Question about formal recruitment at Western Illinois University

[trvlqueen]

My daughter has already signed up for formal recruitment, but has received no real information to date. Recruitment at WIU takes place beginning 9/3, after the start of regular classes, but before parents weekend.

My question revolves more around what she might need in the way of clothing and shoes - I have another daughter going through formal recruitment starting next week (!) at Iowa State, and they sent out such complete, detailed information that I guess I got a little spoiled. I can base WIU daughter's prep on ISU daughter's list, but wondered if anyone here had specific experience at WIU that might be able to give me a bit better guidance -

She has a good assortment of casual dresses, capri and dress pants and blouses, owns both a black and a white dress that she'll be taking along with her - and has plenty of shoes to choose from, so I don't think we'd need to purchase anything else, but since we are a bit constrained for space in moving her, we were planning to take part of her clothing when she moves in (basic needs + rush) and bring her another batch when we come up for parent's weekend depending on the weather and her needs. We want to be sure we don't leave her wishing she'd brought _____________ ... So, that said, suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

[AZTheta]

/swerve: TWO daughters going through recruitment? I think we need to send you a case of tequila, some limes, and some salt. Holy Cow.

[trvlqueen]

Originally Posted by AZTheta

/swerve: TWO daughters going through recruitment? I think we need to send you a case of tequila, some limes, and some salt. Holy Cow.

Haha - yes, I think that would be in order, lol. I'd be happy to pm you my address ...

My older daughter is the one I'm more nervous for. She tends to have a bit more reserved personality and is at Iowa State - so in a far bigger group. But no matter what happens, she's going to come out better and stronger than she went in - she has the right attitude (and I'm trying to as well ... I went through the process in the late 80s at ISU, so trying desperately not to superimpose my experience onto hers).

My WIU daughter is the outgoing, cheerleader, club president, musical theatre type and she will have a blast. Party after party is her idea of a perfect day - the more people she can meet and get to know the more fun she has. I appreciate the advice on clothing so far! She moves in on the 19th (for Camp Leatherneck - a leadership and service camp that 100 selected freshmen get to attend), so once we get her sister moved to ISU, we plan to use that bedroom as a staging area and figure out what outfits she has, put together possible combos depending on the guidelines (which she may not get until orientation for recruitment on the first night) and select an outfit or two for pref - and the color/shoes suggestions (Thanks Griffins and Quills - were you an AZD?) will be very handy!

thanks to both of you! If either of you are in the greater Chicago area and want to come join me for a margarita, you're more than welcome.

[bevinpiphi]

https://www.facebook.com/panhellenic...ityrecruitment might be able to provide more information?

[Griffins&Quills]

I'm not familiar with WIU but you may want to make sure she has a colored dress for pref night. Many chapters pref in black, so all the actives will be dressed in black and if a PNM wears black, she can blend it.

A few chapters pref in white, so, she may be safer with that, but I would still recommend a color. The white dress she'll definitely need for pledging, initiation, etc.


Also, as far as shoes, pref night girls generally wear heels, but tell her to wear flip flops or comfortable shoes in between rounds and put the heels on just before she goes in to the party. It'll save her feet.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

I just met some WIU sorority women the other day. I don't know much about their rush, but remember, it's going to be HOT, and dress for comfort where she can.

[ASTlady]

WIU's recruitment is just not as big as Iowa State's because the amount of chapter's and PNM's are pretty different.So I wouldn't worry that much that Iowa is ahead of the game of WIU is behind, just different campuses.

WIU will be warm as mentioned, so be prepared for that, but otherwise, dressy casual outfits will generally be fine. It is not the type of campus that people are springing for entire new recruitment wardrobes by any means. My guess is she owns plenty of options that will work!

[DubaiSis]

You will be able to live the difference we try to explain to people all the time. Rush at 'Bama is not Indiana is not Iowa State is not WIU. Having a rush thread that focuses on those differences would be really interesting. Oddly, what the girls end up with is exactly the same - a lifelong sisterhood. In 4 years their rush experience won't make a lick of difference. Best of luck to you and your daughters

[KDCat]

I think these pics are both from Philanthropy Round:





Chi Omega Philanthropy Round 2013:

[KDCat]

I think this pic is from Sigma Sigma Sigma's pref:



I know this one is from Pref night, but it doesn't show their dresses as clearly:

[KDCat]

Chi Omega pref:

[KDCat]

Chi Omega open house round 2013:

[trvlqueen]

You guys are awesome! thank you so much for all of your answers, and KDCat - thanks a TON for the photos! These help a ton and my daughter loved looking at them - you have truly set both of our minds at ease. She's even more excited for recruitment now and I am so excited to find out all the details as she goes along. I'll keep you posted on how things go for them.

[Griffins&Quills]

Please let us know where they end up!

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by Griffins&Quills

Please let us know where they end up!

Yes, please come back and let us know!

Good luck to both of them