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Thursday, January 15,2004 - RSE NEWS
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After two years of amazing recruitment efforts put forth by the junior members, everyone had high hopes for 2003. In the end, RSE junior membership handed out 19 bids to the freshman class. Twelve signed bids were returned, and currently we have nine associate members training to be part of RSE. While this brotherhood recognizes that the responsibility of Rush falls on their shoulders, a couple points can be made to attribute to a poor showing of signed bids.
1) RPI’s Office of the First Year Experience (FYE). RPI has made an incredible effort to enhance the freshman experience. These efforts include a bigger budget to the resident assistants and resident directors sponsoring elaborate BBQ’s on Freshman Hill. Also, the first week of classes for the freshman, typically left to the IFC for IFC rush, was matched with FYE activities like downtown events and outdoor concerts. All in all, not only is RSE competing with the rest of the Greek community for freshmen, but the Greek community is competing with RPI to win the attention of freshmen and give them a reason to leave their dorms.
2) Rumors of wet rush. I say with 100-percent confidence and pride that this house adheres to the rules of running a dry rush with the utmost seriousness. Not only are freshmen prohibited from drinking alcohol at an RSE rush event but the RSE clubhouse remains a 100-percent dry house during that period as well. While we recognize the importance of this standard, there are rumors that many other Greek houses do not upkeep the dry policy. We find freshmen are more inclined to join the house that fills them with beer and other substances instead of one that shows true brotherhood.
Despite those circumstances, I can say, however, that the nine gentlemen who chose to enter our society as associate members have joined for the right reasons. The men we are training to be tomorrow’s brothers believe in this society and its values, and remain part of our club for those reasons, not those used by other organizations to lure freshmen in.
Overall Greek participation by the freshman class is down from last year across the board. About 28 percent of the freshman class signed bids; however, the number who will remain active is sure to drop. Plans for a spring rush are in effect; look forward to news regarding its success in the next issue.
As always, alumni participation is what keeps this society strong. Suggestions for events or comments about anything are always welcome. Please write to rush@RSEJM.org with any comments you may have.
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