By Kelsi Peace, Managing Editor

In less than two weeks, students will soon be skipping across campus, sporting bizarre clothing and appearing everywhere in pairs.

Chapel aside, few campus traditions raise more mixed feelings among the student body than social clubs and the pledging process – and all eyes are watching this year as several changes go into effect.

So with Bid Night slated for one week from today, I offer a challenge to all students with club affiliations: make it work.

When it comes to club, I tend to sit on the fence – I don’t hate the concept or the organizations, and I even considered pledging this fall.

While some members, frustrated that the changes will require far less from future pledges than was demanded from them, make a valid point, it’s a poor way to view the process. Social clubs repeat their mantras about forming community and benefiting the campus, and in the wake of countless forums addressing division, ought to know exactly how to form said “community.”

A major trend last spring sought to merge the university’s “sub communities,” and among discussion of racial and gender issues, some questioned the benefits social clubs offer.

Earlier this fall, Dr. Jean- Noel Thompson, vice president and dean of student life, observed campus sub cultures and said he wanted to bridge those gaps.

And while each individual social club is a sub community, if the community it offers its members enriches their lives, than club is little cause for concern.

A fresh start for the pledging process and returning men’s social club Sub T-16 means an opportunity to rise above tired stereotypes and work creatively under the changes – the good and the bad.

And for this year’s pledges, new requirements to attend all rushes offer a chance to meet the members and to pledge the club that really fits – not the club with the best reputation or the longest family tradition.

I’ve talked to several women who are leaning toward clubs I never would have expected, and their independence is refreshing.

Social clubs have a rich history in the university, but the greatest institutions are fluid enough to change with times while retaining deep-seated tradition. Campus culture is changing – will social clubs make it work?