Like a lesson from history class, the Greeks invaded the third floor of the Student Center the evening of Sept. 28. It was the kickoff to the Fall Sorority Recruitment, with six more recruitments to follow.
In a light competition for non-Greeks, nine chapters of sororities will have to fine-tune their self-promotion and leadership skills, to appeal to girls looking for a sorority that fits best. On Bid Day, Oct. 9, girls will receive official invitations from various sororities then publicly announce (at Big Bob’s Lake House on campus) which one they are joining.
“[Being in a small sorority] cuts back on the ‘cliqueiness’ so you feel closer to your sisters,” said Kirstin Forster, recruitment director of Alpha Sigma Tau. “And it’s nice to know that going out for dinner with your chapter means going out with 20 of your friends and not a ton of people you hardly know.”
To assure a sorority doesn’t exceed its cap, only a certain number of invitations are extended on Bid Day. Then, if all recipients decide to join, that sorority will have enough openings.
These volunteers act as advisers, helping rookies decide which sorority is their best match depending on philanthropy interests, financial obligations and housing arrangements. Throughout the recruitment process, each adviser’s Greek identity remains anonymous to avoid any slant of opinion.
Philanthropies, for example, differ among chapters (children, autism, wildlife, etc.). And for some girls the wrong one can be a deal breaker, especially if a prospective member needs experience in a certain area for her major. For example, Sigma Kappa is affiliated with four — gerontology, Alzheimer’s, Inherit the Earth and Maine Sea Coast Mission — while smaller sororities might support one or two.
Each recruitment session offers a palette of around six sororities. After signing up (sheets are available around campus), browsers can meet and mingle with one sorority at a time, since each has a separate room designated.
“This (joining) is always been something I’ve wanted to do,” said freshman Jordan Rizer, who has a chapter pegged already. “Being more involved in the campus would be great, but for me, it’s more about having close friends.”
