The fraternity rush process has changed this year, and many fraternity members are not happy about it.
In an effort to change the negative stereotype that all Greeks do is drink, the Interfraternity Council and Student Activities have opted to have a dry rush, according to IFC President Mike Rosas, business administration senior.
They have also shortened rush to a one-week process and made it mandatory that all activities take place on campus. In past years, it has lasted for two weeks and most parties were held off-campus.
“Since the whole school is revamping how organizations are run it seemed like a good time to make these changes,” Rosas said. “Before, when there was alcohol served, the school didn’t condone it, but they turned a blind eye.”
The liability of underage drinking was also a reason for the alterations.
“This is more of a trial phase to see what needs to change and what needs to stay the same,” Rosas said.
Many members of the five fraternities on campus are not excited about the modifications.
“I know that this was done with good intentions, but I think people need to realize that New Orleans has a different culture,” said Quinn Dennehy, sociology and theater arts junior and a Phi Kappa Psi member.
“Rush hasn’t been focused solely on alcohol. It’s just a part of it,” Dennehy said.
“This just limits the time and space in which we have to relate to the freshman,” said fellow Phi Kappa Psi member Carlos Lavin-Sanchez, business administration senior.
“Having it on campus and making it dry inhibits a lot of the behavior we want to see before we decide to accept them,” he said.
Gamma Phi Beta member Becky Lawrence, sociology senior, doesn’t agree. Sorority rushes have always been dry and many of their members think it’s better that way.
“Having alcohol at recruitment doesn’t allow you to see who the kids really are because they’re drunk the whole time. I think they’ll get more quality guys this way,” Lawrence said.
Assistant Director of Student Activities Greg Roskopf said that the modifications will help the fraternities in the long run. Working to condense the process to a shorter time frame and making it dry will create a more positive experience, he said.
Still, fraternity members are voicing their disdain for the changes and long for the days of old.
“They should have kept it how it was,” said Alpha Delta Gamma member Richard Alvarez, criminal justice senior.
“Not as many kids are going to come out now.”
Dominique Ellis can be reached at [email protected].
