IFC  

Fall 2008 Men's Rush

Explanation of Rush

Rules and Expectations

Things to Remember

Getting Started

Scholarships are now available for male students interested in Rush! For more information and the scholarship application please see:

ifc.truman.edu/scholarship

Explanation of Rush

Rush is the process by which Fraternities introduce themselves to potential new members (Rushees). During this time, you will be introducing yourself to the fraternities as well. Your Rush will be successful when you find the fraternity that is right for you. Through getting to know the brothers, what they do, how they act, and what they stand for you, will better understand the same about yourself and join an organization that you will be proud to call your fraternity.

At Truman, Rush is a formal process that lasts for one week. Friday, September 5th there will be a Rush Assembly, hosted by the Interfraternity Council. At this time you will meet the Director of Greek Life, the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Interfraternity Council Advisor, the officers of the Interfraternity Council and representatives from each of Truman's 13 Fraternities. Each will give an introductory speech. Starting that night you will be invited to events that are hosted by individual organizations. These events may be on campus, at chapter houses, or elsewhere. In middle of the week, Fraternities will start hosting invitation only events. By this time you should start narrowing the list of organizations you are interested in.

Thursday night, bids will be given out. A bid is an invitation to join a Fraternity. In order to receive a bid (and you may get several) you must be outgoing during Rush events. Each organization is trying to leave an impression on you and you should do the same for them. Be prepared to give a lot of handshakes! If, at the end of Rush Week, you have made an impression and receive a bid, Congratulations! By signing your bid you will be starting your membership into your Fraternity and Truman's larger Greek Community. To sign your bid, bring it to the Kirk Memorial Building between 9 and 5 on Friday, September 12th, Bid Day.

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Rules and Expectations

During the Rush Assembly, the Rush Rules will be explained to you. Please pay attention to these rules because they apply to you and the Fraternities. The Rules are in place to ensure that Rush Week is fair and runs smoothly and that you are given the best possible opportunity to find an organization that is right for you. Some of the rules include:

• Fraternities are not allowed to have alcohol at any rush event.

• Fraternities are not allowed to speak badly of other Fraternities.

• Bids are not to be given out until Thursday night.

The above rules apply to Fraternities; our Expectations, however, apply to you. Please do not ask for or expect alcohol during rush. It is strictly prohibited. Please do not ask one Fraternity what their opinion is of another. Please do not accept early bids; they are not allowed and accepting one may prevent you from be allowed to join a Fraternity.

Several other rules will be discussed at the Rush Assembly. Remember, though, that Rush Week is meant to be a positive opportunity for you to get to know Truman's Greek community!

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Things to Remember

1. Be yourself, it is a disservice to both yourself and the fraternities you are visiting to act one way during rush week and then another way afterwards. 

2. Ask questions. Some questions you may want to ask each fraternity are what they expect of a new member; time commitments, grades, etc.

3. Find out the financial costs for the organizations you visit.

4. Try and meet as many people as possible during this week.

5. Be polite, you are a guest at each event you attend.

6. Try and visit all the fraternities, you won’t know which is really right for you unless you have considered every choice.

7. Do not allow one fraternity to monopolize all of your time.  It is alright to leave an event before it is finished.

8. Remember the rush system is one of selection.  You might want bids from fraternities that don’t offer them, but you will make a decision between the chapters that do offer you a bid.

9. Be confident.  Dress for success. Give a firm handshake and do not hesitate to introduce yourself.

10. Just because a lot of guys from your hometown are in a certain fraternity, or just because you think one or more of your friends are going to pledge a certain fraternity, does not necessarily mean that fraternity is right for you. Join the fraternity that can offer the most for you and where you feel the most comfortable.

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Getting Started

To get started with your Rush complete this signup form. Please bring the $5 Rush fee with you to the Rush Assembly on Friday, September 5th.