By Tiffany Bobadilla
TAMPA, Fla. — Starting on the weekend of Sept. 1 and ending on Sept. 8, many potential new members (PNMs) gathered to start the recruitment process. The process is composed of four different stages. The PNMs get ready for recruitment, dress up, and spend their days getting to know their potential new sisters, and the guys attend the Interfraternity Council-hosted events where they meet different fraternities and their members.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Abate.
“I went to an all-girls high school, and I wanted that same sisterhood feeling in college,” said Emma Batiz, a student at The University of Tampa (UTampa). “Which is why I wanted to rush.”
Starting with the open house round, the girls go visit the eight houses, including Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Delta Phi Epsilon, Kappa Alpha Theta, Sigma Kappa, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Tau Alpha.
During the second round, the philanthropy round, the PNMs visited the houses and learned about each sorority’s philanthropy and the meaning behind it.
The third round was the preference round, which consisted of the girls dressing up elegantly and going to the two houses that wanted them back for an hour-long conversation.
After the day was done, the girls wrapped it up by picking their preference from the two houses they visited throughout the day.
The most anticipated day of recruitment is Bid Day, where all the PNMs get their sorority bid and meet all the people in their new home.
Sorority recruitment was a process filled with many emotions — sad and happy ones. The anticipation that comes with not knowing what houses will want you back is one of the most mentally consuming parts of rush. Despite the crippling feelings of anxiety, recruitment was still a wonderful way in which participants got to meet new people and form everlasting bonds.
“I was a nervous wreck,” said Ava Mufano, a student at UTampa. “As I went through the rounds, I got more comfortable with the girls and the sororities I was talking to, which helped me narrow down what house I wanted to be a part of.”
Fraternity rushing was slightly different from sorority rush; their process included fewer rounds when compared to the rounds for sororities.
They started rush with a series of frat-hosted events, such as going out to eat with the frat members, playing volleyball, and a dunk tank, which the PNMs had to attend to rush.
After the events concluded, chapters sent out their bids, which was their way of offering the guys to join their fraternity. The PNMs could either accept or decline.
To conclude the rushing process, PNMs took part in the pledging process, where they learned about the chapter’s history and traditions.
For many guys, fraternity rush was a great way to make connections with the members of the fraternities. It was a time full of excitement and fun events for them.
“The rush process taught me valuable lessons,” said Kyle O’Keefe, a student at UTampa. “It taught me about time management, friendship/relationship values, and to also prioritize school because even though rush is fun, I am ultimately here for school.”
UTampa’s Greek life has grown over the last three years and continues to grow and connect students. According to the Fraternity and Sorority Life office for UTampa, 888 new members were welcomed to different sorority and fraternity chapters. All of these organizations have a bright future ahead and continue to have an acknowledged presence and positive influence at the university.
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Thumbnail photo courtesy of Emma Batista.