When did rec's become a thing?

[NYCMS]

Originally Posted by FSUZeta

Recs have always been a thing-at least for those sororities that require a rec before a girl can be pledged. Having a Rushee see her rec would be like a prospective employee listening in when the HR person calls his/her references.

Yes...and the comparison to a job reference is perfect - a rec is an endorsement for membership and I don't think anyone would go for a job interview without referrals. Many schools require a rec in order to pledge a girl. It also helps a chapter 'get to know' a girl prior to rush so they at least have some idea of who you are.

And for competitive Greek systems, like in the SEC at schools like Alabama and Ole Miss and even other regions with competitive systems, they've always been "in" - you really rush at your own risk without recs, whether it was decades ago or today.