Amongst the distracting spring time temperatures, term papers and the fast approaching graduation, many students are also gearing up for next week’s annual Greek Week events.

Greek Week is a celebration of Greek life on campus and is held during the second semester.

Daily activities are planned and at the end of the week awards are handed out to the different Greek chapters. The festivities kick off Monday and go through April 25.

Senior Libby Kmiec is the chair of the Greek Week Executive Council and is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

This committee was formed last semester and the six members have been meeting on a weekly basis to discuss Greek Week plans.

Kmiec said this year’s events are a nice mix of the traditional activities, such as Penny Wars and Chalk the Walk, along with brand new plans like Greek Trivia Night and the Greek Toga Fashion Show.

“We’ll be doing some of the same events we do every year, like Mr. BU, because it is a campus favorite,” Kmiec said.

Kmiec said the toga fashion show is an exciting new event this year. The outfits will be judged on the basis of creativity and by which chapter best represents their sorority or fraternity.

The Greek Toga Fashion Show will take place at 6 p.m. April 23 in Rice Auditorium.

The final event is the Greek Awards on April 25. The different greek organizations will be receiving honors for achievements in areas such as philanthropy and community service.

The award for Greek Man of the Year and Greek Woman of the Year will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Even though this is a busy time during the semester for many people, Kmiec said spring is the obvious time for Greek Week.

“We have to compete with SpringFest, finals and spring break,” Kmiec said. “This may not be the best time to have (Greek Week) but there is no other option.”

Bret Bruner, director of student life, said he encourages students to get involved with the Greek Week council and become a part of the planning process.

Bruner said he the event he is most excited about is the handing out of the Greek Awards.

He calls it a good culmination of the week’s events.

“The awards recognize every faucet of chapter life and there are also opportunities to recognize individuals,” Bruner said.

Sophomore Sean Bingham is a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and is in charge of organizing his fraternity’s involvement during Greek Week. Bingham said he is used to the responsibility because he held the same position last year.

Bingham said his job includes making sure the members of Kappa Sigma are aware of the time and place of the events they are participating in.

While attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged because the fraternity can earn points by being a part of the activities.

Bingham said he could see how it is difficult for students to plan and participate in these activities because of all the academic demands.

"Right now everything is gearing toward the end of the year when all the tests and papers have to be worked on or are due," Bingham said. "I think if they had (Greek Week) earlier in the semester, like before spring break, it would work out better."<br/>