Panhel to sponsor first-ever fall rush

In a less formal process, several sororities will admit upperclassmen. Unlike Panhel's formal spring rush process, which is characterized by a slew of strict guidelines, the continuous open bidding from September 22 to September 30 will be organized individually by the rush chairs of each sorority. As of last night, at least five of the sororities said they would participate. Two remained undecided, and one, Sigma Delta Tau, said it would not participate because it already has 114 women. The maximum for each sorority is 115 sisters. According to Panhel President and College senior Becca Iverson, the fall pledge period will last approximately six weeks instead of the typical 12, and initiation will take place before January. Rush activities will include informal events such as movie nights and bowling. There will be no limit to the number of sororities that prospective pledges can rush. "I think it's a sign that our sorority system is looking to become even stronger? but I think that when starting anything new, there are always concerns," Iverson said. "It's a great way for the houses to come together? and to help sororities redefine who they are." And Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski added, "It's an opportunity for women to come in at a more informal time, at a comfortable pace." Some sororities, such as Phi Sigma Sigma -- which has about 85 sisters -- and Pi Beta Phi have individually practiced fall rush in the past when they had a small number of pledges during the previous spring, Reikofski said. Phi Sig President Annie Berenbom said she expects the fall rush to be more publicized than it has been before. "More people will be willing to check it out," the College junior said. Panhel learned of the informal fall rush at a conference last February, when Iverson said she began to think about initiating the system at Penn for the fall. "It's popular on other campuses? and we decided it would be great to start," Iverson, a Chi Omega sister, said. According to Reikofski, continuous open bidding has been successful at many colleges and universities. "The formal rush process can be stressful? especially for the person who is fairly shy," he said. "It can be a situation where it's a little bit easier to get to know people."