First of all, what is "Rush"?

Most people are unfamiliar with the term "Rush". In fact, the entire recruitment process tends to be overwhelming for men simply because they aren't familiar with how it works. Rush is an informal recruitment process that typically occurs at the beginning of each semester. Lasting between one- and three weeks, Rush is the period when fraternities hold recruitment events, open houses and parties in order to meet new prospects.

 

The recruitment process explained.

The term "Rush" and "Recruitment" tend to be synonymous with each other, however "Rush" is a period and "Recruitment" is a process. There are actually few periods and milestones to the recruitment process that take place in a specific order- "Rush" being one of them. Traditionally it begins with the Rush period at the beginning of each semester- between one and three weeks (Fiji's rush period is usually about two and a half weeks).

The Rush period serves as an opportunity for the Brothers of the fraternity to meet and make friends with new men, and for these new men to go around and meet the Brothers of all the different fraternities. At the end of the Rush period, the Brothers on the fraternity convene and decide which prospects they see suitable as future brothers of their fraternity. If it is decided that the prospect would make a good brother, the fraternity will issue him a bid.

A "Bid" is a formal invitation to pledge the fraternity. Men who have visited many fraternities often receive many bids from the various fraternities. This poses an important decision for the prospect who received the bids, choosing which fraternity he would like to pledge. Once he has made a decision which fraternity he would like to pledge, he then responds to the fraternity which issued it with an affirmative response called "Accepting the Bid". At this point, or shortly thereafter, the prospect who accepted the bid becomes a Pledge to the fraternity. (Some fraternities refer to the men who have pledged their fraternity as "New Members" or "Associate Members" but Fiji refers to these men as "Pledges".)

Again, "Pledging" is another process. The pledging process varies from fraternity to fraternity and semester to semester, but typically lasts between 8 and 12 weeks. Once the pledges have collectively successfully completed the pledging process, they are then initated as Brothers of the fraternity- the final step of the process.

 

What is a Fraternity?

"A Fraternity is an association of men, selected in their college days by democratic processes, because of their adherence to common ideals and aspirations. Out of their association arises a personal relation which makes them unselfishly seek to advance one another in the arts of life and to add, to the formal instruction of the college curriculum, the culture and character which men acquire by contact with great personalities, or when admitted to partnership in great traditions. A Fraternity, too, is of such character that after men have left college they delight to renew their own youth by continued association with it and to bring their richest experiences back to the younger generation in part payment of the debt which they feel themselves owe to the fraternity for what it gave them in their formative years." -Newton D. Baker

Brother Newton D. Baker graduated from Johns Hopkins in 1892 and Washington and Lee in 1894. He is a member of The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta and served as President from 1905-1910. He served as The Secretary of War for the United States of America from during World War I.

 

Why Join a Fraternity?

Greek life at the Bowling Green State University is a way to enrich the social experience and build life long friendships. Each Fraternity has something different to offer on campus - as the passage above says, men in a Fraternity adhere to common ideals and aspriations. The point of the recruitment period or rush period is to give interested men a chance to meet the different brotherhoods and observe how each chapter acts and functions differently. It is a process of mutual selection - Individuals are granted bids at the conclusion of the week of formal pledging. Besides offering friendship and fun, Fraternities offer service oppertunities, academic support, and a means to network with alumni. Scholarship is a focus of many of the Fraternities on campus. There are a lot of constructive events Fraternities take part in every year, like philanthropy and community service. The only way to decide if a Fraternity is right for you is to go out and meet greek men on campus.

Why Join Fiji?

Phi Gamma Delta has existed at the University of Bowling Green since 1984. Nearly 200 men have been initated as brothers in our chapter. We have a rich history of success, and successful brothers. We enjoy our rich history, but at the same time we're still building the future. We are proud of our diversified brotherhood. We have scholars, athletes, musicians, and more. Despite these differing characteristics, we have a strong brotherhood based upon what we do have in common.

Here at FIJI, we have a Rush 365 philosophy. That means that we are recruiting all year round, always looking to meet new guys and expand our membership. We take a lot of pride in being a special fraternity with rich history and a lot to offer. Take a look:

- Phi Gamma Delta is an International Fraternity with strong ties to our international headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky.
- Rich with history: Over 150 years old
- A brotherhood with men from across the country
- GPA exceeding All-Men's Average
- $250 Scholarship awarded to first year members achieving a GPA of 3.0 or above
- Intramural Football Champions 3 years in a row
- Intramural Golf Champions 4 years in a row

 

What are the statistics on fraternities?

Fraternity men represent a very small percentage; only two percent of men in the United States.
However, this two percent is a very powerful group of individuals.

-Approximately 80% of the top executives of Fortune 500 companies are fraternity men.
-100 of the 158 cabinet members since 1900 have been fraternity men.
-All but two United States Presidents since 1825 have been fraternity men.
-40% of the 47 Supreme Court Justices since 1910 have been fraternity men.
-The majority (71%) of those listed in Who's Who in America are fraternity men.
-76% of current United States Senators and Congressman are fraternity men.
The opportunities are endless and the benefits speak for themselves