[question mini-hijack]

Okay how does it work if the PNM really likes the colony, but the colony pulls out after the first round? I mean I know that PNM's should keep their options open, but we are always telling a PNM to follow their heart. Has anyone who has ever had a campus with a new colony had this problem (either with themselves going through rush or a PNM)?

[end mini-hijack]

At first I thought you meant the colony doesn't get the response they wanted first round and leaves campus and says forget you. But now I understand. :)

It's my understanding here that the PNM can go through more rounds of rush and meet the other groups. If they don't see anything they like better, they can drop out in favor of trying to get into the colony.

On the one hand, I would think that may be risky for the PNM since it would be like SIP, but at the same time a colony will most likely be taking more new members than an established chapter would since they would try to bid the average chapter size.

Well, you have to have balls to be a founder, so it follows that you have to have balls to drop out of formal & take the chance you'll be accepted as one.

Good luck & have fun!

The way it was explained to me, Greek Life is requiring any girl at UD interested in ADPi to go through formal recruitment. If a girl goes through and does not recieve a bid from any of the existing chapters, she can then go to ADPi when they have their colonization interviews in a few weeks - BUT you have to make an actual attempt through formal rush and can't withdraw from rush. If a PNM who goes through formal rush recieves a bid, but chooses not to accept, she cannot "rush" ADPi when they have their interviews in early March.

When I was on campus, there were two colonizations. What they did was have everyone go through the Open Houses, and then the colonizing sorority held interviews about two weeks after formal recruitment.

The only problem I could see with this is that this could greatly, greatly cut down on the amount of girls that ADPi would actually be able to take. Assuming that they had a good bid matching program, most girls probably will end up somewhere, and I'm willing to guess that a good number of the girls that are dropped are probably feeling some bitterness towards the Greek system. This could leave them with a relatively small number from which to choose, which puts them at a disadvantage.

I'm only saying this because I was a member of a colony and I went through formal recruitment. ZTA made a presentation at kickoff night, and then the rest of the week proceeded. I ended up dropped from recruitment, but I was the only girl in my 65 person pledge class that was in that situation. 3 dropped from recruitment, and the rest just never were interested in any of the other groups.

Oh I completely agree with you. I understand that they want to make sure that girls considering ADPi make sure that they really get a feel for the whole panhel community before they decide that the only sorority for them would be ADPi, but I agree that it could potentially hurt the numbers for the colony. I guess if someone reallllly wanted ADPi they could just act like asses at the other recruitment parties to ensure they're cut lol :rolleyes: They say they're expect over 100 for the colony though, so I guess they know something we don't.

I'm really excited to see how the whole process works out - I've never seen a colonization before.

WHAT? How can that be???:eek: So if I am a PNM interested in ADPi, I have to go through recruitment, attend all my parties, sign a pref card and pray that I don't match anywhere (because I "can't withdraw") so I can be eligible to look at the colony? And if I am a student that just wasn't interested in sororities (thus didn't sign up for recruitment) until I saw my friends going through recruitment, I am also not eligible to check out ADPi after FMR is done? I don't see how that is possible! I understand that the Panhellenic Association would encourage PNMs to first try to find their fit in an existing chapter, but I don't see how they could prohibit women from dropping out and then checking out ADPi.

It doesn't make sense to me either, which is why I asked. My chapter of initiation is recolonizing this fall, they are doing the first round and dropping out (just like U of D).
My question really goes out to all colonies. I mean if I were rushing and lets say I really wanted Tri-Delt (just pulled a name out) and they were a colony, it wouldn't seem fair to me that I would have to go through FMR and as you said "pray I don't match". Hmm.

Let's take this another step: what if a woman is a double or triple legacy - or even a relative of a Founder, and that's even why ADPi wanted to colonize. Does that woman have to completely go through recruitment, hope not to be given a bid, then go through at the interview? Because frankly, I don't care which sorority would be colonizing - that would really be self-defeating.

That makes NO sense whatsoever! Every once and a while a colony will either participate in formal completely or do one round then finish their recruitment whenever. This is a little nutty... I get the whole Panhell spirit and all but .......

Also, I just thought of one more thing... I'm at a small, non-competitive, low percentage Greek school and I still got the "well, you only ended up in Zeta because no one else wanted you" comments. Horrible and unnecessary, yes, but still. And it wasn't even true.

I can only imagine what those comments would be like and what could happen to the new colony's reputation if it really was made up of the girls that all the other sororities had cut. It's not to say that the ADPi's would be everyone else's rejects, but they would be the girls that had been involuntarily dropped from recruitment, as girls who had voluntarily withdrawn would not be eligible. Not a good way to jumpstart your reputation.

Open houses finished up today! Here's what I thought:

Chandler – Since this was my first house, I was SO nervous. The girls were so so energetic, and a lot of them were very pretty. I had really good conversations with the three girls I met. This could be my favorite house of the night, but I’m not totally sure I could see myself as a sister here, just because they were so intimidating. Practically all the girls in my rush group said this was their favorite of the night also. I really hope I get to go back here for the next round.

Phoebe – I didn’t get to visit this house during the Open Houses in November, so I was interested to see this one. I felt like I didn’t quite fit in here. I was double rushed with another PNM. The girls were energetic and nice, and I had pretty good conversations, I’m just not sure they’re “me”. And I know I shouldn’t be thinking this, but here is a girl in this chapter I cannot stand to be around. :( I would go back to this again, only because it wasn’t in my bottom two.

Monica – I liked these girls during Open House in November, but I was just a tad disappointed today. Again, I was double rushed, and I’m not sure my rusher was totally comfortable. She was very nice, but the conversation was slightly awkward. Plus the room was so LOUD, I could hardly hear her standing right next to me! I only got to meet one sister here, which was also a bit disappointing. I would like to give them another chance the next round, if I can, because I liked them during Open House.

Mike – The last house of the night! By then everyone was tired, but I was looking forward to this one. The girls were still energetic and peppy! Their cheer is so darn catchy; it’s still in my head! I met three sisters here, and I had really good conversations. I could see myself as a sister here, and I REALLY hope I get to go back on Sunday – my favorite house of the night.

Joey – I liked this house, but not as much as I did in November. They didn’t have as much energy as some of the other houses, but I had good, non-awkward conversations. I was double rushed again here, which I find kind of frustrating. I definitely want to go back to see if this is where I fit.

Rachel – These girls definitely had the most energy!! They are also very pretty. I talked to three girls here. The first girl I really liked, but the second seem kind of…detached? I’m not sure, it was kind of awkward. They were nice girls but I don’t think I could see myself as a sister.

Gunther – This seems to be everyone’s favorite chapter. The girls I talked to were all gorgeous, and very nice. But again, I couldn’t see myself as a sister. I think I would need to be perfect all the time! They were very intimidating, but I had good conversations.

Ross – I was disappointed by this chapter during Open House, but not today! This one was probably my favorite of the day. The girls I talked to were really nice, and I had good conversations. I could see myself as a sister here for sure. I hope I get to go back tomorrow!


We also saw a presentation at Alpha Delta Pi. It was a nice break from smiling and chatting! If I didn’t get a bid somewhere, I would consider this. Also, the girl I was talking to said ANYONE could rush this house, whether they just didn’t receive a bid, dropped out of rush, or just decided to do it without doing formal.

It was hard to decide, because I didn’t really dislike any of the houses! I’m excited to get invites back tomorrow morning (up to 6 for Sisterhood - ADPi is dropping out after this round). This was how I ended up ranking:
1) Mike
1) Ross
1) Joey
1) Monica
1) Phoebe
1) Chandler
2) Rachel
3) Gunther

I was so torn, because I didn't know whether to put Rachel or Phoebe in my bottom two. I wasn't crazy about either, but thought I could find a "niche" in Phoebe.

We get our invites at 8:30 tomorrow morning! Wish me luck!!!

yay good luck!! cant wait to hear more :)

I'm glad you had a tough decision to make, in a good way!! Good luck!!!!

Thanks for the clarification about ADPi! I must have been misinformed/heard wrong :)

I got asked back to my top 6!!! :)
I'll be at parties to 8 or so, then I'll update.
Have a happy sunday!

Woo Hoo! Good luck on finding the house that's right for you!!

(Be it current or future! ;))

Wow, another long day!! I had the Sisterhood round all day, with all of my top 6 favorites. First up:

Phoebe – This was one that was my least favorite of my top 6, and I wasn’t all that impressed. The conversations were just okay, but I know I don’t fit in here. Their skit was cute though.

Mike – This was my favorite from Friday night and I really liked it again. A girl that rushed me on Friday came up to say hi, so that made me feel good. I had a couple good conversations today and I really LOVED their skit, it was so cute. I can tell these sisters really love each other. Definitely in my top 4.

Chandler – This house is SO intimidating, the girls are all beautiful. The first girl I talked to was slightly awkward, and seemed a little uninterested, but two girls I met the other night came up to say hi. I was rushed by a girl who I had a really good conversation with on Friday. She remembered something really specific about what we talked about (This was the first party of recruitment), so that made me feel really good and that I could fit in there. I was really glad she remembered me. Their skit was really awesome too. Definitely in my top 4.

Monica – The skit in this house was cute, but I just didn’t like it all that much. Again, I was double rushed (which was starting to really annoy me), and the conversation was semi-awkward. I liked them during open house, but during the last 2 rounds I just didn’t feel like it was “home”. I didn’t hate it, and wouldn’t be upset if I had to go back, but I put it in my bottom 2.

Joey – I liked this house more today than I did yesterday. Although their skit wasn’t as good as some of the others, I had good conversations. Was double rushed again, but it wasn’t so bad. Possibly my least favorite of my top 4, but I’d like to go back again.

Ross – I love Ross!! This was my favorite house of the day. Their skit was awesome, and I could just tell the sisters really really loved each other. I was sort-of worried because I was double rushed, and the sister and my partner knew each other. I think I made a good impression but felt a bit overshadowed. I would be upset if I was cut from here, but not totally shocked.

So I ranked:
1) Ross
1) Joey
1) Chandler
1) Mike
2) Monica
3) Phoebe

We get our schedules back on Wednesday night for Philanthropy night on Friday-Saturday, and we can visit a max of 4. I’m shocked that recruitment is already halfway over! I’m enjoying it a lot, but it’s so tiring. It's also difficult because I really haven't found a house yet that I really would not accept a bid from!

yay!! i'm excited that you got invited back to your favorite six sororities!!!

hoping that you f ind the right one that will be the best friend and will be there for you toooooooo ( hehe i heart friends)

Keep us updated, glad to hear you're having a good time!

It sounds like you're thinking about the right stuff when you rank! I'm excited to hear what happens next!

Well, i'm only going back to:
Joey
Mike
& Phoebe.

So I got cut from 2 of my top ones, and one of my bottom ones. Kinda sucky, I at least wanted a full schedule. But I guess it's alright I still have 2 of my favorites!

You don't want to hear this now, but as they say, you only need one. May you get the bid you love and love the house you bid!

Ah, I'm just SO nervous that I'm going to get cut from all 3 before preference. I know nothing is guaranteed, but my rho chi's told me that in the past 4 years, everyone who has attended a pref. event has gotten a bid.

Relax and enjoy your parties!

I got cut by one of my favorites during formal recruitment, but years later...and at the end of recruitment for that matter...I am glad I was. I can't even imagine not being an ASA!

I hope you find the home that is meant to be. Sometimes you just get that little extra help along the way-even though we don't like getting it at the time.;)

I have a quick question, so answer if you can :)
I want Joey & Mike to know how much I like them. When they ask me how recruitment is going, would it be okay to say something along the lines of, "I was so happy to see Mike/Joey on my list, I'm really comfortable here"?

Yes, that would be fine. You as the rushee are allowed to say things like that...it's the sorority members who have to watch their step. :)

The only hesitation I have about comments like that from the PNM is that it puts the active with whom you are speaking in an awkward position. They're not supposed to say "Oh we love you too!!!" even if it is true.

Best of luck to you BlueHens. Like Honeychile mentioned, it only takes one :) Relax & enjoy your parties.

Personally, I would be happy to hear from a pnm that they were happy to be back and they like the house. Instead of saying "we really like you too!" it's not that hard to say something back along the lines of "I'm so glad you like it here" or something like that.

Well I'm going to Mike & Phoebe tonight, and Joey tomorrow. Thanks for the advice everyone :)
I'm going to try to just have fun and make a good impression at these three parties, and cross my fingers for Mike & Joey!

Housing?
 

I'm just curious after looking at the website for the UD greek system - how many of the sororities have houses? I only saw pictures for Alpha Phi, Alpha Xi Delta, and Sigma Kappa houses - and there is a huge difference in capacity (I think over 50 for Alpha Phi and only 13 for another). Do the other chapters have dorms/suites/ect? How do you do rush?

All of the houses except Alpha Epsilon Phi have a house. I'm pretty sure the Delta Gamma house is new, so I don't think its on their website.
Theta, ASA and Chi O all have houses on "sorority row" that house 15 girls. Sigma Kappa's house is pretty far off campus and I think only houses 8. AZD has a nice house also...I think it holds around 13 girls? Alpha Phi has an AMAZING house with a great location, a personal chef, etc. that houses 55 girls!
So yeah, that's a pretty major difference. We rush in Clayton Hall, which is just a bunch of conference rooms. Each sorority is set up in a different room.

Philanthropy Round
I’m now finished philanthropy round! I’m so excited recruitment is almost over (even though it has been a lot of fun) and I’m more than ready to meet my new sisters! Here were my impressions of the houses now:

Phoebe – during the past two rounds I haven’t liked this house all that much, but they impressed me tonight. They had a cute craft. I was happy that the girl that greeted me at the door was someone I had known before, and we went beyond small talk, which was good. I would accept a bid from this house, and I know I could be happy here. I wouldn’t be devastated if I had to go to pref at this house.

Mike – My absolute favorite house! I really, really did not want to get too attached, because I was honestly surprised I was not cut from this house last round…it’s one of the more competitive chapters. They had a really cute slideshow and the room was beautifully decorated. I didn’t really do the craft – I was too busy talking to the sister. We had really good conversations, because she was someone I talked to on the second day. The first sister I talked to wasn’t amazing, but she was nice and we found things to talk about. I would be ecstatic if I got to go back here for preference, but I’m trying not to get too worked up about it. I would obviously be happy to be a sister of Mike!

Joey – My last house for Philanthropy round was Joey. I was afraid I didn’t make a good impression because I wasn’t feeling that well. They had a very touching slideshow presentation and the craft was quick. The second girl I talked to was kind of an awkward conversationalist, but I really liked everyone else. I would like to go back here for pref!

At this point, I really was torn – I could see myself as a sister in any of these three houses!! I didn’t want to make the wrong decision, but everyone always says that it will work out like it’s supposed to!! I ended up ranking:


1) Mike
1) Joey
2) Phoebe

We meet tomorrow morning to get our invites back for preference and parties start at 12 (I think). Cross your fingers for me ladies!!

Wishing you all the best!

best of luck to you!

i'm really happy you enjoyed all of the houses and think you could fit in either one.

keep happy thoughts!