Phi Gamma Delta, or FIJI, will return to the university next semester, but will be recruiting students on a different schedule than other fraternities, said Matt Farrell, director of expansion for FIJI.
This past semester, FIJI representatives have been on campus meeting with faculty members and students to learn about the university and to inform the campus community about the fraternity’s return, Farrell said.
Recruitment for FIJI will take place over a six-week period beginning next semester on Jan. 11, the first night of Interfraternity Council spring recruitment, Farrell said. Representatives from FIJI will be on campus meeting one-on-one with interested students during that time. Farrell said he expects that representatives from the fraternity will meet with students at least three times before offering a bid.
“It’s a very individualized process,” Farrell said. “We are focused on building individual relationships with students.”
Two full-time staff members for the fraternity will be running recruitment, Farrell said. After the recruitment process, the chapter will receive assistance from a director from FIJI's headquarters, as well as local FIJI graduates, he said.
The chapter closed several years ago because of low membership, Farrell said. Since the Richmond chapter closed, FIJI has continued to pay rent on its lodge and will be returning to it next semester. The FIJI chapter at Richmond has had some well-known alumni, including Bob Jepson and Tyler Haynes, he said.
When the Richmond chapter closed, the university and the national organization agreed that the fraternity would return to campus within the next few years, said Meg Pevarski, assistant director of greek life.
FIJI will be looking for men who demonstrate its five values: friendship, knowledge, service, morality and excellence, Farrell said. In addition, the fraternity will be looking for members who are engaged in the Richmond community, he said.
Contact reporter Jack Clark at john.s.clark@richmond.edu
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