Spring quarter brings many fresh starts: better weather, blooming flowers, happy students and the much anticipated Greek rush — a period of recruitment in which fraternities and sororities welcome a new wave of members. For students who participated in rush, the process was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
“The stereotype I had was from Alabama, and they take it super seriously in the South,” said Vanessa Lim ’28, a participant in this year’s sorority rush.
Approximately 15 to 20% of Stanford’s student body is involved in Greek life, which includes 24 organizations formally recognized by the University, 12 of which are housed. Some chapters began holding informational sessions open to first-year students during Week 5 of winter quarter.
Formal recruitment occurred at the beginning of spring quarter, with Greek bodies hosting events to get to know prospective members. Some organizations may also have informal recruitment for upper-class or transfer students, such as continuous open bidding (COB), throughout the year.
Going into rush weekend, students carried different expectations. For Bheshta Kohistani ’28, Stanford’s rush process was much more laid back than in her hometown in Virginia, which she appreciated.
“It’s slightly surprising how straightforward it is,” said Cole Spencer ’28, another frosh who participated in rush. “It’s a really simple process. You kind of just talk to people, which is the organic way to do it.”
