Rush
What is Fraternity RUSH?
Rush is simply a time when a person is checking out fraternities, or just
one, to see which one he wants to join. It's called rush because usually
you meet so many people in such a short period of time. You may hear fraternity
members refer to you as a rush. Although it is difficult to remember everyone's
name when you're rushing, don't feel intimidated or nervous - just be yourself
and have a good time. Unlike the sorority system, Lafayette College has
no formal structure regulating men's rush for fraternities except 1. bids
may not be given out to students before their first semester sophomore year
and 2. no first year students are allowed in fraternities for the first
month.
What is DEKE RUSH?
"It's the best time of your life." You will meet a friendly bunch
of guys with high standards and ideals who like to get ripped once in a
while. Men have all of freshmen year to acclimate themselves to college
life and decide whether or not they wish to join a fraternity. DKE Rush
at Lafayette consists of letting rushes know what to expect when you join
DKE, so rushes are invited to parties and other good times with the brothers.
If you're interested, you can stop by the chapter house, with some friends
perhaps, and hang out with us anytime. Unlike other houses, we don't do
many things specifically for rush that we wouldn't normally do on our own.
All we do is include rushes in our everyday lives to give you an idea if
you'd like to join DKE or not.
However, joining a fraternity is more than just a social decision, it is an important life decision, which we stress at DKE. It's no coincidence that Dekes have always been some of the most successful graduates from Lafayette (ever notice that nearly half the buildings on campus are named after Dekes?). Our alumni network is extensive, with hundreds of Rho Dekes in hiring positions with succesful companies.
"So how do I go about Rushing DKE?"
It's so simple. Just stop by the house, it's the big brick house on March
Field, during one of our parties. Mention to one of the brothers (many of
us wear DKE hats or shirts) that you're interested in rushing DKE. If we're
not having a party, look around on the first floor and say "Hey, how's
it goin', I'm thinking about rushing DKE." You'll be welcomed with
open arms.
"Then what happens after I've rushed for awhile?"
If you're ready to continue in the process of becoming a member after your
freshmen year, tell us. If the brothers think you're a good man, they will
extend a bid to you in the fall of your sophomore year. As Edward Griffin
Bartlett, a founding member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, once said, "the
candidate most favored was he who combined in the most equal proportions
the gentleman, the scholar, and the jolly good-fellow." This remains
true today. If you are given a bid to join DKE, and you choose to accept
it, you will then be part of what is called a pledge class. These other
men, who also were rushing, will be your friends for life. If you have come
this far, you know that DKE is a very tight house, something we pride ourselves
on. Our pledge process is the main factor that causes Dekes to be so tight.
Then after three weeks, you will go through a process called the initiation
ritual. Now because DKE is secretive, we can't tell you much more.
Not all fraternities were created equal:
