March 1, 2012
New Regulation on Freshman Rush
Dear Yale College Students,
We write to inform you of a change in The Undergraduate Regulations, originally recommended by the Committee on Hazing and Initiations last April: Effective immediately, freshmen will not be permitted to participate in fraternity and sorority rush and initiation activities until their second semester.
Adjusting to the rigors of college life and academics is a major transition for entering undergraduates. Spring rush is the standard practice among many peer institutions, because it allows freshmen more time in their first semester to establish their own routines and independent friendships and to explore the full range of activities available on campus. We hope this change will provide freshmen adequate time to orient themselves more thoroughly to the richness of the broad Yale experience.
In the coming months, we will be engaging student leadership in a conversation about ways to implement this new regulation.
Yours truly,
Mary Miller
Dean of Yale College
Sterling Professor of History of Art
W. Marichal Gentry
Senior Associate Dean of Yale College
Dean of Student Affairs
Yale recognizes that organizations under the leadership of undergraduates can and do enhance a student's education by providing additional opportunities beyond the curriculum for personal development and growth. Furthermore, the University benefits from the variety of services and activities provided by undergraduate organizations.
The University believes that students should be encouraged to participate in organizations that are open to all members of the community and whose activities do not interfere with the policies or programs of the University or with the rights of other members of the community. To that end the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs and the Yale College Committee on Undergraduate Organizations assist students in developing organizations and planning events, in some cases provide financial advice and assistance, clarify University policies and procedures, and authorize the use of University resources and facilities.
