As the Spring Semester approaches rapidly, so does the National Panhellenic Organization’s (NPC’s) formal recruitment at Montclair State University! Recruitment runs from February 3-6 this year, and a bunch of women will find their “forever home!”
Montclair State University has five NPC organizations: Delta Phi Epsilon, Phi Sigma Sigma, Sigma Delta Tau, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Theta Phi Alpha. While going through recruitment, you will have the opportunity to meet all of the sororities and get to know more about them. You will also be placed in recruitment groups with Pi Rho Chi’s, who are current members of one of the sororities that disaffiliate during recruitment to help potential new members go through the process.
Although the weekend is exciting, it can also be stressful trying to prepare to talk to so many different people. As a current member of a sorority at Montclair State, I put together a list of do’s and don’ts for recruitment:
- DON’T let your nerves get in the way.
I’m going to be honest, you’re going to be nervous going through recruitment. But, at the same time, everyone at recruitment is going to be just as nervous as you are. Yes, even current sorority members! However, don’t let your nerves get in the way of making the weekend a great experience.
- DO go in with an open mind.
Most women going through sorority recruitment might have a top sorority in mind throughout the process. However, avoid stalking the organizations beforehand. You might go into recruitment thinking that you love a sorority because of their Instagram, but when you meet them it can be the complete opposite. Of course, everyone loves to do their research before going through something as big as sorority recruitment, but don’t let it be the judge throughout the whole process.
- DON’T dress in something uncomfortable.
Recruitment days are long and although you will have time to sit down and relax, there might be days where you’re on your feet for a good amount of time. It’s recommended that you wear a comfortable pair of shoes, and of course, an outfit that you feel comfortable in. However, if you’re completely lost and have no idea what to wear (like me when I was going through recruitment), NPC will give you some outfit inspiration during recruitment orientation!
Fun fact: Theta Phi Alpha at Montclair State created a TikTok with some great outfit ideas if you want to plan ahead :)
- DO keep the financial responsibilities in mind.
Sororities are a big financial commitment. Throughout recruitment, the sororities will go through their dues, which is the amount of money you need to pay to be in the sorority, and where exactly the money goes. Although I don’t know exactly how much each sorority’s dues are, I do know that New Member dues are usually more than your dues once you’re fully initiated! There’s also a $10 non-refundable fee to go through the recruitment process.
- DON’T talk down on other organizations.
Even though you might not like all of the sororities you meet, remember that they should be treated with the same respect as a sorority you love. Talking down on other sororities is not only rude, but it can also put your recruitment experience at stake. Just like everyday life, you never know who’s listening and if an organization hears you talking bad about another, it could easily be spread and you might be dropped all together. Remember that all of the NPC organizations talk and believe in unity and respect, so if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything!
- DO trust the process.
This might be one of the most popular pieces of advice for sorority recruitment, but it’s very true! If you get dropped by a sorority, don’t be discouraged. It might hurt a little bit if they were your top, but everything really does work out in the end. When I was going through recruitment, I actually dropped my current organization. The first day. However, they invited me back when my top sorority dropped me, and it ended up being the best choice for me. Recruitment is intended for YOU to find a sorority you 100% feel comfortable and belong in.
The recruitment process will consist of long and tiring days, but in the end, you will find a group of women who love and support you unconditionally. If you’re interested in signing up for recruitment, the link is attached here!