After being postponed, the annual college experience in which fraternities and sororities recruit members, commonly known as “Rush Week,” came to a close Monday night.

Rush Week usually occurs the first few weeks of school but was postponed until the last week of September this fall.

The decision was made after the vice president of Student Affairs Dr. Paul Oliaro met with leaders from the Greek system and the Interfraternity Council the Panhellenic Association, and the United Fraternity and Sorority Council.

“After reviewing all the input, the decision was made to delay recruitment as a way to help students to make adjustment to new life on campus, new academic schedules, maybe new work schedules and just getting adjusted to university life,” said Eddie Dominguez, Greek adviser in Fresno State’s student involvement and student activities office.

The postponement also came partially as a result of the death of 18-year-old Philip Dhanens. Dhanens, a Theta Chi pledge, died last year of acute alcohol intoxication during Rush Week.

Theta Chi has since lost its affiliated status with Fresno State, and its recognition cannot be reconsidered until 2017.

“Without a doubt we have to acknowledge that. What happened a year ago already did have an impact on how things work and operate under greek life,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez also explained that the event contributed to a review of the recruitment process, how fraternities and sororities are affiliated with the university and what the university provides to its Greek organizations.

This change sparked some fear among Greek organizations that the postponement would hinder recruitment of prospective members.

Victor Green, head of recruitment for the interfraternity council, said Rush Week didn’t look any different.

“I know we were worried and just going to see how it would pan out in the way of recruitment, but it look pretty good,” Green said.­ “I was able to talk to a lot of chapters and they said they still had a lot of­ students come out to events and at tables asking about greek life.”

Dominguez said that perception matches the feedback he has received.

“Some (Greek organizations) have said that they felt the delay was helpful. There are others that are somewhat indifferent.”

It’s estimated that Fresno State fraternities extended between 180 to 200 invitations to prospective members. Sororities gathered 164 bids Monday night from those seeking to join their organizations.

Future recruitment weeks could also have this schedule.­Although the timing of Rush Week may be reviewed, Dominguez said, “As of right now we will see a delay every fall.”

Dominguez also had some advice to students who are on the fence about joining greek life.

“I ask students to take a look at what they do each and every day. What is your academic schedule, your class schedule, what is your work schedule? Do you have time to commit to this? At the same time, also ask yourself, ‘What is it you’re looking for by joining a fraternity or sorority?”

“You have to understand what it is you’re looking for before you go out and start to look at the organizations because you want to find a match in those turns.”