Greeks, rushees in search of connecting bond
Campus Times
October 3, 1997
Rush week has become synonymous with opportunity in both the campus
society as well as in the fraternity and sorority communities. During the
week-long period of rush, a prospective rushee possesses the chance to become
part of an organization that offers many benefits through its Greek affiliation
and representation.
"Rush week is a series of events for the potential new members
to attend, to meet the Greek members," said Coordinator of Student
Programs Melissa Jaunal. "I think rush week is the most exiting time
of the year."
Women may rush a total of three sororities-Iota Delta, which is the
only local sorority; Sigma Kappa; or Phi Sigma Sigma, which are both national
sororities. Meanwhile, men are given the opportunity to rush Sigma Alpha
Epsilon and Phi Delta Theta fraternities, both of which are nationally recognized.
Sororities have a more formal rush process, which includes holding three
different parties on campus. Each party is specific for the day, and lasts
between 30 to 45 minutes.
Fraternity members have more options, as they can hold rush activities
off campus for any length of time. The restriction of alcohol, however,
is also enforced at each of the parties.
Throughout the week, rushees attended either sorority or fraternity
functions, in order to get a sense of how each organization works. To schedule
their appearances, the rushees were supplied with "rush packets"
detailing the dates and times of the various events.
"All rush events are dry, there is no alcohol for either the men
or women. In my five years, there have been no accidents during rush,"
said Jaunal.
According to Greeks, the prospective rushee will have the chance to
become a part of an organization which offers bonding attributes with its
members, life-long friendships, and networking for employment opportunities
in the business world.
Before any of those benefits may be actualized, the rushee is required
to fulfill several requirements to join a fraternity or sorority.
The rushee must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and have completed 12 college
units (equivalent of a student who has completed one semester as a full-time
student in college).
Some fraternities and sororities have higher standards in which the
rushee must make themselves aware of while rushing. For instance, Sigma
Kappa requires a minimum 2.8 GPA to join.
"If you take your time to pick a fraternity to match up your moral
state of mind, and find a lot of common interests with the guys, it can
be a really rewarding experience," said Fundraising Chairman of Phi
Delta Theta, senior Simon Bouie.
"Because you go through a pledge period, it is a test of your will
as a man to achieve and receive something [membership] that you want."
Each fraternity and sorority is governed by an individual set of laws,
as well as state policies.
Although first year freshmen cannot join a fraternity or sorority, freshmen
men are allowed to participate in rush activities, as first year freshman
Danny Craig has.
Craig attended the Phi Delta Theta function on Tuesday, which included
a trip to SpeedZone, a go-cart amusement park, in the Puente Hills.
"It was a lot of fun," said Craig. "It gave me a chance
to see what my options are with the fraternities, without becoming obligated."
Craig reportedly spent most of the night racing around the grand prix
race track in go-carts with the fraternity members and fellow rushees, before
retiring to the arcade inside the amusement arena.
"From what I have seen, it [Phi Delta Theta] has a real strong
bond. You make friends you will keep for life. It is a real cool way to
be involved on campus," said Craig.
In order to attend the Friday fraternity and sorority events, rushees
must be invited to the functions.
The men will receive their bids to join a fraternity on Monday, Oct.
6, and the women will acquire bids tomorrow.
