Rush Week at the University of New Haven (UNH) is an exciting time for all involved. Marking the beginning of the recruitment process for all Greek Life organizations on campus, this semesterly event brings all fraternities and sororities together for a week of introductory activities, allowing for students to discover the values of each organization, and learn what brotherhood and sisterhood truly mean.

Greek life at UNH plays an important role in the growth of the campus and student body, with these organizations being known for their philanthropic events, academic prowess, and creating a sense of community for their members. Rush Week gives the opportunity for students to discover which organization’s values and beliefs align with their own, and find a new lifelong community of brothers and sisters to call their own.

This year, Rush Week included a distinct twist, with all university-recognized fraternities and sororities hosting their weeklong introductions on the same week, beginning on Sunday, Sept. 15 and ending Friday, Sept. 20. This approach allowed for all students to interact with the range of organizations present. From Buffalo Wild Wings nights to week-long themes, UNH’s Greek Life organizations showcased their chapters and attracted a lot of attention from the rest of the student body.

The week kicked off on Sunday with Chapter Tours, where each fraternity and sorority received a room to present their organization to whomever attended, and summarize their organization and their values.

After Chapter Tours, the week began with a mixture of events.. These events from the fraternities included Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Buffalo Wild Wings night, where brothers drove potential new members to the Local Buffalo Wild Wings for a night of sports-watching, food and introductions. Sigma Chi had a BBQ Night at Mission Barbecue, for a night of introductions to the brotherhood as well.

Notable events from our campus sororities included themed open houses, such as Alpha Sigma Alphas Vogue open house, taking place in Bucknall Hall. Phi Sigma Sigma had their My My Miss American Phi Open House, both serving as functions to get to know potential new sisters looking for an organization and sisterhood to call their own.

This week showcased many of Greek Life’s different philanthropies. Notable philanthropies included Phi Sigma Sigma’s America Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Rape Crisis Center of Milford and Sigma Chi’s Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

“We really wanted to show people that the stigmas surrounding greek life are simply not true,” said Thomas Fang, the Recruitment Chair of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.“Our values and beliefs are truly what hold us together, we show campus that Greek life isn’t just a social organization, but one that gives back to the community in any way we can.”

Rush week at the University of New Haven holds a special place in the student body’s hearts, with each year piquing the interest of more students than the year before.

For more information, you can follow @fsl_unewhaven on instagram for updates on events, rush, and other inquiries.