What does frat rush mean?

Hey everyone, I've heard about 'frat rush' but I'm not quite sure what it means or how it works. Can someone explain the process to me? Thanks!

"Frat rush" is a term used to describe the process of joining a fraternity in college. Fraternities (and sororities for women) are social organizations typically centered around a shared set of ideals and values, providing a close-knit community for members on campus. "Rush" is the time when fraternities recruit new members, typically occurring at the beginning of each semester.

The rush process usually starts with a series of open house events hosted by different fraternities on campus, where potential new members (also known as "rushees") can attend, meet current fraternity members, and get acquainted with each house’s culture, activities, and members. This is an opportunity for both the rushees and the fraternities to decide if they'd be a good fit for each other.

Following open house events, there may be a series of invitation-only events for rushees who have expressed interest in specific fraternities. These events can include social gatherings, philanthropy events, or other activities. The goal is to get to know the rushees better and see if their personality aligns with the fraternity's values and culture.

After attending the various events, fraternities will discuss potential new members and ultimately decide who to extend a "bid" (formal invitation) to. If a rushee receives a bid and chooses to accept it, they'll enter the "pledge" process and participate in various tasks, events, and activities designed to further integrate them into the fraternity and foster a strong bond with the other members.

It's important to note that the rush process can vary significantly between different colleges and even between different fraternities on the same campus. Also, many universities now enforce strict anti-hazing policies to ensure a positive and safe experience for all rushees.

In summary, frat rush is the recruitment process for joining a fraternity in college, typically involving a series of open house events, invitation-only gatherings, and ultimately receiving and accepting a bid from a fraternity.