Keriann Boone
Staff Writer
Fall Recruitment has a reputation of being overly stressful for fraternity, sorority and potential new members (PNMs) alike. Why have Alpha Phi, Gamma Phi Beta and Sigma Phi Epsilon decided to add a Spring (or Informal) Recruitment to their schedules? Each organization has its own reasons, but all agree that the dynamics of Spring Recruitment are much different.
Alpha Phi and Gamma Phi Beta are having an informal recruitment to meet more PNMs, especially those who didn’t participate in Fall Recruitment, while Sigma Phi Epsilon has a formal Spring Recruitment as a tradition of the fraternity.
Jamaal Crowley, vice president of recruitment for Sigma Phi Epsilon, said Spring Recruitment draws in different demographics than Fall Recruitment.
“We get a completely different group of men for Spring Recruitment than what we would normally get from fall due to the fact that they were too busy in the fall or were simply weary of rushing anything at all,” Crowley said.
Kayli Moran, president of Alpha Phi, agreed that PNMs of Spring Recruitment have different expectations.
“We meet girls who have had a semester to observe all the benefits of the Greek system, and they have decided that they want to be a part of a sorority,” Moran said.
Whether or not the recruitment is formal, each organization’s members said that a lot of preparation is involved.
Ashley Ellis, vice president of recruitment for Gamma Phi Beta, said despite all the planning, Spring Recruitment is less stressful.
“Spring Recruitment takes a lot of planning and clear communication, but it’s less stressful because the events you do are at your choosing,” Ellis said. “Whereas Fall, you abide by what Pan-Hellenic sets out for formal recruitment.”
Sigma Phi Epsilon’s events are similar to those during Fall Recruitment. They had a broomball mixer with Delta Delta Delta and Kappa Alpha Theta on Monday and barbecue and billiards on Tuesday. Today they are having a basketball tournament, and tomorrow is their preference dinner by invitation only.
Alpha Phi went bowling last Tuesday, had dinner at Duke’s last Wednesday and watched “The OC” last Thursday.
Gamma Phi Beta also had a host of events that included: Malibu Yogurt, lunch at various locations, bowling, dinner at TGI Fridays and dessert at Diddy Reese.
These events are much less intense than those of Fall Recruitment.
“Spring Recruitment is more intimate and friendly than formal recruitment because you meet the girls in a comfortable atmosphere where you can have an extended conversation,” Moran said.
Crowley agreed.
“Rush is more personal because fewer guys come out, and we get to know the PNMs much better.”
The PNMs of Spring Recruitment have their own expectations of the fraternity or sorority. Chris Van Velzer, Student Organizations coordinator, said spring PNMs are not as freshmen-dominated as those in fall. They usually decide to rush based on personal invitations, friends within the fraternity or sorority, or a personal interest in a particular fraternity or sorority.
“Their expectations are to show up and have fun,” Van Velzer said. “The main advantage of Spring Recruitment is that it’s less intimidating and structured than Fall Recruitment, which provides a much better environment to get to know the actives better.”
Freshman Brittany Moore went to Fall Recruitment but decided not to finish it due to her workload. She recently participated in Alpha Phi’s Spring Recruitment.
“The difference is that Spring Recruitment is more relaxed,” Moore said. “During Fall Recruitment, I was forced to talk to the girls for 15 to 20 minutes. I felt rushed and pressured. I really enjoyed Spring Recruitment because I actually got to know the girls during the events.”
01-25-2005