Tracy Domingo
Assistant Living Editor
It’s that time of year again ladies, time to get ready for one of the main events of the year: Greek Recruitment 2004. For those of you who don’t know what Greek Recruitment is by now, it’s time for you to put down the Graphic and start digging yourself out of the dark hole you have been living in. By this time of year everyone, men and women alike, have heard of or at least wondered about Greek Recruitment. Unfortunately for women, because of the many detailed Panhellenic rules that are imposed on potential new members and active Greeks, Recruitment can sometimes be seen as a daunting event. Weeks before it even begins, confusion runs rampant as to whom you can and cannot speak, send smoke signals, wink, hug, kiss, or communicate with in any other fashion. So, whether your Grandma’s Grandma’s Grandma was in a sorority and your fate has already been decided or you’re just going through Recruitment to meet more people, this step-by-step manual will help you not only make sense of, but also survive the five days of Greek Recruitment.
Step 1: Take a leap of faith
First things first, in order to get through Recruitment you have to sign up for Recruitment! Brilliant! As a senior, I often hear non-Greek women say that one of their biggest regrets is not rushing. While it is possible to rush your sophomore or junior year, it is a great way to get to know people right away as a freshman. So, while being in a confined space with lots and lots of women may seem a little on the scary (or even terrifying) side, trust me, it will be worth it. Plus, you even get a t-shirt out of the whole deal in the end. You really can’t lose.
Step 2: Ignorance to the law is not an excuse
OK, so I understand the rules and regulations that govern Recruitment seem intimidating and sometimes ridiculous. But, if you are going to rush, it is a good idea to become familiar with what you can and cannot do. During Recruitment, someone is always watching, and breaking forbidden rules may affect you or the sorority house that is involved. Unfortunately, we must have an orderly and respected body of laws so each girl has a fair chance in the process. Guys, on the other hand, go to Dodgers games and T.V. tapings for Recruitment. I mean really, how barbaric of them!
Step 3: Less is more
If there is one word to describe the rush rooms it is definitely have to be “hot.” While you may be tempted to wear that cute long-sleeve that would match the definition of “snappy casual” in your what-to-wear rush guide, don’t do it. Imagine for a moment 50 or more human bodies crammed into a room built for a maximum capacity of 25. Add loud singing, laughing and clapping and essentially you have what we like to call the “party rooms” for Recruitment. Thus, leave your winter gear at home and instead, think comfort in 90 degree heat. However, do not be misled, this is not a license to dress like Britney Spears in concert. Just do yourself a favor and don’t be caught gasping for air because your winter scarf is suffocating the life out of you.
Step 4: Have an open mind and a big smile
Rumors are undoubtedly flying at this point in the year about all seven sororities on campus. I know, I know. Girls and rumors. Impossible, right? Unfortunately, stereotypes and judgments befall on Recruitment every year, and every year potential new members are surprised once they get into the party rooms to find out that most, if not all, of the rumors were lies. Having an open mind and trying not to listen to the rumors will be of huge advantage to you come Preference night when you have to pick your top two choices. Do not let the nasty “Peppervine” lead you into a choice that you may regret later. So, at the risk of sounding cliche, follow your heart, wear a big smile and be yourself oh, and don’t forget to warn your parents about sorority dues.
Step 5: Time management
It is a vicious thing that professors do, but without fail during Recruitment Week homework, exams and busy work just pile on the mountain of things to do. Don’t these professors understand the physical and emotional strain that goes into merely finding an outfit for Recruitment? (Sarcasm). But on the serious side, while you may not realize it now, Recruitment really does take a lot out of you, so it would be wise to try to plan ahead and get all your homework done before the fateful week is upon us.
09-15-2004