ACU men’s social clubs Frater Sodalis, Pi Kappa and Sub T-16 are recruiting new members to join their clubs and participate in Sing Song through the newly reinstated practice of spring pledging.
Mauri Westbrook, director of student organizations and activities, said the men’s clubs participating in spring pledging began the process last semester.
“The new Inter-Social Club Council made a recommendation to Student Life last November to consider giving the clubs that wanted to participate the opportunity to have spring pledging,” Westbrook said. “Student Life accepted this recommendation and began plans to accommodate.”
Brandon Fry, President of Frater Sodalis said his fellow club members view spring pledging as a good opportunity for men who didn’t have the chance to pledge in the fall to try again.
“Since spring pledging is different from fall pledging, naturally there will be aspects that will not be the same,” Fry said. “But both pledge classes should come away with an overall same experience. New pledges are always welcomed and will be given the same opportunities as fall pledges.”
Spring pledging may become a more regular practice for ACU social clubs, depending on how beneficial it proves to be this semester, Westbrooke said.
“For now, we are going to see how this year goes,” Westbrook said. “Depending on its success and feedback from clubs, we will assess the opportunity for spring pledging again in the future.”
One of the most important activities in which new club members will participate is their respective club’s Sing Song act.
“Most clubs incorporate the Sing Song process into their pledging activities for the spring,” Westbrook said. “It will provide them an opportunity to participate with members in a rich ACU tradition, while learning club traditions unique to Sing Song at the same time.”
Women’s clubs will not participate in this semester’s pledging process.
Molly Moore, Vice President of Delta Theta, said her club considered taking part in spring pledging, but later rethought the choice.
“We originally voted for spring pledging, but after further discussion we realized it would not encompass the traditions of our pledging process,” Moore said. “Delta Theta holds firm in its core traditions that create the unique sisterhood we share as a group of young women.”
“For the most part, it seemed that the women’s clubs wanted to focus their attention on Sing Song and did not currently feel the need to take a second pledge class in the spring,” Westbrook said.
Registration for spring pledging closed Friday, with 11 men signed up and eligible to participate.
“Pledging in the spring is certainly different than the fall, but it provides an opportunity for students that are not able to participate in the fall for a variety of reasons,” Westbrook said. “So while it may look and feel a little different, it is still a great way to get involved on campus through joining a social club.”
