Panhel, IFC rush to begin after break

Greek rush is beginning once again. But this year, many changes are in store for both the InterFraternity Council's and the Panhellenic Council's rush process, including a later date for the IFC and new format for Panhel. IFC rush officially begins January 14, and Panhellenic rush is scheduled to begin January 16. Both will last slightly over two weeks. The decision to move IFC rush from first to second semester was made last year in order to allow male freshmen the opportunity to adjust to college before choosing to join a fraternity, according to IFC President and College senior Dave Treat. "This is a transition year with showcasing events and an open-door policy in the fall, and then an unlimited number of events during the two-week rush period [in the spring]," he explained. "You have four months to see what you want." Previously, rush consisted of three weeks of six structured events. But the new informal format makes getting acquainted with the houses a bit easier, Treat said. "Before, conflicts would arise between events and with the 28 fraternities [because] you couldn't attend more than two to three houses a night," he added. "This might change a little with the new structure." For the IFC, Treat said rush is a confusing and competitive experience. Last year, 350 bids were given to a rush class of between 350 and 450 men. But Treat did not find reason for rushees to be concerned about the odds. "If you rush and find a place you like, and that likes you, you will find a bid," Treat said. According to College junior and IFC President-elect Josh Gottheimer, fraternity hazing is not as bad as rumors contend. "It's not like Animal House," Gottheimer said. "Each house has its own traditions." Hazing rituals are often simple, but a bit annoying, Treat explained. "Frats are tending to move away from the physical and psychological things," he said. "Sometimes you have to go on food runs in the middle of the night or learn the history of the house." Approximately 550 girls are vying for bids from the eight Panhel sororities.