A note to the Florida PNM's

[adpiucf]

Just a word about the Florida schools' sorority recruitment, as I know we have a few Florida students on the boards.

1) Please contact your university's office of student activities or Greek Life to get the 4-1-1 on Greek Life at your university, including any questions you have about recruitment. Don't take Greek Chat as gospel. We're just giving you our opinions, based on our experiences at various schools, some of which are Florida schools.

2) Recs. Some of the Florida universities have huge numbers of PNM's going through recruitment, and others don't. It doesn't hurt to get a recommendation from an alum for each sorority at your campus. We have a thread in the Rush forum where you can contact alumnae. It is titled "Recommendations." That being said, ONE RECOMMENDATION PER SORORITY IS SUFFICIENT FOR PNM'S GOING THROUGH RECRUITMENT AT A FLORIDA SCHOOL. Six recs to one sorority do not do any more to improve your chances at that sorority. It just creates unnecessary paperwork for the sorority.

3) Attire. Dress classy, and wear stylish but comfortable shoes. Strapless sun dresses are fine, but not if your boobs are bursting out. Bring a cardigan or shawl if you go strapless -- the icy cold A/C in the houses will make you wish you were outside in the sun! Keep your make-up minimal and wear waterproof mascara. The Florida sun in August is relentless. Wear sunscreen and bring blotting papers to absorb face oil and bring water to drink. Lip gloss is your friend! Silicon styling products (like Frizz-Ease, available at any drugstore, target, etc...) for your hair will minimize frizz. Bring a discrete hair tie and a comb for fix-ups and a little mirror. Your recruitment counselor will hold these things for you as you go into each house. Yes, your makeup will melt, so keep everything in individual plastic baggies. Again, minimal makeup=less melting. It's also a good idea to carry listerine disolvable breath strips, because you're going to be talking to lots of people. Don't wear a watch; you will be tempted to check the time and it looks like you aren't interested. Florida schools also have tried to go to a "no frills" recruitment, meaning your dress is more casual. With this in mind, you can never be too dressed up. If the attire calls for denim shorts, wear khaki. Better yet, wear a sundress. You will stand out, and look classier and more polished. You might also bring a pair of flip flops to walk down the street in, and your "dress shoes" for right before you go into the houses. Don't bring a purse or cell phone into the houses. Your Recruitment Counselor will guard everything!!! Another word on clothes: the "Ann Talor" and "Banana Republic" look is a great way to define classy. You can duplicate these styles at those stores, as well as find similar, less expensive clothes of that sort at a dept store, Old Navy, Gap, etc... (Florida is also the home of the Outlet Malls, so take advantage!)

4) Conversation. You will be asked the same questions over and over again through the week. Be gracious, smile and go into this experience to make new friends. Do your "homework" by looking at the chapter and national websites to learn a little more about the sororities. This way, you can ask them questions about their programs (good questions to ask are about their social events, charities, why the sister you are talking to chose to join XYZ, etc.) Avoid controversial topics like politics, religion and drugs/sex/alcohol, just as you would with any first impression interview or meeting. Talk about your summer, your hobbies, majors, school spirit, sorority life, etc. As you meet new people, try to find something in common with each person you speak with (even if that something in common is your favorite TV show or your travels to the Bahamas). Don't allow other PNM's perceptions of sororities cloud your judgement and vice versa. Keep your opinions to yourself when it comes to talking to PNMs about perceptions of the houses, but do talk about them with your recruitment counselor. Don't ever bash any sorority to a PNM, sister or recruitment counselor. It could come back to haunt you. Keep a little notebook and record your observations at night. It will help you keep everything straight in your head as you get closer to Bid Day. Also, don't discount any of the houses. Keep your options open. With houses filled with about 70-180 women, you could well fit in at any of them! Don't be a drama queen and pout like a 4 year old if your perceived top house cuts you. There are other options.

5) Refreshments. Most of the houses will offer water or soda. Always accept. Sip, but don't guzzle, and yes, if you have to go to the bathroom, try to hold it until you have a break in the day. Why? You have a limited opportunity to meet these women, and the time you spend in the bathroom is time you could be meeting more people. Sounds absurd, but there are 1000 other women competing for the same spot in the house. Others may argue with my assessment of this very silly notion, and so be it. This is just my advice. The parties are brief, and there are a lot of people to meet.

6) Carry yourself like a classy lady. When you are out in public in the days leading up to recruitment and in the evenings after recruitment events, act like a lady. Word travels quickly on the Greek Grapevine.

7) Post-recruitment. Get involved on campus! The Florida schools have tons of great activities to be a part of. Sorority Life is just one of these ways to meet friends. Try to have a life outside of the sorority. You will meet more people who could be future sisters, too, and you will have another great hobby to enjoy!

Florida sorority women, feel free to chime in!