Quote:
Originally posted by FSUZeta
my daughter has two friends who are incoming freshman at a southern college. both have received letters from a fraternity inviting them to attend a couple of rush parties over the summer.
my question is this: if they like the members, and are offered a bid, but would prefer to meet all the fraternities (waiting until the fall) before making their decision, what is the best way for them to handle this?
|
I'm not sure if there is a "best way" to handle. Frankly, a lot depends on the IFC's rules regarding rush - official and unwritten. If possible, the rushees (friends) should find out as much about the rules (official and unofficial) regarding rush. For both summer, fall/formal etc. Check with any friends attending the campus that may know about rush.
Some general observations.
Between now and formal rush (start of school) they may receive additional invitations to other chapters' rush parties and events. And depending on the IFC rules, they may be extend more than one invitation (bid). Most bids usually have an acceptance date associated with it and the timelines may vary with each chapter. i.e. ABC may give you 48 hours to accept or decline, while XYZ might give you until the start of school. As such, the rushees should be sure they are aware of these dates or deadlines.
With respect to 'on-the-spot' offers and acceptance, in most situations (again check with the IFC), from the point they accept a bid they are considered bid to that chapter and should not (perhaps can not) attend any other chapter's rush events. If they feel that they really like this chapter, but prefer to wait, I would suggest that the rushees let the rush chairman know of their interest (use buzz words like "strong interest" but only if applicable) and that they need to think about it. But by all means, they should not add they are waiting so they can check out the other chapters. While good rush chairs should know this, hearing it may not set well. As such, the rush chair and or chapter members may wonder about the rushee's commitment and decide to resend the bid. This may be possible depending on the IFC's rules. (Again, know the IFC's rules.)
On other campuses, it may be that a rushee can not accept a bid until a certain date - usually around the start of the semester. As such, they would be 'free' to visit other chapters and attend their rush parties/events. However, as with the previous scenario, discretion is key.