Not all 'U' Greeks rush in the fall

ANDI MAIO/Daily Members of the Lambda Phi Epsilon fraternity joke around yesterday in the fraternity's dining room.

By Nika Schulte
Daily Staff Reporter

While several fraternities and sororities at the University have spent this past week meeting new faces and learning new names, not all Greek organizations are using this time to select members.

Although many of the culturally based fraternities and sororities on campus have held meetings to introduce prospective members to the goals of their group, they will not accept members until next term.

"Each individual black Greek sorority or fraternity dictates their rush from the rules of their national chapter," said Bryan Cook, an adviser for the Black Greek Association.

"Each have their own time for the intake process. Usually it doesn't take place until the second semester," he added.

One of the groups that will not be accepting members until January, is Delta Sigma Theta, a black sorority with 20 members.

"There's not a set time, but we normally take applicants during the winter term," said Shmel Graham, financial secretary of Delta Sigma Theta.

Some BGA organizations also require that perspective members maintain a certain grade point average as well as postpone admission into the group until sophomore year.

Even though some might think the rules are strict, Graham said they are for the benefit of the potential member.

"It gives applicants time to concentrate on adjusting to college life," Graham said.

"It's an asset. They learn how to budget time and can also look at other organizations. Sororities are not the only way to get involved on campus," said Graham, an LSA junior.

When the intake process does occur, the rules are very different from the Panhel rush regulations, which insist that the candidates visit all 17 houses.

"We always encourage people to look at other sororities and research the histories to see what one fits their needs," Graham said. "But there is no formal setting that if you visit this one, you should visit others too."

LSA first-year student Ronda Tate said she is interested in joining a sorority next year to gain close friendships and participate in activities that benefit the community.

Tate said she appreciates the rule that requires her to be of sophomore standing.

Rush "would be too overwhelming," Tate said. "I think we should have to wait. I wouldn't rush this year if I could."

Another way the intake process in culturally-based sororities can differ from the Panhel rush is in the way members of the sororities interact with potential members.

The intake process in Delta Tau Lambda, a Latino/a oriented sorority of six members, encourages potential members to attend group events after the first informational meeting in the fall.

This is very different from Panhel regulations, which require sororities to not interact with members until the completion of the rush process.

Alejandra Montes, president of Delta Tau Lambda, said this interaction allows potential members to get a sense of the group's focus.

"It exposes them to what we really do," Montes said. "If they are still interested, they can then become members in the Winter term after the interview process."

Lambda Phi Epsilon, an Asian-interest based fraternity of 30 members, won't be selecting new members this fall either.

"We have a lot of new brothers, and we decided to strengthen those bonds instead of having a rush process," said Mike Fu, treasurer for the fraternity.

"We did have an informational meeting though, and we are having events now like barbecues in order to get to know people," Fu said.

Joe Kim, an Engineering first-year student, said he wants to join a fraternity to meet new people.

"I came with a group of friends from high school, but I want to expand my network," Kim said.

Kim said the fact that the fraternity he is interested in won't be taking new members until winter term doesn't discourage him.

"It's fine," Kim said. "I can use the time to evaluate other fraternities at the same time."

One of the few culturally-based organizations that is conducting rush activities at this time, is the Asian sorority Alpha Kappa Delta Phi.

Suki Kuang, public relations officer for the group, said they chose to have Fall Rush because it is has proven to be very effective.

"We have a Winter Rush too, but Fall Rush is more successful because there are a lot of incoming freshmen looking for a place to belong," said Kuang, an LSA sophomore.

10-01-98