With the holiday mentality of winter break having not quite subsided, hundreds of male students are taking advantage of what many consider a traditional Penn institution: the Greek system.
"It's part of the college experience," said College freshman Graham Bassett, who is planning to rush over the upcoming weeks.
Open house events -- which began on Monday and will end tonight -- at 29 recognized fraternities kicked off the two-week rush process for the InterFraternity Council.
During these nonalcoholic events, potential rushees determine their interest in the various houses, according to IFC officers.
The next stage of rush consists of closed, invitation-only events.
"Bid day," on Jan. 28, completes the rush process. Fraternities offer selected rushees the opportunity to join a given house in the form of a signable bid.
A $5 registration fee payable by all rushees helps to cover costs incurred by the houses.
The registration fee "is the best $5 you'll ever spend," incoming IFC President Conor O'Callaghan said.
Confident that the fee did not deter potential rushees, O'Callaghan cited record registration figures of over 500 men. "Certainly, the numbers didn't drop," he said.
Many rushees seem to share similar sentiments.
"Everyone else in the hall is going," Engineering freshman Jeff Wajcs said. "It seems like a good time."
O'Callaghan believes "the fall semester was a very strong one for the Greek system ... showcasing the positive aspects of Greek life."
Rushees said that camaraderie was one of these characteristics.
Greek life "seems like a good fellowship opportunity," Wharton freshman Josh Head said.
Yet, for some male students, this bond might feel suffocating.
"I don't see myself as a frat boy," College freshman Alan Dang said. "I'm more independent. I don't see myself fitting in."
Nonetheless, the excitement of rush has attracted men who are not even seriously considering joining a fraternity.
"I might rush, but not pledge," College freshman Patrick Furlong said.
