Thursday’s clubs and societies fair in Sir James Dunn Hall saw a lower turnout than the one held in the fall, but saw more Greek letter organizations than ever recruiting pledges.
Ben Graham, St. Thomas University Students’ Union vice-president of administration, oversees clubs and societies. He said there were 12 booths at the fair on Thursday, compared to 20 at the event during the fall term. Three of them represented Greek life.
“We have groups who aren’t ratified by the students’ union who participate in the fair, within reason of course,” he said. “The fraternity and sororities haven’t yet been ratified by the students’ union, and we’re finalizing their Greek Council.”
He said the STUSU board and executive have discussed it, but nothing is set in stone yet for the groups, besides one sorority that’s already been ratified by the union.
“That’s something that will have to be addressed once we make a decision as to how to approach fraternities and sororities as a whole and in the future.”
The University of New Brunswick recently announced a policy prohibiting Greek organizations from using space on campus. This has proven to be unpopular among group members.
Psi Lambda Phi member Matt Marr said the groups had been recognized by UNB’s students’ union, and they had been invited to participate in UNB’s clubs and societies fair at the Student Union Building before learning of the policy.
Graham said they have always been welcome to operate on STU campus for more than just the clubs and societies fair.
The St. Thomas political science society, the Adventurers’ Guild and the Magic the Gathering trading card club were among the booths, along with the Pi Alpha Gamma and Iota Beta Chi sororities and Psi Lambda Phi fraternity.
Graham said a lower turnout at the winter fair has become a trend. He isn’t sure if it’s because of the weather or having less space to accommodate more groups in JDH than in the courtyard at the fall fair.
“There was a good turnout overall, with lots of interest from students,” said Graham. “We were pleased with students coming around, signing up and listening to what they had to say.”
Note: A previous version of this story stated Matt Marr was vice president of Psi Lambda Phi. Kaley Etheridge is vice president of the fraternity. Marr is a member.
