(The following is part of “A discussion on the future of fraternity rush at Alabama”)
“Miserable. Emotional train wreck. Unnecessarily longgggg.” While these lines may sound like the take of some critics on Taylor Swift’s album, “Red,” they’re actually the answers I received from sorority women when responding to the question, “If you had to describe the way y’all rush, what would you say?”
I asked the same question to fraternity members and received the following answers: “Laid back and easy. Personable. A great time. Best time of the year.”
This begs asking the question: How can two groups who are trying to accomplish the same task of recruiting quality members have clearly opposite feelings?
The answer is quite simple: the process. Fraternities operate on an informal rush system. Beginning in the spring, prospective members are either contacted by a fraternity directly, through friends, Alumni, IFC or Greek Affairs.
In turn, a “rushee” has the choice of attending functions over the next few months, with the potential of receiving a bid.
However, potential sorority new members have the choice made for them as they are told whom they will be grouped with, where they will go, and how long they can stay. This “formal” approach has its supposed advantages in that everyone sees everyone, providing an equal shot for both parties. For an institution in the midst of growth from all areas of the country, the idea of a come one, come all time for rush seems inclusive and fair.
Yet, this “equal shot” often consists of just a 10-minute conversation, a thorough Facebook check, judging fluff in recommendation letters, wearing the day’s proper uniform, and finally, a click of a button in a computer lab.
Conversely, the informal approach lets guys come at their convenience, begin the process when they are ready, and spend as much time with an organization as they need. It also allows chapters the flexibility to extend bids on their own terms. Instead of only having a limited time period to interact, fraternities can continue to see rushees throughout the entire summer and make a truly informed choice.
This creates a “supply and demand” system. As bids are given out, less bids become available, meaning the chapter has to be more selective in whom they would like to give a bid.
In fact, this process embodies a rolling admission, which is what our very own University uses to fill their classrooms. The University sets up application deadlines and minimum requirements. Students apply and schedule visits on their own time. The University then begins to accept individuals as applications are received.
Once a Capstone “bid” is offered, the student can accept, hold or deny it. IFC Fraternities have a similar outline of dates and regulations. Yet, the majority of the decision lies within the House and the rushee, just as the decision lies with the student applying for the University.
Currently, the IFC provides rushee information obtained on their website to all houses. It is almost guaranteed that several houses will contact that person and inform them of the rush process. On the off chance that it doesn’t happen, IFC suggests that these rushees contact the recruitment chairs themselves.
However, to help alleviate the awkwardness of a first email, we can make adjustments. We should be actively seeking out new areas to find members. IFC and Greek Affairs should continue to push for recruiting expansion, allowing individuals to hear about UA fraternities early and often. Bids for the fall should be saved (or added) in the event that a guy from the far north did not have the opportunity to come down.
All of this can be done as we take in our growing mindset. Our greek system is the largest and strongest it has ever been. Yet, we cannot throw away what has helped build our fraternities to where they are today. Growth means fraternities should adjust, not abandon, the practices that have been tried and true for over 150 years.
Davis Vaughn is a junior majoring in communication studies and political science and a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. His column runs biweekly on Tuesdays.
Click the link below to read another viewpoint:
It is time for fraternities to go formal
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