In a continuing effort to expand Greek-letter life on campus, the University and the Interfraternity Council welcomed Alpha Epsilon Pi back to campus last week after the nationally Jewish fraternity left two years ago.
Alpha Epsilon Pi is the second newly-recognized fraternity on campus this year.
Pi Kappa Alpha, which was accepted last semester, began colonizing this spring, bringing the total number of recognized fraternities to 12.
Michael Gargano, associate vice president for Student and Academic Support Services, said he hopes the University "eventually" will become 22 percent to 23 percent Greek-letter-affiliated. About 12 percent of undergraduates are currently in fraternities and sororities.
"(One of GW's objectives) is to solidify the existing ... foundation and infrastructure among the fraternities and sororities," he said.
With the completion of Townhouse Row, which will provide University housing to three fraternities and five sororities, slated for next fall, Gargano said GW is considering building a second Townhouse Row. However, he added, "it will be at least three or four years before it becomes a concept" because of a lack of space.
Some officials raised doubts last semester about bringing two fraternities on campus at the same time, citing strain on the student-run IFC and low recruitment numbers for existing fraternities.
However, administrators decided the benefits of expansion outweighed the downfalls.
"Students in fraternities tend to have higher GPAs, tend to be happier and remain connected to the University as alumni," said Laura Taddeucci Downs, director of the Student Activities Center.
Alpha Epsilon Pi rejoined the GW community on April 21 after losing recognition in early 2001 because of hazing incidents. After the two-year suspension, Alpha Epsilon Pi could seek recognition from the University as of January 2003. All members of the new Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity are unaffiliated with the former group
Alpha Epsilon Pi is the second newly-recognized fraternity on campus this year.
Pi Kappa Alpha, which was accepted last semester, began colonizing this spring, bringing the total number of recognized fraternities to 12.
Michael Gargano, associate vice president for Student and Academic Support Services, said he hopes the University "eventually" will become 22 percent to 23 percent Greek-letter-affiliated. About 12 percent of undergraduates are currently in fraternities and sororities.
"(One of GW's objectives) is to solidify the existing ... foundation and infrastructure among the fraternities and sororities," he said.
With the completion of Townhouse Row, which will provide University housing to three fraternities and five sororities, slated for next fall, Gargano said GW is considering building a second Townhouse Row. However, he added, "it will be at least three or four years before it becomes a concept" because of a lack of space.
Some officials raised doubts last semester about bringing two fraternities on campus at the same time, citing strain on the student-run IFC and low recruitment numbers for existing fraternities.
However, administrators decided the benefits of expansion outweighed the downfalls.
"Students in fraternities tend to have higher GPAs, tend to be happier and remain connected to the University as alumni," said Laura Taddeucci Downs, director of the Student Activities Center.
Alpha Epsilon Pi rejoined the GW community on April 21 after losing recognition in early 2001 because of hazing incidents. After the two-year suspension, Alpha Epsilon Pi could seek recognition from the University as of January 2003. All members of the new Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity are unaffiliated with the former group
