The term "rush" was coined in the 1930s. When new college students arrived by train, fraternity men would "rush" to the train station to pin ribbons representing the fraternity colors on "rushes" lapels, thus indicating the chapter's interest in recruiting these potential members. Today, Rush, otherwise known as Formal Recruitment, is the act of meeting the Greek Community and each individual sorority. Even if you decide not to become a new member in a sorority, Recruitment is a great way to have fun and make new friends at college!
Is it expensive?
There are costs associated with being in a sorority, such as initiation fees and monthly dues. The money for our chapter dues goes to support Delta Zeta National Headquarters, pay for scholarships, fund our philanthropic endeavors, and pay for the daily expenses of our chapter. There are multiple ways to pay dues: lump sum, individual payment plans, etc. Every Greek organization has member dues, and statistics show that less than 2% of an average college student's expenses go towards fraternity dues.
Are my grades going to suffer?
There is plenty of time during New Member Education for schoolwork. We always put school first; "That is why you are at NSU in the first place!" We offer a variety of academic help to sisters in need, and mandatory study hours are held each week to make sure we all set aside time for our studies. Many of the members save notebooks from their classes for future reference and study help. Stefanie, our academics chair, has a list of sisters who have strengths in certain subjects, so you are certain to find one who knows your subject.
How will I know where I belong?
Every person is different. You should evaluate each sorority on what it represents once you've met the members. You will know where you fit in and where you don't. The most important thing is to get to know as much about the sorority and the sisters as you can before making your selection. Talk to current students that are not affiliated with the sorority and get various opinions. And remember, "The best way to find out who you are, is to get to a place where you don't have to be anyone else!"
Once I decide, how do I get in?
The All-Sorority Formal Recruitment ends with Bid Day. Once you have gone through Formal Recruitment, each sorority is given a chance to extend you a bid. If you accept, you become a New Member of its chapter. If you are not ready or have simply changed your mind, you may reject a bid.
What is pledging/New Member Education?
Pledging is a "getting to know each other" process for both sisters and New Members. We do a lot of things together as a sorority that bring us close together. Our main purpose during pledging is to educate the newest members on our history, philanthropy, and sisterhood.
Northeastern State University and Delta Zeta do not tolerate or participate in any form of hazing.
So you're wondering...Why go Greek?
* Studies show that 76% of our nation's senators, 71% of the men listed in Who's Who in America, and 85% of the Fortune 500 Executives are fraternity members.
* All but two U.S. Presidents since 1825 have been fraternity men, and 63% of the U.S. President's cabinet members since 1900 have been Greek.
* Of the nation's 50 largest corporations, fraternity members head 43.
* A U.S. government study showed that 71% of fraternity and sorority members persist to graduation, while just over 50% of all non-Greeks graduate.
* Over 85% of the student leaders on college campuses across the nation are involved in the Greek community.
* Over $7 million are raised every year by Greeks nationally and over 850,000 hours are volunteered by Greeks annually.
You are probably wondering...Why join Delta Zeta? What will Delta Zeta do for me? Those of us currently active in the chapter asked ourselves the same questions. We all wondered what we were going to get out the the sorority experience. There are four parts of Delta Zeta which we consider to be the most important aspects of not only the college experience, but also of life in general:
1) Friendship
We in Delta Zeta have found life long friends in our sorority. Of course we have our bad times, but in all of us we have found a friend and a sister. College is one of the hardest transitions in a woman's life, and we are able to provide the confidence, support, and encouragement to our sisters that all college students need to get through these years. Friendship makes doing everything a little bit more fun, and enriches the days that we spend at school.
2) Scholarship
Delta Zeta strives for high academic standards. Not only do we take on the challenge of getting good grades, but our sisters are always willing to help when needed. Over the years we have consistently received individual awards, as well as awards as a whole organization, for obtaining high academic achievement. Sorority members are always some of the best students on campus, and Delta Zeta makes sure that the same is true at Northeastern State University.
3) Growth
Delta Zeta helps you to grow as an individual. Although we all share the same letters, we are our own entire person. The Delta Phi chapter wants individuals, not just women who only want to be followers. Through participation in sorority activities, you will grow in strength of character and ability. We also believe that involvement in other activities besides Delta Zeta help create a more well-rounded group of young ladies, and through 100% Involvement, each member of Delta Zeta is required to be actively involved in other type of campus organization. We encourage all members to assume positions of leadership and responsibility, not only within our sisterhood, but also in other activities.
4) Service
Service to others is an important part of being a Delta Zeta. Although we are always here to help each other, we are also here for those outside of the chapter. Delta Zetas main philantrhopic goal is to help those who are speech and hearing impaired. A large portion of the funds raised through Delta Zeta are sent to Galluadet University, the House Ear Institute, and the Sound Beginnings Program. For over 50 years, Delta Zeta has helped these institutions through monetary donations and charity work. We also take pride in doing volunteer work on campus and throughout the community.
Here are some other Delta Zeta facts:
* Delta Zeta is one of the only true Sororities in the world. Most "sororities" are actually women's fraternities.
* Delta Zeta is one of the sororities with the largest number of college chapters.
* Delta Zeta is the second largest fraternal organization in the nation, with over 140,000 members.
* We are the largest international sorority, having more than 250,000 members.
* Our 165 college chapters are distributed from coast to coast, while our 250 alumnae chapters offer continuing assocation in all 50 states, as well as the United Kingdom and Canada.
* Delta Zeta has a national loan fund and many scholarships to aid members who may need assistance to finish their education.
* The Delta Phi Chapter is currently the largest Greek organization at NSU.
Delta Zeta abides by the Northeastern State University Panhellenic Council rules and all other official Panhellenic rules. We want every potential new member to have a positive recruitment experience and select the sorotiy that is right for her. We want every young lady who becomes a part of the Greek system to take full advantage of the many opporunities offered by the Greek life at NSU.
All-Sorority Recruitment begins in September. Information about the registration process and the weeks events will be posted around campus. If you would like more information contact the Greek Affairs office located in the basement of the University Center, or at 918-456-5511 Ext. 2533. You can also contact the Office of Student Affairs located in the Administration Building, Room 204, or at 918-456-5511 Ext. 2120.
