Boston University fraternities kicked off their annual spring rush week Wednesday night with Convocation in the George Sherman Union’s Metcalf Hall, where 20 men were greeted with free food and drinks.

Despite a crowd of more than 100 people – representing the five recognized fraternities on campus – less than 20 were potential pledges, or rushees.

Interested students mingled with the current brothers, or rushers, who welcomed the newcomers and talked about various aspects of fraternity life.

The night began with complementary pizza, buffalo wings and drinks for all and then was handed over to the Inter Fraternity Council. The IFC, which represents and oversees all of BU’s fraternities, showed a slide show outlining each fraternity’s unique features – ranging from community service and academics to fun and social life.

College of Arts and Sciences senior and IFC president Adam Bromley said the Convocation is held to “give guys an overview of the whole fraternity system, hopefully to spark some interest, and to provide basic information for younger guys to come out and get involved.”

Bromley said fraternity and IFC members put up flyers around campus in the interest of gaining some interest in the week. They also visited traditionally freshmen residences, such as Warren Towers and West Campus, to spread the news about the event.

Despite advertising efforts, event leaders said they met their expectations when only 20 students showed up. Unlike BU sororities, which only have one rush per year, BU fraternities have two annual rush weeks – one in the fall and one in the spring.

College of Communication sophomore and IFC rush chair Mike Metz said many students are reluctant to rush for the traditional two full weeks, as spring rush has been in years past. Therefore, fraternities reduced the rush period to one week in order to attract more students and eventually get more members.

“The Convocation was started by Dean [of Students Kenneth] Elmore when he was Greek advisor about 15 years ago,” Metz said. “He felt kids would go into rush without really knowing what to expect.”

With the convocation, “the kids pretty much get a better idea of what fraternity life is about,” Metz added. Each fraternity then holds between three and five events to allow rushees to find out more information.

Metropolitan College freshman Mikhail Guredich was among those in attendance who came “to check out the frats, to meet some people.”

Organizers said they put a lot of effort into making Wednesday night’s event informational and attractive to potential brothers, and rush was kicked off with enthusiasm and an optimistic outlook.

College of Arts and Sciences freshman Alex Frankiewicz said he came to the event because “everybody [here] feels copasetic and it’s one big happy family.

“All these brothers – it’s one great time,” he said.

Zeta Beta Tau, Sigma Kai, Tau Epsilon, Kappa Sigma and Lambda Chi Alpha all attended this year’s Convocation.