"RUSH" refers to the process in which fraternities recruit new members.

Fraternities often informally rush fellow students by means of everyday contact. Many colleges and universities have a formal recruitment period known as 'RUSH WEEK' in which fraternities host enticing social events to further acquaint themselves with 'RUSHEES' (potential new members). The term 'RUSH' alludes to a defunct tradition in which students desperate to find housing on or near campus would scramble and race to join fraternities at the beginning of the school year.

Scholastic excellence is highly valued to members of the Greek community. Most fraternities implement and exercise a scholarship program that ensure academic success for the organization and its members — common characteristics of these programs include exam databases, tutoring and course advice from experienced members, and awards/incentives for outstanding scholastic performance.

Providing service for communities and charitable organizations is another merit of fraternities. Each group supports their own philanthropy, or charitable cause, by holding events and fund raisers throughout the year. This involvement provides inspiration to others, positively affects many lives, instills a fulfilling sense of contribution, and adorns a resume.

Committed involvement in a fraternity allows for personal development as every chapter is a self-governed organization. Students are thus given opportunities to develop and hone their leadership skills by learning how to manage their peers, planning, organizing and coordinating events and conducting professional meetings. Many successful men and women credit their leadership abilities to their participation and achievements in the Greek system. Knowledge obtained from educational programs and guest speakers also help nurture one's personal development.

The Greek system presents students with social and networking opportunities. The experiences shared by members in a brotherhood establish strong relationships and cement bonds that last a lifetime. Being Greek allows you to network such that you meet hundreds of people from all walks of life with scopious networks of their own. Moreover, one's network will consist of selfless alumni wanting to assist fellow members in anyway possible. Other opportunities occur as social gatherings between two organizations, commonly referred to as 'MIXERS', facilitate casual acquaintances that may otherwise be awkward situations.

Written by: Lee A. Wong, Pi Class.
Reference used: UBC Greek Life - Benefits
www.ams.ubc.ca/clubs/greek/greekbenefits.html

1. Nationally, fraternity members acquire grade point averages above all other college men's scholastic rankings.
2. Nationally, fraternity members have an overall higher graduation rate than non-Greeks. Seventy-one percent of all fraternity men persist to graduation while only 50 percent of all non-fraternity members graduate.
3. All but two United States presidents since 1825 have been fraternity men, and 63 percent of the U.S. presidents' cabinet members since 1900 have been fraternity men.
4. Studies show that 76 percent of Congress, 71 percent of the men listed in "Who's Who in America", and 85 percent of the Fortune 500 executives belong to a fraternity.
5. Since 1910, 85 percent of the Supreme Court justices have been Greek.
6. Greeks contribute innumerable community service hours and contributions to local and national charities annually.

Source: Oklahoma University Web Server
www.greekpages.com/LocalsOnline/facts.htm