Every fall at SMU, sorority rush takes over from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2. With 40% of undergraduates enrolled in Greek Life according to the SMU IFC and Panhellenic Council, these students join organizations that play a significant role in defining their social networks.
Both last year and this year have marked a shift in SMU’s new sorority recruitment, which now takes place in the fall rather than the spring. This change gives potential new members less than two weeks to adjust to college life, meet sorority and fraternity members, and begin the process of joining a Greek organization.
About 800 women are participating in the recruitment process this fall, compared to the average of 575 in previous years, according to SMU Panhellenic Council Recruitment.
Jayleen Nunez, a freshman and a potential new member, said she enjoyed her experience in the rush process.
“Rush is a fun experience because of the new relationships that I made,” Nunez said.
Although she may end up in a different sorority than some of her friends made during recruitment, Nunez said she can still see herself maintaining these friendships. Her older sister, Jess Nunez, is an active member of Delta Delta Delta, which she admitted made the process nerve-wracking, despite being familiar with the chapter’s members.
“Even though I’m a legacy, it’s not a guaranteed bid,” Jayleen said. “Regardless, preference round was my favorite because it showed me how strong the connections are with the girls.”
Although formal recruitment is competitive among all the women rushing, the process begins well before rush week. Sorority members often meet with potential new members in advance to help them feel comfortable and connected to a house.
Tri Delta rush chair Eunice Vera said the rush process is beyond potential new members and prominent among active members.
“Active members want to have the best new member class, so they will try very hard by being enthusiastic, emotional and respectful when talking to the potential new members,” Vera said. “Members of the rush team find girls enrolled in SMU and looking to rush, and the team will reach out and get to know them, hoping they will turn out to be great members of the sorority.”
SMU recruitment aims to bring women together from across the country. It is not about the appearance, but the content of their character. It’s about forming lasting friendships that extend beyond college and continue to grow after graduation.
Alpha Chi Omega’s new member educator, Bella Cross, said her chapter emphasizes personal values and how they align with the sorority.
“The most important thing about rush, to me, is keeping legacy traditions and values,” Cross said. “This is a very important quality to many members as many sororities have traditions over 100 years old.
Although SMU recruitment can be filled with nerves and emotions, it serves as a memorable experience that helps build lifelong memories and lasting friendships.
