On Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., students had the opportunity to learn about fraternities and sororities during the Get Acquainted Day.
Taking place outside of the Robinson Quad, a range of five to over 50 students stopped by to see the different multicultural groups that advertised what they do. A total of 15 organizations that consisted of fraternities, sororities, and groups from the United Greek Council and other Multicultural and Affinity RSOs had their tables set up to tell students what their organization was about, the upcoming events the organization would have and information regarding contacts and social media accounts.
Director of the Hispanic Latino Cultural Center Sonia Treviño found it important for students to come to investigate the organizations, but more importantly, freshmen students are still getting adjusted to life on campus.
“As an incoming freshman they usually have a lot of fears and maybe some anxiety about being in a new place and a new community,” Treviño said. “Having events like this allows for those new freshmen to be exposed to the different resources on campus. Also to meet students with like-minded organizations they can join and be a part of. That way they can know that they have a community here at Ferris State.”
Additionally, Treviño stated that it is vital for students to know about the multicultural resources on campus and the upcoming events as other ways to help develop a sense of belonging for not just the students in the minority but also for students for the campus at large.
Each group had a range between one and five members representing their respective organizations. Dental hygiene sophomore Mia DeBerry, the community chair for the Black Student Union, would recommend her friends to have attended the event and encourage students to branch out and see what organizations are available.
“A lot of people think that there aren’t things geared towards them,” DeBerry said. “In reality it’s because they don’t go out and search for those things. The organizations can only go so far in campaigning and advertising what they have, but students are the ones who have to take a step out and make an effort to see what they do.”
Additionally, DeBerry explained what it meant to her telling other students what the Black Student Union does and what they do for their students.
“Our group is the Black Student Union so it’s geared towards the black community,” DeBerry said. “A community is rather something black students don’t feel like they have. So it’s important that we have this organization to show them that they are supported and that they have a voice on campus. For them to come out to the Black Student Union and be a part of that community will give them a sense of belonging.”
Welding technology freshman Nate Perrin in just his first semester on campus found it important to attend the event to develop a sense of community.
“To meet new people is good for me and my friends who are freshmen,” Perrin said. “There’s about ten thousand kids on campus and I’ll maybe remember fifty of them. And I’ve seen events here almost every day and at some point, people get involved which is good.”
You can check out the fraternities and sororities accounts on social media or learn more by contacting the Office of Multicultural Student Services.