The registration deadline has passed and sorority rush is fast upon us. The first recruitment party is on Wednesdayso in anticipation, we at Her Campus figured we’d answer some of the frequently asked questions about rush and sororities in general!
How many sororities are there at Yale, and what are their names?
There are three sororities at Yale: Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Kappa Alpha Theta.
I’m registered but I’m not sure I want to actually join a sorority. Why should I?
Sororities at Yale automatically introduce you to a new group of women on this campus. It’s easy, especially in your freshman fall, to stick with friends in your college or on your sports team. By joining a sorority you are guaranteed to meet a whole new group of people, both in your class but also older. Upperclassmen in your sorority can be great mentors for academics, extracurricular or just campus life in general! Another plus is the sororities are national organizations so by joining a chapter at Yale you are also joining the larger organization. There are endless fun friendships and networking connections to be had all by being in the same sorority.
Is sorority life only a social experience?
No! One of the other great parts about sorority life is that they are also philanthropic organizations. Each sorority has their chosen philanthropy and work throughout the year to support their cause. Sometimes philanthropy activities are just within the sorority but each of the three also has a large event that raises money. Theta hosts Tacky Prom for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Pi Phi’s Hilight benefits the Literacy Fund and Kappacalypse funds goes towards Reading is Fundamental.
What is the time commitment of being in a sorority at Yale?
The basic commitment is a few hours a week. Each chapter has their weekly chapter meeting but in addition there are often other sisterhood events and social events like mixers. Yale girls are busy and so the sororities do their best to provide activities that their members can enjoy and fit into their jam-packed schedules!
How much are membership dues?
Membership dues are paid each semester and typically cost around $500 for the first pledge semester, and around $300 for each subsequent semester of membership. Membership dues cover the cost of social events and other various aspects of Greek Life. Different sororities spread dues out differently over a members 4 years in the sorority, but they come out generally even in the end. If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask at a rush event. There is generally some sort of payment plans available at each sorority.
If I go through Rush Week and then decide I don’t want to join a sorority, do I have to accept a bid?
Accepting a bid is not mandatory. You can go through all of the parties and still choose not to join a sorority. So if you just want to meet some cool girls by going through Rush, more power to you! And who knows, you might meet some girls that will become some of your best friends at Yale!
Do Sororities haze during Rush Week?
Sororities do not haze during recruitment, nor do they haze at any point during the new member initiation process. Hazing is against Yale University policy.
What should I talk about at a Rush event?
The members of the sorority are just trying to get a sense for whether you would be a good fit for their organization. So the most important thing is to be yourself! You will probably be asked the same kind of questions you were asked at the start of freshman year: hometown, residential college, major, extracurricular activities etc. Conversation will go more smoothly if you have some questions to ask the members as well! The best questions are ones you can ask to multiple members, for example, what made you join your sorority or what is your favorite event of the year?
What is Silent Period?
Silent period is still in full effect until Monday the 27th when bids are released. This means that if you see someone in a sorority and they don’t come up and chat it is because they don’t want to violate the rules of Silent Period. Silent Period is meant to keep the process fair so that girls rushing can make their decision without any pressure. This is a national rule, so don’t think you are being ignored by girls in the sorority this week and besides, it makes it even more exciting on Bid Day when you can finally talk again!
What should I wear during Sorority Rush Week?
Events are semi-formal. Dress as though you were going out for a fancy dinner: dark jeans or nice leggings, sweater or cute top, boots etc. Toads apparel is not appropriate, but you also don’t need to dress like you’re going to eat with your grandparents- your audience is college girls! Each event gets slightly nicer, so plan accordingly. By the third day, a lot of girls wear skirts or casual dresses. You shouldn’t feel the need to wear heels though, especially considering New Haven weather. You will also be walking between locations and standing for the majority of the time so you want to be comfortable! I wouldn’t recommend heels as events can be far away from each other, and heels might be uncomfortable. We would also caution wearing a watch, as checking the time frequently can be distracting from conversations.
When are rush events?
Rush events are Wednesday, January 22, Friday, January 24, and Sunday, January 26, you must be sure to attend every event you are invited to or else you will not be eligible to rush at all. For more detailed information like times and locations you should refer to any of the resources offered by Yale Panhellenic! They have a facebook page, or you can email any questions to Yalesororities@gmail.com.
And if I have more questions?
You will have a guide through the recruitment process called a Recruitment Counselor. These are girls who have disaffiliated from their sorority in order to be a neutral advisor for girls going through rush. They are meant to be a resource to you and they are well versed in how the Rush process works!
Last pieces of advice?
It’s meant to be fun so don’t get too stressed. You will probably get a little hoarse from all the talking and your cheeks may hurt from all the smiling but in the end, for a lot of girls on this campus, joining a sorority is one of the best things they’ve done at Yale. That could be beginning for you right now!
(Adapted from a previous article by Rachel Weil)