This page was created to answer some common questions about rush,
specifically pertaining to Washington & Lee University and the
Sigma Nu Fraternity. Rush
is a word that refers to the fraternity recruitment process. It serves
both as a chance for you to learn more about the fraternity, and for
the fraternity to learn more about you.
Nationals Presentation on Rush: "Excelling with Honor" (New Window) - Flash
Why Rush at Washington & Lee?
Really, why wouldn’t you? Washington and Lee’s unique Winter Rush
system allows for freshmen men to party all first semester at our
(Sigma Nu’s) expense. With free bands, free food, and free
entertainment, why not rush? If that’s not enough for you, then how
about this:
- Over 80% of freshmen males rush at Washington & Lee
- A higher percentage of freshmen rush at Washington and Lee than at any other university
- Formal Rush requires only one small fee (About $20 for the 2009 school year)
- Rushing is a great way to meet some of the finest men (and women) at Washington & Lee
- Fall Rush is arguably the most fun time you’ll have at Washington and Lee
How Does W&L's Rush System Work?
Washington & Lee
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has a unique Winter Rush system that is divided into two parts, Informal and Formal Rush:
- Informal Fall Rush - This is the chance for you to cut
loose and have a good time. Rush parties are open to everyone and are a
ton of fun. This is your chance to meet the brothers and get to know
them. Informal rush includes not only parties, but activities like
dinners, sporting events, and just hanging out around the house. If
you're ever bored, just stop by the Sigma Nu house for a good time.
Informal Fall Rush begins when students begin to arrive in the Fall,
and concludes with the beginning of Formal Winter Rush.
- Formal Winter Rush - Washington & Lee has a very
structured formal Rush process. The formal Rush process typically
begins the week following Christmas Break. For three nights you will
visit two houses a night for a coat and tie dinner or dessert. That
Friday is a no-contact night to allow freshmen to consider your
decision without pressure. The Saturday following the formal Rush
process is one of the biggest campus-wide parties all year long, Tear
Night. On Tear Night you will tear (accept) your bid to your fraternity
of choice.
That's Nice, but Why Rush Sigma Nu?
Besides being one of the
most kick-ass frats on campus, Sigma Nu Lambda Chapter here at
Washington and Lee is important in many areas. Sigma Nu was one of
three national fraternities formed right here in Lexington. Sigma Nu
was formed in 1869 within sight of the current Lambda Chapter House at
the Virginia Military Institute. When fraternities were phased out at
VMI, Lambda Chapter here at Washington and Lee was appointed the
“Honorary Alpha” Chapter and was charged with protecting the symbolic
Alpha Chest.
As well, initiates of Lambda Chapter have been influential in many
important duties to the national fraternity. They have been essential
in expanding Sigma Nu into one of the largest national fraternities.
“But what does Sigma Nu Lambda Chapter have to offer me?” you ask. Of
course, the answer is plenty! Sigma Nu has some of the best guys on
campus. We’re a bunch of fun-loving and great guys, if I may say so
myself. We’ve also had a consistent
record of achieving the highest fraternity GPA on a campus of some of
the most intelligent students in the nation, including Phi Beta Kappa
inductees. As well, Sigma Nu is the only national fraternity formed
against hazing. Sigma Nu Lambda Chapter’s pledgeship is committed to
building character, and not to participate in childish acts of hazing.
Our brothers are also very active members of various on-campus
extracurricular activities such as WLUR 91.5 (the college radio
station), The Trident
(the independent student newspaper), College Republicans, the College
Democrats, the Outing Club, Club Fencing, University-Shenandoah
Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Nabors Service League, Reformed
University Fellowship, Catholic Campus Ministry, Generals Christian
Fellowship, Mock Convention, and Mock Trial. We also are involved in
various athletics like rugby, hockey, and soccer.
Sounds great, how do I get to meet you guys?
Sigma Nu will offer you plenty of opportunities to get to meet our
brothers first-hand. During Fall Rush, we throw gigantic themed parties
such as our annual Bourbon Street Bash. We will be sure to keep you informed about other activities available at our house by phone or by invitation.
What if I still have questions?
No doubt you still have questions. Rush at Washington and Lee is a very
complicated process, so feel free to contact us regarding any questions
you have:
Chris Browning
Sigma Nu Fraternity
4 Henry Street
Lexington, VA 24450
We hope to hear from you soon. Good luck, and I’ll see you in the fall.
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