Fall Recruitment Survival Kits

In my case fall term doesn't start for two more months but if you're not on the west coast and starting super late fall recruitment is probably either already happening for you or happening very soon. Maybe it is your little or grandlittle's first time being on the other side of the craziness that is recruitment. If you want to help them out then think about crafting them something special, a recruitment survival kit. Check out these tips to get started.

1. Travel size makeup, chapstick, perfume, and beauty essentials can be a cute and cheap thing to include.

Beauty 

2. Relaxation essentials like chocolate bars, magazines, snacks, books sorority themed or otherwise are key for breaks between house tours or prepping for events.

Sisters

3. Summer essentials are helpful if you live in a state where it's still super hot during recruitment. Include things like blotting sheets, fans, makeup remover wipes, water bottles, deodorant, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Summer

4. Include emergency essentials like a sewing kit, a compact mirror, safety pins, band-aids, and feminine hygiene products, double stick tape, a lint brush, and nail polish remover.

Survival

5. Stay minty fresh and energized by packing a Starbucks coffee drink, energy drink, caffeinated chocolate bar, energy bar, Advil, cough drops mints, and gum.

Latte 

6. If you can find a cute and cheap pair of flats include those too because you never know when your sister will want to swap her heels out for them instead.

Lilly

7. If you have an outdoor recruitment event pack your sister a mini-umbrella and maybe even a poncho just in case the worst occurs.

Vineyard Vines

8. Don't forget you may want to write things down or remember them so keep scissors, pencils, pens, and a notepad on hand to do so.

Rush Kit

9. Remember things may get emotional or just tiring so don't forget to pack tissues and maybe even a gift card to your favorite place to eat, pamper, and relax for when all the craziness does finally end.

Lush

10. And finally keep your sorority and their ideals at the forefront by including some type of sorority sugar whether it is a stuffed animal of your mascot, a tee you want to pass down, or some other cute decoration.

Greekies

Good luck with recruitment everyone! 

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Recruitment 101: Get Past Looks

My first and most important advice when going into recruitment, “Do not pick an organization based on looks.” Please for the love of the Greek Gods, get it out of your mind that you want to be a part of that all around “perfect” sorority because you will most likely end up completely miserable. I’m not saying that you should never be a part of the organizations that look like gorgeous Barbie dolls, however, make sure you go into recruitment with an open mind and finding out where you truly feel comfortable. Where do you feel like you fit, not because you feel accepted or honored to have been considered for a “pretty org”. Everyone is trying to put their best foot forward during formal recruitment and you want to be in an organization where you feel like you can be your best self. Go where you feel you belong, not necessarily where you want to belong. 

I know it’s easier said than done to go into recruitment with a clean slate and 100% open mind, because unfortunately a lot of girls go in with the predetermined mindset of where they want to end up, and naturally, sometimes your predetermined mindset ends up being correct, and often other times it isn’t. You see what’s on the outside, and recruitment is such a short period of time to figure out where your perfect fit is and so many girls get sucked into the organizations that look the prettiest, not necessarily the most down to earth and best organization for you and your personality. 

As you go into each room this is a subconscious checklist you should be looking for:

1. Can I see myself getting sick of these girls too quickly?
2. Am I having a good, and decent conversation with these ladies?
3. Where do I see myself a year from now if I joined this sorority?
4. Do I agree with their philanthropic work; is it something I would enjoy doing?
5. Do I have the time commitment to put into this organization?
6. Other than being pretty, what are some good qualities of these ladies from first glance?

Take a deep breath and go into recruitment as open minded as possible, if you are joining a sorority because it will better you as a person, don't get too caught up and have your heart set on one organization because where you may end up may be the best org for you. 

So please please please, go in with an open mind and heart and don’t just look on what’s on the outside. You may surprise yourself and being a part of an organization where you feel at home just may be one of the best decisions you ever make.

42 Thoughts You Have During Preference Round

1. This is it
2. Like, this is the last day before I can hang out with my new little
3. I mean, new members
4. Because I didn’t claim my rush crush as my little already…
5. I hope they like the ceremony
6. Too bad we can’t do the ceremony in sweatpants
7. And with pizza
8. Wait now I need water
9. Would anyone notice if I took a cup that's for the PNMs?
10. I mean it’s for the welfare of a recruiter, here
11. OMG, 5 minute warning
12. Game face
13. But I'm supposed to smile
14. They all look so nice!
15. *Making conversation with rush crush* I hope we are her top choice so far
16. Time to get deep here
17. She’s so cool
18. I should offer her the water
19. Man I could use that water
20. Time to seal the deal here
21. Ah, nothing better than bragging about my sorority
22. Wow, my life sounds so great
23. She smiled
24. And giggled
25. She must want us
26. Oh, time for the ceremony!
27. This heels thing is not going to work out for too much longer
28. Ugh, my sisters are so precious
29. Crap I think I am crying
30. I can’t cry too much
31. I need a cute cry
32. But I just love this sorority and these sisters
33. It’s crazy that these other women in here might be my sisters soon!
34. That PNM is tearing up!
35. This is so great
36. Time to walk her out and finish this up
37. Her wish better be the same as mine
38. One step closer to bid day
39. Bid Day. Bid Day. Bid Day.
40. Our theme is totally going to look the best
41. Oh, group photo!
42. #recruitment

Get Recruitment Ready: Makeup Tips and Tricks

Recruitment is right around the corner and it’s easy to get all caught up in classes and lose time to put some effort and a ton of time into your appearance. Have no fear! Here are some tips and tricks that I’ve come up with to save you tons of time and still look put together. Some of you may not know, I own and run the beauty blog thebeautychapterbyali.blogspot.com and have done tons of looks on there you can checkout! But I wanted to do a feature on here for all you sorority ladies who need some pointers and quick tips on how to make the most of your time available and with the least amount of products as possible.

You want to make sure you look your best for recruitment even though getting to know Potential New Members and putting your best foot forward personality-wise means much more. First impressions are important and looking and feeling your best plays a large role in that! Here are some products I recommend.

For your face, stick to a simple foundation routine that can easily be applied with no tools, go for a BB cream, these cover a lot while still being lightweight. I recommend the Smashbox BB Cream which you can get at Ulta or Sephora. It is a little bit pricier than a drugstore product, however it’s definitely a product that you want to splurge on because it works amazing and lasts a while.

For those tired eyes you definitely need a concealer which is quick and easy to apply quickly when you’re in a rush before recruitment starts. Go for an inexpensive drugstore concealer I recommend the NYC cream concealer which is available at CVS or the Maybelline Age Rewind concealer. They're much more inexpensive products than high end ones and do just as well. It also works amazingly and doubles as an eye shadow primer; saving you money and cutting down on products you need. Apply this concealer under your eyes, in your t-zone [forehead, chin, nose] and then use on eyes as a primer.

You most definitely need a bronzer, not necessarily a blush but definitely a bronzer to brighten up your face. A great drugstore bronzer is the NYC brand bronzers they’re also inexpensive and great quality. Apply it in the hollows of your cheeks, on your temples, and down your nose. This will add a great flush of color to your face.

For eyeshadow go for an all in one palette so all your shadows are in one place, I love the Rimmel London eyeshadow palettes that are available at all drugstores. These quads have great eyeshadow colors that are high quality. Go for a quad that is all warm brown tones, they’ll be perfect to add dimension to your eyes, just take a warm brown, pop that in your crease and make sure to highlight under your brow bone.

If you don’t want to fill in brows you don’t have to but if you’re interested in doing so, I would go for a quick and easy fill in pencil or brow gel that’s tinted. The Maybelline brand at the drugstore recently came out with a brow gel that are in various shades and these are a great way to add color to your brows quickly and effectively. If you want a pencil, go for Anastasia Beverly Hills brow whiz at Ulta or Sephora, it’s a little pricier but does the trick.

Lastly, keep your lips simple, for the fresh and clean look go for a sheer gloss or my favorite chapstick. I love the Body Shop lip balms or just simple chapsticks. They add a light glossiness and keep your lips hydrated!

Now go rock recruitment! Shine on the outside and on the inside! 
 

Tips for Girls Going through Spring Recruitment

     Spring Recruitment or Continuous Open Bidding is what chapters do if they need to meet quota. Not every chapter does it but sometimes even if they had a great fall recruitment a chapter has some spots to fill, because some seniors graduated or maybe a few girls from the last pledge class dropped. Its a great way to join a sorority especially if the thought of going through in the fall with a bunch of other girls gives you anxiety.
                      Spring Recruitment is often more informal than fall recruitment but if you're going through it can still be stressful. The reason being is that the chapters participating accept only a handful of girls typically and generally you only go through recruitment for one or two chapters. Your options are limited so there's a lot of pressure to make a good impression in order to get a bid.              
  My advice for you if you are going through during spring semester is:          
 1. Take advantage of the informal atmosphere. Try to have genuine conversations with the sisters you meet at the events instead of just small talk. You aren't having timed conversations like formal recruitment so try to connect.       
2. It's casual but still look nice. It's cold outside so no one expects you to don a dress but do look put together. First impressions are very important.       Here's an example outfit: 

   
   3. If you know a sister in the Chapter pretty well let them know your going through. You can even name drop a little but don't seem desperate. You want to use your connections a little since they can take less girls but don't come off as though your trying too hard.             
        4. If you don't get in but really want to join try again. Sign up for formal recruitment in the fall. You'll have more options and the sororities can take more PNMs! 

Little Things You May Forget for Formal Recruitment

Soon it will be that time of year again... recruitment season! That means matching outfits, loud chants, and lots of water.

You may think you have everything ready for formal recruitment coming up, but there are some smaller items you might easily forget. Use this checklist to see if you are prepared for any surprises:

Clothing:

• Name tag - if your chapter doesn't hold onto them
• Badge - for pref night
• Safety pins/sewing kit- it happens
• Heels - sometimes you forget you're only wearing Uggs
• Jewelry - not the end of the world if you forget it, but you'll want your favorite watch or Alex & Ani bracelet in your photos

Hair:

• Hairspray - a stuffy room full of women could ruin your do!
• Bobby pins - if you find yourself pushing your hair back a lot, maybe just pin it back
• Comb - or a brush, but don't let your hair get full of static #notagoodlook

Makeup:

• All make up
• Just bring it all

Supplies:

• Scissors - you will probably need to cut a loose string, tape, flower stems, or slips of paper
• Pens and highlighters - to take any notes for future reference and to keep organized
• Hammer and nails or a screwdriver - I don't know how crazy your decorations get

Random:

• Tampons - I'm sure at least one person will thank you
• Deodorant - MANY people will thank you. TIP: get the spray can version to share
• Hand sanitizer - those are a lot of hands you will be shaking
• Mints - lots of mints
• Red Bull (and water)- TIP: put some Red Bull in small cups to make "Red Bull shots" or make "water shots" for recruiters to hydrate in between parties
• Batteries - if you have battery-powered candles
• Napkins - if you're serving refreshments (in that case you will need a slew of other things: cups, trays, plates...)
• Lint roller - for those times when random stuff shows up on your outfit
• Tide-To-Go - for those times when WORSE random stuff shows up on your outfit
• Song/chant lyrics - you should have them memorized already but a refresher wouldn't hurt!
• Recruitment schedule - you'll be needing that
• Steamer - if someone is willing to schlep it, this will help with table cloths or wrinkled outfits
• Coat hangers - a nice touch may be to collect coats and bags if the potential new members come in carrying them
• Snack - make sure it is a "clean" snack that won't stain or leave grease
• First Aid kit - let's hope you won't have to use it
• Music playlist - if you are having music playing/if you have a skit with music
• Cell phone charger - just a suggestion
• Bid cards - to give to your new members!!!
• SMILE - the best thing some women forget is to have a smile on. Not only will it make potential new members comfortable but it will make your sisters happy to see you having a good time.

Have other last-minute items that would be helpful? Comment or tweet at us so we can add it to the list!

Happy recruiting!

Join a Sorority for You and No One Else

I’m going to come right out and say it, a sorority is not for everyone [and I mean that when I say it]. Going through recruitment, making it through a sorority associating new member process, and gaining a plethora of new sisters is extremely overwhelming. You can feel like you don’t know everyone, and that you are close with a select few, and you wish you knew everyone better than you initially do.

Here is where I’m going to tell you that even though all of those things I just listed can seem completely overwhelming, they’re wrong. Yes things will seem overwhelming, but the rush of recruitment is like no other adrenaline rush you’ve ever felt. The excitement of walking into a room and feeling so at home and comfortable is unexplainable. Seeing the professionalism and the welcoming of each and every sister makes it that much more desired. You realize you want it more badly than anything you've ever wanted. But a sorority is a huge commitment that you have to think about thoroughly. Yes there are dues, yes there are mandatory events and meetings, but everything else that comes along with it so 100% worth it.

You want to make sure you’re joining a greek organization for yourself and no one else. Don’t ask anyone else’s opinions about whether they see you in a greek organization because the only way you’ll find the answer is if you ask yourself. Can you see yourself becoming a more active member in the community? Can you see yourself taking on leadership positions? Do you think this will add so much more to your college experience? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before you step into that recruitment room because I made the mistake of asking members of my family and friends what they thought about sororities and asked them if they could see me in one but that wasn’t what I needed to figure out. Could I see myself in one was the real question. Countless people I was close to told me no, and said that they couldn’t see me in Greek life but years later I couldn’t be more proud that I asked myself the question and figured out that it was something I wanted to be a part of.

I had asked people I was close to, people who were already in Greek life and told me they could never see me in a sorority, what did that even mean? Seriously? That put such a damper on my positivity to join one, but ultimately became something I needed to figure out on my own. I figured out that Greek life was something I had to get a feel for, it wasn't something I could find out from watching movies or shows like "Greek" or from other people that were in them but my own personal experience and feelings toward it. I took a gamble, walked into that recruitment room and realized that it was something I wanted. All of my worries and fears that people had instilled in me that persuaded me that I wouldn't enjoy it were wrong. So prove them wrong; get your own opinion of it and decide for yourself.

Make sure you do the same for yourself, don’t jip yourself of an opportunity because other people’s opinions interfere with your own goals and dreams. Do it for you and no one else.

Recruitment Videos

     I think it is safe to say that we all have fun making our own sorority videos with our sisters, but lets admit it although they are completely adorable they are quite cheesy.  I am obsessed with the one we made for our recruitment but I am pretty sure every sorority on my campus did the whole "lets build a pyramid then fall out of it" as well as dancing and celebrating with sisters. 
     On the other hand is being a part of a sorority isn't all about the looks and all of the great pictures we take? I myself am a picture fanatic but lets be real, as sorority women we pride ourselves on our philanthropy, our history, GPA, our sisterhood, and maybe Greek Week. Yes yes yes we know that may seem a tad dull walking through that in a video but I think these boys of Phi Kappa Psi have a great way of proving what our video may look like to people on the outside of Greek Life. What do you think? 

Senior Year of Formal Recruitment

     Being a senior is a very bitter sweet time, especially right around recruitment time. Fall is our formal recruitment at my school and I am so sad that it is over. We have Meet the Sisters, Philanthropy, and Preference round all happening and then it is a blur. Preference round was when it all hit me that I am a senior and this will be my last moments as a sister and college student of Kutztown University. I couldn't help but cry when my sisters were talking about what my sorority means to them and how much our chapter has grown in the years I have been apart of it. My sorority is definitely not the same sisterhood it was when I joined, but isn't that a good thing. With every new person who joins our chapter we grow, change, and mold to the people who are now part of our amazing sisterhood. We pride ourselves with this quote a lot, "Individually unique, together complete." With my chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma, Zeta Omicron I am proud to say that none of my sisters are exactly the same but we do come together for the same purposes and strive to better ourselves through schooling and being involved.
     Bid day was amazing and we got an amazing group of twenty three beautiful women to welcome into Phi Sigma Sigma. With College Panhellenic Council we also raised our total at our school from sixty five to seventy five women. I am so excited to live this last year in college to the fullest and continue to watch this great sisterhood continue to grow and thrive. All sisterhoods have their ups and downs but it is how you work through them that make the sorority stand strong and true. Together we can have it all!
     

A Seniors Pre-Recruitment Thoughts

Lately, there has been a lot of talk in the SGT world about being a senior, but one thing that we haven’t covered is what it’s like to be a senior during her final recruitment. I came into my chapter as a sophomore, but even then, I felt like I still picked things up relatively quickly, even more so after I was in charge of recruitment for a year.

Now that my chapter and I have less than a week until recruitment, I’m no longer asking myself why I have to constantly be at the recruitment practices or why I have to continue to run through preference when I know the ceremony and could do it with my eyes closed. Now that I’m a senior, I’m finally starting to see that I’m doing this, not only because we want the best girls that we can possibly get, but because I want girls to come into this chapter and to continue the legacy that so many of us have worked hard to leave behind.

I’ve come to find that I’m no longer complaining when our amazing recruitment chair asks us to run through our songs again because I know that my time is limited when it comes to be able to sing these songs and chant these chants as PNM’s pour into our room for recruitment.  There have actually already been times when I’ve had to slip out of the room so I wouldn’t break down into tears in front of my sisters because I know that I’m down to the last two weeks of being able to sing these songs.

You anxiously wait for your senior day and for the time to graduate to continue on to the next chapter of your life but what nobody tells you is that these are the times that you’ll miss. You’ll miss sitting in a circle with your sisters as you learn new songs for recruitment. You’ll miss laughing until your stomach hurts and tears are streaming down your cheeks from constantly laughing.  Most of all, you’ll miss the faces of the PNM’s that become new members as they walk through the door on bid day.

 

It’s during recruitment that you want to tell all of the PNM’s that wherever they end up, even if it isn’t in your chapter, that they need to enjoy their college years because they go by in a flash. It’s recruitment time that I’m able to say that I’ll truly miss my sisters and my chapter. In three months I’ll be moving on to the next chapter in my life but I definitely won’t forget the chapter that I came from. 

This photo is of the seniors from the Iota Kappa Chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma. It's not four years but for life! 

A Word of Advice during Recruitment from a former Greek Life Graduate Assistant

Now that the first two weeks of school have come to a close, many universities have started their recruitment processes for joining Greek organizations (please refer to previous blog post here) for the Fall 2014 semester.

While this is usually an opportunity for each chapter to truly show potential new members what the chapter has to offer, I am going to urge all you sorority women to go one step further and not only show what your chapter brings to your college/university but what Greek Life in general brings to your campus.

Now, I know this may seem a bit unorthodox, but the reality is YES we want to continue to grow the legacy of our individual chapters but without the support of the university in which we are chartered, our chapters would not exist. Therefore, it is just as important to promote “RUSH (insert chapter name here)” as it is to promote “Going Greek” in general.

It is your responsibility as a Greek Life member to not only promote and protect your chapter but also the other chapters that exist on your campus, because  at the end of the day, you all reflect what Greek Life at your university gives to its students to the University administrators. 

In the end, the being unified (also known as “Gruinty” at Pace University”) provides you with the greatest chance to prosper as a chapter, as a community, and as a vital piece to campus life.

With that being said, I hope you all take this opportunity during recruitment to not only talk about your experiences and your chapter, but also describe and promote Greek Life as a whole.