Does anyone know...

[lifesaver]

What is the historical origin of the term "rush?" Why do we call it that? I think as orgs. we are all supposed to use the term "recruitment," but the term persists. It just got me wondering.

[BFulton]

Also, as a member of a non-NPC sorority, it would be very enlightening to hear why the NPC has decided to completely change this terminology. In our tradition, recruitment means something different than rush. Thanks!

[DeltAlum]

I would not swear to the accuracy of this, but as I understand it, in the early part of the century, many college freshmen came to campus by train. The Greek organizations would be waiting at the station and RUSH up to the freshmen with ribbons to try to get them to join their organization. I guess numbers where the only important thing in those days.

As I said, I read that somewhere, but I can't remember where.

DeltAlum

[Alumnus who cares]

I've read the same thing about the train station. Seems pretty cheesy nowadays. I also thought it was silly that they wanted to steer away from the term "rush" and start calling it "recruitment." Maybe because "rush" implies that it's a "rush" decision, when actually it is a decision that should be made very carefully.