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New houses just the start of all things Greek Sororities, fraternities to begin recruitment _ Ryan Simmons THE 6BieC0CH ; USC students who choose to go Greek might find their calendars and parking lots full this fall with a lineup of events and programs as well as construction of several new fraternity houses in the Greek Village. The Office of Greek Life will coordinate several new programs this semester, said Erica James, associate director of Greek Life. A partnership with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Student Leadership Office, along with a grant from the Division of Student Affairs, has resulted in a Greek peer program for historically black Greek organizations. James said they will set up peer mentoring programs for minority students on campus. Sororities and fraternities will begin recruitment Sunday, playing host to an orientation in the Russell House ballroom. Attendees will learn about organizations’ activities and meet members. The National Pan-Hellenic Council Showcase takes place Aug. 24 in the Russell House ballroom for historically black and Latino fraternities and sororities. The showcase will take the place of recruitment and rushing, as the groups take in members throughout the semester. In October, fraternities and sororities will team up to play host to Trick-or-Treat with the Greeks. James said children from the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands can visit the Greek Village for safe Halloween candy and games. USC will partner with the American Red Cross during the week of Nov. 14 to play host to the annua] Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive before the rival game. Last year, on the tradition’s 20th anniversary, Carolina won with more than 3,000 pints of blood. James said one of the most exciting advances in Greek Life is the Greek Village, which will get a facelift with the construction of five new fraternity houses beginning this year. One new house will be the Omega Psi Phi house, the first historically black fraternity to reside in the village. Also breaking ground this fall will be Delta Tau Delta, Pi Kappa Phi, Lambda Chi Alpha and Sigma Phi Epsilon, making 20 houses, James said. The buildings are scheduled for completion in 2006. For most students who decide to go Greek, their affiliation is about more than just events and houses, James said. James encourages students to join Greek organizations because “Carolina is a large university, and it’s important to find a way to be involved on campus. It provides a good opportunity to be able to build a family away from home.” Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocknetvs@gwm. sc. edu . EMPOWERMENT PROJECT BY: financing ArrangecB. » V GRANT - * business < - „ , , stra-esies • . . f , % Fraternity, Inc *r<i?85a JESSICR ANN NIELSEN/THE 6AMEC0CK Omega Psi Phi will be the first traditional black fraternity to have a house in the Greek Village, one of five new houses set to be built. Most of the new buildings are scheduled to be finished in 2006. WELCOME BACK a contemporary church man ancient tradition you are invited to join us! 9a Sundays at the State Museum www.apostlescolumbia.org ;s jTBm¥WTrf.'iw|Mii.i»MiiBiiiiiiiiiiiHnii«nri[mTTTWiWBrar~TrTrTnii mimiaii htiiiii i iiihihihuinininiiBmi J MW In lillflh'ili iWUhiIWIiIIINIM lilillllW—Wl'llll—HilllllllilMiil iwt