Despite rumors that as many as 300 women had signed up for winter rush, sorority leaders are preparing to begin rush on Sunday with the much lower and more manageable number of 35 women planning to participate.
Julie Calderon '01, who served as Panhell's vice president for 2000, said that they expect to offer bids to all of this term's rushees.
"We're hoping to fit everyone in, though we can't guarantee anything," Kremer said.
Each of the sororities contacted by The Dartmouth plan to take a pledge class this winter. Although many took slightly more than a full class last fall -- Delta Delta Delta Sorority, for instance, offered 2 extra bids -- the houses contacted echoed Panhell's intent to offer everyone a spot.
"Panhell is telling us we need to give at least five bids," said Kappa Kappa Gamma President Karen Tani '02.
"There's definitely a little bit of pressure to not be an exclusive organization -- but we don't want to be an exclusive organization. The more girls we get into the house, the stronger it is," Tri-Delt President Ashley Frechette '02 said.
Alpha Xi Delta President K.J. Hennessey-Severson '02 said her house plans to give between two and six bids.
Women's rush will consist of only two rounds because of the small number of participants, and will conclude next Thursday.
Winter rush was not officially held last year because most houses were already filled to capacity. However, two houses, Epsilon Kappa Theta and Alpha Xi did offer a few open bids.
Calderon stated that between 20 and 40 women typically rush during the Winter Term. This year's numbers are down slightly from 1999.
Due to the Student Life Initiative, the next major rushing period will be held in winter 2002. "This seems a bit like a transition year, maybe a little more emphasis is being put on it since they are switching to winter rush next year. There were also a lot of people off in the fall that are still interested in coming out," said Allison Miles '02 vice president of Theta.
