Women's Studies & Sororities

[FutureTiger]

Hi Everyone!
I will be a freshman at Tulane University in the fall (I was all set to go to LSU-thus the username-until I got a scholarship at the last minute). Tulane has deferred rush, and, from what I've heard, rush seems to be MUCH more laid back than rush at LSU or Ole Miss. To get to the point, I just found out that I accepted into the women's studies program. Although the women's studies program at Tulane is much more moderate than most, I was curious as to how southern sororities reacted to such programs.
My mother and grandmother (and practically every other female relative since the Civil War) were Phi Mus at Louisiana Tech. They automatically assumed that I wouldn't rush because of women's studies (and the extremist reputation some of these programs have acquired over the years), but I don't necessarily see the two as mutually exclusive. What has been your experience on other campuses?
Also, I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with deferred rush in the south.

Thanks so much.

Claire

[PinkStar17]

Well I dont know much about deffered rush,and things like that. But I am a Phi Mu from Florida (which although has many different customs is stil part of the south)
well one of my sisters is a womens studies major,and it never has been a problem for her. She loves it!
And considering most of your family has been Phi Mu's, being part of the bond they share will be something very special to you and to them, your major should not interferre with that. Maybe talking to a panhellenic member at your school will help,they might be able to give you better advice.
Good Luck!

[SilverTurtle]

Having taken a few women's studies courses & being a proud feminist, I totally understand what you mean, Future Tiger.

I don't know much about Rush in the south, except what I've read on here, and it sounds like the 2 are very opposite. (Remember I'm an outsider, this is just what I've gathered from posts & such). Rush focusing on looks, status, etc. because there is such a small window of time. Since you will be going through deferred Rush, I would think you would avoid that somewhat.

I also know that women's studies majors/minors/etc. tend to have a negative view of sororities, which is because, unfortunately, they stereotype them. (Like so many people do with women. ) I know that I did before attending college. One thing I learned was that if I am going to be open to new ideas, it means all new ideas, even if I think I know about something. I'm sure some of your collegues will criticize your decision to rush. But you have to do what you want to do & what is best for you. That's part of being an independent woman.

You're right, the two (sororities & women's studies) shouldn't have to be exclusive. Many women will tell you how being involved in sororities helped make them better leaders, grow as individuals, etc., etc. For most it is a positive experience. And I've known a few women who, after being involved in their sorority, chose to pursue women's studies/gender studies as their major.

And congratulations on both your scholarship & your acceptance into the program!

From a feminist & greek alumna (albeit a co-ed organization)

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SilverTurtle

Phi Beta Fraternity: National Professional Association for the Creative & Performing Arts



[This message has been edited by SilverTurtle (edited June 24, 2001).]

[HeidiHo]

I don't know any women's studies majors, but we have a similar issue at my school. The people who are in CCM, the music & dance college at the university of Cincinnati, get the same prejudice about being in a GLO. I'm not a CCM-er, but the ladies at my chapter who are get the "you're in a sorority" comment a lot. They reply "Yes I am." & go on with their life. If people in your major are so independant minded then they shouldn't mind you blazing a trail for other women in the program. Do your own thing & don't worry about it.
Best of luck
Heidi

[BlueandBlue]

From my experience, you're more likely to take heat from your fellow majors than from your sisters. I took a Women's Studies class last spring and that's how it was for me.

[AlphaChiGirl]

I've wondered about this. Gender Studies is one of the most common majors at my school, but there are no sorority members in the major. I know my school's feminist bloc is pretty anti-sorority, so I'd imagine your co-concentrators will be more critical of your membership than your sisters will be of your major. But, I don't know that much about Tulane, so maybe the politics there are much less liberal than they are at my school.

[FutureTiger]

Thanks to everyone for responding! A few people seemed to say exactly what I was thinking. My hunch was that my major would be more of an obstacle to rush than visa versa. Tulane is in a very unique situation though. The women's liberal arts undergraduate division is Newcomb College (the oldest women's college in the south). Although the faculty merged with men's faculty (from Tulane College) in the 1980's, Newcomb maintains a seperate administrative and, in some cases, social identity from the rest of the school. As a result, Newcomb Student Programs has designed a new women's studies program. Freshman have to live together in one wing of the all-girls dorm, and work towards a minor in women's studies. In addition, we run a student leadership organization for Newcomb. This will be the program's second year, so I'm not really sure how many people are involved in this program and a sorority.
This may be one of those things where I have to just wait and see how things pan out in September. Who knows? I may get to break down a few stereotypes myself . Thanks again to everyone for their wonderful advice!

Claire

[This message has been edited by FutureTiger (edited June 25, 2001).]