As the holiday excitement winds down and the anticipation for a new semester continues to build, there may be an added anxiety for those women returning on January 13th for Sorority Recruitment. This is an experience that most have yet to encounter, so any kind of preparation and advice is beneficial. Knowing what is in store for each day of recruitment eases some of the anxiety, so here is a general timeline of what you will be facing, starting with the registration deadline!
Thursday, January 8 – Registration Deadline
We’ve sent out multiple reminders over the past few months to register before 5PM on January 8. It’s been a busy time of year, but make sure you don’t miss this very important deadline! ($45 registration payment MUST be received by the deadline.)
Tuesday, January 13 – PNMs (Potential New Members) Return to Campus
All PNMs are to return to campus NO EARLIER than 9AM on Tuesday morning. At 6 PM, there will be a PNM Orientation with the Rho Gammas, and at 7 PM, PNMs will have a meeting and pizza dinner with their Rho Gammas to ask any last minute questions.
Wednesday, January 14 – Day One/ Open House
This round will certainly be the longest of all of the days, but at least you know that it will only get easier from here!
Purpose: PNMs will learn about each individual chapter and about what it’s like to be a member of the Panhellenic community at Lehigh. Topics such as: chapter values, membership dues, academic requirements and support, and other fun facts will be covered.
Location: Lobbies of different academic buildings
Attire: Casual. PNMs will wear the recruitment t-shirt and dress it up as they please (with jeans/leggings and flats/boots). Because this is the longest day, make sure you dress comfortably!
Schedule: Rounds will begin at 9 AM and will conclude at 4 PM. There will be a 45 minute lunch break in between.
Thursday, January 15 – Day Two/ Service
Purpose: To familiarize PNMs with the service, philanthropy, leadership and involvement of each chapter. Possible questions to consider before this round are: How and why does your chapter serve the community?, How does your chapter encourage members to get involved?, What do the members find to be the most important aspect of their individual chapter?
Location: Chapter houses
Attire: Casual. Day Two’s outfit should be similar to something you would wear to class on any given day.
Schedule: Rounds will begin at 10 AM and will end around 4:10 PM. There will be a 45-minute lunch break in between.
Friday, January 16 – Day Three/ Sisterhood
As the you and chapter members become more acquainted with one another, you will be asked back to a maximum of four houses on Day Three.
Purpose: The Sisterhood Round is one of the most important days because it focuses mainly on what a particular chapter can offer for the PNM at a very fundamental level. PNMs should now be able to identify the sisterhood and friendship, support and membership expectations that characterize their remaining chapters.
Location: Chapter houses
Attire: Dressy Casual. PNMs may wear dressy pants, skirts or dresses, but not semi-formal attire. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather!
Schedule: Rounds begin at 10 AM and end around 2:30 PM. There will be a 45-minute lunch break in between.
Saturday, January 17 – Day Four/ Preference
This is the final day of recruitment! By this time, you should know each chapter on a more personal level and recognize more clearly which chapter will be the best fit for you!
Purpose: Each chapter will share with PNMs their special ritual and what it means to be part of their organization.
Location: Chapter houses
Attire: Semi-formal. A similar dress code to Day Three is to be followed. However, Preference round is a more formal and special event, so be sure to dress accordingly. As always, be sure to dress weather-appropriate.
Schedule: The first round begins at 3 PM and the second and final round ends at 4:30 PM.
Sunday, January 18 – Bid Day!
You made it! The anxiety-filled but exciting days of recruitment have just ended! Today, by 11:30 AM, PNMs will receive their bids from their respective Rho Gammas. Bid Signing will take place from 11:30 AM – 3 PM.
Monday, January 19 – Bid Signing Continued
In case you were unsure on Sunday or were too overwhelmed, from 3 PM to 6 PM, bid signing will be extended.
Hopefully, this will give you a better idea of what to look forward to in a couple of weeks! To conclude, here are 5 important things to know beforehand:
- Do what’s best for you. Don’t base your decision on where your friends want to go. You’ll meet plenty of other people in the next few weeks and it’s easy to stay connected with those you met first semester.
- Listen to your Rho Gammas. They’ve been through this process before and can offer you great advice.
- Get sleep. It’s definitely fun to be back on a female-dominated campus for a few days, but trying to get through the long days on minimal sleep won’t be as fun.
- Give recruitment a shot, even if you’re unsure if Greek life is right for you. Many Panhellenic women start their first semester thinking they wouldn’t join a chapter, but end up completely changing their mind once they accept their bid.
- Be true to yourself. Don’t try to be someone that you think a particular chapter may be looking for. When you show who you really are and act like yourself, you will be much more likely to find your best fit!
Good luck, ladies!