Simply Sorority: Recruitment Basics

When you think of sororities, what comes to mind? Elitism? Excessive drinking? Bow headbands? Many of us have stereotypes surrounding women’s Greek life, and I’ll be the first one to admit I certainly did too. I’ve heard horror stories of sorority life (cattiness, drama, hazing), and the movie depictions haven’t seemed to help with this image either. Sydney White, anyone? Cleaning a fraternity’s bathroom with nothing but a toothbrush, or getting hit with bologna while singing Celine Dion songs doesn’t sound very appealing.

I came to campus last fall looking for my niche. If someone had told me I was going to be joining a sorority back in September, I probably would have awkwardly started laughing and said, “Nah, that isn’t for me”.  But to be honest, I really didn’t know what the whole process was, and my ignorance and the constant stereotypes didn’t allow me to even see it as an option. It wasn’t until a friend of mine expressed interest in attending the recruitment events that I started to become curious. So for those of you who are wondering what sororities and recruitment are all about, here is a brief break down:

A sorority is simply a social organization of female college students. It is important to understand that Greek life varies from each college campus. Here at UVM, Greek life is a commitment, but it’s more easygoing compared to other campuses.

At the beginning of spring semester, I started to think about sorority recruitment but had no idea where to even begin.  Just before recruitment week, each sorority usually has a table set up in the Davis Center. Their posters can be seen displayed on random corkboards and bathroom stall doors. When I started noticing them, I found out there are two types of recruitment—formal in the fall and informal in the spring.

Formal recruitment is known to be the more entertaining, but stressful, of the two. At UVM, it is held in the Davis Center and is set up like speed dating. Everyone is dressed to impress and you have only minutes to talk to a few of the sisters in each sorority before rotating. When asked about her experience with formal rushing, Caroline Blake from the Tri-Delta sorority said, “I loved how welcoming and friendly everyone was. I still see many girls that I met across campus and am able to say ‘Hi’, which is a great feeling”.

Then there is informal recruitment, which is more of a casual event at the sorority houses. Emily Rule, a new member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority said, “Informal was great because you got to spend a whole hour each time getting to know the girls and the house in a fun and comfortable environment”. For those of you like me who become slightly overwhelmed in stressful situations, I would suggest going through informal recruitment. No matter which way you rush, however, it won’t change the fact that all these girls are very welcoming and have such a strong passion for lifelong friendship.

Once a sorority chooses you after recruitment week, you might suddenly find yourself opening your dorm door to a crowd of singing, clapping girls clad in Greek letter attire. Don’t be afraid, they come in peace. After the initial shock wears off, you will realize they are handing you what is called a bid. These are formal invitations asking you to join their sorority. Then it’s up to you to decide!

For more information on UVM Greek Life, visit their homepage or like them on facebook!