The College's decision to move rush from sophomore fall to winter starting this year, while opposed by many Greek houses, may not affect houses in the short term, but will likely lead to long-term financial troubles.
Because of the move houses now have only two classes of members this fall, leading to problems with filling houses for some and less dues for all.
"Some of the smaller houses might have problems" financially, said Peter Stern '02 vice president of recruitment for the Interfraternity Council, "The influx of dues is lacking."
"This certainly affects them financially. Lots of houses can't have as many social functions because of money," said Vice President of the Panhellenic Council Maxine Goldstein '02.
But the problem may be more severe than a simple decrease in social options. For many houses, dues are key to paying mortgages or heating bills.
Still, most houses do not expect to see any problems for a while.
"I think we're in good shape financially," said Andrew Langworthy '02, President of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Ryan Mahoney '02, president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity agreed. "We're very financially sound ... we have a strong base but we can't hold out forever," Mahoney said, adding that the move will probably hurt some of the smaller houses more and that he "hopes the College has some plan to help," and will, "go back to fall rush."
There are other issues besides financial ones which may have an even greater impact on the houses though.
"What implementing winter rush has effectively done is brought new members into a house at a time when a large part of the campus is traditionally off," said Stern. The lower numbers could create problems both with educating members and in forming strong friendships -- something that Greek houses pride themselves on.
Stern raised yet another concern; under the new set-up, "members are only given a term before becoming officers [sophomore] summer."
Still, the problem of members taking off terms may not be as great as it is feared. Langworthy said that "70 percent of members are on in the winter, about the same as every term,"
Houses are also adapting, "I know that we'll have more brothers on compared to past winters," said Mahoney. He added that some people have even changed their D-plans as they "want to be around for rush."
According to Goldstein, the move to winter rush has precipitated other changes as well including the need to keep people warm as they travel from house to house.
Still the possibility of decreased turnout may be even more chilling than the weather, adding another term of decreased income onto the houses. "Less sophomores are on in the winter than in the fall," said Goldstein.
"I don't think that we're going to have problems with turnout," said Stern, although he added that more sophomores will be off.A more optimistic Mahoney said that he didn't expect a lower turnout. "A lot of people that I've spoken to will be on in the winter."
The possibility of a follow-up Spring rush may become a necessity in order for those off in the winter to have a chance to join a house before their junior year.
"More people come out of the woodwork in the Spring," said Mahoney.
Most members of the Class of 2004 contacted by The Dartmouth said that the change will not terribly alter their plans as to whether they are going to rush or not.
"I'm usually on in the Winter," said Alexis Hawley '04, who will probably rush.
For those in doubt, Stern had this to say: "I'd encourage them to come out and rush."
