It is that time of the year again. Time to see the colorful jerseys and logos strutting around campus. Time to take advantage of free food and activities and meet new people along the way. But more than anything, time to find out what social clubs are all about.

Social clubs are a longstanding tradition at ACU, approaching nearly 100 years in existence. Many activities around campus are affected by social clubs: Sing Song, intramurals, service and charity events and other student social experiences. But while pledging is reserved for the fall semester, the spring offers students a unique opportunity to find out what social clubs are really about.

It is important to remember the rushing process is not a binding commitment. Students are not pledging their loyalty; they are merely experiencing a different side of ACU. Regardless of students’ decisions to pledge or not, students could miss an excellent opportunity to enhance their college experiences. Most student organizations are not stereotyped because of their diverse group, so why stereotype social clubs? With nearly 800 people involved, social clubs encompass a diverse group of students, and the chances of spring rushing should not be ignored.

Social clubs should not be defined as what students outwardly see throughout the pledging process. Unless you experience the process firsthand, it is hard to understand the impact these clubs have on a student’s life. Social clubs are not for everyone, but the experience a social club offers students is a part of the traditional ACU culture. Many times, students put social clubs in a box, generalizing clubs and attaching labels they have heard to the different clubs. Rushing offers a chance for clubs to change those perceptions.

Whether you are set on pledging or not, take advantage of the entire rushing process and develop your own perception of social clubs. While making academic decisions regarding your future is clearly more important, social clubs offer students the chance to further enhance their academic experiences. Keep an open mind and make a decision after investigating all of your options. Whether or not the rushing process changes your perception of social clubs, participate, so you allow yourself to make a well-informed decision.

But while the decision on which club to pledge is still months away, remember the time you are experiencing during rushing now and pledging later could turn into the time of your life.