” said Hillary Craft, president of Kappa Delta.
Mark Brown, Sigma Alpha Epsilon president, holds the same belief. He said the change allows people to become part of the chapters sooner, so they are able to contribute more as members.
