Continuing the apparent trend for higher Greek rush numbers this year, coed fraternity houses surpassed their 2002 winter rush numbers by adding at least 30 new members.
Last year, 19 members of the Class of 2004 rushed the three coed houses, Phi Tau, The Tabard and Alpha Theta.
With a greater number of students participating in rush, Coed Council President Jason Pavel '04 appears to have achieved his stated long-term goal of increasing awareness of coed houses.
"I hope that cooperation among the houses will lead to stronger rush classes," Pavel told The Dartmouth last April.
Coed houses use a rush method distinct from that used by single-sex fraternities and sororities, Pavel said. Though they cooperate in some areas of rush, "we function more or less independently," he explained.
Phi Tau and The Tabard both allow students to rush at any point after they are eligible in their sophomore Winter term, while The Tabard also uses an open bidding processes which is not selective. Alpha Theta coed fraternity, on the other hand, conducts rush only once a term during the second week and holds only one sink night in what Pavel called "a more traditional rush."
Twelve sophomores and two juniors rushed Alpha Theta, compared with 10 last year, Pavel said.
Numbers were also higher at The Tabard coed fraternity, which welcomed between 10 and 12 new members, though those figures are as yet unofficial, Tabard President Robert Hardin '03 said. Last year, seven '04s rushed The Tabard.
Six new members joined Phi Tau, with five persons holding outstanding bids, Tau Corporation Officer Evan Knop '01 said. By contrast, only two pledged a year ago.
