Greek life is reemerging at Rutgers University–Camden after a period of disruption, with the return and reestablishment of organizations like Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., highlighting a broader resurgence driven by student interest, alumni involvement, and institutional support.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, campus organizations faced challenges including reduced in-person engagement, inconsistent recruitment, and limited visibility according to student leaders. At a commuter campus like Rutgers–Camden, those obstacles were amplified by fewer opportunities for students to remain on campus and stay involved.

Several factors made it difficult for organizations to sustain membership over time, including the loss of off-campus chapter housing and the need for more intentional recruitment strategies.

“Getting new members… it’s a commuter school so it’s hard to get members… we couldn’t afford the house, and people didn’t want to move in,” said David McEriean, vice president of Alpha Chi Rho.

Despite these challenges, Greek life has maintained a presence on campus through improved programming, collaboration, and involvement in major university events such as Welcome Week, homecoming, and admitted students day.

Kristopher Smith, program coordinator for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, said today’s Greek organizations are evolving in how they operate and engage with students.

“Chapters actually do more programming now than when I was an undergraduate,” Smith said. “Students today are fulfilling their organization’s missions and principles more on the educational and community side versus just the social side.”

The return of Kappa Alpha Psi reflects a larger effort to rebuild and expand Greek life on campus. The chapter became inactive after its membership declined, with its last active members graduating around 2021. The Fraternity’s return has been supported by alumni involvement, regional leadership, and coordination with the university.

Behind the scenes, that process requires months of planning, communication, and approval.

“That whole process takes about a year,” Smith said. “They’re given space to show why their organization is valuable while working toward becoming fully established.”

Kappa Alpha Psi is not the only organization contributing to this resurgence. Lambda Beta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. has also begun reestablishing on campus, marking a broader push to increase representation and provide more options for students.

“When I came here, there was a lack of options for students, especially for young men of color,” Smith said. “So I had to take a step back and think about how we can bring more diversity and more organizations to campus.”

According to Smith, the growth of Greek life is not driven by administration alone, but by direct student demand.

“I’m not making those calls or sending those emails unless students are coming to my office asking for these organizations,” he said. “It really works hand in hand between student interest and university support.”

As a historically Black Greek-letter organization and member of the Divine Nine, Kappa Alpha Psi’s return carries additional cultural and community significance. These organizations emphasize leadership, service, and mentorship, while also creating spaces where students feel represented and connected. “It is probably the smartest decision I’ve made in my life … it put me in rooms I never thought I’d be in with leaders and other accomplished people,” said Alec Tran, a Kappa Alpha Psi alumnus.

Student leaders say engagement patterns have also shifted since the pandemic, impacting how organizations recruit and operate.

“I think COVID definitely plays a part … people are more inclined to keep to smaller groups rather than frequent socializing,” said Brooke Burns, president of Sigma Delta Tau.

At Rutgers–Camden, those changes require organizations to be more intentional with visibility, outreach, and collaboration. Greek organizations now rely more heavily on structured events, cross-organizational programming, and consistent campus presence to attract new members.

Smith said that visibility is key, encouraging chapters to host events during high traffic times and work together to make Greek life more approachable.

Beyond campus involvement, Greek life also provides long-term benefits for students through networking and professional connections.“You develop a whole network of people that you wouldn’t have known without being part of that organization,” Smith said.

Student leaders, alumni, and university staff all play a role in this rebuilding process, contributing to a more visible and active Greek community. While growth is still ongoing, current trends suggest continued expansion in both membership and organizational presence.

“I hope this resurgence inspires organizations that are not here to become part of our Greek community,” Smith said. “And I hope it inspires current chapters to think strategically about how they can continue to grow.”

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