The word "pledging" scares many parents. You may have heard news reports of hazing incidents around the country including alcohol consumption, physical abuse, and even death. Heidelberg College has a strict no hazing policy, which the Philalethean Society firmly believes in and adheres to at all times during the New Member Education process.
Throughout the first semester, all women at Heidelberg are invited to Rush. They may attend a series of parties and events, designed to introduce each Society and it's members. This is the chance to learn about the values and traditions of each Society at Heidelberg, so the student can make the decision as to which Society, if any, is the best fit for them.
New Member Education takes place for two weeks during the second semester. It is designed to educate each potential new member about the purposes and traditions of the Philalethean Society. The Phis encourage each member of the NME class to be creative, to accept civic responsibility, to respect and build unity with each other, and maintain good relations with the other Societies on campus.
In turn, New Member Education allows the active members of the Phis to discover the individual talents of each potential new member, develop a bond with them, and ensure the continuation of the Philalethean Society at Heidelberg.
Our New Member Education program is in keeping with the college objectives. We provide mandatory study halls each night and all potential new members are required to attend class, music lessons, and educational activities.
