Recruitment Week is a designated week for sororities and fraternities part of the College Panhellenic Council (CPC) and Interfraternity Council (IFC) to introduce their chapters to students and potential new members. During recruitment week, sororities and fraternities host several different events which help those interested in Greek life get comfortable with the organizations and help in deciding if joining is for them.
Through sisterhood, philanthropy and preference rounds, students get to know the ins and outs of each sorority. Fraternities hold open houses as well as a series of events, usually leading up to a Q&A or invitation-only formal dinner.
Individual Greek life organizations hold their own events during this period, including Sigma Sigma Sigma’s dirty soda and simply sigma events, Phi Mu and Pi Kappa Alpha’s Bubble Bash and some organizations help with move-in day.
Kayla Matherne, a sophomore nursing and psychology double major, is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) and worked as the philanthropy dayhead for recruitment week. “It’s one of the longest, most fun weeks that a sorority gets to have,” Matherne said. “It’s where the girls who are looking to join a sorority get to go to each house and get to know what happens within that sorority.”
At the end of the week, prospecting students attend bid day, the final event where new members join their chapters. “It’s a full circle moment for a lot of people because they get to stand there with open arms, waiting for their girl to come, just like it was done for them,” Matherne said.
For both old and new members, joining a Greek organization can give them a sense of belonging. Ella Reitzell, a junior elementary education major and membership director of Phi Mu, joined because of how comfortable she felt around the members she met and how she was able to be herself around them.
“I think my favorite part… is getting everyone together and being all in the same place for the same reason,” Reitzell said.
If a student can join Greek life, they should “just do it,” Reitzell said. “You never know the opportunities that you’re missing if you never let yourself have the opportunity. It shaped me into a better woman, student, friend and leader. I think everyone should have the opportunity to grow in themselves like I have through Phi Mu.”
While recruitment can be a nerve-wracking experience for potential members, they never have to feel alone during the process. Sophie Ferguson, a freshman biology major who joined AOII this fall, remembered the nervous feelings recruitment brought her and how she was supported through them.
“Recruitment was a little scary, but there was someone to help me and answer all of my questions every single step of the way. In the best way possible, you are never alone. You will always have someone to turn to, regardless of what sorority you join or if you join one at all,” Ferguson said.
Greek life can hold many opportunities for students to meet new people and get involved on campus through service and events. It can offer a second home to students looking for a little extra support or provide students a way to help others through fundraising and spreading the word about their philanthropy.
