Rush Week 101: Pledging a Sorority or Fraternity

Rush week is an exciting and anxious time for students at colleges and universities. Rush week is also known as recruitment week. Find out all about recruitment week and pledging a sorority or fraternity in our crash course below.

01. What is a Sorority or Fraternity?

There are a variety of sororities and fraternities. A sorority is a sisterhood, a society of female students at a college or university. Similarly, a fraternity is a brotherhood, is a society of male students at a college or university. Both sorority and fraternity members share common goals, aspirations, and values. Members of sororities and fraternities build lifelong relationships and memories.

02. Greek Row

Greek row is a strip of fraternity and sorority houses that are situated near a college or university campus.

03. Navigate Recruitment Week

Recruitment week is the week usually at the beginning of the school year where sororities and fraternities recruit students to join their Greek organizations. Fraternities typically throw parties open to all students to learn about the host organization. On the other hand, sororities host brief receptions to get acquainted with prospective members, and vice versa.

04. Bids

A bid is an invitation from a fraternity given to students they want as pledges. Students can then pledge to join and go through the initiation process to become a full member or they can refuse the bid and join a different fraternity or none altogether. After recruitment week or rush week, there is a matching period where sororities and prospective pledges narrow down their choices. A student and sorority that share mutual interest will mark the beginning of the pledge process.

05. Choosing the Right Sorority or Fraternity

Many sororities and fraternities have reputations and stereotypes. Make sure you pledge a sorority or fraternity for the right reasons, not just because you are a legacy or because all of your friends are pledging a particular one. Make a decision based on your experiences from rush week.

06. Pledge Class

While you learn the ropes in your sorority or fraternity, you and your sisters or brothers will get to know each other and work closely together. At least once a week you and your pledge class will have sessions where you will learn the sorority’s or fraternity’s traditions, secrets, bylaws and more. You will also work on various projects, events, committees, and more further building a bond with your fellow pledges who are all going through the same experience as you. Be sure to use each other as a support system!

07. Big/Little

One of the most exciting pledge events is when your “big” is revealed. Some sororities and fraternities have ceremonies, while others have a week of events to celebrate the reveal. Your “big” is your guide and mentor during the pledging process. He or she has been in your shoes, so she will be the perfect person to answer all of your questions.

08. Hazing

Many college and university students are discouraged to join a sorority or fraternity because of hazing. Hazing is a negative step in the pledge process and occurs when new members participate in activities or events that make them uncomfortable, intimidated, etc. Fortunately, not all sororities and fraternities haze, in fact, some sororities and fraternities have anti-hazing activities.

09. Greek Parties and Mixers

Greek parties and mixers tend to have themes. You will be attending or planning parties with themes such as neon, toga, costume, 80s, etc. There will also be more low key events such as fundraisers, small dinners, and sleepovers.

10. Fees and Dues

As you probably have heard, joining a sorority or fraternity requires a financial commitment. They often entail a couple thousands of dollars in addition to your regular tuition. These fees can include monthly dues, housing, food, living, conferences, and other costs.

Written by Amanda Arcangel

Amanda Arcangel is the Chief Writer at GirlsaskGuys.com with a diverse background in entertainment and sports. She is a communications professional who always has her finger on the buzz around town whether it is dating, fashion, music, politics, or sports.

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