Greek Recruitment Period Approaching

The Greek recruitment period for Ursinus College is once again rapidly approaching with the promise of countless social functions and an in-depth look at Greek unity on campus. On October 31, the recruitment period for Greek fraternities and sororities will begin in hopes of attracting upperclassmen and freshmen for New Member Education at the end of January. “I’m really looking forward to showing the students who are rushing what Grek life is about,” said Jenn Joseph, a sophomore. “Greek life is stereotyped to be just as it’s seen in the movies: all about drinking and partying. I really want to show freshmen what Greeks do for the Ursinus community.” While recruitment events are stereotyped to only be organized drinking parties, the “rush” events on Ursinus College campus have a large variety.

An advertisement for the television show "GREEK"


The recruitment events at Ursinus are held in order for Greek members to meet the new freshmen and eligible upperclassmen who are considering enrolling in New Member Education for a sorority or fraternity in winter. There are both on-campus and off-campus rushes, although the recruitment events are individualized for each organization, with hands-on activities for both members and new recruits. Each organization has a different number of planned events aimed at giving freshmen a positive impression of Greek life. “I want to show freshmen and upperclassmen what Greek life involves,” said Shannon Grube, a junior. “The recruitment period is a great opportunity for students to realize that there’s more to rushing than just social events.”

Each organization has a number of Rush Chairs who are Greek members that plan the rushes and activities for the recruits. While each organization approaches the recruitment period differently, a typical rushing period might have day and night rushes that occur throughout the week, including weekends. Greek members work hard and dedicate time to putting effort into planning their rush events as they want to give freshmen an up-close look at Greek life.

“What freshmen don’t know yet is that Greek members are not out to intimidate students,” said Greg Kristofor, a sophomore. “We Greeks dedicate our time to the freshmen and other students who are rushing, and want everyone to have a fun, safe time getting know Greek life at Ursinus.” Alaina Gaines, a sophomore, agrees: “The recruitment period is not just about parties; it’s about campus unity because the upperclassmen are getting to know the freshmen and integrating them into the Ursinus College community." Greek members utilize recruitment events as a means to wear their pride for their sorority or fraternity.The recruitment period is not intended to intimidate freshmen; rather, it is a period of time that Greek members dedicate to the freshmen and eligible upperclassmen in order to portray the unique and distinctive qualities of their sorority or fraternity. “The recruitment period is not Greek members utilize recruitment events as a means to wear their pride for their organization, and do not set out with the intention of exploiting new recruits to gain a bad reputation on campus. Lexie Hall, a sophomore who is planning on attending the recruitment events to learn more about what Greek life has to offer, agreed: “I can’t wait to see what the different sororities put together; Greek life doesn’t always have the reputation it deserves, and I’m excited to see what it’s about beyond the stereotypes.” Kate Kehoe, a sophomore is a member of an Ursinus College sorority, expressed excitement at being a part of planning the recruitment period for the first time: “I can’t wait to meet the new girls and meet the future of Ursinus Greek life.”

Greek organizations must remain in touch with school administrators throughout the rushing period to ensure the safety and productivity of the events. “As a Greek member, I believe that the Greek recruitment period is a chance for Greeks to uphold a respectful image and reputation while meeting new students and recruits,” said Kathleen Murley, a junior. “I’m looking forward to meeting the freshmen and am happy that extra precautions have been taken by the school so that everyone has a safe, fun time learning what Greek life is really about,” said Max Lowenstein, a sophomore.

The Greek recruitment period is an opportunity to view Greek life up close and a chance for students to see if it’s the right choice for them. Each Greek organization is different and adds something unique to the Ursinus Campus, and the recruitment period is a great chance to see what Greek life provides for the student body.

If you're interested in reading more about student activities on campus, make sure to look at the student-written articles for The Grizz.