As part of the IFC’s larger effort to restore a positive image of Greek life here at Penn State, President Max Wendkos has announced that rush this spring will be dry.

According to the official guide for this semester’s rush, the goal is to create an environment where fraternity members and those rushing will actually have to interact and have “meaningful conversation about the fraternity experience.” Fraternities found to be in violation of the alcohol prohibition will be facing a $1000 fine per infraction. The Collegian reported this morning that events will be monitored by a third party and that the IFC will spot-check social events.

The IFC rush guide specifies:

IFC Recruitment Wristband does not give any Potential New Member permission to consume alcoholic beverages at fraternity houses! The purpose of the wristbands are to allow Potential New Members to distinguish themselves as being interested in joining a fraternity, not to gain illegal access to alcohol.

It is interesting that the IFC believes “removing alcohol from the recruitment process” will give those rushing “a realistic understanding of fraternity membership.” While the fraternity experience is more expansive than simply drinking beer, the social element (i.e., parties) are a huge part of the attraction.

Other elements of spring rush this year are a daily email digest to potential members listing registered rush events and tight specifications on how bids should be extended and accepted.