College students nationwide are rushing fraternities and sororities in greater numbers, including at Washington University. David Wallace, the University’s Coordinator for Greek Housing Programs, said that fraternities across the nation have been progressively growing since 2006, after shrinking between 1992 and 2003.

Some fraternities and sororities hold a rush period during the fall. While 240 men and 250 women rushed last year during the formal recruitment period, about 75 chose fall rush this year. For sororities, the fall process is sharply different from the elaborately planned spring recruitment, which is run through the National Panhellenic Council. “Informal is kind of the exact opposite,” said Lucy Morlan, coordinator for chapter development. “They don’t necessarily have to hold events.”