Today is the first official day of Interfraternity Council Recruitment, commonly referred to as fraternity rush. The most unfortunate aspect of rush this year is that it is limited to two and half weeks as opposed to the four weeks it once was when I was a freshman. Thus freshmen, about to make a decision that will affect their entire undergraduate experience, should not waste a single night, beginning with the IFC meet-and-greet Thursday evening. With three and half years of classes remaining but fewer than three weeks of rush, work should not be a hindrance.
In IFC's defense, the rush process this year is more open to allow fraternities greater leeway in shaping their schedule of events. Freshmen will have the opportunity to get a taste of all of the fraternities at the meet-and-greet and then get to know brothers during the open houses scheduled for the weekend. Additionally, the greater flexibility in planning semi-formals and date functions will prevent freshmen from feeling pressured to spend hundreds of dollars on dinners, dates and drinks during the decisive final week.
IFC changes aside, I am sure that some freshmen are hesitant about entering rush. But freshmen should not be deterred by the spiteful innuendo surrounding recruitment and specific greek organizations. They should instead make an effort to get to know as many upperclassmen as possible in order to get a more personal feel for the various fraternities on campus. One way to get to know upperclassmen is to spend time in section, apartments and houses on an "off" night when there is not a major event scheduled. Only then will freshmen begin to form the personal relationships that will define their greek experience.
Regardless of what anyone says to the contrary, freshmen should also understand that "section" is the most important aspect of fraternity life and the key source of brotherhood within any greek body. Brothers eat together, study together and party together in section. Section also provides a common on-campus space for upperclassmen living off campus to kill time in-between classes. It is the heart of any fraternity-even in the face of a concerted administrative effort to manipulate social life on campus.
Aside from the shortened time span, the current restrictions on drinking games and increasing vigilance of laughable resident coordinators on power trips force freshmen off campus where it is more difficult for them to understand the dynamics of greek life.
When I was a freshman, I got to know all of the sophomores and juniors living on campus during late-night games of quarters and Beirut. Now, freshmen should keep their alcohol in plastic cups and not allow intransigent resident advisors to ruin their rush experience.
That is not to say that joining a fraternity is for everyone. There are all-male and mixed-gender selective houses that are not affiliated with national greek associations, as well as the option of blocking as independents. Nor is the greek system without its flaws. It has the potential to separate freshmen friends from one another and is one of the leading causes of racial segregation on campus. Nonetheless, I hardly believe that the absence of fraternities and sororities would rectify the social segregation that begins long before freshman year commences.
It is important for freshman males to understand that fraternity rush bears no resemblance to sorority recruitment. Like fraternities, sororities are an integral part of campus life. They offer freshmen access to a large pool of women spread across four grades and, contrary to the beliefs of some, do not demean women but rather empower them for future positions of leadership. Just ask Senator Elizabeth Dole.
In spite of my support of female greek life, I believe that the Pan-Hellenic Association should consider expanding upon the current "small talk" format that dominates all stages of the rush process. The student-run organization should also consider adopting rush uniforms utilized by many states schools. Uniforms prevent girls from flaunting expensive clothing and accessories. Instead of $1,000 purses, all interested freshmen are required to keep their belongings in a standard-issued plastic bag.
The reality is that a there is absolutely an element of pretentiousness and absurdity in greek life. But those who are quick to criticize should relax and not always take themselves so seriously. We all work very hard at Duke and will be working for the better part of the next four decades of our lives. Yet greek organizations offer students unparalleled social outlets on campus, friendships that enrich our private lives outside of the classroom and continued contact with Duke well after we leave campus.
Adam Yoffie is a Trinity senior. His column normally runs every other Monday.
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