Yes the first round is open. They do break the PNMs into groups but no names are called out or anything like when the actives run out to pick them up to bring them inside. If a PNM has not signed up yet and didn't attend this round today, they are not penalized. It's basically just a way for the PNMs to see each house without decorations and stuff!
I thought it was pretty interesting that at the University of Arkansas, they are now providing PNMs with 3 recruitment t-shirts - one to wear each round. The PNM only wears her own outfit for prefs.
__________________ Adding 's does not make a word, not even an acronym, plural