my school too has deferred rush (in jan). i think it has been that way for about 5 yrs. we have "full open contact" with the freshmen women during the fall. i'll try to give you a basic rundown of our rules for the fall:
--they can't come to our functions/homes if alcohol/drugs is happening
--they aren't allowed inside the sorority house until after rush
--sisters can't buy them gifts or give them anything, including food and beverage
here's what we can do and are supposed to do:
--we are allowed to give them rides (sober drive)
--we can invite them over to watch tv or for dinner (but can't give them soda to drink! they must bring their own)
--we can drink in their presence at a frat party, but they can't come to our own functions where alcohol is being consumed
i don't think deferred rush has hurt the greek system at my school at all. it gives the sororities more time to check out the freshmen women, and "observe them in action" so to speak, before we decide whether or not they're suitable and will uphold our reputation. the rushees get an opportunity to be more fully aware of each sorority's role and reputation on campus before committing to one, but they have the added stress of being watched all fall.
[This message has been edited by twinstars (edited August 15, 2000).]