Going through sorority recruitment is an exciting way to make new connections and get involved on campus! And you don’t have to go through it alone; recruitment counselors are there to support you throughout the process.
What is a recruitment counselor?
College Panhellenics refer to recruitment counselors with many different names, such as Rho Chi, Gamma Chi and Gamma Rho. Regardless of what they are called, they serve the same purpose. A recruitment counselor is a Panhellenic representative who is available to guide women through the recruitment process and answer questions. Through their training, they learn about each chapter, the logistics of recruitment, other details about the Panhellenic community and so much more. They also learn how to help PNMs navigate the selection process. Their knowledge can help PNMs keep an open mind during recruitment and make informed decisions.
Depending on the campus, recruitment counselors may be affiliated or disaffiliated. If they are affiliated, PNMs will know which chapters they are members of. Affiliated recruitment counselors should not influence PNMs to join their chapter, nor will they share any information about PNMs with their chapter. If recruitment counselors are disaffiliated, PNMs should respect that and refrain from trying to find out which chapter they are in. Neither affiliation type should impact how you are supported during recruitment.
How to Utilize Recruitment Counselors
When Prioritizing
PNMs can go to their recruitment counselors when they are conflicted and having trouble deciding or differentiating between chapters when prioritizing after each round. Recruitment counselors can help PNMs reflect on conversations and connect conversations to personal values. They offer a listening ear and are trained to support PNMs in their decision making process. We recommend this more than talking to other PNMs because recruitment is so personal to each PNM. Each PNM should decide what is best for them and not let other perspectives sway them.
Recruitment counselors may also need to give PNMs an access code to submit preferences, depending on the system each school uses.
When Adjusting to College
Recruitment counselors come from different campus and sorority experiences. They offer more than just support during recruitment. They can help you adjust to college life in many ways, whether that is by giving advice or just being a friendly face on campus. They have different majors, involvements and sorority stories. This allows them to support a wide range of PNMs. Ask your recruitment counselors about their involvements and how they balance school with their sorority membership. Though their formal job as a recruitment counselor ends after recruitment, they will still be there for their PNMs after recruitment and are happy to talk and give guidance!
When Meeting New People
Recruitment counselors may plan outings during recruitment to get dinner, explore campus or wind down at the end of a long day. It is a great way to get to know them and other PNMs during recruitment. The time with your recruitment group is a great way to build connections, no matter where your sorority journey takes you.
Even though meeting new people can be intimidating, I cannot stress enough how important it is to utilize your recruitment counselors. They chose to take on this role and want to help! I wish that I had used them more when I went through recruitment! My recruitment counselors kept in touch with our recruitment group and became friendly faces around campus. No question is ever a bother! I served as Panhellenic VP of recruitment, and while I was not a recruitment counselor, I loved the opportunity to connect with PNMs, answer their questions and give any guidance I could.
