September at ACU means the social clubs are preparing for the frenzy that is rushing.

This year, Alpha Kai, Kojies, Siggies, and GATA will be joined by a new club, Zeta Rho. After a twelve-year hiatus, Zeta Rho  rechartered last spring and has been received with open arms by the other clubs. This is their first go at Rushing/Pledging and the ladies are taking a slightly different approach.

The president of Zeta Rho, Becca Clay, a senior speech pathology major, said that their pledging wasn’t going to be much different than other clubs, except in one area.

“We have chosen to highlight academics, service and scripture, said Clay. “At least a third of our pledging hours are homework, pure study hours, in the library.”

Laura Jane Hood, junior youth and families ministry major and pledge mom of Zeta Rho, said that translates into about four hours a week of studying.

The pending Pledges and Rushees like junior kinesiology and pre-physical therapy major, Carly Henderson, are receiving this with gusto.

“I like that a third of their hours are study hours, especially because I have a lot of homework,” said Henderson. “Lots of GPAs normally drop during pledging.”

Besides the mandatory study hours, Zeta Rho also wants to include those who may have limited time but would really like to pledge.

Hood said, “We value diversity and we value girls who have strong convictions, morals, and ambitions. Because of this we have a strong desire to have Res Life staff as members, as well as student athletes and girls who work full-time.”

What do the other clubs think of this? The secretary of Zeta Rho, Tara Lowe a junior elementary education major said, “The other clubs have been extremely supportive and I have had nothing but encouraging things said to me.”

Right now the Zeta’s are just excited to be a part of the pledging process and a part of the club scene on ACU’s campus.

“Every club has their own unique aspect but we are all united in the fact that we are brothers and sisters in Christ,” said Lowe. “That bond cannot be broken.”

As for what they hope of this years pledge class, Clay has strong expectations.

“My hopes is that girls will find where they belong whether that is with Zeta or not. And that pledging will be an encouraging and uplifting experience for everybody.”