Indiana University Recruitment 2019
 

It's that time of year again! Pop your popcorn and get your wine, IU recruitment is about to begin!



IU Recruitment Schedule from PHA website:

Wednesday, January 2, 2019: PNM Orientation @ 7pm

Thursday, January 3-Friday, January 4, 2019: Open Invite (22 chapters)

Saturday, January 5-Sunday, January 6, 2019: Philanthropy and Service Round (up to 16 chapters)

Monday, January 7-Thursday, January 10, 2019: Break for the first week of classes

Friday, January 11-Saturday, January 12, 2019: Sisterhood Round (up to 9 chapters)

Sunday, January 13, 2019: Preference Round (up to 3 chapters)

Tuesday, January 15, 2019: BID NIGHT!!!

I noticed that Open Invite has been changed from the 2 and a half day format of the last two years to the 2 day format of years prior to 2017. Additionally, it looks like the number of chapters PNMs can return to at preference was changed back to 3 after only one year.

One change I've heard rumors of is that banging on the doors and windows is no longer being allowed due to the damage caused. I imagine other noise like yelling is still okay.

Good luck to all of the PNMs and parents preparing for the process!

We have several friends whose daughters are returning early to Bloomington as active members of their chapters. Any idea how many PNMs are signed up this year? And how does that compare to years past? I know IU’s enrollment continues to grow slightly, so I’m wondering if that translates to more rushees.

22 parties? Does this mean that ZTA is back?

ZTA never left. There were 23 chapters until Tri Delta closed in 2016.

My D is heading back this morning to get ready. So glad that I'm on the other side of things this year. Good luck to all the PNM's getting ready to go through the next two weeks.

A good friend of hers who dropped last year is going through again this year as a Sophomore so we are hoping things work out for her this year.

My D said she thought that the numbers were similar to what they've been the past two years. I don't know that there would be any real wild swing in the numbers at IU based on the size of the school and enrollment stats.

the banging on doors/walls isn't banned, it's just suggested that they don't do it. It's not a recruitment infraction if they still chose to bang.

Thank you for the clarification! I'm glad to hear this, as door stacks and making as much noise as humanly possible was so much fun.

recruitment has officially started... good luck to everyone on both sides. at least the weather should be okay (no rain or snow predicted, temps in the 40s)

This is my daughter's first year on the other side so it should be exciting to see her perspective. So thankful that the weather is mild as last year was tough! Best wishes to all for a wonderfully successful process.

Brought my daughter back yesterday for her first year on the other side. They also switched rooms yesterday, which seemed crazy to me to be doing that on the day before recruitment. I don’t know how they have everything ready on time, but they do it every year.

My daughter has a few friends going through as sophomores, so I’m crossing my fingers that they have a happy outcome this year. Best wishes to all!

Ditto on the other side as well - happy thoughts for all the PNM's (and their moms!) as they find their new homes!

The IU threads the last couple years have been full of happy endings for PNMs and moms. Let's hope that trend continues!

My D had fun day one and liked a few houses that weren't on her radar going in. She has tried to go in without a lot of expectation and "trust the process". I expect she will have a similar experience today. These days are grueling in length, but at least the weather hasn't been a factor as well. I expect things will start getting "Real" when making that first list at the end of today and when they get their first cuts back. I am hoping for minimal tears and an end that feels "good" and like "home". My D is so excited to expand and deepen her friend pool. Thankfully it looks like there are many houses my D could find that in. Wishing strength to all the mamas on this ride with their kiddos.

Yes this first round is generally still happy thoughts. Its when they get their first cut list where the drama starts to come into play. Most will get back between 6-9 for round 2. Sure there are some that get full list but those are not in the majority. Round 2 was very hard for my D last year but her favorite house from the beginning was always there. Looking back she was somewhat grateful as she was able to rest and by round 3 all her friends were down to where she was but at the time it hurt. By round 3, most people that stick it through are in roughly the same shape.

My D said she enjoyed her first rush being on the other side. She said she met a lot of really nice girls and saw some she knew from HS and was looking forward to meeting more girls today.

@BBH I am sure it is fun and enlightening to be on the other side with your D and get a peek behind the curtain. Good observations on the cuts. I am hoping my D can be level headed! She didn't have a strong favorite going in or a legacy situation so she is pretty open minded.just hoping for cool heads to prevail.

Yesterday I had fun opening Find Friends off and on and seeing her location progress around campus. It was entertaining.

Ours enjoyed herself as well, but did notice that several girls were dead set on one particular house. That cannot end well. Open mind is the best strategy! I don’t envy the stress of the first week of school not knowing how things will end, it’s a little different than when I was there. It’s stressful knowing even legacy status means nothing these days. Maybe that’s for the best, they each find their own way.

Any insight from the more experienced members why they went back to 3 this year? You'd think I'd know from my DD but she's in the recruitment vortex :)...

Talked to my D tonight. Overall she said it was a good first round. She saw her friend who dropped last year and said she knows she is being invited back for the next round. She said the thing she found surprising is a number of girls who just didn't seem interested so she scored them low. For the PNM's going through, conversation skills are noticed and coming across as interested to be there was noticed. That was really the only insight my D gave about her experience being on the other side of the process this year other than GPA considerations.

Love hearing about how thing are going at IU! It has been a long time since those recruitment stories from last fall!

All the girls going through Recruitment 2019 are blessed. Sunny and high of 55 today in B-town. Those of us remember the weather 2-3 years ago. Burrr!!!!!

Talked to my DD she is on the other side, said lots of wonderful girls. Herd that many did not qualify due to grades. Was told 1600 women. Only 2 for preference round. Can get up to 3. Reality is 1 or 2.

Good Luck to All PNM Mom's!! Keep us posted.

You say "only 2 for pref" but they can "get up to 3". How does that work? Can you explain in more detail? Will they get 3 invites and have to select 2? Or could someone attend 3? Was there really a switch back to 3 preference parties or not?

here we go round two!

I awoke to an early phone call from my D who sounded like she was crying. It took a second to realize she was happy/shocked crying to hear she got back a full slate of 16! She is humbled and was not expecting that at all. she lost two chapters she liked a lot from round one, and got the top 3 from her "bottom 6" list, and there are around 8 chapters she was very interested in from round one on there. really such a blessing that IU has such a vibrant greek life and so any wonderful houses to fall in love with.

So that's a lot to be happy about this morning. She didn't have her heart set on any one or two chapters, is not a legacy and is actively trying to keep her mind open, so hopefully this will help carry her forward with minimal disappointments. From reading other threads, I am aware that the cuts could be harsh after this round, so will work on preparing her for that when the weekend is over. trying to keep her in her happy bubble today.

She reported that though some girls were upset in her hall, she didn't witness any huge dramas or sobbing this morning so I think thats a positive. She had to hurry out anyways which is good--no time to sit and dwell.

For those with PNMs this year, I hope your kiddos are having a good attitude and feeling like they have options today going into round two.For parents of kids who are in the chapters putting on this show and doing the work, your kids are awesome and so energetic! amazed that they can sustain all that pep and friendliness during these long days.

Your daughter sounds like she has a great attitude! That will carry her through these next days. And the girls in house do work really hard to make such an impression on all the PNM's - they want the girls to love them and their house as much as the girls want to. It's all about numbers, fit and expectations! Hang in there, mama!

Watching this thread with bated breath and good wishes for PNMs and their mamas.

Sounds like these girls are doing this the right way - hoping they all find their place :-)

Chapters were told that they were recruiting for at least three preferences parties, and possibly four depending on RFM numbers. I'm not sure what the PNMs have been told...

Also, can I just say how much I HATE philanthropy crafts? I have 1000+ stress balls with uplifting messages on them that I would like to throw at whomever came up with this idea...

Oh my, where does one store 1000+ stress balls during recruitment? :D

I don't think a craft is the answer. I understand wanting the PNMs to do more than watch another video or listen to someone talk about a philanthropy, but some of the philanthropies don't really translate easily into a craft.

Nervous Mom
 

So I have a daughter going through IU rush for the first time as a sophomore. She has a 4.0, is involved on campus, and only got asked back to 9 chapters for second round. I know being a sophomore has its drawbacks, but I'm really, really surprised she didn't get asked back to more. She had a wide range of chapters she listed in her 16. I just feel horrible for her. She feels like there is a specific "look" that she doesn't have. Okay, I'm her mom, so I'm biased, but I think she's beautiful. She felt like the conversations went really well at the chapters she listed. She was really surprised by some of the ones that cut her. And now she's nervous for next weekend. She feels like if she gets attached to a chapter, they'll "just cut me" anyway. Ugh! I don't know how to even comfort her. And I can't really say don't worry, I'm sure you'll be asked back to XYZ next round, because, who knows! She could theoretically be cut from all of them. This is going to be such a long week of classes.

Thanks for letting me vent.

or not a craft you can do in 20 minutes while having a meaningful conversation!

I am thankfully on the other side this year. It is hard being on the other side of the phone calls. I've had 2 girls go through IU rush now, 1 in 2012, 1 last year. Both were equally stressful. Last year a little more because the youngest was dropped right before pref by her legacy house. BUT she is happy where she landed. I do know my oldest daughters "baby/little" was a sophomore and they are still very close. She is 2nd year in Med school states away and 1 of the few sisters she keeps in contact with. There's nothing you can do but listen and try to keep her positive because honestly 9 isn't a bad number it's on the higher end of average. 16 or a full card is the exception not the norm. Sending positive vibes your way!!

Getting 9 back is actually pretty good. I do think Sophomore's have a bit more of a challenge. I do think some chapters have a certain look and feel but I also know there are some who's reputation is for girls with high GPA's and are involved. My D had a 4.0 and was involved as a Freshman and only got 5 invites after round 1. Two of those houses were ones with the reputation of strong GPA and involved and one of those is where she eventually ended up and she absolutely loves it and we know that she wound up in the right place. Sure it hurt at the time especially when all her friends had between 6 to 9 invites but of all her friends who rushed last year and found homes all felt like they wound up in the right places. This crazy process is right more often than not. You just have to stick with it and focus on what you have in front of you.

There really is no point pining over a chapter that is no longer on a PNM' s list. It's history at that point.

It's been said before, but is worth repeating. With every round comes new opportunities to see the chapters that remain in the mix with fresh eyes. Ideally the PNMs will look at their remaining choices and choose new favorites from their lists.

Our jobs as parents is to teach our children to deal with disappointment; to pick themselves up and start all over again. Help them remain positive. Daughter didn't get a full schedule? Focus on the positives. Parent can tell daughter how lucky she is to have been invited back to some of her favorites and what an opportunity to get another chance to see some she wasn't so sure about. How lucky that she will have breaks throughout the day so that she can rest( and rest her voice!)and think deeply(perhaps make notes)about the choices she does have. Don't let your worrying bleed over into your conversations with your daughter. Commiserate with her if she is disappointed and then quickly begin to point out positives. Be upbeat. And drink wine.

My daughter has really enjoyed this round. She has found a lot of the philanthropies interesting and the approaches to service by a number of houses really spoke to her. She has had at least one great conversation at almost every house. She continues to have many favorites, many more that she likes and would like to know more about than she would like to move on from. So many great sisterhoods here, and they are apparently doing a terrific job showcasing themselves. She still has multiple favorites, no clear top choice (which I think is a very good thing at this point). I think she is going to have a hard time ranking a bottom group. This is a good problem, I guess.

Any advice from the experienced on how to proceed when you have a full list in round two, and maybe only two or three houses you would pass on at the end? How do you pare it down? What questions should she be asking herself? The task is looming and feeling a little overwhelming.

Well the next round is max of 9, so I would recommend she review her notes and start at the bottom with the ones she really doesn’t see herself in, then work up - their Rho Gam is very helpful and will guide them. Honestly after this round there will be large cuts, but getting harsh cuts after this round may be better, to concentrate on the houses that really want you and make the choices from there rather than getting so many back. It all works out!

My daughter is a senior and was extremely lucky to have a full card the whole way through when she rushed. All along she felt she fit in 9-10 of the houses so she had a really hard time ranking too. I would tell your daughter to talk to her rho gam about this and have her ask some tough questions to help her narrow down her choices and rank them as she moves along. My daughter took HOURS on pref night to decide the order of her final 3 because she loved them all. In the end, it is really a gut feel. She needs to go with her intuition — which girls does she see herself going to with a big problem? Which girls make her feel most like her true self? Which girls would she want to vacation with? Which girls can she laugh most easily with?

As all chapters are large, she will find girls who share her same interests and girls who appear to be the exact opposite of her. That doesn't mean that she can't have meaningful relationships with those opposite girls-just that she might value them as sisters, but pal around with girls more like herself.

That being said, it might be helpful to assess herself. Evaluating her interests and her personality type might aid her in her decision making. Is she more studious than social? A chapter that has a high GPA and is known as studious might be a more comfortable place for her. Is she involved in several orgs on campus? A chapter with a lot of campus movers and shakers might be her choice. Does she have a soft spot for a particular philanthropy? Does she enjoy competitive sports? Then the chapter with the great IM team might be for her. Is she more reserved? Then a chapter with a boisterous personality might not be for her. Etc.

this is all great advice. Who you would go to with Love hearing all of your wisdom. I think also weeding out which ones she like due to "the gorgeous house" another thing to consider. These houses are crazy beautiful and so dazzling, especially coming from the moldy crumbling dorms-ha.
Who you feel like you could go to with a big problem- a great suggestion. love that. She is definitely looking at academic vs social vs service balance, and has found a few less appealing due to how those things were valued in a some houses. I am just glad she has found so much to like.

The next round cuts are going to be big, even if she gets the rare full list back again, so I think her tops will become more evident at that point by what remains and who continues to be interested in her.

Thanks to all for the suggestions!

It definitely is hard for 19 year olds to not let the beautiful houses have an impact on their decision. What I told both of my IU PNM's (one who's graduated and one who's there now) that as they progressed through the rounds to certainly base it on how they felt when they were there with the chapter but also to take a look at the other PNM's the chapter was inviting back because those girls are her potential sisters and friends.

That really made a difference for my younger daughter as she really struggled narrowing down her list between several houses. For the house she eventualy preffed, she felt most comfortable with the girls she met who also were being recruited. Certainly, decisions get made for the girls that force them to readjust their perspectives but it's so hard when they're making that list. And hard for us to advise them.

LOL...if it was me, I would do almost the exact opposite! :) She has been asked back to 16, likes most all of them except maybe 3 that she knows in her heart she would pass on. She needs to narrow it down to 9.

Ok....I'd start by putting the 3 chapters I know I'm not fitting in with at the bottom. Then, I'd go back to the other 13 and work from the top down. I'd look for my obvious favorites. Come on....there *has* to be some out of 13 that are more favorite than others. All 13 can't be exactly equal. So, let's pretend that there are 5 chapters that are just really winning my heart and my gut is saying that these are my favorites. Those 5 go straight to the top and I only need to work out 4 others to round out my top 9. Of course, it's those "8 in the middle" that will trip her up. Which 4 should get to go with the top 9 group and which 4 should be put below the line? THAT's where young ladies get stuck. I like FSUZeta's suggestion to consider the chapter personality and try to whittle it down from there.

At the end of the day, the chances of her getting her exact top 9 back are low. So, the good news is that some of the ones she liked, but didn't quite make it to the top 9 she submitted, will probably reappear on her list. I hope this makes sense. LOL.....I don't envy these PNMs (or their moms!) :)

Of course she is disappointed when she was hoping for a full schedule, and you disappointed for her because it is hard for us to see our kids hurting. But, as has been said, 9 is not a terrible number. There are many girls with fewer invites and she only needs one in the end. Just be supportive and offer her a place to safely vent.

Remind her to not worry about her "look". Some chapters may be interested in girls that are higher maintenance, but she wouldn't want to land there anyway. My 3 daughters, who all went through this process, are more natural beauties. None get spray tans, wear false eyelashes or heavy make up, etc. They wouldn't be happy in a chapter where there was pressure to be fully made up before heading to breakfast. If your daughter is the same, just remind her to be herself. If she is more into getting dolled up, she might not be comfortable in a house where she felt everyone was too casual. There is nothing wrong with that. She shouldn't have to change her look to be accepted.

If she is her authentic self, she will find a group of women with whom she shares similar values. Every house is not the right fit for every pnm.

With a 4.0, she is likely a smart young lady. She just needs to be patient and stay positive. Good luck!