For anyone interested in rushing a sorority, the process can seem a bit daunting! Don’t worry, HC is here to help simplify and explain the rush process with words of wisdom from Bloomsburg’s very own sisters.
Sweeten-Ups (Monday, September 9, 9-10 p.m. in KUB)
Sweeten-Ups are the first chance girls have to learn about all the different sororities on campus. “Rush starts with Sweeten-Ups, where each sorority sets up a table with their information and any objects that represent them. The rushees are split into groups and rotate from table to table, while the executive board explains to the girls what their sorority is about,” said Alex Harman, Rush Chair for Phi Iota Chi.
Opens (Tuesday, September 10, 9-10 p.m. in KUB & Thursday, September 12, 9-10 p.m. in KUB)
While Opens is a similar process to Sweeten-Ups, Opens lasts longer and each sorority is allowed more privacy with recruits in their own room. “Rushees are placed in bigger groups, and move from room to room where they will play ice breakers with the sisters of the sorority, watch their video and ask any questions they may have,” said Harman.
Informals (Saturday, September 14 & Sunday, September 15, as scheduled by sororities)
 “For informals, the rushees pick their top five sororities. Informals are held at the sororities’ houses, and consist of ice breakers and other events specific to the sorority,” according to Harman. Sign ups for Informals are Friday, September 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Office of Greek Affairs.
Formals (Monday, September 16 & Sunday, September 17, as scheduled by sororities)
 “Formals are similar to informals. They are held at the houses as well, but the rushees pick only their top three sororities,” said Harman. In order to continue their relationship with the three sororities they pick, rushees must be invited back by each specific sorority. “Formals are a dressier occasion, and the sororities make gifts or favors for the rushees to take home with them,” said Harman. Sign ups for Formals are Monday, September 16 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Office of Greek Affairs.
There is a time period in between formals and bids night called the “quiet period” where the rushees must stay out of contact with the sororities so as not to influence their decision on which sorority to choose.
“On Bids day the sororities will go around handing out bids to the girls that they would like to be in their sorority. A rushee can get up to three bids, and there is a certain time period that day where they must go to the Greek Life office and sign their bid. None of the sororities know who they get until Bids Night (Thursday, September 19 at 9 p.m. in KUB), where the rushees line up in the ballroom and are escorted to the sororities of their choice,” said Harman.
Okay, so now that you have the schedule down, here are some tips on how to survive the rush week!
 “The biggest mistake a girl could make during rush is not keeping her options open! Every sorority has a reason someone chose them, and if you count them out right away, you may be missing it,” said Carlee Hayden, a sister of Alpha Sigma Alpha.
Assistant Rush Chair for Alpha Sigma Alpha Katherine Kelly advocates an open mind while going through rush, especially when learning about the different sororities. “Also, always do what you feel is the best choice for you. If you have friends rushing with you, make your own choices. Don’t decide as a group,” advised Kelly.
“You need to have an open mind and stay positive throughout. You really end up right where you belong,” said Hayden.
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photo credit: bunow.com