Quote:
Originally Posted by susan314
I'm going to offer my own suggestions/opinions here, with the caveat that I'd also touch base with your Panhellenic to see if they have any rules/recommendations regarding the situation too. Most likely, if you have questions about it, other Greek RAs do too, so they may appreciate having any potential questions/concerns brought to light.
As far as talking to your suitemates about MS...that's a fine line for you to walk (IMO). Being that you are a member, the secrecy factor isn't necessarily an issue...but the fact that you'd be having your conversations in the dorm would be a potential issue. (It would be horrible if PNMs or even members of other sororities overheard your conversations in the dorm.) I don't typically believe that MS stuff should be discussed outside of the house - even if the conversations are between members only.
It doesn't sound like there's anything prohibiting you from talking with your suitemates during recruitment about how recruitment is going in general, but I'd avoid getting into any detailed MS conversations in the dorm setting!
As far as how to act towards your residents - the best thing you can do is to be a positive example of Greek Life in general. If your residents press you with detailed questions about recruitment, I'd suggest that you politely direct them to their Rho Chi (or Rho Gamma, or whatever rush counselors are called on your campus). You can wish them good luck and express enthusiasm about the Greek system in general. But I'd avoid answering any sticky questions ("So, should I suicide my favorite house?" "I don't like some of the houses I'm supposed to go to, can I skip those parties?" etc.) and direct them to their Rho Chi...you'd hate to have any of your advice backfire (even if well intentioned), and then create an awkward situation on your floor for the rest of the year!
(And again, anything that your local Panhellenic has established should be followed, even if it contradicts some of my suggestions above.  ) |
Ditto, ditto, DITTO. I want to second this whole post. It would probably be in your best interest to pretend you're an assistant "Rho Chi" -- in that you're in a position to counsel these young women through the recruitment experience -- by remaining as neutral as possible during recruitment. Susan314 said to redirect any tough questions toward these girls' Rho Chis and I couldn't agree more. It's not your job to advise your residents on the nitty gritty of formal recruitment. That's for the Greek Life office (+ recruitment counselors) to handle. However, if one of your residents is upset following FR, you need to be prepared to counsel her... but that's where your responsibilities end. You should be a sympathetic ear in the event of a disappointment and a cheerleader for your residents' happy endings.
For the whole FR period, it would probably be in your best interest to refrain from advertising your affiliation (despite what your suitemates are going to do) even if you're not
required to be neutral like the RXs are.
Having been an RA myself, I know how difficult it's going to be, especially when you're dealing with disappointed young women... I'm not going to lie. But remaining a neutral presence is the best way to go.