2008 Woodie Awards
A Rush of emotion
Jessica Summe
Issue date: 9/1/05 Section: Features
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Formal Recruitment, popularly known as Rush, is not for the weak.
"This is my first time doing sorority recruitment," says Eddie Banks-Crosson, the Assistant Director of Student Life. " It's a tremendous amount of work, and these ladies have just thrown themselves into it."
While Monday is move-in day for those girls attending recruitment, Tuesday is the first official day of rush. Tuesday and Wednesday, Values Round and Philanthropy Round, are 'open', the rushees get to visit all five sororities and decide which ones might suit them. These little meet-and-greets are held all across campus, and can be a bit unnerving at first.
"You walk in and it's like you're on display at the zoo or something. Everyone's looking at you, and you can't remember anyone's name," Natalie added. "But they're all really nice about it."
At the Parent Orientation meeting on Tuesday, parents get an overview of the sororities and ask the Panhellenic Council about any concerns they might have. There are very few doubts about their daughters engaging in Greek life.
"The sisterhood would be good for her since she's so far away from home," said Stella Schuler, whose daughter, Katie, has moved from California to attend JSU. "We found JSU online and thought it was the perfect match. I'd feel better with her having a support group here in case anything should happen."
Allen Voyles, whose daughter Melissa is rushing perks up when I tell him the sororities monitor their member's grades and they all have a GPA requirement.
"I always have concerns, being a dad... I just don't want her to bite off more than she can chew," said Voyles.
Incoming freshmen must have a minimum 2.7 GPA. Sophomore and junior rushees need at least a 2.5.
"That's actually where the majority of the cuts come from," Jennifer Conner, of Alpha Omicron Pi, confides to me. "We're looking for quality people who'll be a asset, because when we graduate, they're the next leaders."
Tomorrow's leaders are today's ducklings, however, trailing along behind their Recruitment Counselors as they visit the different sororities across campus. They may be hungry, but spirits are high, despite the fact that they have to walk from building to building in the stifling August heat.