New fraternity thwarts traditional stereotypes

By: BRITTANY WHITLEY

Posted: 4/4/07

Don't fit with social organizations on campus?

Make your own.

Austin Carson, a junior from Lawrenceville, said he was fed up with traditional fraternities' stereotypical dress-codes and hazing practices.

He gathered like-minded men around campus and began throwing parties and other social events last school year. The fraternity, Zeta Psi, was granted colony status this semester and now has advisers in the Greek Life office. If the colony prospers, it may be chartered later and become a full chapter of the fraternity.

But Zeta Psi does not believe in recruitment based on demographics or stereotypes - its members value individuality, Carson said.

"People wouldn't expect to fit in, but they do," he said.

Drew Yeager, president of Zeta Psi and a sophomore from Alpharetta, said fraternity members do not take part in hazing practices because they do not want to break down their pledges just to build them back up.

He said they want each member to come to the fraternity and have something different to offer.

"That's why you get cookie-cutter fraternities," Yeager said.

Yeager said he was discriminated against in normal rush because he once worked at Abercrombie & Fitch. Some fraternities around campus do not allow their members to wear the brand, he said.

Ryan Lavner, a sophomore from Canandaigua, N.Y., agreed with Yeager.

"We're different from the other frats in that we have such a wide range of personalities. A lot of the frats on campus try to ingrain that one belief and one 'look' about their frat, but really we're all just different, and we came together to make something that's really special and hopefully successful in the future," Lavner said.

He said fitting in despite his differences and having a brotherhood without the normal stigmas attached were the most rewarding parts about being involved with Zeta Psi.

"A lot of these guys are my best friends and I got that without being labeled as a 'frat guy' or someone ordinarily associated with Greek life," Lavner said.

Zeta Psi does not have a normal rush period. Instead, they have interested men attend social events and a pledge retreat. After voting on prospective members, the fraternity gives them the option to join instead of pledging.

Carson said having an informal rush is good because members do not have to adhere to the same time constraints as other fraternities. He said he wanted the guys to get together, get to know each other and most of all, have fun.

He said they do not want prospective members to feel they are just another number.

As far as recruitment goes, Yeager said they usually find new members by word of mouth. He said they also invite new prospects to their social events.

Zeta Psi also encourages its members to be part of at least one other organization on campus so they can meet new members, Yeager said.

Carson said he picked Zeta Psi because of an old joke and a "Z" tattoo he and a friend both share.

He said it also upheld the ideals he was looking for and that it was a perfect fit for him.

While looking for the right fraternity, Carson attempted to schedule Snoop Dogg for one of their parties. Carson told one of Snoop's representative that if the rapper performed, the fraternity would be named after him.

Snoop agreed and even gave the fraternity a 50 percent discount. But with a price tag of $60,000, they still could not afford it.

Yeager said the University's chapter of Zeta Psi is the first one in Georgia since Sherman marched to Savannah and one of only a few chapters in the South.