Deferred vs Regular who has more numbers?

[James]

I have seen this question discussued, but bottom line. On campuses with deferred Rush vs. normal Rush.

Which system sees more PNM's come out. Which system has larger chapters and more Greek Life.

Anyone want to hzard some guesses?

I would say, without data, that generally Greek systems that have Normal Freshmen Rush have both more PNM's larger chapters and a greater percentage of Greeks.

[texas*princess]

I think this all varies from school to school. For example, big schools like the University of Texas, there are already tons of ladies who are eager to rush before the fall semester, whereas on smaller campuses with much smaller Greek systems, it might be harder to have a regular formal recruitment with a very good turnout.

That's just my guess though!

[FuzzieAlum]

My campus switched from deferred to first semester and numbers went down. They switched back again. The last semester they did fall rush, quota was 8. Then when they did deferred, it shot up to 18.

However, the total number of girls in sororities didn't really change overall. When they did fall rush, it just meant that lots of girls joined through informal rush instead.

[33girl]

I honestly think the two have no bearing on each other.

For example, Bama has deferred rush. I would wager that Bama could have rush on Christmas Day and still have 100x the amount of Greek involvement than other schools.

Clarion has first semester rush now and from what I've seen it hasn't raised numbers, but I don't "blame" that on the timing of rush...there are other factors.

I think a more apt question would be "which creates more satisfied members?"

[FuzzieAlum]

That's an interesting idea, and I think you're right ... how would you measure it? Retention?

[aephi alum]

My school just went from immediate to deferred rush this year. With immediate rush, quota was usually around 30-32. This year, it was 22. If you look at the percentages, it's even bleaker, as the number of admitted women has been going up.

I think this is due in part to the fact that for the first semester of freshman year, you are graded pass/no record. (C or better = pass, D or F = no record that you ever took the course.) I think people are a little wary of balancing new member activities with classwork, other activities, jobs, etc, particularly during their first semester on grades.

Interestingly enough, fraternity rush is still in the fall, though it was deferred from August to September.

I'm not there, so I don't really have a sense as to whether this year's new members are more or less satisfied with where they ended up...

[breathesgelatin]

I think problems arise not from either rush time intrinsically, but when a school makes a change, the psychological impact of it can change things.

Does that make sense?

[33girl]

Originally posted by FuzzieAlum
That's an interesting idea, and I think you're right ... how would you measure it? Retention?

Retention, %age of participation at events and perhaps alum involvement.