After a month home with friends and family, it’s finally time to get back to the books here on Hawk Hill. One of the most exciting parts about Spring Semester here at SJU is Formal Sorority Recruitment! During Recruitment, all five sororities here on campus open their doors to PNM’s (Potential New Members) in hopes of recruiting a new group of soon-to-be sisters! The whole process may seem a little intimidating and confusing, but rest assured it’s one of the best weeks on campus! To ease some of your nerves, we asked current sisters from all the different sororities some frequently asked questions that we’re sure are running through your minds. Take a look at what they had to say!
How will I know which sorority is right for me?
“Ask questions that are important to you to each group during rush. For example, what philanthropic events does your sorority hold? What is sisterhood like in this group? The week may be a little stressful because you may find yourself loving all of the wonderful sororities we have in our Greek community. Just be yourself, learn as much as you can about each organization, and hopefully you will be inspired by your experience on which group is right for you!” Christina Lampert, Junior – Alpha Gamma Delta
Is there hazing involved with being in a sorority?
At SJU we have a strict no hazing policy. You can read more about our hazing policy here: http://www.sju.edu/int/studentlife/studentleadership/greeklife/Hazing.html
Is it strange for me to rush as a sophomore?
“It’s not strange at all; there are actually a lot of advantages. Deciding which sorority is for you can be hard and the more time you’ve spent as a part of the Saint Joe’s community the easier it is to make a more informed choice. I found the whole process to be less intimidating going into it as a sophomore. So, take a deep breath and relax!” Marykate Daly, Senior – Alpha Gamma Delta
Is it difficult to balance Greek Life and school work?
“Not at all! One of the most important aspects that Greek Life values is education, and that being a student always comes first. I know personally my best academic semester was the semester I rushed. Being involved in Greek Life adds structure to your schedule and in turn, helps to deal with time management. I felt more organized after joining Greek Life.” Maria Krup, Junior – Panhelenic President
What’s a Nu Chi?
A Nu Chi is a sister who goes through Recruitment without anyone knowing what sorority she’s in. Nu chi’s volunteer to help the PNM’s make their recruitment experience easier. The Nu Chi’s are there to answer any questions that PNM’s will have and will give a genuine, non-bias answer!” Hannah Pappas, Junior, Sigma Sigma Sigma
What should I expect during recruitment?
“The first day, you’re going to be slightly overwhelmed with the amount of chanting and energy by all the sororities. You’re going to be talking with different sisters from each sorority about an array of different things. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions about yourself, but also try and come prepared with questions to ask them! As the days go on, the chanting will die down and things will become a little more serious. Just relax and enjoy the process!” Kelly Briese, Junior, Alpha Phi
What should I wear?
“Dress comfortably but also dress to impress. You should wear something that makes you feel confident and polished at the same time!” Gaby DeMayo, Junior, Phi Sigma Sigma
Picking out what to wear can always be stressful. For the first day, we would recommend wearing jeans with a cute top or maybe a casual dress. This is the most relaxed day, so take advantage of being in flats and casual attire! The second day tends to be a bit dressier. A skirt/dress or black jeans and a nice blouse are recommended. The third and final night, being Preference Night, is the fanciest of the three. Definitely wear a cute dress with heels. If you don’t want to wear heels, don’t worry it is totally acceptable to wear flats! Each day, just remember to make yourself stand out with your most adorable outfits! You can also check out this guide on what to wear: http://www.pinterest.com/sjupanhellenic/
Why should I join a sorority?
“Whether you want to go out on the weekends, or stay in and watch a movie, you will always have a sister to be by your side. Being in a sorority also opens the door for so many other opportunities as well. It’s great for networking, academic support, learning to become a leader, and being a part of a sisterhood.” Christina Bachinksy, Junior, Alpha Gamma Delta
What if I go through Recruitment and decide that Greek Life is not for me?
“If you decide Greek life is not for you, don’t feel pressured to continue the process when there are many other great organizations at SJU that you can join. Greek Life is not for everybody, and there are many other ways to meet people than joining a sorority. If you feel unsure about what to do during Recruitment, talk to your Nu Chi!” Lexie Homa, Junior, Alpha Gamma Delta
Is it normal to be nervous for Recruitment?
“It is absolutely normal to be nervous for Recruitment. Every sister has gone through it and knows how stressful and nerve-racking it can be so don’t worry! Sisters are just as nervous to meet you, as you are to meet them! Remember that to help calm those nerves!” Taylor Grissinger, Junior, Alpha Phi
What should I say to get sororities to like me?
“The best piece of advice I got before Recruitment began was to just be yourself. Go into the process with an open mind and put any opinions you’ve heard about the sororities aside. You know the most about yourself, so don’t feel the need to make up anything to get them to “like you more”. They will love you for who you are, not who you are pretending to be!” Trisha Gregory, Junior, Alpha Gamma Delta
What are the financial obligations?
“Being involved in Greek Life does require some financial obligations. Typically, the new member period has a couple one time fees and it may seem overwhelming, but after becoming initiated you only pay the regular chapter dues. All chapters are very willing to work with your individual financial needs and have payment plans if necessary. Dues vary between each chapter, and will be discussed during orientation and throughout the recruitment process. Your dues will go to things like Panhellenic Council, International/National Headquarters for your sorority, and other chapter operations.” Jill Larivee, Junior, Alpha Gamma Delta
We hope that this article helped alleviate some of the pre-recruitment jitters you may be experiencing. Best of luck to all who are participating in Recruitment! Always remember: no matter the letters, were all Greek together!