facing adverse economy, u mich greeks take on costs to members

The tightening pursestrings in America are finally filtering down to fraternities at the University of Michigan. Though both the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils are reporting year-on-year increases in recruitment, they view the coming year as the acid test of the worsening financial outlook, while Director of the Office of Greek Life Mary Beth Seiler was "concerned that the recession will affect rush next fall."

Typically, chapters and nationals have healthy scholarship programs making funds available to members who are financially needy or metitorious of reward for academic or fraternal achievement. But freshman fall between the cracks, ineligible for such awards until their second year; while the university greek office lacks funding for such grants. And often fees for fraternities are sororities are at their highest for new membership. The Panhel lists fees for first-years ranging from $900 to a whopping $2300, while the IFC does not publicly reports its dues structures. The combination could prove a perfect storm to scare away potential rushes.

Ms Seiler still called the greek housing system a "bargain," pointing to the lower costs of room and board in sorority houses over comparable accomodations in university residence halls and meal plans—and the physical plant is a far more pleasant sight as well. But to bridge the gap in the meantime, the IFC is trying to organize scholarships for first-years, explained President Ari Perritz. But the stimulus package may not come soon enough for the fall. Some chapters, such as Sigma Phi Epsilon, are turning to recession profiteering, offering bribes financial aid to incoming freshmen—though ostensibly there are no strings attached. That seems unlikely in practice.

Michigan Daily