Rushees hit the streets

Even Greek Lady Olga seemed to be part of the commotion last night. Over 600 freshman and sophomore women excitedly filed past her food truck across from the Quadrangle, braving the cold misty rain on their way to the first of several sorority parties. The parties marked the first phase of this year's PanHellenic Council's rush. Sorority sisters collected the rushees' coats and umbrellas at each house and welcomed the women by singing, cheering and clapping. The rushees were paired up with sisters who often asked questions about the womens' hometowns, majors and classes. Numerous passersby could be seen looking curiously at the sorority houses, wondering what all of the bustle and commotion was about. Rushees described the parties as "talkative," "casual," and "very friendly," with "countless conversation." "Whenever the conversation ended, you moved on," one woman said. Rushees were full of compliments for the effort which the sororities made by designing decorations, performing musical skits and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Some rushees, however, wondered how they would be remembered by the sorority sisters after such a short 25-minute visit. In fact, because each woman visited with between two and five sisters during that time, some conversations lasted only a few minutes. "In that small amount of time you can't get to know a lot of people," one rushee said. "But you do get to know a few and you get the [overall] flavor." Each woman travelled with a group led by a Rho Chi -- a sorority sister who acts as a guide and advisor -- to the different houses. In order to insure impartiality, the advisors temporarily disaffiliate themselves with their sorority houses and do not release their last names or other information to rushees. The groups are assigned schedules which are formulated by computer, according to PanHel Vice President for Rush Diana Cruz, a College senior. "What we have on the computer is every freshman woman and every sophomore woman," she said last night. "It's basically a database of names that is used to print out schedules." Cruz added that the first night of rush went as planned, with little or no problems. "It seems to be going pretty well," she said. "Everybody is in the right place at the right time. Everybody seemed excited." For the first time ever, sorority rush this year has been spread out from one to two weeks, in an effort to allow all those involved to have more time for academics, Cruz said. Tricia Phaup, director of Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, said yesterday that rush was moved back one week to allow for the extra time. She also said that more events will be held on weekends this year, so that students will have more time to study during the week. Tonight is part two of Open House, where Rho Chi groups will visit the four or five sorority houses they did not visit last night. On Friday, rushees will find out which sorority houses have invited them back for the next round of parties which begins Saturday afternoon. Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta, a newcomer to the Greek system at the University, said he was very impressed with the organization and leadership which has been shown so far. "The PanHel leadership has been superb in where they've taken the sororities," he said. "It's a very responsible and very community-oriented organization and I'm excited that this is an opportunity for more people to participate."