As the recession continues on its roller coaster ride, sororities and fraternities are finding new, innovative ways to maintain their numbers. Several affiliated members are given an incentive to continue their membership despite the economic hard times.

Ssororities, like Delta Gamma, are finding ways to accommodate pledges that may have financial issues.

“Many people are panicking about continuing their affiliation, when really this is the best time to come through,” Kellie Stanton, Delta Gamma’s vice president of finance, said. “Because of the economic state, the sorority is offering payment plans to encourage members to reinstate their membership.”

Stanton said dues are being cut down as much as possible to make this sorority more affordable.  

Kornelius Bascombe, a vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha and a junior majoring in criminology, said because his fraternity has a one-time cost for enrollment, affordability is already built into its recruitment plan.

“Our fraternity is very affordable due to the one time cost for enrollment,” Bascombe said.

Although his fraternity does not offer any payment plans, Bascombe said there are lots of ways to get financial support.

“On several occasions, members will receive support by branching out to sponsors, family members, or those already in the fraternity,” he said.

Taylor Resparc, a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering, said he wasn’t aware that anyone had ever left his fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi, because of a lack of funds.

“I don’t know anyone personally who has dropped out of the fraternity because of financial reasons,” Resparc said.

Resparc has been a member of Phi Kappa Phi since last spring. The fraternity makes a one-time fee per semester online. The amount paid depends on if the member desires to stay in the fraternity house or in a regular dorm room.

“Some people might be a bit discouraged because of the price,” Resparc said. “But once they are in the fraternity, they see the benefit of the cost.”

Kappa Alpha Psi’s publicity chair, Tre McQueen, a senior majoring in Marketing, said members of his fraternity pay a one-time fee and a small fee each semester, but that those who join think the price is reasonable, especially for what each member receives.

“The cost of joining the fraternity helps one focus on the achievement in every field of human endeavor,” McQueen said.