Rush is the life and blood of fraternity life. This is a process in which the brotherhood gets to meet potential candidates for membership into the fraternity. Throughout the period of rush, the rushees (ones desiring to join), are given a chance to see the houses on campus. Each house has its own rush schedule, which includes events where rushees get to learn more of the brotherhood, interact with the brothers, and get an overall feel of what fraternities are about. As the week progresses, the brothers meet to discuss the people they have met. In the period of the week, the list of potential bids is cut down to a desired amount. Towards the end of the week, invite only events begin to occur, and the elimination process begins. It is very important that rushees ask as much about the brotherhood as possible, considering that joining a fraternity is a decision for life.
After rush is over, it is time for the brotherhood to decide who they would like to consider for membership into the fraternity. When a person is chosen to become a member, they are extended a bid. This bid is offered to the select few that managed to make such an impression on the brothers that they felt the person would make a great brother himself. When extended a bid, a rushee must make a very important decision. Once the bid is accepted, the pledge program begins.
When all bids are extended, and those that have been given the chance accept, then the pledge program begins. In the pledge program, pledges learn the history of the fraternity, what it means to be part of a brotherhood, and a bond is formed like no other. The best friends a person could ever have are his pledge brothers. In the period of pledging, also known a "pledgucation" (pledge education), pledges are expected to learn more and more of the organization they are destined to join. An organization that will be a part of their lives forever.
© 2009 AEPIKD
