Spring sorority recruitment is in full swing at Sacred Heart University. For the past few weeks, various Panhellenic organizations have been preparing to welcome new women into their sisterhoods.
While formal recruitment took place this past fall, spring is a time for sororities to initiate new members if they have not met their chapter’s limit. Often called “informal” recruitment, the process is structured quite differently than the action-packed weekend every September.
Chapters can plan their own events and make their own schedule, creating a more flexible and easy-going environment for potential new members (PNMS) and the sororities.
“The format is different in the spring and affords PNMS a nice opportunity to get to know each organization better,” said Kathryn Ionta, the Assistant Director of Greek Life.
As of this publication, the chapters that are still holding spring recruitment include Delta Zeta, Tri Delta, Theta Phi Alpha and Kappa Alpha Theta. Zeta Tau Alpha, Alpha Delta Pi and Phi Sigma participated this spring as well, but have since completed the process.
While the format was already different in the spring, there are added challenges for the Panhellenic community to work around due to COVID-19.
“It’s important that we all follow the Pioneer Promise,” said Panhellenic President Kaitlin Pontes. “Each sorority can have in-person events if they choose, with limits on how many people can attend. To include bigger groups, chapters are mostly holding info sessions and activities virtually via Zoom.”
For example, Theta Phi Alpha recently held a paint night, where interested women could sign up and meet the sisters in small groups.
“We’ve all had to get creative with the recruitment process and events,” said Ionta. “And if a woman is interested in getting to know a chapter better, she can always contact sisters to meet up for coffee or food within COVID guidelines.”
Freshman Rhiannon Ortiz is a new member of Delta Zeta who recently joined their Retention Committee and has been deeply involved in their spring recruitment process.
“Some girls have asked me if they should go through the recruitment process,” said Ortiz. “I think that everyone should try it if they’re looking to make some new friends. You never know which group you’ll click with.”
While the process may seem daunting, she encourages every woman to consider giving it a try.
“I love being in a sorority because I always have someone there for me whenever I need them,” said Ortiz. “I also love having older sisters that can guide me through all the new experiences of college. That’s so special, and it’s so worth it.”
Each sorority has unique qualities such as their philanthropies and values, which makes the Panhellenic community such a diverse group of women. Sacred Heart students who desire a sense of belonging may be able to find it within the organizations participating in spring recruitment.
“Dive right in and give yourself the opportunity to get what you want out of your college experience,” said Ionta.
Anyone interested in joining the Panhellenic community can find information through their emails and Instagram page, @shu_panhellenic. Each chapter has their own Instagram page as well, where they post details about events.
