Tamica Jean-Charles/Entertainment Director
At the turn of every semester, Greek organizations begin recruiting new members to their chapters in what is called “rush week.”
The University currently hosts 32 Greek organizations—19 fraternities, 13 sororities and over 1300 active Greek members—who partake in rushing almost every semester.
“By expanding out of your comfort zone you get to meet many members of for each fraternity in fun and open environments,” said Mateo Correa, a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
The first couple weeks of a semester is when rushing occurs. Sororities tend to rush the first week of the semester, while fraternities commence the process the second week. Prospective rushees will have the opportunity to mingle with sisters and brothers from every Greek fraternity or sorority.
During recruitment week, potential pledges will attend parties, or social and informational events by one of the chapters, to meet the members of the group.
Recruitment attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about their values, philanthropy and other general information, said Arianna Calzadilla, a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority.
“I wanted to join something bigger than myself, finding that group of girls who embodied my values and pushed me to become the best version of myself,” said Calzadilla. “I only hoped of gaining that, and thankfully I did.”
Throughout the week, recruitment attendees will vote on every organization and level their list down to two groups. However, just because rusher chooses two of their own, does not meet their preferred organizations will also.
If the organization is interested, they will offer the student a bid to join. Typically, rushers will have to choose between two bids, in which they only have a day to decide.
“Looking back I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Juan Jose Maya, member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity.
While many focus on specific groups because of a legacy or a friend, it only limits the rusher from joining an organization that molds to them best.
“Go in with an open mind, and don’t let outside opinions influence your decision making,” said Calzadilla. “The right sorority will give you a bid.”
Correa couldn’t agree more.
“When it comes down to getting to know the members of an organizations, they must see you for who you truly are. Members of a chapter want to ensure that you are a great fit of their values based on the kind of man you present yourself to be,” he said.
Once their decision has been made, they will officially pledge, or officially finalize their decision, to their respective Greek. They will later meet their “big,” or an older member of the group who serves as a mentor, days after they have pledged.
“Have fun with it, it’s college,” said Maya.
To learn more about recruitment and rush week, visit greek.fiu.edu or visit the office of Fraternity and Sorority Life on the Modesto Maidique campus in Graham Center 2240.
Featured photo taken from FIU’s Fraternity and Sorority Life Facebook.
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