[UofISigKap]

The pulling names out of a hat just is amazing to me. Since there are so many houses at Illinois, having an event with every sorority/fraternity was out of the question. We didn't call it "courting," but serenade week was a HUGE deal when I was there a few short years ago.

Obviously there are some houses that everone wants to have mixers, football block, happy hours, BBQs, or Greek sing with, and therefore don't *need* to put forth as much effort. Some go for it anyway because it's fun! Everyone knew what night was the main sorority serenade night and what evening was for the fraternities, and everyone would be at their houses waiting for the show to begin! The remaining days were for the "courting."

I know that some groups would make dinner announcements to houses that consisted of bringing a big cookie and say, "the men/women of XYZ would like you to consider and vote for us for next sememster pairings." Often houses combined that with skits, Pokey Sticks, singing, dancing, flowers, offer Taxi nights, etc... to get their name out in hopes of getting the votes from the chapter to mix with the next sememster.

I can still picture the fraternity Muppet Show dances, the knock-off of the Chris Farley Chippendale skit, Who Wants to be a Millionare skits, live bands, and milk and cookies with a Dr. Suess book reading. I remember our songs, themes, and dances too.

LOTS of time went into these since it decided who you paired with, which can affect your recruitment in the fall. I can see why Missouri would want the change, but then again, I have some great memories from ours.