How does the recruitment process work?
Formal membership recruitment begins the week before the fall semester begins. Each day, you will attend parties at various sorority houses, meeting women from each chapter and finding the chapter in which you could best see yourself. As the week goes on, you will attend fewer parties and spend longer periods of time at each party, giving you the opportunity to narrow down your choices and devote more time to the chapters with which you feel the strongest connection. The chapters, in turn, will be participating in this “mutual selection” process and looking for the girls who best embody their own ideals.
Where can I find a sorority recruitment application, and what does it cost for me to apply?
You can find a sorority recruitment at http://wam.unl.edu. The fee for applying is $65.00.
How do letters of recommendation work? Do I need one for each chapter?
Letters of recommendation from sorority alumnae are helpful in the recruitment process but not necessary. Each chapter has its own policy regarding these letters. Many chapters find them helpful in learning information about you that may not be evident from your application. However, personal contact at each chapter during sorority recruitment is the best way for sorority members to get to know you.
Is there anyone who will help me throughout the week?
Yes! When you move into your residence hall on Monday, a Recruitment Guide will stop by and introduce herself to you. She will help you throughout the week in knowing where to go and what to expect, and she will also serve as an advisor or confidante if you have any questions or concerns about the recruitment process. Your Recruitment Guide will be in charge of a Recruitment Group composed of other girls on your floor who are also participating in recruitment. These groups are an excellent way to meet and bond with your new neighbors and find support in your first week at UNL!
I'm a Legacy. Does that mean I'm guaranteed a spot in that sorority?
Nope. Each chapter has their own policy regarding legacies (at most chapters you are a legacy if your mother or sister was in the chapter; other chapters include grandmothers or aunts as well). Some chapters may have enough legacies going through recruitment to fill an entire pledge class. Being a legacy to a chapter is helpful, but will not necessarily guarantee you a place in that chapter.
What do I wear?
Before recruitment begins, you will receive information with photos of outfits for each day of parties. Throughout the week, dress for the parties becomes increasingly more formal, ranging from a t-shirt and shorts on the first day to a dressy dress on the last day. The most important thing to remember is to wear comfortable shoes! You will be walking lots each day, and bad blisters or sore heels can make your recruitment experience miserable.
What information should I include in my application?
This application is major factor that chapters use in extending invitations for the first round of parties, so be sure to fill out your application completely and honestly. Ten lines are included on the application for you to list your high school involvement. Some ideas to consider when filling in those ten lines:- High school activities such as cheerleading, band, student council, and other clubs
- Academic honors and awards including scholarships, National Honor Society, and other recognitions
- Community activities (at your church, community centers, etc...)
- Volunteer work you have done
- Part time jobs
Also, please limit your responses to the ten lines provided and do not include an additional resume with your application. Any such additional materials will be discarded by Greek Affairs.
Hopefully we have been able to help address many of your questions about formal membership recruitment. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at any time this summer! Good luck with your recruitment experience!
