The Rush Process

How do I "RUSH" and how does it work?

Q:  How does Recruitment "RUSH" work?

A:  For a 4-5 day period (usually Monday-Friday, or Monday-Thursday) starting during Bridge Week, or within the first week into each semester, fraternities across the IU Indy campus invite Potential New Members ("PNMs") out to “RUSH” their chapters. Rush is a way for anyone who may be interested in Greek Life to explore the Greek community, get a feel for what it is all about, and decide at which chapter they feel the most comfortable. There is no commitment made by coming to rush events, but at least stop by for the free food! 

Q:  Are there parties during Rush?

A:  No.  The Chapter maintains a zero-alcohol recruitment event policy during Recruitment "Rush" Week.  This is also the policy of our National Organization (Delta Sigma Phi National Headquarters) and the IU Indianapolis Interfraternity Council ("IFC"). (Note: No fraternity chapters at IU Indianapolis are allowed to host or have any parties or events including alcohol. Any Chapter found in breach of this policy would be sent to the judicial board of the IFC and could face penalties up to and including probationary status for that chapter.)

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Q:  Where will Rush be held?

A:  The Chapter hosts rush events at various locations, both off and on-campus. Please check the Rush Schedule for specific details such as locations, dates, and times. 

Also... is there an event that you would be interested in attending but do not have transportation? No problem! Get in contact with our Recruitment Team who can arrange and coordinate a ride. 

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Q:  How long is Recruitment? 

​A: For those young men genuinely interested in becoming a member of Delta Sigma Phi, make sure that you're showing that interest in the form of regular attendance during Rush Week and pre-Rush events.  While there is no firm policy on how many Rush Week days/pre-Rush events a potential New Member should attend, candidates attending less than 3-4 days are rarely considered due to lack of exposure.  

The intent of Rush Week for potential New Members is to meet Active Brothers, learn about our Brotherhood, to see if Delta Sigma Phi is a fit.  On the flip side, Rush Week is an opportunity for the Active Brothers to get to know you, what you're all about, and if you'd be a fit within our Brotherhood.  The more Brothers that know who you and your story, the more likely they will be to lobby on your behalf.  Obviously this is difficult if only attending one or two nights.

Q:  The Review Process

​A:  After each night of Rush Week, the Active Brotherhood meets privately to review potential candidates.  During this time, the Chapter has an opportunity to discuss their favorite candidates, identifying those whom they'd like to invite back to the final days of Recruitment, and eventually extend an "bid" invitation to join that semester's New Member Class.

Q:  The "BID" Process

​A: For those dedicated young men who have attended rush and tabling events, impressed The Delta Sig Brotherhood, and expressed a passionate desire to join the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, a "Bid" invitation is extended on the final Thursday of Rush Week. A Bid invitation is a special honor and opportunity that only a select group of young men receive each semester.  Should you receive a "Bid" invitation from other Fraternities as well, you will have 24-hours to decide if Delta Sigma Phi is right for you. (Note: per the IFC Recruitment policy, all fraternities on this campus are strictly forbidden and under no circumstances may extend Bids to any potential new member before 10:00 pm on the Final Thursday of the Recruitment season.)

For those who do not receive a "Bid" invitation for that semester's New Member Class, all is not lost.  There can be many reasons for not receiving a "Bid" invitation, including but not limited to: not enough Brothers were able to know your during Rush Week, the Chapter had already identified their top candidates and class size, the inability to attend due to class/family scheduling conflicts, prior commitments that would interfere with New Member term, etc.   

Those not receiving "Bid" invitations are welcome to come back the following semester and re-enter the recruitment process.  While coming back to rush the following semester is no guarantee of a "Bid" invitation, in many cases it demonstrates a commitment and dedication that could impress the Brotherhood.

For those interested in exploring other Fraternities and student groups, we wish you well.  There are many great student organizations, and some other Fraternities may be a better fit for you and your goals.  However, understand that by joining another Fraternity you have severed any opportunity of joining the leading Chapter at IU Indianapolis, Delta Sigma Phi.

Q:  What if I'm a "LEGACY"? (Father, Grandfather, Uncle, etc. is an Alumni Brother of Delta Sigma Phi)

​A:  A "LEGACY" is an individual whom has a relative (Father, Uncle, Grandfather, Brother etc.) who is an Alumni Brother of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.  From time to time, "Legacy" members come to Delta Sigma Phi during Rush Week, as they have grown up hearing grand stories of Brotherhood, college experiences and leadership.

While "Legacy" status offers no guarantee of receiving a bid invitation to join that semester's New Member Class, it is something that the Recruitment "Rush" Chairmen will take under advisement in their discussions with the Brotherhood.  

If you are a legacy from another Chapter (meaning your relative is an Alumni Member of Delta Sigma Phi, but at another University), please notify your Recruitment Chairmen, and provide their name, university and year pledged.  We will verify with the National Office to confirm that said relative is still in good standing with the Fraternity.

If you are a legacy from the Iota Eta Chapter (meaning your relative is an Alumni Member of Delta Sigma Phi at Indiana University Indianapolis), please notify your Recruitment Chairman, and provide their name and year pledged.  Members of our Alumni Association will confirm that said relative is still in good standing with the Chapter, and may reach out to them personally for a recommendation.

Q:  What if I'm a friend, high school teammate, classmate, roommate, dorm neighbor, etc of an Active/Alumni Brother of Delta Sigma Phi?

​A:  While we pride ourselves on being a diverse group of unique individuals from all different backgrounds and experiences, a portion of each New Member Class is often comprised of good friends of currently Active Brothers.  Such situations often occur because potential New Members have already gotten to know some of the Active Brothers, who in turn can already speak to your character, personality and potential.  While these relationships are no guarantee of receiving a bid invitation, they may get you in front of the Brotherhood a bit sooner than someone stopping by the Chapter for the first time.