The Mutual Selection Process

You will be matched with a sorority through a mutual selection process - you are narrowing down the chapters that you are most interested in and the chapters are narrowing down the women about whom they are most interested in getting to know more. Throughout the Recruitment process, it is important to keep an open mind as to what chapter you want to join. After each event, you will rank the chapters you visited. Each sorority can invite only a certain number of women back to the next stage. A computer program matches your choices with those of the sororities. Through this process Panhellenic will make every effort to place you in a chapter according to your list.

Be sure to keep an open mind during Recruitment - you are interviewing the women in the chapters and they are interviewing you. Joining a sorority is a personal decision. When reflecting on the chapters you visit ask yourself: What qualities do you share with the women in the chapter? Do you feel comfortable with them? What can their sisterhood offer you? Try not to put too much emphasis on what your friends are saying or what chapters they may be invited back to. Remember, if you and your friends go separate ways you can still be friends even if you join different chapters.

On Sept 2, 2010, at 6 pm in Foellinger, Potential New Members (PNM’s) will attend an informational session.  PNM’s are women who have registered for Formal Recruitment.

PNM’s will visit each of the chapter houses for 25 minute events and talk with members of the chapter. Various skits are usually shown during this stage.

When: Friday, September 3 and Saturday, September 4 2010
What to expect: Over two series of events you will meet every chapter on campus totaling 19 events. While this seems overwhelming the events are short (25 minutes) and the time flies by as you meet chapter after chapter. Open house events provide you with an introduction to each chapter.

What to talk about: This is the first time you will be meeting these women so the conversation will be informal “small talk.” Don’t be afraid to ask the women about their sorority and Greek life in general.

What do I ask: General questions are appropriate for this round. Ask about what is important to you. For example, you might ask: What do you like about Greek life? Why did you join a sorority? What other campus organizations have you had the opportunity to participate in as a result of your sorority experience? How will sorority life benefit me in the future?

What to wear: A recruitment T-shirt will be given to Potential New Members. They are expected to wear this shirt for both days of Open House. PNM’s are permitted to wear any type of pants, shorts, or skirt but please keep in mind every woman will be walking to each of the chapter houses and may want to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

PNM’s will return to a maximum of 13 chapter houses that they visited for 25 minute events. Skits and videos may be shown and PNM’s will again talk with members of the chapter.

When: Sunday, September 5, 2010

What to expect: Before you go to these events you will meet with your Recruitment Counselor to review the invitations you have received after Open House. You will have selected up to thirteen chapters to visit during First Invitational. Take this opportunity to find out more information about the activities, programs and members of the chapter, and expect to learn about each chapter's sisterhood.

What to talk about: Get to know the chapter on a deeper level during this round. Start thinking about whether or not each chapter would be a good fit for you. The sororities will also start to ask you more formal questions as they want to make sure you would fit in at their chapter. You will meet a variety of members during these initial rounds, make sure that you get different opinions on areas that you are concerned about.

What do I ask: Ask about their scholarship program, financial assistance, leadership opportunities in the chapter and what they are involved in on campus. Find out how the chapter can help you during your college career and beyond. Some questions you may want to ask include: What aspects of the sorority encouraged you to join? What are the financial expectations of a new member? How long is the new member program and how much time will I need to devote to it? How does your sorority promote scholarship? What is the availability of housing? What is living in the house like?

What to wear: In this stage women are permitted to wear their own clothing, as opposed to the Recruitment T-shirt required for Open House. Many PNM’s choose to wear a casual type of clothing. For example skirts or capri pants and a nice top are generally worn.

During this Invitational, there are 7 events which are 45 minutes each. During this stage, the chapter's philanthropy is usually discussed and tours of the chapter house may take place.

When: Saturday, September 11, 2010

What to expect: You will have met with your Recruitment Counselor again before this stage and ranked the chapters you would like to go back to and are most interested in. This invitational consists of six events that are 45 minutes each. During Philanthropy night you will complete a philanthropy project while you are at the chapter. This could be decorating a pot to give to local nursing home residents or making a sock puppet to give to children at a hospital. No matter what project you work on, the atmosphere will be fun and laid-back, allowing you to see the importance of service in Greek life.

What to talk about: By now you should have a general understanding of the chapter and should focus on the unique aspects of each. More than what they offer their members, what can they give you personally? Be sure to talk about their philanthropy and service projects. What do they do to fundraise? Where do they volunteer? What is their local philanthropy?

What to wear: In this stage women generally get slightly more dressed up than First Invitational. Many women choose to wear skirts or summer dresses.

During this final stage of Recruitment, there are 3 events which are 60 minutes each.  PNM's will visit a maximum of 3 chapters.  This final stage is generally more serious than the previous stages; members will explain the impact that their chapter has had on them.

When: Sunday, September 12, 2010

What to expect: During Third Invitational you will make your final decision as to which chapter you want to join. You will have met with your Recruitment Counselor and ranked the chapters you are most interested in. Each of these events is an hour long. These events are the most emotional side of Recruitment. The chapters will introduce you to their sisterhood through ceremonies, like a “candle-light” or song, and more serious conversation. The sororities have already shown you their philanthropy, sisterhood and fun side and now they want to introduce you to their serious side. During this stage you will need to decide which group of women you most wish to call sisters and which chapter you can call your home.

What to talk about: During “Preference Party” you will get to talk one-on-one with a chapter member. The member will tell you why she joined the sorority and what it has meant to her. Listen to what she has to say, as she is revealing to you the strongest characteristics and foundations of her sorority. If you have any last concerns take the opportunity to get them resolved.

What do I ask: Ask about the personal aspects of the chapter. What has she gotten out of the sorority? And, remember to clear up any last minute reservations or questions you may have.

What to wear: In this final stage, many women choose to wear semi-formal dresses and skirts.