Greek Life began its first round of open rushes this week, starting on Wednesday.

The open rush rounds give students the opportunity to interact with various clubs and get a feel for where they belong. Some rush events are more activity-based, while others are about asking questions and interacting with as many people as possible. 

Greek life continues to grow as ACU enrollment numbers grow. Robin McPherson, senior coordinator of fraternities and sororities, said about 25% of the student population is part of a Greek Life. 

The university’s Greek Life is independent from the Greek Life of public universities across the country. 

“I think that our Greek Life is unique, and I think it’s great,” McPherson said. “I think the smallness of it makes it unique. There are traditions and history, and there are so many things about the way ACU does things that probably will never be like those larger universities, but I don’t think it needs to be.”

McPherson said fraternities and sororities at ACU are like their own little communities. Members of clubs attend Chapel together, participate in Sing Song together, engage in community service together, and play intramural sports together. 

“The rushing process was so worth it,” said Raelin Miller, member of Sigma Theta Chi. “I made so many best friends from it, and it helps me not just focus on soccer, but also another part of school, and I’m a part of the community now.” 

Miller, sophomore management major from Winter Park, Florida, said rushing was challenging because it made her schedule super busy, but once she got through that, everything was so much fun. 

To prevent hazing during the orientation process, a risk management officer is responsible for protecting students from harmful activities. Current members were required to go through hazing training with Mark Lewis, Dean of Students, in Moody Coliseum. Students who will be new members were required to view the presentation through a slideshow and answer questions about it.

When students return from Thanksgiving break, there will be another round of Open Rushes. On Dec. 4, students rushing will rank the clubs they’d like to join from most preferred to least preferred. 

Invitational rushes begin in January, leading up to bid day on Jan. 24.