University of Virginia Library

Shortened, Rush

Rising costs and falling academic
ratings among fraternities have been
responsible for much of the reduction
of first-year interest.

Last year the rush period was
shortened to five weeks and proved
so much better than longer rush
periods that it will be repeated
again this year.

This year it will begin on
September 29 with the customary
dormitory visits and come to a
conclusion November 8 - Bid Sunday.
Between these two dates
rushees will attend fraternity parties,
meals, and smokers.

Although the rules during Rush
may seem ridiculously strict and
specific, years of former rushes
have proven them necessary.

Although there are innumerable
pros and cons to joining a fraternity,
a first-year man loses nothing
but a little time by rushing. Rush
provides the opportunity for meeting
a lot of people, attending some
very good parties, and getting excellent
meals gratis.

And after it is all over, the
rushee is obligated to nothing.

Rush was significant last year
for several reasons. It was the first
time in the University's history that
black students were pledged.

While several fraternities were
openly belligerent to black rushees,
five different fraternities accepted
blacks into their pledge classes.