[MaryPoppins]

Classes started yesterday, and the online Recruitment Registration will be ending at 11:59 PM on August 29. Everything is new and exciting. Ole Miss and Oxford are welcoming, not too big and not too little.

On September 14 when Recruitment starts PNMs and Chapters will put their best feet forward and jump into the swirling rounds of parties. It takes bravery and confidence on both sides. Unlike previous years, there will be immediate cuts after first round, PNMs will rank their two lowest Chapters and Chapters will release PNMs. PNMs suggest where they wish to return, but the Chapters decide.

Alumnae here wish you the very best recruitment possible. Maximize your options because a second recruitment at Ole Miss is not usually more successful than the first one. The system is not perfect. It is meant to do the most good for the majority and so it does not always serve the individual well. Withdrawing with invitations is sometimes seen as an insult to your remaining Chapters, and a do-over may not have any different outcome because "once cut, always cut."

Heaven forbid, but if you get to the point where you have no invitations, take time to mourn and then decide how you want to proceed. You must decide if you want to be Greek or not. If you do you could have your name added to those interested in COB. Some people just shine better in a more informal setting. If grades are the issue, pledge the library. If recommendations are the issue then next year follow the advice to get recommendations but start earlier. A second recruitment will require friends, make lots of friends and join groups on campus. But remember, that at Ole Miss for some Chapters, if you are once cut you are always cut.

Wishing you a full Pref card with your two favorites,
Mary Poppins