Rush: The Aftermath and the Alternatives

Going through fall rush can be a rush of emotions. You just spent the last week completely devoted to smiling, being charming and hoping that you’ll meet the sorority in which you belong. Many girls are lucky and receive bids from their favorite sorority, and others even are lucky enough to receive bids. Still, many girls walk away without anything but hurt feelings, bitterness and a slight hatred for the overheard conversations about picking bigs and pomping homecoming floats.

If this pertains to you, know that this is not the end of your social life. In fact, it’s just the segway into everything else Penn State has to offer – which is a lot. Surprisingly enough, there are plenty of organizations you can join that will fill the void you are feeling. Whether you wanted the philanthropy aspect or service, you can find a group you really connect with.

The Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) is one great organization to get involved in if you’re looking into learning about giving back to the school and networking with alumni.

“We are a smaller organization, but we are looking for driven, creative, and committed individuals to be a part of our group,” says Matt Ferrara, the president of SPC. “Students can get involved either by attending our events that we host throughout the year, like the Day of Philanthropy, or being a part of our Golden Lion Campaign.”

If you still are looking for Greek life without being involved in the social Greek life scene, there are plenty of organizations that gives you the feel of Greek life without having to go through rush. 

Alpha Phi Omega is a co-ed service fraternity whose bylaws are based on the Boy Scouts. They focus on leadership, friendship and service, and do not exclude any potential pledges as long as they commit to a 20-hour community service term per semester, attend the pledge meetings and events, and other requirements.

Omega Phi Alpha is a service sorority, which was founded in 1967, and focuses on “the ideals of sisterhood, friendship, leadership and cooperation” according to their website. Though they have only been at Penn State since 2006, they are just as involved in service events across campus.

Women in Business is a non-Greek organization, but is a tight-knit group of girls of all majors interested in professionalism and marketing themselves as they prepare for the real world. They host many of their own events and are also very present on campus.

Joining any other close-knit organization is a sure way to find what you’re looking for, without having to go through the sorority rush process all over again. Remember that there is another side of life at Penn State, and that there are more orgs to join than you even recognize. Take your chance and look at the alternatives—you won’t regret it.

Photo by Audrey Cillio