In the second year of spring rush at the University, bid numbers rose with 410 men accepting bids at fraternities as opposed to 380 in 1999.
The number of accepted bids increased this year by almost seven percent. IFC Treasurer Tim Roscoe said he thinks the increase in bid numbers is promising but statistically insignificant.
"If we're talking about the effect of deferred rush on numbers, an accurate assessment of that would require a broader study than just from one year to the next," Roscoe said.
IFC President Wes Kaupinen said the IFC worked more closely with Resident Staff, held a more successful rush forum and better communicated the rush theme of "leadership, scholarship, service and athletics."
Asst. Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said he views the increase in bids as a positive sign.
Laushway said he thinks pushing rush back to the spring allows first years to prioritize the organizations they want to become associated with, rather than forcing students to make commitments hastily.
"By giving students a semester to acclimate themselves to the University and learning what the requirements are, they can balance their lifestyles accordingly," he said.
But Phi Sigma Kappa President Peter Battaglia disagreed with Laushway. Battaglia said he thinks pushing rush back to the spring hampered the entire rushing process in many ways.
"I think it does give possible hindrances in terms of recruitment and financial difficulties for students," he said.
Not only does Battaglia favor fall rush, but he said he also believes the administration discriminated against fraternities when they moved rush to the spring.
"It seems somewhat discriminatory, as well, in the fact that there are no other sanctions imposed on any other groups for delayed membership," he added.
But Laushway said he believes fraternities are different from other organizations on Grounds.
Although it is arguable whether moving rush to the spring has helped or hindered the whole process, IFC Rush Chairman Josh Johnson said the fraternity rush as a whole was very fruitful.
"I think it was very successful. There were no huge violations. Everything went smoothly," Johnson said.
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