Rush to rush
Spring rush begins this week

By CARRIE DZWIL
Collegian Staff Writer

Spring rush is in full swing for fraternities and sororities this week.

Fraternity open houses will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. tomorrow, Monday and Jan. 26 at individual chapter locations. Mike Ling, Interfraternity Council president, said open houses will give prospective members a chance to get to know the fraternity members, learn about each chapter and familiarize themselves with each fraternity.

"We are expecting a strong rush due to increased interest and registration this past fall," Ling said. "Chapters seem excited to be back and eager to recruit new members."

Dry week began yesterday and will continue until Sunday. During this week, all social functions held at fraternity houses will be substance free.

East Halls' sororities will hold open houses from 6 to 9 tonight. Pollock Halls' sororities will host open houses from 6 to 10 p.m. tomorrow and South Halls sororities are opening their doors for prospective members from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

Jami Totten, Panhellenic Council president, said spring rush will be smaller than usual this semester because many sororities have reached their Panhellenic totals, which allows sororities 85 members at one time. Because many sororities have already reached that maximum number this semester, fewer chapters will extend bids to new members.

Fraternities may have a more productive rush than sororities this semester, due in part to deferred bidding.

Deferred bids were used by some prospective members last semester who wished to join a fraternity in the spring instead of fall, Ling said.

"Numerous chapters reported some students deferring bids, so many of them will join this semester," Ling said.

Although fraternities use deferred bidding during the rush process, sororities do not, Totten said. Continuous open bidding is used by sororities, she said, and is helpful for rush participants who may not be able to commit all their time and energy to rush.

Bids will be extended to prospective fraternity and sorority members Feb. 1.