CAITLIN WHITE
Assistant Living Editor
Most college students are at least familiar with Greek life, but it seems only a select few actually understand the recruitment and selection process. Fortunately, for those not involved, and unsure of what “rush” means, there is a solution. Specifically on the sorority side, participating in recruitment can be a very confusing and overwhelming process, which is exactly why the position of Rho Chi (or recruitment counselor) was developed.
During formal recruitment, members of sororities aren’t allowed to socialize, speak to, or even touch potential new members (known as PNMs), to ensure that no unfair advantage is gained on either side. To help alleviate this pressure and answer questions, PNMs have the help of Rho Chis, or sorority sisters that completely disaffiliate themselves from their sorority during the fall recruitment process.
These Rho Chis are then free to help the girls who are participating in recruitment with questions and concerns about the process, without being biased or intimidating due to whatever stereotypes might be associated with their sorority. The head of the recruitment process this year, Leslie Mayer, is one such leader. She explains a bit more about the position, and Greek life in general.
Who is chosen to be a Rho Chi?
The girls who are Rho Chis actually volunteer on their own from their respective sororities. After they do, we do put them through a short interview, just to make sure they really do know what the job entails, because it does take commitment and some sacrifice, but the position is voluntary. Since I am head of recruitment, I was actually elected to that position by my sorority, and I also get to be a Rho Chi, but I was really excited for the chance.
What are the basic duties of a Rho Chi?
Our job is to just guide the PNMs. During pre-recruitment events we help with questions, and just really try to take them through the process. During formal recruitment they are split into groups, and we lead them to the different events. It makes it easier for the new girls, since the girls who are in the sororities can’t talk to PNMs outside the allotted formal recruitment time. And that is simply because we don’t want anyone to have an unfair advantage, a PNM getting close to a sorority girl during their free time just wouldn’t be fair. But as Rho Chis, we can talk to freshman whenever we want, hug them, hang out with them, since we’re anonymous, it levels the playing field and allows us to provide support for the girls.
What made you want to become a Rho Chi?
I was elected to the official Panhellenic council, which consists of seven girls-one from each sorority. What the Panhellenic council does is oversee all sorority activities, budgets, events, rules and all that. So since I was elected secretary, I also had the position of head recruitment counselor. But I was also very excited. I definitely have passion for my individual sorority, but I’ve always supported the entire Greek community and the entire “Go Greek” attitude. I like to think of it a big community instead of separated, and this position allows me to promote the Greek community as a whole instead of just promoting my own sorority. It’s also nice because you know that recruitment is a hard and stressful process for those going through it, and I like being the go-to girl when the girls do have questions and concerns. I’d rather be on the side where I can really get to know them and support them.
What are the best and worst parts of being a Rho Chi?
Well the best part is definitely being able to get close to potential new members and be a friendly face because they’re going through a lot, and it’s nice to be able to go to them in times of crisis rather than have to stay away from them. Recruitment is a really hard, scary and confusing process and you never think you’re doing anything right so I really like to help girls through it because I remember being in their shoes. The worst part is definitely the disaffiliation because a huge amount of my friends are part of Greek life, so I can’t see my friends or hang out with them. If I see my best friend I can’t give her a hug or act like I even know her, so it is hard. But it’s worth the sacrifice.
Why do you think Greek life is something students should get involved with?
I think it offers so many good things. A sorority or fraternity will be a group of friends, and it’ll be people you might not have met, it’s so easy to just see the same people every day because of majors or teams. Going through recruitment allows you to branch out socially. Plus I think Greek life is such a great presence on campus in a really positive way, lots of people think of it as just a way to socialize, but every group does a lot of hard work for their philanthropies.
Do you have any advice for people new to the recruitment process?
My advice is to be yourself. A lot of people go in thinking they want a certain sorority and they try to act the part, but generally stereotypes aren’t true. Don’t think of a stereotype of a sorority and try to play the part-just be yourself and you’ll end up where you should be.
09-13-2007
