[EtaEpsilove]

Hmmm... as someone who was Formal Recruitment Chair and then Recruitment Vice President at my chapter, I had a lot of interaction with our Panhellenic Vice President of Recruitment. I'll pass along some things we did, however, I went to Miami University (Ohio), and I get the feeling that our campus was very unique.

1. Creative Marketing Theme - I know you mentioned marketing would be the best way to help get the word out. Some themes we've had, "Greek Letters Today, Great Leaders Tomorrow", which I personally really like. When I went through our shirts said something about all the chapters being stars (they were white t-shirts with blue stars that had the chapter names in it). I think it's really really important to have a creative and COHESIVE marketing theme that you use on EVERYTHING. Even if it's not the most original slogan (b/c honestly, I don't think the slogan makes people tune it), use a cohesive design and color. When I was in charge of Recruitment for ADPi, we did a marketing campaign that didn't have a slogan, but we always used black and pink (I know, not our colors) and polka dots on everything we used. If we made sheet signs, we used black sheets with pink and white and polka dots. Our t-shirts matched; everything matched, so PNMs would associate all those colors with our house.

2. Increase PNM Interest
I'm not sure if this would work for your campus, because we have deferred recruitment, but have as many opportunities as possible for PNMs to find out about going greek. Since we don't recruit until January, first semester Panhellenic sponsored five info fairs for PNMs. Each sorority would have a booth and a few actives to talk to PNMs about their experiences. Now, I thought five was a tad excessive, but maybe do two or three to spark interest. Go talk to freshmen residence halls, and put flyers in freshmen residence halls. Go to dinning halls freshmen frequent to give out information. Panhellenic also sponsored a coffee shop first semester where PNMs could come and meet actives and learn about sorority life.

Now, here's something that our campus does, and I have no idea what your campus recruitment rules are. However, we have something called "informal recruitment" fall semester. This isn't CORing/COBing - this just means we're allowed to talk to PNMs and get them to know about our chapters. Each chapter has one "sprite date" where we meet PNMs in an informal setting. ADPi does a tailgate before a football game where we order panera and drinks and hang out with the PNMs before a game. I know DG does Donuts with DG, Kappa does Kappa Kappacino (a coffee house type deal). These are just ways for the PNMs to get to know the chapters a little more informally ... In my opinion, it's debatable if these work, and if you have strict silence rules, it won't work any way. However, it's an option.

3. Make Sure Your Rho Chis are KNOWLEDGEABLE
The biggest problem for us is the Rho Chis at Miami give the PNMs incorrect information. It's hard because we have about 1100 women go through recruitment and we have 17 chapters that go through formal recruitment. Obviously, it's hard to make sure that the Rho Chis give the right information. But, it is IMPERATIVE that the Rho Chis know what the heck they're talking about. Make sure they can tell PNMs how ranking (on the PNM end) works. If suiciding hurts the PNMs, TELL them! Make sure the PNMs know what dirty rushing is, and make sure they know what to do if it happens. At our campus, the GPA to rush is a 2.3; however, only ONE CHAPTER has a minimum GPA of a 2.3 The second lowest is a 2.6. If PNMs are going through recruitment with a 2.4, they should be aware that there is a VERY good chance they may only get invited back to one chapter. I just think it's really important that Rho Chis are informed, know the information and are as unbiased as possible.

Ok, I know that was a ton, but recruitment was very near and dear to my heart for several years. I can also give you some idea of what I think you should NOT do. If you have any more questions, PM me. I hope that helps!!!! Good luck - you are in for a great experience, and a tough one! Have fun!