Fraternity rush to begin

LOUIS BROWN/Daily Beta Theta Pi, located on State Street, is one of 33 local fraternity houses looking to gain members during the fall rush season. Interfraternity rush begins Oct. 4.

By Kelly O'Connor
Daily Staff Reporter

Following a tradition that goes back more than 150 years, many of the University's male students will participate in this year's fraternity rush.

Beginning Oct. 4, men who are rushing the Interfraternity Council's 33 houses will attend individual houses that are open to anyone interested in joining a fraternity. In a process unlike the highly structured sorority rush, fraternity rushees are not required to visit every house on campus.

Men are not required to register for fraternity rush, nor are they subject to such rules as Panhel's silence period or dress code.

"Basically during (fraternity) rush week you go visit the houses you want to, eat their food and meet the people involved," said LSA first-year student Barry Zilan, who said he plans to rush.

Zilan's decision to rush was influenced by a friend who is in a fraternity.

"It seemed like he was having a lot of fun, and he invited me to stop by and meet the other guys in his house," he said.

Participating in extra-cirricular activities is not a new experience for Zilan.

"I was very involved in high school. I wanted to continue that once I came to college," Zilan said. Fraternities "get involved in the community and join groups outside of the frat."

Belonging to a fraternity can be a good experience, said Interfraternity Council President Brad Holcman.

"It is an activity that encompasses everything that is good," Holcman said. "Greeks like to have fun, but we want people to know that there is more to it than that."

Fraternities "provide a safe social environment, a chance to get involved in community service and academic support," he added.

One activity that both IFC and Pahnel houses participate in is Greek Week.

"Greek Week lasts 10 days, and all sororities and fraternities get involved," Holcman said. "Four or five charities are chosen, and all money raised benefits them."

Being part of a Greek organization can also help students feel more at home at the University, said Holcman.

"Our goal is to make the University smaller. Being part of a fraternity is a chance for career and social networking," Holcman said.

Some students said they do not feel that fraternity life is for them.

"I will not rush because of the stigma attached to fraternities, and in many cases, deservingly so," said LSA first-year student Tighe Herren. "It's just not my crowd."

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