Sorority Spring Recruitment kicks off

Second round of recruiting sees increase in interest, more relaxed atmosphere

John Cline

Staff Writer

Fall rush is a big event for every Greek organization on campus. Spring recruitment has traditionally drawn fewer chapters and prospective members; that is, until this year, when the Panhellenic Council has seen an increase in organizations throwing their hats into the fray.

Jennifer Moore, president of the Panhellenic Council and a junior in biology, says the reasons are mostly logistical.

“Each year we are supposed to look at recruitment numbers and adjust chapter membership quotas based on an across-the-board average,” Moore said. “After rush this fall a lot of sororities took new girls so last week we voted to raise it to 122 from 114, which is substantial.”

Mary English Comer, a junior in elementary education and a member of Delta Delta Delta, said she echoed Moore’s sentiments that the increased expectations were bringing out more chapters but also said other reasons were in play.

“Of course it is partly to meet the new quota set by the Council, but we’re also out here to increase sisterhood and build up Greek Life as a whole,” Comer said.

Even with a membership quota in place, it is still up to the individual chapters to decide whether or not to participate in spring rush and the Council does not levee any penalties if quota is not met.

“Any penalties for not meeting the quota is up to the National Organization of each chapter,” Moore said.

Mike Sullivan, a junior in civil engineering and vice president of the Interfraternity Council, said he believes there is a more economical reason for the increased chapter participation.

“Because of the economy membership is down for all Greek life, and they need to do spring rush to meet quotas,” he said. “But either way it is a great chance for girls who were unsure in the fall to come out and get a much better experience than usual in the spring.”

On Tuesday, a Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment Call Out was held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Talley Ballroom where each chapter had an information table set up and representatives were available to speak with any interested girls. All in attendance seemed excited, if not somewhat unsure about what turnout would actually be.

“We’re really excited,” Comer said. “Since spring rush is so informal with no official sign-up, the girls just go to whichever houses they want, so we have no idea as far as numbers go but hopefully we’ll get a good crowd.”

Moore agreed, saying that while more chapters than usual were expected, they did not yet know exactly who would and would not be participating.

“We haven’t heard from all [the chapters] yet on who’s doing it or not,” she said. “At Call Out all the chapters will be present and interested girls can come see and find out who is doing recruitment.”

The Call Out drew a good crowd for a rainy day, and all the prospective new members, including Grace Gunner, a freshman in business, said they were looking forward to spring rush for its more relaxed atmosphere, and had waited until spring for various reasons.

“As a freshman, I was really busy my first semester and nervous that I would get in over my head rushing in the fall,” Gunner said. ” Waiting until spring seemed like a more responsible idea.”

Michelle Rosplock, a sophomore in communications, said she agreed.

“I waited until the spring because I had a lot going on in the fall with a job, etc., and fall rush is so much more time consuming,” she said. “It’s also my last chance to go through it, as a sophomore.”

Agreement was reached that increased participation for any reason is always a good thing and that the more relaxed atmosphere can make Greek Life more accessible.

“Any time chapters can add members it’s always a good thing,” Moore said. “And since it’s a little more laid back, girls who don’t like the formal recruitment setting will be more comfortable, without having to go through rounds, etc.”

According to Moore, interested girls who missed the Call Out should contact the Office of Greek Life for more information regarding this spring’s recruitment.