Frequently Asked Questions about RUSH

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WHAT IS RUSH

Rush is a series of free events held at the beginning of the semester by Fraternal organizations. During rush, prospective members are given an opportunity to meet and interact with Brothers of the Fraternity. This gives prospective members a glimpse into Fraternity life.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR PARTICIPATING IN ANY OF THESE RUSH EVENTS

Absolutely not. All events are free of charge to potential new members. Just come out and enjoy yourself while getting to know the brothers of our Fraternity.

HOW DOES THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS WORK

After potential new members have attended a few rush events, gotten to know a couple of the brothers, and have filled out an application, an interview will be scheduled. After the interview, the potential new member will then be notified if they have received a “bid,” also known as the opportunity to participate in the new member education process.

WHAT IS “NEW MEMBER EDUCATION” AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE

More than anything else, new member education is a learning period. During this period, the new member is educated about the values and ideals of Sigma Beta Rho as well as its history and traditions. Most importantly, during this period all new members are acquainted with the brothers of the fraternity and vice versa. A New Member Educator is assigned to each new member class who will lead the new members through this learning process. The New Member Educator will interact with the new members very closely during this period and eventually guide them to successful completion of new member education. There is no pre-determined time period for the successful completion of new member education, but on average it usually runs from 6-8 weeks.

IF I WORK OR AM TAKING CLASSES, WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE TIME FOR NEW MEMBER EDUCATION

One of the major virtues of any successful individual is being able to manage his or her time most efficiently. Efficient time management is one of the key elements stressed during the new member education period. We understand that many people have obligations besides the fraternity. We honor those obligations and will make every attempt to accommodate your schedule. However, it is for you to decide if you want to manage your time efficiently. You will find that Sigma Beta Rho is very flexible with respect to school work and/or jobs. We consider your academics to be your #1 priority while in college and so a large emphasis is placed on grades.

WILL MY GRADES DROP IF I TRY TO BECOME A NEW MEMBER

Grades drop when schoolwork is not completed fully or on time. New member education may take a good amount of time away from your normal life style, however effective time management skills are essential and will be taught during the process. The new member education program mandates study hours for every new member who appears to be struggling with classes as well as one-on-one tutoring with an older brother who has previously taken the class in which the new member is struggling. The University of Maryland and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life also highly encourage this type of attention paid to the new member’s grades.

WILL I BE HAZED

No! Sigma Beta Rho is strictly a non-hazing organization. Our chapter and national constitutions forbid brothers from hazing aspirants. Any hazing incident would end up in expulsion of the brother from Sigma Beta Rho as well as a loss of chapter recognition on campus by the school’s Greek office.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO BECOME A NEW MEMBER

Sigma Beta Rho does not charge a fee to participate in the new member education process.

WHERE CAN I GO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SIGMA BETA RHO FRATERNITY

You can check out our national recruitment website (RUSHSIGRHO) or learn more about our fraternity and new member education process by contacting our chapter directly.