I think second semester/spring rush could be fine as people are through an academic period and also are living in their residential colleges during rush and pledging/new member period. If hazing is a concern people aren't living in a chapter facility or with members so there are people who may notice problems. Wasn't that suggested a few years ago, moving it to second semester freshman year?
if I read right, bicker is the second half of the sophomore year. How busy and chaotic could it be to rush in the fall, bicker in the spring, and then go on a junior year abroad, then come back to be a senior who has been away from their chapter and is now finishing up school so they may be in a studio or lab, doing a practicum or internship, or just check out because they are seniors.
Found what I was looking for, articles about moving rush, hazing, and other Greek stuff.
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/04/26/25997/
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/04/27/26010/
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/04/28/26022/
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/04/29/26048/
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/04/30/26063/
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/04/28/26019/