The Danforth University Center (DUC) is often filled with the jarring voices of various fraternity and sorority members calling out to students to give money to one charity organization or another, giving out tattoos, bracelets and food. All Greek organizations host philanthropy events.

Exactly 200 men at Washington University accepted bids in the first week of February to become a member of one of 11 active social fraternities on campus. Four hundred and fifty-three men had registered online, although the actual numbers are estimated to be lower, said Dave Wallace, coordinator for Greek housing programs.