Changes to Rush week

   For liability and hazing reasons, Muskingum University has enacted dry Bid Day for sororities and fraternities, meaning parties celebrating the acceptance of new members are not to serve alcohol.

   Before being enacted at Muskingum University, dry Bid Day has already been enforced in other schools, such as Marietta College in Ohio and Mississippi State University, according to these schools' websites.

   "New members won't feel like they have to drink," said Director of Greek Affairs Stacey Allan. "[They] can focus on more meaningful events."

   Administration hopes that this will aid in putting a stop to the dangerous trend of alcohol related mishaps.

   In some schools, Bid Day has ended tragically – parties have even resulted in death.

   On August 25, 1997 Benjamin Wynne, a 20-year-old Louisiana State University student, died of alcohol poisoning  during a Bid Day celebration according to a report in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

   This problem is not limited to Louisiana – Muskingum University students have required medical attention after excessive alcohol use as well.

   Allan believes that a dry Bid Day is a move in the right direction.

   Feelings about dry Bid Day are not unanimous. On Wednesday, Jan. 11, Rachel Baker and Katie McCrystal hosted Rush sign-up in the BOC.

   "[Dry Bid Day] is going to be a lot different than it's been the past couple years," Baker said. "I don't think people will adapt to this pledge day as well."

   McCrystal remains positive, expressing an interest in the outcome of Greek Life's enacted advancement.

   The location of parties orienting students to the sororities and fraternities has also undergone change.

   They will be held in Montgomery Hall (for the men) and Cambridge Hall (for the women).

   This was enacted to better welcome new recruits, as these are familiar buildings that would not require anyone to trudge through snow only to arrive and not know anyone present.

   "Comfort-level wise, it should be a better experience," said Allan.

   McCrystal and Baker agreed.

   "Sometimes freshmen are intimidated by coming to the house," said Baker.

   McCrystal added that hosting parties at the houses as they'd done previously can be difficult given the hilly campus.

   The academic standards for those in sororities and fraternities remain the same – members must maintain a 2.35 GPA, and be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours.