Rushing a fraternity or sorority could be the first experience on the UA campus for many incoming freshman and new students. Male and female students flock to campus a week before school, hopeful to earn a bid to their house of choice.
For women hoping to join a sorority, the week is loaded with walking, visiting different houses and speaking with numerous sorority members. For men, there are many events to attend to determine if the house is a fit, including basketball games, dodgeball, and poker nights.
With family legacies and connections with old friends at stake, here are the do’s and don’ts of Greek rush week.
Fraternity rush
Jake Flaherty, a current member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and an undergraduate in the Eller College of Management, explained what’s important to remember during fraternity rush week.
Do:
Be yourself: Fraternities want to see who you really are so they know whether you’re a fit in their house. Don’t try to act like someone you are not.
Be a gentleman: Give members of the house firm handshakes and make eye contact. Ask questions and take an interest in the chapter and the people taking time to talk to you.
READ: Say goodbye with serenades as you know them
Be open minded: Give every fraternity you encounter a chance. You never know which house will fit you best best until you are immersed in its culture.
Be honest: Don’t be afraid to tell your story. The active members you speak to want to get to know you. However, it is important not to brag or exaggerate your facts. Fraternities will do their research, don’t get caught red handed.
Don’t:
Dress ridiculously: Yes, sometimes fraternity members wear interesting and unique outfits, but don’t try to fit the stereotypical “frat outfit.” Sure, you might have a favorite visor or favorite pair of cargo pants at home, but if you stand out with your clothing, that isn’t a good thing. Nice shorts and a collared shirt will do just fine.
Be late: Timeliness is important. Showing up late or even overstaying your welcome at a house is considered disrespectful.
Bad mouth: Sure, you might have had a bad experience at a house, but don’t talk trash to other people. Believe it or not, word will spread. No fraternity wants a member who will slander other people or houses.
Stress: Rush should be an enjoyable experience where you will meet a lot of different people. Put yourself out there, meet as many people as possible and act respectfully, it’ll all work out.
Sorority rush
Katie Dalla Betta, a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority and a communications undergraduate, gave her opinion on what an incoming Greek member should and shouldn’t do during fall rush.
Do:
Meet people: You have the opportunity to interact and meet with so many different people, get yourself out there.
Explore: Give every house a shot. You have the opportunity to see what house will fit you. Look around and engage with each house you visit.
Remember: This is your home away from home for your college career.
READ: Advice from UA alums for the Class of 2016
Don’t:
Dress to impress: This is your opportunity to make a new home here on campus. Don’t try to be something you’re not just because one house has a high ranking.
Wear jeans: It will be one hundred degrees outside. Make sure you are comfortable, you don’t want to pass out.
Wear too much makeup: Be yourself during rush, plus you might sweat it all off in the Arizona sun.
Follow Eric Meyer on Twitter.