Is it common for graduate students to rush a fraternity?
 

I finished undergrad in May, but I seriously regret not ever rushing a fraternity. Honestly, I was scared about the possibility of hazing (not the normal "pick on the new guys" type of behavior but the abusive stuff that appears in the news), and I thought I would have to stay in the closet b/c I believed that all of the fraternities on my campus had anti-gay attitudes (some do but not all). Unfortunately, I realized that I was mistaken when I was already in my senior year.

However, the university where I'm getting my masters degree allows graduate students to rush, so I'm interested. I went to 2 rush events this week, and the group seems really cool. I think I can handle the pledge process if they give me a bid and make the time commitment to be an active member if they decide to make me one. Still, is it a good idea for a grad student to do this? Is it uncommon for grad students to rush? Did any of you rush during grad school?

It's uncommon, but shit, you're an adult. If they want you and you want them, go for it. You already know you'd likely be the oldest pledge among undergraduates, and probably mostly freshmen. Just understand that you being a grad student won't absolve you of the responsibilities of pledging.

Yes, there will be those who say focus on grad school and nothing else, but there are still 24 hours in a day and it's possible to do both.

Good luck!

Thanks! Idk if they actually want me (though I seem to get along really well with a lot of the brothers), but if I were to get a bid, I'd definitely accept. As for being the oldest, it doesn't bother me since I'm only 22, so it's not like there's a huge age difference.

And yeah, everyone keeps telling me to solely focus on graduate school, but honestly, I have more free time than I did during undergrad, and I even find the classes easier haha.

That happened to me in grad school too, lol. I became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha through an alumni chapter during that time. It is not the same as becoming a collegiate member, but I found it easier to manage my time.

I did drop out of grad school though, but there were other reasons for that :p

I'm not sure that just because the school allows Graduate Students to rush that all of the fraternities are allowed to pledge Graduate students. Unfortunately this isn't something where just asking the average Active is likely to get a response that you depend on. (My service fraternity allows chapters to choose, but most actives don't know that).

That's a good point.

Be prepared for the possibility that just because you rush - and maybe get selected - that the chapter can change national policy in the event an advisor steps in and says it's not allowed.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I actually got a bid yesterday. So excited!

Congratulations on your bid!

Yay congratulations!

:) Good luck.