Despite losing brownstones, Columbia’s AEPi and Psi U look forward to rush
Last Thursday night, three Columbia frats connected to a recent drug ring investigation were notified that they were losing their brownstones and that their probation would continue for three years.
Ranging from cries of fratricide, vomit analogies (it is at least crafty), and requests for transparency, opinions and commentary have been abundant. However, while chatter always ceases, frat brothers are always roarin’ for rush. At least AEPi and Psi U is - Columbia’s Pi Kappa Alpha did not respond to IG’s request for a comment.
According to Noah Pryor, Psi Upsilon president,
We were on social suspension and not allowed to recruit during the investigation, but with the decision that has been lifted, and we are commencing an abbreviated rush immediately.
AEPi rush chairs, Matthew Renick (GS/JTS ’13) and Tony Baker (CC’13) , clarified what their probation actually entails:
Probation means exactly what it sounds like. If the fraternity breaks any IFC/Columbia University rules while on probation, we will be hit with more severe punishments. With regard to parties, the administration has, in addition to putting on us probation, placed us under social suspension, which means that we cannot throw parties or other social functions. Philanthropy, members-only events, brotherhood meetings, and intramural sports are still permitted.
Rush is not limited under this probation. We are still allowed to invite potential new members over to the house to hang out, to come out to local venues with us, and to play some old-fashioned wiffle ball on the lawns. The University does not have any significant oversight over rush activities, except for ensuring that we do not violate our social suspension.
It’s not entirely clear what it entails, I spoke with the director of Greek Life, Victoria Lopez-Herrera on Friday and they appear to still be ironing out the details. We are allowed to recruit, we’re not allowed to have open or pseudo-open parties/mixers (I don’t think), but we are allowed to have fraternity tutoring sessions, service, and philanthropy events. I can’t speak to what other fraternity probations have been like.We’re prohibited from holding large parties at least, I’m not sure what other restrictions are in play. Provided it is allowed, which I believe it is, we’ll be having at least some rush events in the brownstone. I am seeking clarification on this from the dean tomorrow.
Follow the jump to find out about rush details…





