Rush
What does it mean to rush Lambda Phi Epsilon?
Rush is a period of time in the first weeks of each semester where fraternities and sororities seek out potential new members through various events such as barbeques, parties and mixers. Rush is a means for you to learn more about our organization, to meet the brothers, and to determine whether Lambda Phi Epsilon is right for you. Check out our rush flyers for details of upcoming events.
Will rush cost me any money?
No, rush is completely free.
Does rush come with any obligations?
There are no obligations for you to attend rush other than to have a good time. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy themselves at our events, even if you are not interested in joining.
Do I have to come to all events?
We encourage everyone who is serious about joining Lambda Phi Epsilon to attend as many of our rush events as possible since this will allow you to learn more about the fraternity while giving you more exposure to the brothers which will increase your chances for a bid.
Do I have to be Asian to join Lambda Phi Epsilon?
Absolutely not. While we are an Asian-American Interest Fraternity, there are brothers of all ethnicities in our chapter at Carnegie Mellon as well as other chapters all over the nation. You do not have to be Asian to come to rush events and you do not have to be Asian to join Lambda Phi Epsilon. We seek out new members based on character. Ethnicity is most definitely not a barrier of entry.
What happens after rush?
If the brothers feel that you are a good fit for the fraternity, they will extend you a bid after rush. If you choose to accept the bid, you will begin the pledging process which is designed to instill the values of the fraternity. Upon completion of the pledging process, you will become a brother of Lambda Phi Epsilon for life.
Why choose Lambda Phi Epsilon?
Joining Lambda Phi Epsilon is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience something unique. You will receive the advantages of an expanded social network of not only brothers from Carnegie Mellon, but also brothers from 50 other chapters across the nation as well as sorority and alumni connections. Lambda Phi Epsilon is comprised of a stream of successful brothers and alumni who will help with academics, extracurriculars, professional development as well as invaluable advice and knowledge that would be otherwise difficult to obtain. There is also constant interaction between the 50 chapters across the nation; therefore, you will always be able to find a group of welcoming brothers wherever you go.
But most importantly, you will experience brotherhood. This may sound like a foreign concept for many – embracing your fellow fraternity members as lifelong brothers, but we believe the relationships that you build in Lambda Phi Epsilon transcend that of friendship. Your brothers are people who will have your back no matter what; people who you can trust with anything; people with whom you will build lifelong memories that you can laugh over when you’re old and balding. That’s true brotherhood in a nutshell and that is what Lambda Phi Epsilon is all about.
Glossary of Greek Terms
Greeks – Members of a fraternity or sorority.
MGC (Multicultural Greek Council) - The governing body of all cultural Greek organizations at CMU.
Chapter - The local campus organization of an international fraternity.
Rush - A period of recruitment for Greek organizations in the initial weeks of each semester.
Rushee – Someone who is attending rush and a potential member of a Greek organization.
Legacy – A prospective member whose parent, sibling, or grandparent is a member of a sorority or fraternity.
Bid – A formal, written invitation for a rushee to join a fraternity.
Pledge Process – A time before initiation during which new members learn about the fraternity and its new members, activities, and responsibilities.
Big Brother - An older member assigned to mentor a new member.
To Cross - An informal term designating the completion of the pledge process.
Neo – An informal designation given to new members.
Active – A person who has completed the pledge process and has been initiated into a lifelong membership in the fraternity.
Alumnus – A graduated member of the fraternity. Alumni continue to support their chapter through donations, advice, employment opportunities etc.
Mixer – A private social event between a fraternity and sorority as a chance for members to socialize and meet each other.
Philanthropy – Community service events that fraternities and sororities partake in order to raise money for charitable causes.