The Glory and Tedium of Rush Week: An Historic Reflection

For many college students just a decade or two removed from their own experiences, the traditions of fraternity and sorority life remain a distant memory. However, for those of us who witnessed it firsthand, rush week remains a vivid and multifaceted journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and—as one might expect—some degree of tedium.

Open Houses and Quasi-Interviews

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, rush week was often a whirlwind of open houses, quasi-interviews, and what can only be described as delicate and strategic social engagements. House visits, particularly those in the early days of the rush process, were typically invitations to engage with potential new members in a more casual setting. It was not uncommon for individuals to visit multiple houses in a matter of days, often in pursuit of a more personal connection that went beyond the initial interactions.

Remembering Rush Week

During this period, rush week wasn’t just about meeting and learning about different houses; it was also about experiencing the essence of fraternity life. One of the most memorable aspects was the open house format. Participants were greeted warmly, invited to sample light refreshments, and sometimes even partake in a communal experience. This was a way to test the waters without the pressure of a traditional interview, making the process feel more informal and inviting.

A Balanced Look at Rush Week

However, while rush week offered a glimpse into the fraternity and sorority experience, it also had its drawbacks. The sheer volume of houses to visit often made the process feel overwhelming. Even for young adults, the number of open houses, the consumption of potato chips and soda, and the general social awkwardness could become tiresome. Eleven days of rush week is a long time to spend socializing, and for an eighteen-year-old, it can be quite exhausting, especially when the primary goal is to find the right place to call home for the next four or more years.

Commitment and Beyond

Upon revisiting houses that showed promise, the emphasis shifted to a more formal recruitment process. Actives (current members) would use familiar recruitment language to convince candidates to commit to a possible pledge. There was always an unspoken expectation that those who were invited back would eventually receive a bid to pledge. However, this was not always the reality. In some cases, actives would suggest that a candidate should accept a bid from another house, while in other instances, the bid might never come.

Decision Making

Finally, when the elusive bid or bids arrived, the decision-making process became even more complex. Prospective members were often left to seek advice from others, many of whom they had just met, to make the best decision possible. The legacy system, or pledging with someone you knew, offered a sense of security and familiarity. It was a time of great importance and pressure, as the choice of a house would not only define the next four years of college life but also shape personal relationships and memories for a lifetime.

Conclusion

Rush week in the late 1960s and early 1970s was a time of great transition and transformation. It was a combined blend of excitement, anticipation, and tedium that formed a significant part of many young adults' college experience. While the process has undoubtedly evolved over the decades, the memories and lessons learned remain vivid and impactful for those who lived through it.