CL’s Guide to Winter Sorority Recruitment: Why Should I Sign Up?

Here’s to a new semester co-eds!  Winter break is officially over and now is the perfect time to change things up!  As you’re getting back into your classes and routine, Greek life is just getting started!  Winter Sorority Recruitment is right around the corner and for a lot of schools this is the last weekend to register.  If you’re on the edge about registering for recruitment or if you aren’t sure Greek life is for you, never fear!  Follow CL’s Guide to Winter Sorority Recruitment and find out why you should sign up!

Get Involved!

Joining a sorority is a great way to be active on campus.  Greek organizations offer a variety of events from socials and mixers to philanthropy fundraisers.  Going through recruitment will introduce you to countless opportunities to be a confident leader on your campus.

Discover Sisterhood!

Sisterhood is the reason I signed up for Formal Sorority Recruitment at Marquette University 2 years ago.  I’m an only child and always wanted the experience of having a sister.  After going through the recruitment process and accepting a bid from Alpha Chi Omega, I’m proud to say I have tons of fabulous sisters and could not be happier!  By signing up for recruitment you have the opportunity to find a group of classy ladies on your campus that share your same drive, passion, and interests.  Discovering the bond of sisterhood is an amazing consequence of signing up for recruitment.

Find Your Home!

Signing up for Winter Sorority Recruitment will introduce you to a lot of different groups and girls.  While the process can be overwhelming and confusing, if you go through it with an open mind you may find the ladies and house that become your second family and home on campus.  AXO is my home away from home on Marquette’s campus.  Going through recruitment has the potential to give you a strong support network that will last a lifetime!

 

 

 

Cassidy McAloon is pursuing a Bachelor in Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism at Marquette University.  She is a fashion, sorority life, and apartment life writer at College Lifestyles.

Squash those Sorority Stereotypes!

Ask not what your sorority can do for you, but ask what you can do for your sorority.  An adapted version of John F. Kennedy’s famous saying.  Your sorority is a united group of women with a common mission and similar values in life.  They are strong, independent individuals that work together towards a shared goal.

People who are not members of Greek system tend to not see the beauty of sorority life.  To the non- Greek public, sorority girls are considered cruel and vindictive, while the fraternity men are dumb and incompetent.  But we sorority ladies know the truth, and we try to convey our classiness through philanthropy and kindness.  We expect this stigma from the public, and we hope to squash it.  Yet what happens when inside the system, we have our own stereotypes?

The blonde sorority, the partying sorority, the geeky sorority, the snobby sorority and the socially awkward ones.  Many of us have heard these labels, among many others, discussed throughout campus.  Each label has a negative connotation to it; it becomes something the girls are not proud of.  So you ask, what can I do for my sorority to rid us of these negative ideas?

Allow diversity into your chapter.  During recruitment, keep in mind ladies with original ideas and unique qualities.  Accept a co-ed based on her personality and interests, not just her looks. Your events and meetings become more fun when you allow room for creative ideas and different traits!

Be the change. Change can be good within a sorority.  Hold onto your goals and values, but also make adjustments to be the best you can be.  When a girl enters college, she hopes to develop and grow as an intellectual and a human being.  Allow your sorority to do the same.  Perhaps recruit in different ways, or allow more opportunities for discussion within your chapter.  A good, informal, way to discuss change is through sisterhood events.

Stop the stereotypes from within.  Sometimes, we subconsciously thrive off the stereotypes.  We take it as a way that we are supposed to act; the way the public expects us to act.  Remember that no matter where you are and what you are doing; you are always wearing your letters.  People recognize you outside the sorority.  Act in a way that makes your sisters proud.  In my sorority, we tell people to keep it “Kappa Klassy.”

Make it a positive twist.  Hear someone saying that you and your sisters are the geeky sorority?  Stand up to them and put a positive connotation to it.  Say, “Yes, we like to study and do well in school, but we do many things outside of the classroom.  And I don’t see anything bad about being intelligent.”  Are you the partying sorority?  Try, “My sisters and I like to have fun, but we like to keep it classy.  We also boast a high cumulative GPA as an organization.”

Show the community what you are all about.  Be more active on campus to show students and faculty what your values really are and what your organization wishes to accomplish.  Do events and philanthropies that interest your chapter as a whole.  Encourage your peers to look past the label and see the sophisticated, fabulous, well-rounded group of women that you are.

Don’t listen to the labels the sororities on your campus have.  Know what values you and your sorority represent and do your best as a whole to represent them.  Be proud and confident of who you and your sorority are and show off your uniqueness in a savvy and genuine manner.  Encourage development within your sorority and be passionate about your mission and values.  What are some amazing things you have done for your sorority?

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

Dress to Impress During Rush Week!

As your school’s rush week comes around the corner, many questions may be racing through your head. What do we do? What should I talk about? And even, what should I wear? While I’m sure your school’s Greek coordinator will fill you in on the details of each sorority’s welcome parties, CL will try to ease any confusion and frustration you may have regarding fashion during rush week. Typically each sorority will have a variety of ‘get-to-know-you’ parties, and whether they are casual, semi-formal, or formal, CL will make sure you’re keeping it classy.  You only get one chance to make a first impression, so dress to impress!

The Casual Party

These parties are the easiest to dress for- you just have to be yourself! A pair of chic jeans, a cute tee, and a pair of adorable flats or sandals will complete the look. With this easy going out fit, the conversation should come naturally. If it happens to be chilly out, I suggest bringing a simple cardigan.

The Semi-Formal Party

For this type of party it is important to dress up, but not over the top. You can never go wrong with a classic high-waisted skirt and a pretty blouse or perhaps, a pretty sundress. Stylish heels or flats work well with this ensemble, but don’t forget you will be doing a lot of walking around the Greek community so make sure you feel comfortable! Grab a sophisticated blazer just incase the temperature drops.

The Formal Party

Not every campus will include a formal party, but it never hurts to have your wardrobe prepared! When dressing for a party like this, I suggest a classy cocktail dress or even an LBD would be perfect for an occasion like this. Strap on a pair of sassy pumps or flats to complete the look!

You may not want to bring a bag or purse, simply because it is one more thing that will distract you during this chaotic time. Try to be devoted to getting to know what each house stands for and what they have to offer, these parties are for your future sisters to get to know the real you, just relax! Hopefully these tips will put you at ease as you go through rush, and by staying classy and confident you are sure to let your personality shine at each party! How will you stay savvy at this year’s rush party?

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

The many faces of recruitment

Recruitment week has reared its ugly head once again. But like the most beautiful things in life, you can’t always judge a book by its cover. Although recruitment is filled with frustrated nights and an insane amount of singing, most sorority girls can agree that every minute practicing is worth it on bid day. Most of the time, however, we forget what it’s like to be on the other side. We forget about the girls that agonize over which similar Forever 21 dress is going to be, “the perfect dress.” We forget about the girl that is uncertain about what all this recruitment mumbo-jumbo is about, and we almost always forget about the girl that, frankly, doesn’t care at all. Funny thing is, most of the women who are like this end up in your very sorority.

Sorori-no

There will be some girls who go through recruitment and do not get it. They only decided to rush last minute because their annoying roommate insisted they, “just have to do it together!”  As difficult as it is to talk to a girl who seems disinterested, a classy sorority girl should think of this rushee as a challenge. Try to find out what she likes and talk to her as a person, not a potential new member. Before you know it, your sorority may not have gained an awesome new baby, but you may have gained an unforgettable best friend.

I love it, I love it not

Freshmen year is confusing. It’s hard to decide what is and is not right for you. Many women go through recruitment and are confused about the process. They will think, “Is this right for me? What if no one likes me? Or worse, what if I fall in love and no one extends me a bid?” Remember that it is important to give them as much information as possible in order for them to make a decision. Don’t be offended if a girl you love doesn’t join. After all, sorority life isn’t for everyone.

Born to be, Sorority

Finally, there are the girls who cannot wait to rush. They have toiled for weeks over what to wear, what color to paint their nails and how to wear their hair in the perfect way. These may be the girls your sorority are initially attracted to, but be careful; they are also the ones that can be hurt the most. Make sure to pay as much attention to them as the other women, and understand how excited they are rather than criticize them for it.

Recruitment season is one of the most exciting and exhausting few weeks of the year. Enjoy the time with sisters and meeting new girls and you will receive the best results possible.  Look around the women in your sorority. How did eliminating stereotypes during rush affect your own bid day experience?

CL’s Guide to Keeping Things Positive!

As much as we wish college is nothing but hanging with sisters, making crafts and lounging on a favorite couch, college is also about hitting the books . . . hard. Piling homework, work and sorority meetings and social functions can really stress a CL girl out! Even though a girl may be stressed but it’s still good to show some love to your fellow sisters, friends and family!

Designating a sister to keep things positive is a great way to keep everyone’s moods upbeat! Before or after chapter she could show something funny from YouTube to boost everyone’s moral. Every girl loves a sweet treat and candy is a good way to any girl’s heart, bringing in candy or cupcakes puts everyone in a sweet mood and ready for business.

Sometimes in our crazy hectic schedules we sometimes forget to tell people thank you for all they do or remind them how much we care. Using CL’s TSM (Text Sweet Messages) Campaign is a great way to remind every sister how much they mean to each other. TSM is all about taking an amount of time from each day and texting positive messages.

Going along with positive texts is positive emails. When sorority girls are bombarded by emails everyday from classmates, professors, and anything to do with Greek Life it tends to become a hassle. Anytime a sister sends an email, maybe put a positive message at the end to make everyone smile or try to put a positive spin on things!

Everyone has bad days and it’s good to have something to remind a girl how much her sister’s care about her. Making a simple booklet from bright paper and having fellow sisters write positive messages is a great way to keeps sisters close and keep attitudes on positive on the days when a girl gets hit with something negative.

These are just easy steps any girl can take to let her sisters know she cares and to keep everyone’s day positive! Everyone has rough days and it’s good to know you have a sister to lean on when things get tough!

CL’s Guide to Buying your Big the Best Graduation Gift

Finding the perfect gift for anyone is tough but finding the perfect goodbye gift for your big can be even tougher. What haven’t you already bought her and what crafts haven’t you made for her. The best thing to emphasize is all the memories you both shared so it’s something she can look back on.

The best thing to encompass all of your memories is to make your big a graduation scrapbook. Compiling pages of all the favorite memories and memorabilia is something that a Big can keep around forever. Reminiscing on old memories can bring bigs and littles even closer. 

Even when Bigs are passing down their sorority t-shirts, flowers, and décor it’s good to give them their last family shirt. A family shirt is a great gift because they unique to what a family is all about and it shows the different generations that a big has started. It’s also something that they can wear when they come to visit or during Homecoming weekend.

A great gift that will keep a big grounded in the real world is a journal filled with all of your sorority’s information and what makes your sorority unique. Sometimes in the hectic crazy world a girl can lose herself and it’s good to have a friendly reminder of the woman she grew to be.

 

Piggy banks are the best way to save up a girl’s pennies so why not give a Big a piggy bank to save up her pennies to come visit again! It’s a cute reminder that even though a Big is graduating that she’ll be missed not only by her chapter, but especially her Little.

A practical gift is a nice briefcase or bag that can hold a resume or portfolio. It’ll be great for interviews and when she lands that amazing job she’s been working hard for! Buy a professional one but still has details that go with her personality like a bow or a splash of floral print.

Represent Your Sorority During Summer the CL Way

Wear Letters: Wearing your sorority’s letters is the easiest way you can represent your sorority when you’re not as school. There are so many ways to wear letters too. Greek apparel websites offer everything from bags, tank tops, shorts, and dresses and there are tons of patterns to choose from!

Volunteer in Letters: Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you should stop volunteering. It is important to give what you can to your community and to help people who can’t help themselves. Wearing letters to volunteering opportunities can really get your sorority’s name out there and represent them in a good light.

Give to your philanthropy and help raise money for your service projects: Organizations that your sorority aids do not take a break during the summer, and neither should you. There are plenty of ways to get involved in events in your philanthropy during the summer. There are easy ways to raise money such as car washes, lemonade stands, and other different fundraisers. It is also likely that you can get different businesses to sponsor/donate products to the cause.

Get Together with your Sisters: Getting together as a sorority is a great way to represent your sorority because it is a reminder of what your sorority is about. It is a great way to bond, reminisce, and make new memories while not in school. Your affiliation with your sorority and your sisters should not end when school does.

Recruit!: Whether a person goes to your school or not, you can help your sorority expand during the summer. Recruitment is not just a one week thing. Make sure when your in letters you always behave in classy manor. Make sure people know who your sorority is and what your sisterhood is all about!

Anna Romance is a junior at Duquesne University studying International Relations and Internal Marketing Communications. She loves traveling, friends, family, Alpha Sigma Tau, Starbucks and snowboarding!

CL’s Top Shopping List After Joining a Sorority

Joining a sorority is exciting enough but there are some things that every CL girl will need once she puts on those letters.

1. LWD- A little white dress will be needed for ritual ceremonies. When purchasing this dress, make sure it complies with the appropriate dress code the sorority upholds. Try to find a dress that covers shoulders and falls just above the knee at the highest hem. Even adding a simple cardigan will add class and personality to the LWD.
2. LBD- Every girl needs this classic look in her closet. This dress will come in handy for recruitment events or social functions that come up. Keep this dress simple so it can any occasion. A CL girl can dress this up with jewelry or heels or grab a fun wrap or sweater to make your LBD pop.                 
3. Comfy Pair of Heels- A comfy pair of heels is definitely the item a CL girl wants to spend her time searching the stores looking for. Finding a comfy pair in black, white or beige would be a CL’s best bet because it’ll go with the most outfits. Make sure it’s a pair of heels that you’ll be able to stand in for any amount of time and that you’re comfortable walking in.
4. Pearls- Pearls give every girl that classy look no matter if they’re at the gym or dressed up for a night out. You’ll most likely need them for recruitment events. Since pearls are always in style, it’s easy to find a necklace, bracelet or earrings for any budget.
5. Planner- From group projects to activities you’re going to need an amazing planner to keep up with you and your busy schedule. The best kind of to get is a planner the size of a regular notebook. It gives you the freedom to write everything down and keep event information organized.
6. Picture Frames- This item is not a necessity but with all the great sisters you’re about to meet you’ll want to capture your favorite memories in cute frames. A fun way to go is to make your own! Wal-Mart and Michael’s stores offer plain frames that you can paint and decorate yourself!
7. A Big Tote!- Sometimes with the crazy schedule of class, homework and activities it’s hard to find time to run back to your apartment and change. Caring around a large tote bag allows you to pack nicely folded clothes  to change into and carry around anything you need. Vera Bradley offers any size in many different fun colors.

A Classy Co-ed’s Guide for Going Through Sorority Recruitment

“Should I join a sorority?” is a common question amongst college freshman and sophomores. It is never to early to start thinking about signing up for recruitment. When making this decision there are a lot of aspects to weigh. As a classy coed you want to make sure you make the right choice for you because it truly will change your life. Here are some tips to help you make a decision that is right for you!

You say: “I want to join the sorority my best friend is joining!”                                                                                                                             I say: Your friends obviously have a big impact on you and possibly your decisions, but joining a sorority is all about you. The sorority your friend likes may not be the sorority that is best for you. It’s best to go into recruitment with an open mind and go to each sorority’s party, not just the sororities you think you want to join. Also, it can be helpful to keep the sororities you like to yourself and asking them to do the same. Keeping it to yourself can be hard but it ensures that you’ll make the choice based on what is right for you.

You say: “I’ve heard bad things about this sorority.”                                                                                                                                                    I say: Don’t listen to what others say. Only the sisters of a sorority know the details of their sorority. Outsiders do not know what goes on internally. Some people will talk bad about different sororities and Greek Life as a whole, but you can’t base your decision to join Greek Life off of these people’s opinions. Remember, you are making the choice to join a sorority for no one else but yourself.

You say: “I don’t know anyone in that sorority.”                                                                                                                                                           I say: You’re not going to know every girl in every sorority. Try to talk to as many girls during recruitment as possible. It’s okay if you are a shy, but try to really get to know each girl you talk to as best as you can. You will find that people will surprise you.

You say: “How do I know that they value what I value?”                                                                                                                                            I say: Ask questions! During recruitment sororities want you to get to know them, too. Asking questions shows that you are interested. Ask questions about their philanthropy, what kind of events they do, what their sorority means to them, etc… You have to try to get to know the sorority you want to join just as they have to try to get to know you. It works both ways.

You say: “What am I going to get out of this?”                                                                                                                                                              I say: The experience is what you make of it. Get to know your new member class, you’ll find similarities and you’ll find people who will be there for you no matter what. Even more important, you will find people who will make you a better person. Aside from life-long friendships, you will find that you will grow as a leader, make a difference in your community, find social and real world connections, and help people who cant help themselves through service to your community and your philanthropy.

Remember, Greek Life is not for a certain type of person. There is a place for everyone, and going into recruitment with an open mind will help you find the place that you fit in best!

CL’s Guide to being the Best You During Recruitment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Recruitment is a fun and exciting time to meet quality women for your organization and spend some extra time with your sisters. It’s at the beginning of the semester and it’s time to let your personality shine!

Although recruitment is supposed to be fun, it sometimes can be stressful. Make sure you’re still getting the recommended hours of sleep. This will make sure you’re perky and pleasant during the recruitment event.

The weeks of recruitment will also showcase your time management skills. Between class, homework, and recruitment it’s hard to find time for anything else. It will mean less time watching Pretty Little Liars and more time cracking the books before and after an event. A CL girl will be less stressed during recruitment if all of her assignments are completed.

Recruitment isn’t just about selling your organization; you have to sell yourself too. Looking your best during recruitment isn’t even a question. To achieve this, make sure your heels aren’t scuffed, your pearls are polished, your nails are free from chips and your outfit is perfectly pressed.

Even though you may be running late for things it’s important to grab a snack or dinner before your event. Being hungry can make your cranky and not really in the mood to talk to PNM’s. Organize a dinner for your event at your house so all your sisters can get dinner, get ready and head over to the event together.

If an event is at your house make sure your house is squeaky clean. The biggest rooms to focus on are the space you’ll be holding your event in and the bathrooms.  PNM’s will be using these rooms so try to add some extra flair to these rooms.

Recruitment is meant to be fun and a time to reminisce why you joined the organization. The most important thing is have fun, be yourself, and relax!

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