Bashed by the school newspaper

[DartmouthPanhel]

And the article you linked just says how many each house took. It doesn't say "200 men dropped out of the recruitment process because it was so horrible" or "only 65% of men went through rush got bids".

The Dartmouth Review does exist, but it's hard to tell what their point of view will be. They are pro-Greek, but also pro -"times of the good old boys". So they might jump on the "sorority rush should be just like fraternity rush" bandwagon.

[LucyKKG]

There are several parts of that article that are, IMO, just bad writing! The part that says "“in good faith” — whatever that means —" was just stupid. Terribly rude and opinionated.

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by LucyKKG

There are several parts of that article that are, IMO, just bad writing! The part that says "“in good faith” — whatever that means —" was just stupid. Terribly rude and opinionated.

Quality journalism. Other than sounding unprofessional, if you don't know what it means, you need to ask so you can put it in the article. It's obviously written by someone who didn't get what she wanted during recruitment. Boo hoo.

[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.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by 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 the sororities on campus.

It is not the responsibility of Dartmouth to make PNMs interested in chapters that they choose not to be interested in. Or to wage a PR campaign to change the status or perception of a chapter.

The fact of the matter is that in order to get a bid, a PNM MUST maximize her options, which means keeping an open mind to all of the chapters.

If a PNM chooses to be swayed by campus perceptions, that is her choice.

I'm sorry she did not get a bid, but it is not Dartmouth's fault.

[LaneSig]

Someone please tell me that I misread the article about IFC rush. There is a Kappa Kappa Kappa fraternity at Dartmouth? KKK? I'm sure it's older than God and dates before the second group, but still.....

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by LaneSig

Someone please tell me that I misread the article about IFC rush. There is a Kappa Kappa Kappa fraternity at Dartmouth? KKK? I'm sure it's older than God and dates before the second group, but still.....

You didn't misread.

Kappa Kappa Kappa Fraternity, also known as Tri-Kap, was founded in 1842. The Wiki claims that it is the second-oldest local in the country.

Originally Posted by D_Mom

This was a general discussion about an editorial in the Dartmouth newspaper regarding sorority rush. I was trying to give a perspective about WHY the editorial was written and constructive criticism about what could be done. My daughter did exactly what Panhel recommended she do and isn't complaining about the situation. In fact, she's excited and happy about her choice, as am I.

To debase this discussion to a personal attack is disappointing, to say the least.

I'm outta here.

Please don't that post throw you. It's by a poster who has been banned so many times we've all lost count, but he keeps coming back under new usernames, thinking we won't recognize him. Ignore him.

[exlurker]

Hey folks, the October 19 '09 online issure of The Dartmouth has several comments, an opinion piece, and so on, dealing with sorority recruitment. One item gives more data and certainly supports what DartmouthPanhel has said here on GC. In addition it mentions some changes that Panhellenic may be considering for future recruitments:

http://thedartmouth.com/2009/10/19/opinion/cartagena/

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

Who is it, Tom?

Minus the smilies.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by D_Mom

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.

Not the PNM's fault????

Is this not an Ivy League college?

All of a sudden, the day they get their acceptance letters, they have no more discernment?

Fwap.
Fwap.
Fwap.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Not the PNM's fault????

Is this not an Ivy League college?

All of a sudden, the day they get their acceptance letters, they have no more discernment?

Fwap.
Fwap.
Fwap.

For a student body made of the best and the brightest you think they'd have the ability to think for themselves and make an educated decision about a group instead of listening to gossip.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

For a student body made of the best and the brightest you think they'd have the ability to think for themselves and make an educated decision about a group instead of listening to gossip.

Thank you.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by D_Mom

Thanks, Mystic and Theta! I'm new on this board and thought maybe chopper's post was typical!

No problem.

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

Minus the smilies.

And random capitolizations.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

For a student body made of the best and the brightest you think they'd have the ability to think for themselves and make an educated decision about a group instead of listening to gossip.

They're still, for the most part, teenagers. Tent talk and gossip happens at every sorority rush.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

They're still, for the most part, teenagers. Tent talk and gossip happens at every sorority rush.

I guess I'm looking at Dartmouth differently since they have a whole year until recruitment, and a year to actually meet individuals and mature a bit to know that people can be full of it. Maybe it is related to high/over achieving and the push to be THE BEST at everything since Dartmouth is an Ivy.