Recruitment Guide Books

[ta kala]

This summer I am a PR intern for my Fraternity and Sorority Life office and one of my jobs is to revamp our Recruitment Guide Book (aka the book that gives info on all chapters, Greek life in general, etc.)

Right now, the one we have is not that great and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas to make it better.

If you like your school's book, what made it good? What sections are in your book? Any suggestions would be great and if you have any links (I have found a couple online), I would love to see those, too.

Thanks!

[AZ-AlphaXi]

Here's the link to the Greek Life book at the University of Arizona which I think is pretty comprehensive.

http://www.union.arizona.edu/csil/gr...ifeGuide05.pdf

[KSUViolet06]

The section that's most helpful to the PNMs is "What To Wear". So many girls freak out over what to wear, it's nice to have pictures of what's appropriate attire, to avoid the guessing game.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally posted by AZ-AlphaXi
Here's the link to the Greek Life book at the University of Arizona which I think is pretty comprehensive.

http://www.union.arizona.edu/csil/gr...ifeGuide05.pdf

I cannot believe their dues are THOUSANDS of dollars. I was a little overwhelmed by the $485 I shelled out for my New Member semester. But then again, our school wasn't typically a mommy/daddy pays for everything school.

[AOIIBrandi]

Originally posted by JocelynC


The section that's most helpful to the PNMs is "What To Wear". So many girls freak out over what to wear, it's nice to have pictures of what's appropriate attire, to avoid the guessing game.

The what to wear section is a really important part. Please try to give realistic ideas of what PNMs should wear each day. For instance if the book says shorts are acceptable, but you know they really aren't don't show pictures of women in shorts for that day.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally posted by AOIIBrandi
The what to wear section is a really important part. Please try to give realistic ideas of what PNMs should wear each day. For instance if the book says shorts are acceptable, but you know they really aren't don't show pictures of women in shorts for that day.

I would say though to stay on the conservative side. Whatever you say, you're going to have a huge percentage that dress at least one step above that. For instance, if first round most girls really do wear kakkis and polos, I would stay away from making the implication that sundresses would be ok too.

ETA: I would also stay away from making the statement that what you wear doesn't matter. We all know it does to some degree.

[AZ-AlphaXi]

Originally posted by AlphaFrog
I cannot believe their dues are THOUSANDS of dollars. I was a little overwhelmed by the $485 I shelled out for my New Member semester. But then again, our school wasn't typically a mommy/daddy pays for everything school.

the chapters where the dues are thousands of dollars are those that have meal plans ... so its not really as much as it looks like.

[PenguinTrax]

Don't design every page differently and try to use each group's colors & symbols on the page (as part of the design). It looks thrown together. Use a consistent clean design for each page, maybe alternating between two layouts.

Be sure to verify all contact information, especially web site & e-mail addresses.

Be clear in the expectations regarding letters of introduction, etc.

Set clear guidelines regarding the type, size and quality of photographs to be submitted for inclusion in the book.

[kddani]

Woohoo! Yay for a new Pitt Greek guidebook.

Try to get GROUP pictures from the different groups. Small groups of 5 or 6 pictures don't really show the personality of the group as a whole.

Clothing examples are a very good idea. So many girls come through our rush in jeans, sweats, etc.

I'd love to see it posted online as well. Try to get it done and printed as early as possible to hand out at the ATR sessions throughout the summer.

Greek PR could really do well by handing out something to the incoming freshman doing their advisting/testing/registration stuff throughout the summer. They get bags with all kinds of stuff in them when they check in, try to get at least a flier of some sort in that bag.

I'm sure i'll think of more... good luck! I can't wait to see it!

[adpiucf]

Who is doing the layout and design? Is it possible to work with a student who is studying graphic design?

Keep it simple.

The cover should be something that represents the Greek community as a whole, so avoid photos of the XyZ's in their letters, because the ABC's will feel left out. Panhellenic photos of members not in letters and participating in sisterhood activities are fine. Or your cover might center around a recruitment theme for that year.

On the first few pages, feature a welcome letter from the Panhellenic President, some additional Greek Life photos and some marketing copy about the benefits of Greek Life. Include the dates of formal recruitment. Include a spread about what to wear each day (photos) and suggestions, as well as a blurb about each day of recruitment and what to expect. Include a group shot of your Panhellenic Exec/Recruitment Team and the Recruitment Counselors.

At the bottom of each page or each spread, include the contact phone number and website for the Office of Greek Life.

Keep a consistent layout with certain fonts and sizes for headlines and body copy. For the sororities, give each their own page or their own spread. Include a sidebar with information detailing the founding date, chapter chartering date, colors, symbols, mascots and name. Include photos provided by the chapter (letters are appropriate here). Also include a box with lines where the PNM's can write comments.

You might also ask each chapter to submit a quote and a headshot of a senior, talking about her positive experience. You can put this on each sorority page or on a later page. If you put the testimonials on their own page, don't reveal affiliations.

At the back of the book, leave a few lined pages titled "NOTES" for the PNM's to make notes.

ETA: Most recruitment applications are available online, but it is also a good idea to include a hard copy inserted as one of your pages. Make sure to include information about recruitment fees.

[alum]

http://www.wfu.edu/housing/greek/pdf...t-handbook.pdf

This is the guide from Wake Forest. I thought it was very comprehensive. As my hs senior was researching the academic side of schools to figure out the best fit for her undergraduate education, I've been looking at the Greek Life sections.

I know one thing my daughter did like seeing on the campuses were the women in their Greek Letters. It made her her more aware of what a strong presence the sororities have on some campuses. So I would put pictures of letter-wearing girls but make sure you have 2 or 3 of each GLO represented in group shots.

[alum]

Originally posted by exlurker
The booklet for the U. of Kentucky can be found by going to this page:

http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Greek/

and then clicking as indicated.

The booklet is in PDF.

The "what to wear" section has pictures, written suggestions, and even mentions what not to wear.

Great idea to put pics w/ clothing guidelines. Unfortunately on p. 11, 2 girls are depicted wearing sundresses when it says DON'T.

[exlurker]

Originally posted by alum
Great idea to put pics w/ clothing guidelines. Unfortunately on p. 11, 2 girls are depicted wearing sundresses when it says DON'T.

bonus dormitat Homerus

-- Horace, Ars Poetica

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by exlurker
bonus dormitat Homerus

-- Horace, Ars Poetica

LOL! Indeed.

[33girl]

Originally posted by alum
Great idea to put pics w/ clothing guidelines. Unfortunately on p. 11, 2 girls are depicted wearing sundresses when it says DON'T.

I don't think those are sundresses - they look like regular dresses that are strapless in rayon or linen. To me, "sundress" is something more casual that you could walk around the beach in.