Bashed by the school newspaper

[D_Mom]

I'm the mother of a Dartmouth student who went through Rush last week to disappointing results. After exploring what happened, I believe the issue as this: So long as only 2-4 sororities on campus are perceived as "desirable", then most of the 200 or so women who don't pledge these chapters will feel slighted. (And don't start claiming ALL the sororities are good. It's a fact this is the perception on campus.)

That's why it's a problem with the system. It's not the PNMs' fault it's been ingrained in their heads over and over that certain sororities are not good. (For instance, Ivy Gate Blog described one sorority's members as "Deferred KDE's", another's as "weird and slutty" and said about another, "If you end up a sister here, you'd have been better off not rushing in the first place.") Can you blame someone for not wanting to be part of a sorority which, even for invalid and obviously provocative reasons, has that reputation?

Dartmouth desperately needs a public relations campaign to raise the desirability of the less-selective sororities. (Some other changes, such as rushing before fall term so athletes can participate more fully and more "informal" rush opportunities during freshmen spring would also be helpful, i.e. a structured system for sisters to meet PNM's for lunch at Collis, have a picnic on the Green etc.)

DartmouthPanHel- I can tell you're doing all you can to give a good rush experience to as many girls as possible. No wonder you're feeling frustrated by The D editorial! Is there any discussion among Panhellenic members about raising awareness of some of the less-selective sororities? This may be a sensitive subject to bring up in a group setting, but surely would help the overall situation.

Dartmouth has such a strong, cohesive student body and alumni network. Surely the school can work that same magic to improve the perception of certain sororities on campus.