Recruitment 2014 Countdown

For many of you, recruitment will begin in a few days or weeks. I'm sure you are finalizing your outfit choices so you can make the best possible first impression. Of course, what you are wearing is important not only because you want to feel good about how you look but also it shows you took the time to present yourself in the best light. This is great training for the interviews you will have in college and the real world. You must dress the part.

It is also important to identify those items you will carry in The Bag you will carry and leave in the tent between parties. Remember all the stuff Mary Poppins included in her bag? You too should be the PNM that has everything one would need in 100 degree weather. Thanks to our local Greek women, here is a listing of items you might want to include. Remember - you will carry nothing into the events. It all remains outside. 

A pen & a small notebook

Chapstick/lip gloss

Comfy flip flops 

Deodorant 

Face Powder

Flip flops

Hair Brush

Mints

Mirror

Perfume

Small fan

Snacks

Tissues

Water

I brought a handheld fan in my bag. It helped cool me down between houses and especially when all of the good spots in the tents were taken. It also helped me make friends!  I would  suggest bringing an umbrella because there were quite a few unexpected showers when I went through recruitment. 

A pair of flip flops that are comfy! (I brought my Chaco’s) just to wear on the row between houses on days your shoes are uncomfortable. 

An umbrella, for the rain that will most likely happen, and to keep you cool in the summer heat. A book or something to keep you busy! On the days you can't talk it can get pretty boring, being something to keep you occupied. 

Special thanks to the following for their advice.

Maddie Street

Kailey Johnson

Christina DeRuyter

Jennifer Hoyle

And a special message from Abigayle English who loves to blog and reminds us what is important in the recruitment process - being yourself so you can meet new friends.

Honestly, I wouldn't put too much focus into what you bring to sorority row as it can get you confused about the recruitment process. I remember everyone stressing to bring extra jewelry if something broke or your whole make-up bag. I think that is good advice if you want to be over-prepared but I think it also makes us too concerned about what we look like on the outside and not as concerned about what really matters when we're in the houses, our character. 

I learned this through watching a girl cry her eyes out outside of one of the houses, because she had lost one earring and said her outfit wasn't complete without them. I can imagine how hard it was for her to go into that house and talk about her experiences, interests and goals when she was so focused on her outfit. So I would say to bring whatever will make you feel comfortable so that you can focus on being yourself inside the houses. 

The items in your bag should just help you not be distracted by your outward appearance so that you can focus on your inner self. For example, I knew that if I had bad breath I would be less likely to talk and if I didn't have a snack I would get grumpy. So I brought a snack and some mints. If you are worried about sweating, bring deodorant and coffee filters for a quick freshen-up. So you can readjust outside to make yourself comfortable and then reflect on what that last house was like, unlike some girls who would spend all the extra time redoing make-up or changing jewelry out. 

While you want to look your best, being on the other side of recruitment I have learned that we are so concerned about finding out what kind of lady you are, that you could walk in with two different shoes and we probably wouldn't notice. So don't pack a huge bag that will put pressure on you to focus on your outward appearance. Just make sure that you are comfortable so you can be yourself in the house. We are so excited to get to know you all and don't want y'all to get too worried about the materialistic side of things. So my end-all advice for the bag is pack what you need to feel comfortable and to be able to be yourself. 

Recommendations, References, Letters of Support...What do you really need?

Any time you want to join an organization you are typically asked to complete some type of application that provides pertinent information to those already in the organization. There are as many types of applications as there are organizations out there.

Sororities are no different.

To ensure you have the proper paperwork to move through the recruitment process, you are encouraged to obtain a formal recommendation/reference for that specific sorority. Each group calls this form something different which means there is sometimes miscommunication. 

 

You are responsible for asking women to write formal recommendations/references for each sorority. This is a form that is unique to each sorority. For example, only women who were members of ABC or DEF can write a recommendation or reference for their sorority. Again, each sorority calls this form by a different name. Some national sororities have systems that allow alumnae to complete a form electronically while some women prefer to hand write a form and mail it to the appropriate person. It is always wise to ask how the alumna would like you to deliver your packet of information. It is not imperative that alumna be a graduate of the college you will attend. It is critical she be a member of the sorority for which she will be writing a recommendation/reference.

In addition, you can have women write letters of recommendation for their sorority. You will need the formal recommendation/reference to make sure you have the ability to move through the membership process with each sorority. It is like an application for membership in an organization. I know – confusing.

Each prospective new member (working with her mother) is responsible for gaining her own formal recommendations/references. We suggest having your mom ask her friends if they were in sororities and then asking if they will write a reference/recommendation. They did not have to attend the university you will attend.The best recommendations/references are written by someone who knows you!

You will need to provide the following to each woman writing this recommendation/reference.

• Letter requesting she write a  recommendation/reference
• Social resume
• Photographs – head shot & full length shot (see comments on what types of pictures to include)
• Copy of transcript
• Stamped envelope with the name & address of the sorority for which the woman is writing a reference. (You can get this information from the panhellenic website at the university you are attending.)

You will follow up with a hand written thank you note to the woman.

You will need to call or email the woman and either hand deliver or mail the packet of information. If you do not know the woman well, you might need to set up an appointment to meet her. When she writes a recommendation/reference, she is addressing your ability to be a candidate for membership in her sorority. She will need to know if you have the ability and desire to fulfill the obligations of membership – attending meetings & socials, participating in service projects, paying dues, living in the house (if required), and upholding the values and standards of that sorority. That is the reason for these forms – to let current members of that sorority know a little more about you and your ability to be a contributing member of that organization.

BVPAA seeks to assist local women in identifying local alumnae who can assist in finding women to write these recommendations.