The Panhellenic Council recently concluded winter rush registration for unaffiliated eligible women -- although leaders seemed confused about the success of the event, in terms of number of people interested compared to previous years.
Throughout the week, 193 women registered for winter rush and 34 registered for spring rush. An additional 12 women expressed an interest in rushing but remained undecided about which term.
The Panhell leadership was not in agreement over the numbers compared to previous years.
"The figures are slightly higher than last year's," President of the Panhellinic Council Tasha Francis '02 said.
However, Maxine Goldstein '02, Panhellenic Council VP said the numbers were actually down from last year.
"We expected significantly lower numbers because many sophomores spend winter term off campus," Goldstein said.
After the Board of Trustees release of the Student Life Initiative decision last year, Greek rush was moved from sophomore fall to winter.
The absence of fall rush has raised many concerns, especially financial, at some houses. No new membership has resulted in reduced financial resources.
"Less money leads to a quieter atmosphere," Goldstein said. "Much of the excitement of Fall term comes from the new sophomores."
No fall rush also means that new pledges will only have lived in the house for one term -- sophomore spring -- by the time they take leadership roles the following summer. Francis said that the new sisters "might not be ready for the responsibility" those leadership positions entail.
Greek leaders noted that another concern is that the weather during Winter term is not conducive to travelling to and from the sororities. "Trudging around in cold weather is not the best atmosphere for rush," Francis said.
The majority of women who register usually pledge, although there are dropouts every year.
Goldstein said, "most girls drop out because they do not understand the time commitment."
There will be another opportunity to register for winter rush the Thursday before winter term begins. Goldstein said registration is "more flexible this year" because some sophomores are off campus Winter term on Foreign Study Programs.
The Panhellenic Council is also considering an informal spring rush to serve the same purpose as previous informal winter rushes.
Winter rush will start on Jan. 6 and end on Jan 16.
Goldstein said, "Most people end up happy. Although bids are not guaranteed, most women receive an offer."
