Recruitment can be a roller coaster of emotions. For many, it blends both excitement and anxiety. Understanding the recruitment process can help you handle it with confidence.
A sorority is a Greek women’s organization present on some university and college campuses. And recruitment is the process of joining one. These are two large words with commitment and process linked to them.
Throughout this experience, you’ll meet women with different backgrounds but all with the same goal. They’re hoping to find a sorority that feels like their “home away from home.” Even if you end up in different sororities, these friendships may last beyond recruitment.
My goal is to explain the experience so you walk into each house as the most confident version of yourself. Here is your complete recruitment guide!
Greek Life Guide
Let’s start with the basics.
During the recruitment process, you’ll hear lots of new vocabulary terms. At first, it can be hard to keep up.
A brief explanation of new terms can reduce some of the nerves.
- PHA (Panhellenic Association): This is a council that oversees sorority life at specific colleges or universities. They organize events and provide guidelines to promote the sororities’ shared goals.
- Chapter: This describes a branch of a sorority that operates at a specific college or university. For example, Sigma Kappa is a national organization. More specifically, Missouri State University, has the Delta Upsilon chapter of Sigma Kappa. Chapters separate the sorority’s presence at different institutions.
- PNM (potential new member): It describes someone not in a Greek organization but interested in joining one. (this is likely you)
- Active Member: This member is initiated and actively involved. These individuals represent each chapter during recruitment. (this is who you’ll talk to at each house)
- Philanthropy: Each sorority has a philanthropy that they support. This is the cause that they support in their activities. For example, Chi Omega’s philanthropy is the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- Beneficiary: This is a more specific term linked to philanthropy. Refers to the specific organization that the chapter supports with their raised money. For example, Chi Omega supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation by helping a specific person as their beneficiary.
- Bid: This is an official invitation from a chapter to a PNM to join their organization.
What’s in my bag?
We’re familiar with the “What’s in my bag” series from major celebrities or our favorite TikTok Bama Rush girlies.
But is everything they pack really essential and what key things are they missing?
During the recruitment process, it’s important to be prepared.
So, here is my ultimate “What’s in my bag” rush edition:
An umbrella! No matter where your university is or what the weather app tells you, bring an umbrella in your bag. It’s important to be ready for different weather to make sure that you are comfortable at each visit.
Breath mints and floss picks are a must. When talking with an active member you want to make sure both of you can focus on what you’re saying.
Of course, you can’t forget deodorant! Recruitment typically includes lots of walking across campus. Exercise mixed with nervous sweats calls for an extra layer of protection.
The rush process includes lots of learning in a short amount of time. Everything can quickly blur together at the end of a long day. Bring a notepad and pen with you to write down everything you find important during your visits.
You got to have a water bottle! Formal recruitment is typically mid-August and the heat is high. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Other things that could be helpful are a Tide pen, hairbrush, mini fan, bandaids, and snacks! Preparing for any weather or mishaps is important. These goodies will help you feel calm and confident during the recruitment process.
Behind each door
Now, it’s time to understand what this process actually entails.
Each visit will have a similar format. You’ll talk with a few girls within the chapter; sometimes rush-related and sometimes just casual conversation.
During the recruitment process, the choices will narrow. Each round the number of options will lower until there are two left. The rounds are Open House, Philanthropy, Sisterhood, and Preference. Each has different focuses and formality. The final day of recruitment is Bid Day, an invitation to join one house followed by a celebration!
Rounds explained
Open House round is the most casual. This round is an introduction between the chapters and the PNM.
Following this round, is Philanthropy. The chapter will introduce you to both the cause and the specific beneficiary. This round can be where you see your passion and potential sorority go together. The philanthropy round is still relatively casual.
Heading into the later half of the week, next is Sisterhood. Your choices are really starting to narrow and things are getting more formal. The chapter will talk about various sisterhood events. Active members will discuss their strong friendships created through the chapter.
Lastly, the Preference round. This round is where the PNM is down to their final two houses. This is the most formal round. Preference can be emotional as the chapter lets you in on a special part of their sisterhood. And the process is coming to an end!
Finally, the most exciting day of the week…BID DAY!!!
Bid day is the final and most exciting day of recruitment! PNMs gather to open their bid card. Following a dramatic countdown, the bid cards are quickly opened. The PNMs run home to their new sorority, followed by a welcome celebration!
Supporting Self
While the process can be rewarding, finding sisterhood can also be exhausting and emotional. Taking care of yourself should be prioritized during the recruitment process.
Talking to yourself in the mirror may feel silly but it can do so much good! Affirmations are what you should lean into during this experience.
Below are some “I am” statements to help you through this experience. Say these and believe it!
I am…
confident.
intelligent.
sociable.
enough.
Active members have seen both sides of formal recruitment. With their experience, many have advice on how to prepare and what to expect.
It’s important to remember that these are real people. You don’t have to impress them or put them on a pedestal. Find where you feel most comfortable.
Lean on your support system and recruitment mentors but make sure your choices are your own.
During this week, remember you’re looking for a sorority that fits you. Not the other way around.
