How do I join a sorority that is colonizing this fall at FSU?

[kdlovely]

Hi!

I recently transferred to Florida State University and I'm going into my junior year. I was thinking about joining a sorority and I found out that a new sorority is being established this year. Alpha Phi, if anyone cares to know. Being an upperclassman I'm thinking that would be the best opportunity for me since they are just starting out and will probably need girls from all class levels...plus, it seems really exciting helping a sorority get it's start! I know since they are new they probably won't participate in the formal recruitment, I understand that colonization is a little different. So does anyone know how I can get involved with them and let them know I'm interested? This is their webpage right now http://greeklife.fsu.edu/alphaphi.html, the colonization calendar says they'll be marketing on campus...but I'm not really sure what that means...so if anyone could help me out at all or knows anything about the colonization process that'd be great!

Thanks!

[33girl]

Here's a thread in GC's Alpha Phi forum. The colony apparently has a Facebook page so you can go check that out.

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...d.php?t=112794

If you have any questions ask one of the nice Alpha Phis in this thread.

Thread about colony recruitment with links to other colony threads:

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...d.php?t=113009

[PhoenixAzul]

Keep in mind this is the time to be prepping yourself for the colonization process, a lot like preparing for an interview. What activities have you been involved in that show your ability to work with a team? To lead? To follow? Have an idea of what you can bring to the organization. Doing research on Alpha Phi, having some idea of their organizational values and history is nice (resist the urge to do super research, there is such a thing as too much knowledge ). Read some general recruitment advice threads.

Let us know how it goes.

[Titchou]

Typically you can sign up for interviews during the colonization week. Check with the Greek Affairs office at FSU for details.

[GTAlphaPhi]

They website is http://fsualphaphi.blogspot.com/.

The recruitment section of FSU's Panhellenic says that:

Recruitment is a week designed for undergraduate women to visit all 16 sororities.

By the way, Alpha Phi has a house. They're leasing it from another GLO while their own is being planned and built.

I was an upperclassman when I joined Georgia Tech's Iota Mu colony of Alpha Phi, and I didn't find "presenting" what I could bring to the chapter very difficult, but FSU will be a whole 'nother ball game. FSU has a very competitive Greek system and a HUGE female student body. Plus, this will actually be the the return of Alpha Phi to FSU (the Gamma Phi chapter was founded in 1959), so you may have equally-qualified legacies who want to join Alpha Phi as well. Some specific dates:

August 16 - August 20: Formal recruitment
August 16 and 17: Alpha Phi open house
September 10 - September 13: Alpha Phi interviews
September 7, 9, 14, and 16: Alpha Phi colonization recruitment events

Since FSU won't have its own Alpha Phis to conduct recruitment, the marketing and recruitment will most likely be done by Educational Leadership Consultants (recently graduated alumnae from the U.S. and Canada) sent by the international Executive Office and alumnae from the Tallahassee area. One thing that colonies need are upperclassmen who can and will step up to leadership roles immediately. While freshmen will have a year or two to observe and learn what's needed to succeed in Greek life, upperclassmen won't have that opportunity and need to already have leadership skills, time and energy to spare, and willingness to commit from the get-go.

I'm not saying any of this to scare or intimate you; I'm saying this to help you go in with a realistic outlook. Attempting to join a colony will definitely be much easier than trying to join an installed chapter, but you've also got to remember FSU's competitiveness and the sheer size of your recruitment pool. Maybe some GreekChatters with more intimate knowledge of FSU's recruitment can give you some specific tips.

Anyways, I want nothing but the best for the return of Alpha Phi to FSU (obviously!). Good luck and please keep us updated about your rush! I can't wait to "meet" some Seminole Alpha Phis on GreekChat in a few months!

[KSUViolet06]

It's interesting that you say that attempting colony recruitment is easier than participating in recruitment with existing chapters.

I always thought that colony recruitment would be more intimidating since the PNMs participating are specifically looking to join THAT sorority. That, and most of the time, you're doing an INTERVIEW with national officers and consultants. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of what would be more difficult though.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

It's interesting that you say that attempting colony recruitment is easier than participating in recruitment with existing chapters.

I always thought that colony recruitment would be more intimidating since the PNMs participating are specifically looking to join THAT sorority. That, and most of the time, you're doing an INTERVIEW with national officers and consultants. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of what would be more difficult though.

Sometimes it's easier to talk with an adult than it is someone in your peer group. Also, the national reps aren't going to be swayed by things like "OMG Tim Tebow is her cousin! OMG she works at the Coach store and gets a 50% discount!" which, let's not kid ourselves, I'm sure sometimes goes further than it should in rush.

Also - I kind of think that people knowing you're there to join that sorority would take some of the pressure off in the manner of "how enthusiastic should I be?" You don't have to let the people know how interested you are in their group. If you weren't you wouldn't be there. Versus formal rush parties that you "have to" go to.

GT - go to the bottom of your post and click on the edit button if you want to remove something.

[GTAlphaPhi]

Originally Posted by 33girl

GT - go to the bottom of your post and click on the edit button if you want to remove something.

I know I could have just removed the entire sentence, but I would have preferred to leave it visible, but obvious to the reader that a mistake was made and caught.

[lucgreek]

I don't mean to lane swerve into NPC territory, but I think considering her age/year and how competitive the school is, colony recruitment might be the easiest, or rather only opportunity, for her to go greek.

[FSUZeta]

Whether regular recruitment or colony recruitment, I don't think it is a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket. My suggestion would be to enroll in formal recruitment, attend all the info. meetings, and go thru formal recruitment. You will get to learn about Alpha Phi as well as the other sororities. You will be giving yourself the best advantage by doing this. You are not obligated to join one of the established sororities-you can drop out of recruitment at any time, and often panhellenic will set a day for the girls who want to try for the colony alone to declare their intentions and withdraw.

Meeting girls at the other chapters will also hone your interview skills.

Colonizations are a rare opportunity for most students, but it is no easier to join a colony than it is an established chapter. While it is true that the sorority colonizing will want members from each class, it should not be assumed that if you are a junior you have no chance to join an existing sorority or that you are a shoe in for a colony.

GTALphaPhi, I just love the Alpha Phi FSU blogspot site! It is so cute and girly and I love the formal dresses the chapter officers are wearing in the photo. Gotta love the late 50's early 60's.

What house are you all renting?

[irishpipes]

Originally Posted by FSUZeta

My suggestion would be to enroll in formal recruitment, attend all the info. meetings, and go thru formal recruitment. You will get to learn about Alpha Phi as well as the other sororities.

Completely agree with this. Typically the colonizing sorority participates in round 1 of formal recruitment and then drops out, conducting colony recruitment soon after formal concludes. During round 1 you will have a chance to meet collegians (from a different Alpha Phi chapter, but still) and hear what they have to say about their experience. If you don't find a fit with an existing chapter, you can continue with colony recruitment after formal has concluded.

[AOII Angel]

I just have one question for you. Your name is "kdlovely". Are you a KD? If you are, then you can NOT join the Alpha Phi colony. If you are not, then why is your name "kdlovely"?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

If you are not, then why is your name "kdlovely"?

Maybe she's riffing off kd lang?

[kdlovely]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I just have one question for you. Your name is "kdlovely". Are you a KD? If you are, then you can NOT join the Alpha Phi colony. If you are not, then why is your name "kdlovely"?

No, I'm not in a sorority already. My initials are kd.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by kdlovely

No, I'm not in a sorority already. My initials are kd.

Just checking! You don't know how often we get people from one sorority trying to join another.