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What PNMs should be doing now…. Our 5 Tips for Recruitment

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Caroline Wright Student Contributor, Southern Methodist University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SMU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Around 40 % of students at SMU are part of a Greek organization.  By becoming a member of a sorority, you not only go to fun social events and have access to neon t-shirts, pins, and coozies, but also have the opportunity to network and create life long friendships.  Each year the majority of new first year girls come to SMU concerned about getting into a house.  Luckily, with second semester recruitment, girls are able to experience the full range of what SMU’s Greek community offers.  Potential New Members (PNMs), make sure to keep in mind our 5 Tips for 1st Semester when it comes to recruitment:
 

 

  1. Get Good Grades:  Although PNMs must have a 2.5 first semester GPA to participate in recruitment, each sorority has their own separate GPA that they require.  Freshman year it is easy to forget about your classes with everything that is going on, but our #1 tip is to make sure to keep your grades up.  Don’t hurt yourself before recruitment even starts by going into the week with a low GPA.  Plus, having a high GPA makes you a great potential asset to the sorority.
  2. Don’t Be Put On Disciplinary Probation:  Girls are unable to rush if they are put on disciplinary probation first semester.  Getting TWO alcohol violations is the most common reason first years are put on probation.  What does this mean? Be careful when coming home from going out or around alcohol in the dorms or fraternity houses.
  3. Go to Philanthropy Events:  Each sorority hosts about two philanthropy events each semester in order to raise money for their organization.  These alcohol-free events allow you to meet members of each sorority and learn about their philanthropy.  It is also a great way for sorority girls to know you are interested in their chapter. Some examples include Cookies with Chi O, Theta Late Night, Kickin’ it with Kappa, Alpha Chi Couture, and Delta Diner.
  4. Meet girls by getting involved and going out: Get involved on campus, and go out at night in order to meet older sorority girls.  The more people you know in a house the less nervous and awkward it will be for you during recruitment week.
  5. Keep an open mind:  Recruitment is a hot topic of conversation among first year girls.  Try not to get wrapped up in the freshman drama and listen to the stereotypes of each sorority.  Don’t worry about what house your friends want.  You all can pledge different sororities and still be friends!

 

Check out SMU Panhellenic’s site for more information: http://smu.edu/fsl/PAN/default.asp.

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Caroline Wright
Caroline Wright, a double major in Business Marketing and Communication Studies at Southern Methodist University, is thrilled to be part of the Her Campus Team. Although a St. Louis native, she has enjoyed becoming a true Texan in spirit over the past two years! She has been employed by a variety of companies including Kate Spade New York, NBC Universal Pictures, Brynn Bagot Public Relations, Rent the Runway, and Nordstrom. Caroline is currently Social Chair for her sorority Kappa Alpha Theta as well as serves on the Board of SMU's Student Foundation.