Every year, members of Alpha Chi Rho hold their Car Bash, which lets participants manually destroy a car to attract potential new members.

This is just one strategy used by Interfraternity Council chapters when men go through the informal process of choosing a fraternity that is best suited for them.

Every year, around 900 male and female students pledge a fraternity or sorority, and this year will likely be similar, said Ashley Dye, assistant dean of students and coordinator of Greek Affairs.

There are 47 fraternities and more than 3,400 young men that make up the largest Greek system in the country, according to the Interfraternity Council Web site. The Interfraternity Council works as its own governing body that monitors the actions of its chapters and promotes the opportunities that each fraternity presents.

The recruiting strategies of each fraternity are different due to size and reputation. Though they all have the same goal of trying to gain new members, the fraternities have different strategies when it comes to attracting potential members.

Matt Duch, alumnus and former president of Alpha Chi Rho, said that due to the small size of his house, things can be a bit more challenging.

“We go out and talk to guys a lot more because our small number makes us want to be a lot closer as a group,” he said.

Mark McGinn, junior in LAS and social chair of Phi Kappa Sigma, believes sometimes finding common ground with potential new members can be effective.

“We sometimes find guys to play sports with us or invite some of the freshmen to barbecues and get to know them that way,” he said. “When you talk to the potential new members, you get a better chance to know the people you may one day call brothers.”

Dye said the loose structure for potential members helps the decision making process less stressful.

“There’s something for everyone,” she said. “Every fraternity promotes and encourages developing leadership skills and has a great deal of involvement in the community and academic excellence.”

So involved in fact, the council recognizes those who exceed the standards of academic achievement set by the North-American Interfraternity Conference. Fraternities try and develop themselves among the Greek system with awards.

All members of the council develop and expand inside and outside of the Greek community.

“The council is known for giving back to the community and participating in many volunteer projects,” said Smith Hisler, executive vice president of the North-American Interfraternity Conference.

Hisler said that any man can join at his own pace and should not feel obligated to pledge when they’re not ready.

That’s one of the best things about the entire program,” Hisler said. “Men can join when they are ready. They will be welcomed by men who may one day call them brothers.”