Rushing into Community at Oklahoma Christian

Freshman rush for social clubs is already reshaping campus life, giving first-year students an earlier sense of belonging and new opportunities to get involved. Just weeks into the semester, freshmen and upperclassmen have seen the impact on social clubs and helping freshmen get involved.

Junior Emma Stewart, said social clubs benefit in several ways through this change especially those with fewer members. 

“I think that it helps give the smaller clubs more numbers, which certain clubs definitely need,” Stewart said. “I think it’s also a pro for the freshmen, in the sense of it does give them another community opportunity.”

She explains the results clubs have experienced, acknowledging that there has already been an increase in participation. 

“I think that Theta ended up getting 13 freshmen,” Stewart said.

Stewart describes how she saw the effects of freshman rush in everyday campus life.

“I was not there for a lot of the fall rush because of being in musical, but I feel like even through musical and being involved in other things that weren’t club, I got the opportunity to talk to freshmen about rush. It built that connection and when you’re seeing them on campus and inviting them for lunch or to go get drinks,” Stewart said. 

Freshman Addison Duvall, reflects on the atmosphere of freshman rush. 

“I think that everybody was so welcoming and accepting of us getting to rush,” Duvall said.

She explains in one word how she would describe the rush process. 

“I would say exciting. I didn’t really know anything about the clubs, and so getting to experience what the clubs were and just how everything works was so fun,” Duvall said.

Duvall reflects on the event that left a lasting impression.

“I would say Lambda’s powerpoint night just because I did help with a powerpoint,” Duvall said. 

Kaita Johnson, a freshman, shared what stood out to her during the rush process.

“The biggest part that left the biggest impression on me was how welcoming all the clubs were,” Johnson said. “They were all so accepting and made sure to invite me to different events,” Johnson said.

Johnson reflects on the opportunities of rushing. 

“All the events were fun and led to connections with upperclassmen and other rushees,” Johnson said.

She explains what makes rush so valuable for freshmen. 

“My favorite part of rush was meeting all the new people,” Johnson said. “Rushing is such a great way to get plugged in on campus and get outside your comfort zone,” Johnson said.