Excitement and nerves ran high on Friday Feb. 5, 2016 as undergraduate women at Monmouth University began their first day of formal sorority recruitment.
Panic set in for students of Greek life and those interested in joining after receiving an email from the University cancelling classes for Friday afternoon. Thankfully, the roads cleared up and formal recruitment remained as scheduled.
“Recruitment is like Christmas for sororities so I was so nervous when it was rumored to be cancelled. Almost every student interested in joining still came out despite the weather so I am so glad everything worked out in the end,” said Danielle Romanowski a junior communications major.
Formal recruitment is the process in which students meet every sorority on campus and ultimately join the one that best suits them. Formal recruitment occurs for all Panhellenic organizations on campus, which include Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Sigma Tau, Delta Phi Epsilon, Zeta Tau Alpha, and Phi Sigma Sigma.
This year saw over 250 women participate in recruitment, a significant increase when compared to past years. “There are so many more girls going through recruitment than there were when I went through which is absolutely amazing. Joining Greek life at Monmouth truly changed my life and I am so excited to see more girls getting involved,” said Kerrin Hageny, an alumni of Monmouth University.
Recruitment is a three day long process in which women interested in Greek life meet every sorority and ultimately find their home in the Panhellenic community. The first day began at 4:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon and lasted until 10:15 p.m.
Throughout the night, women travelled across campus to from Wilson Hall to Anacon to Boylan Gym to meet the Panhellenic organizations in their elaborately decorated rooms.
Saturday was the second day of recruitment, which began at 11:30 a.m. During the second day of recruitment, each sorority focuses on their philanthropy. Ali Hart, a junior education major, said, “As Programs Vice President, my position focuses around our philanthropy which is why day two is always my favorite. Our philanthropy is so near and dear to our hearts and it is so amazing to be able to share that with the women going through recruitment.”
The third and final day of recruitment began at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. On this day, women make the tough decision of deciding which of the six organizations they hope to receive a bid from.
“This recruitment was a huge success. I cannot even put into words how unbelievable it is to watch 30 strangers walk into your room and find their home in your organization,” said Emily Rodrigues, a senior education major. “The biggest piece of advice I have for anyone going through recruitment is to follow your heart. It sounds corny but as long as you go in with an open mind, you will know where you belong as soon as you walk through the door of that organizations room.
Bid night will take place on Monday, Feb. 8 at 10 p.m. in Wilson Hall. At this time, women will receive their bids to their respective organization and celebrate.
“Being a member of a fraternal organization is a lifelong commitment. While you are at Monmouth to be a student first, you must understand there is a time commitment, as well as a financial commitment to your organization. Look at all the chapters with an open mind. You will want to gain an understanding of the chapter, what they represent, and their overall values- see how they match up with yours. This is a big decision, so only you can make the decision where you fill the proper fit is,” said Michelle Kaplan, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
