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

[GTAlphaPhi]

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.

This is very true. Obviously, the only colonizing experience I had was when I joined Alpha Phi at Georgia Tech, whose recruitment is way less intense than FSU, so that probably influenced my statement. Alabama's recent colony had to turn away hundreds of girls and now has one of the largest, if not the largest, Alpha Phi chapter in North America. I bring up Alabama because I think the size of their recruitment pool, competitiveness, and status as a recolonization make it a better comparison to FSU than my alma mater.

Originally Posted by 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.

Agreed for the most part. While upperclassmen have gotten into houses at competitive schools and while upperclassmen may have been declined by colonies, if pressed, I would say that in general, attempting to join a colony has a higher chance of success than attempting to join an installed chapter.

Originally Posted by 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?

I extra agree with this! By going through formal recruitment, you may find that you're more interested in another chapter...or it may increase your preference for Alpha Phi. Either way, you'll get a taste of each house and won't have that nagging feeling of "I wonder what ABC or XYZ would have been like."

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"?

I also wondered about this! I'm glad we got it cleared up.

[GTAlphaPhi]

Does FSU have COB/COR?

[lovespink88]

I joined my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, when it was a colony. Although I am not an Alpha Phi, I thought I'd share the process I went through, just to help give you an idea of what it's like.

During the semester that AXiD colonized, they participated in only the first round of recruitment. I'm not quite sure what it was like because I did not go through formal recruitment that year, but I know that sisters from other schools were there to talk to PNMs.

After formal recruitment for the other sororities was over, there were open events that any PNMs who were interested in the colony could attend. There was an event to give more information about Alpha Xi Delta in general, there was one about the philanthropy, etc. At each event, there were sign in sheets where you could sign in with your name and email to show that you were interested. This also put you on the email list, so that you could receive email updates (for example, we got an email update when we found out where the house was going to be located.)

The way we scheduled interviews was by emailing one of the representatives from the sorority. We got our interview assignments by picking up a card that had our name and interview time at the last open event (if you could not be at that event, they emailed it to you). Then we had interviews with national representative (at least I *THINK* they were all from nationals...). The day after all the interviews were done, we could go to the Panhellenic office and pick up our letter--either one that would invite you to Alpha Xi Delta's preference party, or one that said that thanks for coming out, but that they would not be extending you a bid. (I'm sure it was said way nicer than that, lol)

Then they held a preference party, much like one that you would see during preference round of formal recruitment. The next day we could go to the student union once again to pick up a "sorry" letter or your bid.

Obviously, Alpha Phi's colonization is not going to be run exactly the same way. But from what I have read, there are similarities (such as having events after formal recruitment, having interviews, etc.) I hope this helps in giving you an idea of how colony recruitment works!

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by lovespink88

I joined my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, when it was a colony. Although I am not an Alpha Phi, I thought I'd share the process I went through, just to help give you an idea of what it's like.

During the semester that AXiD colonized, they participated in only the first round of recruitment. I'm not quite sure what it was like because I did not go through formal recruitment that year, but I know that sisters from other schools were there to talk to PNMs.

After formal recruitment for the other sororities was over, there were open events that any PNMs who were interested in the colony could attend. There was an event to give more information about Alpha Xi Delta in general, there was one about the philanthropy, etc. At each event, there were sign in sheets where you could sign in with your name and email to show that you were interested. This also put you on the email list, so that you could receive email updates (for example, we got an email update when we found out where the house was going to be located.)

The way we scheduled interviews was by emailing one of the representatives from the sorority. We got our interview assignments by picking up a card that had our name and interview time at the last open event (if you could not be at that event, they emailed it to you). Then we had interviews with national representative (at least I *THINK* they were all from nationals...). The day after all the interviews were done, we could go to the Panhellenic office and pick up our letter--either one that would invite you to Alpha Xi Delta's preference party, or one that said that thanks for coming out, but that they would not be extending you a bid. (I'm sure it was said way nicer than that, lol)

Then they held a preference party, much like one that you would see during preference round of formal recruitment. The next day we could go to the student union once again to pick up a "sorry" letter or your bid.

Obviously, Alpha Phi's colonization is not going to be run exactly the same way. But from what I have read, there are similarities (such as having events after formal recruitment, having interviews, etc.) I hope this helps in giving you an idea of how colony recruitment works!

I have a few questions about Colony recruitment in general (any NPC). If any of the questions is private MS information, I apologize. I am just curious about the process for the end of Colony recruitment.

If you're invited to Pref for a Colony, do you still fill out a Pref card?

Is that part of the process similar to that of COB? (You either put the name of the one sorority, or leave it blank if you want to drop out).

Do Colonies typically try to bid up to chapter total?

[lovespink88]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

I have a few questions about Colony recruitment in general (any NPC). If any of the questions is private MS information, I apologize. I am just curious about the process for the end of Colony recruitment.

If you're invited to Pref for a Colony, do you still fill out a Pref card?

Is that part of the process similar to that of COB? (You either put the name of the one sorority, or leave it blank if you want to drop out).

Do Colonies typically try to bid up to chapter total?

Nope, no pref card was needed! If someone wanted to drop out, I believe they just had to get in contact with the ELC who scheduled interviews.

As far as your other question, I obviously can't speak for all colonization attempts, but at my colony was around 130 while total on campus was 170. (If I remember correctly, there were initially 400+ women who at some point came to a colony recruitment event and signed in to say that they were "interested". Then I believe over 200+ interviewed.)

[AnchorAlumna]

Generally, a new chapter will try to pledge "average chapter size" for that campus. They'll typically have the first group of NMs, and then add several for a week or two or three after that. Expect a few to quit before initiation/installation...they find out they don't have time, or that sororities aren't for them. The new chapter will also usually pledge quota plus a large amount at its first formal recruitment, all to bring the chapter up to "average" size.

Once the chapter is installed, a sorority professional (often a sorority member who is there to also do graduate work) will live with the chapter for another year to furnish guidance. You'll have frequent visits from international and regional officers, often for several years.

All in all, it's a unique way to experience sorority life with special attention from some of the most outstanding leaders of the international sorority. It's not easy, but it's a fantastic launch into life!

[GTAlphaPhi]

Originally Posted by GTAlphaPhi

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

Originally Posted by FSUZeta

What house are you all renting?

I must have gotten my wires crossed when thinking about Alabama or something (I'll blame it on my migraines), but I don't know if Alpha Phi will have the use of a house this fall at FSU. At Alabama, Alpha Phi is using Sigma Delta Tau's house.

Side note: I tried to strike though the erroneous text in my original post, but couldn't figure it out. Any ideas?

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by lovespink88

Nope, no pref card was needed! If someone wanted to drop out, I believe they just had to get in contact with the ELC who scheduled interviews.

As far as your other question, I obviously can't speak for all colonization attempts, but at my colony was around 130 while total on campus was 170. (If I remember correctly, there were initially 400+ women who at some point came to a colony recruitment event and signed in to say that they were "interested". Then I believe over 200+ interviewed.)

For your colony, how many girls attended Pref but didn't receive bids?

How long was the colonization process for PNMs, from the first interest sessions to chapter installation and member initiation? I know that a colonization is a long process and a lot of work.

At what point was the colony/chapter allowed to be an official, voting member of Campus Panhel? When were colony members able to wear letters? Could the colony hold socials or official philanthropy events?

It's all very fascinating. I guess I'll have to read some colony threads!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

[AnchorAlumna]

YMMV, of course, but some general answers:

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

For your colony, how many girls attended Pref but didn't receive bids?The last one I was involved in, very few - probably less than 1%, if that. The interview process did most of the "weeding" (to use a crass term).

How long was the colonization process for PNMs, from the first interest sessions to chapter installation and member initiation? I know that a colonization is a long process and a lot of work. In that one I mentioned above, recruitment took place right at Feb. 1, and initiation/installation was in the first week of April.

At what point was the colony/chapter allowed to be an official, voting member of Campus Panhel? I believe it was right away. When were colony members able to wear letters? Depends on the campus and/or the sorority's policies. Could the colony hold socials or official philanthropy events? Absolutely - and did!

It's all very fascinating. I guess I'll have to read some colony threads!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

I also wanted to add that you would be well served to try to get a couple of recs. I know it's sometimes unusual for a colonization, but recs could only help, and might even make you stand out.

[lovespink88]

I'll copy AnchorAlumna and reply like this:

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

For your colony, how many girls attended Pref but didn't receive bids? I really don't know that number. Like I mentioned before, 200+ interviewed...I would guess that more cuts were made after the interview, just because the recruiters learn more about the PNMs at the time, but I have no clue.

How long was the colonization process for PNMs, from the first interest sessions to chapter installation and member initiation? I know that a colonization is a long process and a lot of work. I attended an informational meeting in Spring 2008 (colony bid day was September 28, 2008...yes that date is forever stuck in my head!! ) There were 3 informational events in Spring 2008. IIRC, there were like 4 of us total that went to the first two events. Numbers picked up at the last event in Spring. Then the rest of the events were AFTER formal recruitment, Fall 2008.

At what point was the colony/chapter allowed to be an official, voting member of Campus Panhel? When were colony members able to wear letters? Could the colony hold socials or official philanthropy events? Your first question is a good one. I'm pretty sure that we were part of PHC from the get go, but not completely. For example, I think our ELC was our Panhellenic Rep, but I don't think she could vote and stuff. I think we could participate fully once we got our first officers (late Fall 2008).

We could wear letters. Our bid day shirts were blue with yellow letters.

We had socials from the get go (again, ELCs had set them up...I think before bid day!!) We didn't do a fall philanthropy but we had our first philanthropy during the spring.

It's all very fascinating. I guess I'll have to read some colony threads!

You can read my (super long winded) recruitment thread here. The colony stuff starts on page 3, post #37.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

[FSUZeta]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

For your colony, how many girls attended Pref but didn't receive bids?i do not know-the weeding out process was pretty much done before pref.

How long was the colonization process for PNMs, from the first interest sessions to chapter installation and member initiation? I know that a colonization is a long process and a lot of work. [I]pretty much the same timeline as anchoralum described[/I]

At what point was the colony/chapter allowed to be an official, voting member of Campus Panhel?i would guess once they became a chapter When were colony members able to wear letters?in zta new members are allowed to wear letters from bid day on-they are not allowed to have anything with our crest on it until they are initiated Could the colony hold socials or official philanthropy events?most certainly

It's all very fascinating. I guess I'll have to read some colony threads!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

it is interesting to see how similar and different we all do thing.

[lovespink88]

Just didn't realize I answered this fully:

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

How long was the colonization process for PNMs, from the first interest sessions to chapter installation and member initiation? I know that a colonization is a long process and a lot of work. I attended an informational meeting in Spring 2008 (colony bid day was September 28, 2008...yes that date is forever stuck in my head!! ) There were 3 informational events in Spring 2008. IIRC, there were like 4 of us total that went to the first two events. Numbers picked up at the last event in Spring. Then the rest of the events were AFTER formal recruitment, Fall 2008.

After bid day in Sept '08, we had a longer "new member period" as we were doing lots of things like selecting officers, writing chapter bylaws/code of conduct, etc. We were initiated and installed on March 14, 2009.

[irishpipes]

Ree,

I can answer how the AOII colony at the University of Arkansas worked:

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

For your colony, how many girls attended Pref but didn't receive bids? It seemed that Pref was more or less a formality - the earlier parties showed how/if a girl clicked with the other PNMs, and the interview was the make or break, for the most part. There were many more cuts after interviews than after pref. I do know a few PNMs attended all the way through and didn't get bids, but it was a very small number.

How long was the colonization process for PNMs, from the first interest sessions to chapter installation and member initiation? I know that a colonization is a long process and a lot of work. I know AOII did PR the entire school year preceding colonization, including participtaing in some philanthropy events on campus (collegians from another chapter came out), then a big blitz before recruitment. During round 1 of fall formal members from our chapter at Ole Miss conducted recruitment. (Door songs, etc.)

After formal concluded, AOII hosted 3 parties. We used the former DG house. Each party had a theme, like coffee house, build a bear, etc. The parties were open invitation. There were games/activities at every party, and alumnae and international volunteers were present.

Then interviews were conducted in the union and there was a nice pref-like event. Bids were distributed the next day in the union.

I believe the whole process of the 3 parties and interviews was just over a week.

At what point was the colony/chapter allowed to be an official, voting member of Campus Panhel? When were colony members able to wear letters? Could the colony hold socials or official philanthropy events?

Don't know about Panhel - AOII allows new members to wear letters so the bid day t-shirts had our letters on them. The colony had several socials and participated fully in campus Greek events.

It's all very fascinating. I guess I'll have to read some colony threads!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

[FSUZeta]

fsu sororities will hold cob/cor events if needed, but not too many of the sororities will be able to participate. lately everyone has pledged quota and most are above total after formal recruitment.

cob/cor events are usually postponed until the following semester when a sorority is colonizing.

[KSUViolet06]

Random question about colonizations:

In formal recruitment, the most cuts are generally made early on.

I know every group is different, but when are most of the cuts made in colony recruitment? After the interview round and before the Pref party?