What's the Rush?

'U' offers many options to first-year students

Every year, the beginning of fall semester presents many challenges. After a long summer, it is difficult even for upper-class students to get back into the swing of school. Between solidifying class schedules, buying books, settling into housing and balancing social lives, the first month of the school year is taxing on everyone. But first-year students do face somewhat different and unique challenges than the rest of campus does.

While incoming students look forward to their college years as being some of the most exciting of their lives, most also look forward to just making it through the first days, weeks and months. This part of the year can be very exciting, but it can also be very overwhelming. Many students are far from home, often for the first time. Many have come without close friends; many are unsure of their interests or direction; and many are simply intimidated by the University's size. Aside from adjusting to the routine of college classes and life in the residence halls, learning how to deal with this new independence and balance school and a social life - loneliness can be one of the greatest challenges of the first year.

But it is important to keep perspective on all of these conflicting emotions. Even though it may sometimes feel otherwise, everyone is in the same position. While the size of the University can alienate students, it also can draw them in. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations at the University for which involvement is not only offered, but invited and should be encouraged.

Rushing fraternities and sororities is only a small offering of the wealth of opportunities in which University students may become involved. While the Greek system does offer many appealing promises of social involvement, close friendships, public-service projects and more, this is not the only place in which to find them.

New students should try to shop around and see as many other activities as possible, either in addition to or instead of rushing the Greek system. They should talk to upper-class students to find out what organizations they became involved with. They should avoid doing just what their new friends or roommates are doing, whether it be rushing or otherwise. Rather, they should explore their own interests, do what they enjoy doing, and be confident that they will make friends while doing it. Most important, however, they should expect that it can and will take time for them to find their niche.

In the future, the Panhellic Association and the Interfraternity Council should consider postponing fall semester Rush to allow students more time to adjust to their new living environments. This will benefit both students and the Greek system as the decision will be better informed and more thought out. Rushees will be more well-rounded and be better adjusted to student life.

Much can happen in four years of college. Students should be careful not to cast themselves into any binding commitments so early in their college careers. Greek Rush will be offered again in a few months and, of course, next year. As with all commitments, involvement in a fraternity or sorority takes up a lot of time. It is, therefore, in one's best interest to make informed personal decisions before entering into any organization that has the power to dramatically influence or alter one's social and academic life.

09-24-98