A Parent's Guide to Social Clubs at Ouachita
What you should know about rush, induction and student life
January 13, 2026
- Student LifeWondering about social clubs at Ouachita Baptist University? If your student is considering rush, you likely have questions about this campus tradition. This guide will help you and your student navigate the social club experience with confidence and clarity.
What are social clubs at Ouachita?
Unlike Greek life at many universities, Ouachita doesn’t have national fraternities and sororities. Instead, we have longstanding social clubs — some more than 100 years old — that create community and tradition within Ouachita’s mission as a Christian university. You may have seen them perform in Tiger Tunes, raising money for scholarships, but there is so much more to club life at Ouachita.
There are five clubs for women and four clubs for men, and about 45% of our students participate. These student-led organizations create intentional spaces where students can develop lifelong friendships, build leadership skills and support one another. But they are by no means the only way students can grow and experience the Ouachita community.
Rush Week at Ouachita: Important Dates
Rush Week: January 19-24, 2026
Rush occurs early in the spring semester, giving freshmen a full semester to establish themselves academically before making this commitment. During the week, students attend events hosted by the clubs to meet members and learn about each club. Students receive email information in the fall and early spring from the Office of Student Life, where they can also go with questions.
Induction Week: January 26-31, 2026
New members participate in induction activities designed to teach them a club’s culture and traditions through service, education and relationship building. In addition to our faith commitments that drive all we do, Ouachita follows Arkansas’ hazing law and maintains zero-tolerance policies against hazing, with the goal of a safe and meaningful experience for all involved.
How to Prepare Your Student for Rush at Ouachita
Like many aspects of college, our social club process is one that helps students gain independence while also seeking advice from those who care about them. Some students choose to talk with their parents in depth and others may not even tell their parents they’re going through rush! We recognize each student and family’s situation is different and encourage you to let your student take the lead while offering prayer and wisdom. Ask questions like:
- Are you aware of the time commitment for a club and how that might affect your grades or other activities you want to participate in?
- Have you talked to people in clubs and not in clubs about their experience?
- Who is someone you trust to give you honest and helpful advice this week?
- Would you want to consider waiting until your sophomore year to join a club?
You can also pray specifically that they would:
- Discern God’s direction for where to invest time and energy in campus involvement
- Build authentic friendships rooted in shared faith and values rather than social pressure
- Recognize opportunities and communities where they’ll truly flourish
- Remember their identity is anchored in Christ, not organizational membership
Understanding the Bid Process at Ouachita
Each club hosts four parties during the week. The first two are open to all eligible undergraduate students who register in advance. Clubs extend invitations for the final two parties, with our Office of Student Life advising the process — though club decisions are independent.
Following Rush Week, clubs extend membership invitations (bids) to prospective members on Saturday. Students may receive one bid, multiple bids or no bids. This selection process, while sometimes challenging, teaches valuable lessons about resilience and discernment.
Ouachita’s staff pay special attention to the process to support students who experience disappointment in not joining the club they were hoping for.
Parents should reach out to the Office of Student Life with any questions or concerns about either Rush or Induction, rather than contacting current members directly.
Benefits of Social Club Involvement
Social clubs can provide hands-on experience for many students, and the relationships they create often extend well beyond graduation, creating an alumni network of support and friendship. But Ouachita also has several opportunities for networking and development in addition to social clubs, including:
- The Ouachita Student Foundation
- Student Senate
- Campus Ministries
- The Elrod Center
- Academic clubs and organizations
- Intramurals and Rec Life
- Residence Life
Financial Commitments
Club membership includes financial commitments that vary by organization, typically covering semester dues and event costs. In contrast to national fraternities and sororities, most clubs’ dues are under $100 each semester. Events and club clothing may cost more.
Contact the Office of Student Life for specific financial information.
Common Parent Questions About Ouachita Social Clubs
Will club involvement impact academic performance?
Social clubs at Ouachita are designed to complement, not compete with, academic success. Faculty advisors and university staff monitor club activities to ensure they support educational priorities. We also have a dedicated student alert system. Students under a 2.0 GPA are not eligible for active membership.
What if my student doesn’t join a club?
Many Ouachita students thrive without social club membership. The university offers numerous pathways to community including those listed above. Some students choose to delay joining a club until later in their college career.
How does Ouachita support student safety?
All social club activities operate under strict university oversight with:
- Clear anti-hazing policies and enforcement
- Required faculty and staff advisors
- Transparent reporting mechanisms for concerns
- Regular reviews of club activities and compliance
- Serious consequences for policy violations
Student well-being remains our highest priority in all aspects of club life.
Do parents attend Bid Day?
This varies from student to student. Some parents attend Bid Day for the women’s clubs, but in general, parents of new men’s club members have not. We encourage you to communicate with your student about their preferences and follow their lead. The day is also busy with activity for them, and if you do come, you may not have much one-on-one time with them.
Supporting Your Student’s Decision
If They Don’t Join a Club
Help your student understand that not receiving a bid — or choosing not to rush — doesn’t diminish their Ouachita experience. Many students find deep community through other areas of campus involvement. Encourage them to:
- Process disappointment honestly while maintaining perspective
- Explore other organizations and opportunities
- Build friendships across diverse campus communities
- Remember their worth isn’t defined by organizational membership
If They Join a Club
Celebrate this new community while encouraging your student to:
- Maintain diverse friendships beyond their club
- Balance club involvement with academics and other priorities
- Continue exploring various campus opportunities
- Serve their club with humility and Christ-like character
Next Steps for Your Student
Social clubs represent one of many opportunities for community, leadership development and meaningful connection at Ouachita. Whether your student participates in rush or explores other pathways to connection, our campus community is committed to supporting their growth, celebrating their unique contributions and helping them discover their distinctive place in the Ouachita family.
Still have questions? Contact the Office of Student Life at [email protected] about rush procedures, club policies or student involvement opportunities.
By Ouachita’s Offices of Student Life and Communications & Marketing
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