By adding a night of Wednesday rush, the Interfraternity Council has saved itself from doing a regrettable disservice.
Until last night, this year's rush regulations only allowed one night of open rush, to be followed by two nights of invitation-only events. That effectively means a sophomore would only be able to rush one house.
The most important part of rush from the brothers' perspective is the shake-out, the formal closing ceremony. If a man leaves a house before shake-out, he is sending a message to the brothers that he is heading to another fraternity.
Adding a second night of open rush means '96s can shake-out at two houses, doubling the time they have to meet brothers and show an interest in the house.
Now, sophomores will be less likely to "suicide rush" ' to gamble on spending their two nights at only one house in the hope of getting a bid. The IFC hasn't eliminated suicide rush, but it has made it less necessary.
