Greek life bounces back
By Ashley Hopkins, contributing writer
Posted on September 11, 2006

Current members of JMU’s social fraternities and sororities braved post-hurricane weather last week as recruitment kicked off, as many students begin the formal process of rushing. 

With last fall’s recruitment numbers down after sororities and fraternities were put on social probation, this year more people have signed up and are waiting to receive bids than last year, said Philip Giordano, president of the InterFraternity Council. 

“There’s definitely a better recruitment period this fall than last fall,” Giordano said. “This period is definitely doing well recruitment-wise.”

Lauren Schab, assistant recruitment chair and member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, said, “I’m not sure about the numbers of this rush yet, but I think typically around 500 to 600 people sign up.”

Sorority recruitment is divided into three rounds and a preference night, and stretches from Sept. 13 to 19.

“I felt very nervous my freshman year when I began recruitment,” Schab said. “I had no idea what to expect or if I would give the right impression to the girls.”

During round one, which lasts the first two days, each potential new member is assigned a Rho Chi recruitment counselor, who guides them through the recruitment process.

All potential members are given a booklet describing each sorority, their GPA requirements and their financial obligations. All prospective members are expected to visit all eight of JMU’s nationally recognized sororities.

The second round of recruitment begins on the third day. During this time, the sorority discusses their philanthropy with the potential new members and involves them in a craft dealing with that philanthropy.

“Last year we decorated water bottles with encouraging words for all those affected by Hurricane Katrina,” said Schab.

The third round is the entertainment round. During this round, skits are performed to teach potential members about the sorority in a fun and laid back manner.

The third round of recruitment is followed by a Preference Night, during which the potential member visits two sororities they are most interested in and decides which they want to join. Bid Celebration occurs on the final day of recruitment and is the day potential members find out which sorority they have received a bid from.

“We look for women who hold the same standards was we do and are not afraid to be themselves while meeting us,” said Schab. “We want girls who desire to excel in all areas of their lives, whether it be physical, spiritual, intellectual, or social. Those are our national aims as a sorority.”

Fraternity recruitment, however, works differently. 

Fraternities begin recruitment Sept. 11, after which the 12 nationally-recognized fraternities can plan up to five recruitment events, said Mike Buonocore, recruitment chairman and Sigma Nu member. The events are designed to create a friendly atmosphere and include everything from free pizza to a hot dog-eating contest.

“Each event is designed to get any rushes to come out and get to know people,” Buonocore said. 

Smoker Night (Sept. 20), is the final night of fraternity recruitment. It is during this time that each fraternity decides who it would like to join its chapter.

“We don’t look for cookie cutters by any means,” Buonocore said. “We look for someone who has something to offer that’s unique. 

“We want kids to have a strong head on their shoulders. We want people to question what we do, what we value and why we do it.”

On Sept. 21 between 8 and 11 p.m., potential members find out if they have received a bid and can then accept their invitation or defer until the next semester.

Throughout the entire recruitment process, sororities and fraternities are not only working to pull in new members, but to break the negative stereotypes associated with Greek life as well. 

“There are more to fraternities than the parties and all those horrible things that become associated with us,” Giordano said. “We promote academics. We promote community service. When you’re part of a fraternity you’re not only part of an organization on your campus, you’re part of something that crosses 50 states and around North America.” 

For more information about sorority or fraternity recruitment, visit JMU’s Student Organization Services Web site at jmu.edu/sos.