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During the first few weeks of the semester, the Quad in front of Malcolm X Plaza becomes an impromptu field party taken over by the Greek community’s Rush Week.

These weeks are for curious students of all grades to look into joining an SF State Greek sorority or fraternity by rushing, or taking an interest in the group by attending their events and meeting its members.

Fraternities and sororities set up booths around the quad and in front of the Cesar Chavez Student Center to recruit new members into one of the 29 Greek organizations on campus. These students can be known as potentials, rushees or interests while rushing.

“There are activities throughout the week where we get to know the pledges,” said Jesse Hildebrant, a Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity member. “It’s about meeting lifelong friends,” he said.

At the end of rush week potentials receive bids that invite them to join the organization’s pledge process, which can last anywhere from eight weeks to a whole year.

“Sorority means sisterhood,” said Tina Ou of the Rho Delta Chi sorority. “You have people to rely on. We do everything together,” she said.

The process known as Rush Week varies between Greek organizations, but is generally slotted for the first week or two of school.

“I love it,” said Luke Jocson, catching his breath as he recovered from Chi Rho Omicron’s rush week activities. “I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the organization,” he said.

Jonathan Locsin, Chi Rho Omicron fraternity member, is on the other side of the events directing this year’s Rush Week for the fraternity.

“Rush Week is about seeing what it’s about, coming to events and getting information,” said Locsin. “No pressure, no requirements.”

For incoming students, it can be difficult to meet people or get acquainted with life on campus. Rush Week and Greek life offers the opportunity to meet a wide range of students and make new friends.

“It’s tough to meet friends,” said Mickkail Cain, Phi Kappa Tau fraternity member. “Rush week is to introduce a lot of the freshmen to the campus life.”