What’s the backup plan for recruitment in August?

[Iota_JWH]

NPC has been looking at many different scenarios. They are due to release recommendations to collegian Panhellenics on May 11.

[AZ-AlphaXi]

University of Alabama just released their 2020 recruitment guide

http://www.uapanhellenic.com/greek-c...ruitment-guide

[Titchou]

Alabama also says they will open with on campus students this fall and have football.https://www.cbs42.com/news/health/co...ib3WA9BiDh5Fhg

[SigmaCat]

Yeah, I don't think a standard rush is in the cards AT ALL, ANYWHERE this year. I wouldn't want to chance it. Big formal recruitment scares me more than theme parks, frankly.

[zTaalum]

Originally Posted by SigmaCat

Yeah, I don't think a standard rush is in the cards AT ALL, ANYWHERE this year. I wouldn't want to chance it. Big formal recruitment scares me more than theme parks, frankly.

If a state has moved into phase 3 there is no reason why they shouldn't have one especially if on campus classes are being held.

[NYCMS]

Originally Posted by zTaalum

If a state has moved into phase 3 there is no reason why they shouldn't have one especially if on campus classes are being held.

I read something yesterday that made me think rush should be deferred until January even if colleges are back to school in person: Don't do all non-essential things at once.

Meaning don't go to the salon, then to a gift store, then to a restaurant all in short order, whether on the same day or within a week's time. Space out the non-essentials to avoid crowds. Add in backlash which can lead to re-infection: in Stillwater, OK (home to Oklahoma State) there was such an uproar about people being required to wear masks into stores so the mayor suspended requiring masks (but "encouraging" people to wear them which won't enforce it and make the difference it should). That's a recipe for disaster.

Bottom line: there's no reason to hold rush in the fall given the pandemic. Let students come back to campus. They'll be clustered enough in classes, dorms and if football resumes, at games. Things need to resume slowly, as being recommended, in stages.

Why add another (and yes, non-essential) activity into the mix? Many schools hold deferred rush, with success from what I've read on here, so this could be an option.

[zTaalum]

Originally Posted by NYCMS

I read something yesterday that made me think rush should be deferred until January even if colleges are back to school in person: Don't do all non-essential things at once.

Meaning don't go to the salon, then to a gift store, then to a restaurant all in short order, whether on the same day or within a week's time. Space out the non-essentials to avoid crowds. Add in backlash which can lead to re-infection: in Stillwater, OK (home to Oklahoma State) there was such an uproar about people being required to wear masks into stores so the mayor suspended requiring masks (but "encouraging" people to wear them which won't enforce it and make the difference it should). That's a recipe for disaster.

Bottom line: there's no reason to hold rush in the fall given the pandemic. Let students come back to campus. They'll be clustered enough in classes, dorms and if football resumes, at games. Things need to resume slowly, as being recommended, in stages.

Why add another (and yes, non-essential) activity into the mix? Many schools hold deferred rush, with success from what I've read on here, so this could be an option.

There are so many opinion articles about how to move forward that I take them with a grain a salt and honestly I don't agree with this view at all. I also think there are several reasons why things should go as planned in the fall if a state has entered "Phase 3" .

I think in end it will come down to the individual schools doing what they feel is in the best interest of their student body . I think NPC will give recommendations but also allow schools to make their own decisions. I would be willing to bet money big SEC schools will proceed as planned.

[carnation]

Originally Posted by zTaalum

I would be willing to be money big SEC schools will proceed as planned.

Heavens, yes. I have heard too many stories about how Ole Miss's later rush screwed up women's classes/studying/etc.

[shirley1929]

TCU sounds like they're already hedging for some sort of change to recruitment (from their Panhellenic website: https://tcupanhellenic.com/covid-19)

TCU is a larger recruitment (pledge classes around 70, 40-50% of the total student population). Not as big as an Alabama, but not small either.

I think it will all go on in the fall. I just think there will be changes.

As for schools hoping to have football season as planned, I thought this was a good interview with the Big 12 commissioner about all the different mental scenarios they're running through at this point... The worry isn't the beginning of the season, it's that this comes roaring back in the later months at the beginning of flu season.

https://www.espn.com/college-footbal...disrupt-season

[zTaalum]

Originally Posted by shirley1929

TCU sounds like they're already hedging for some sort of change to recruitment (from their Panhellenic website: https://tcupanhellenic.com/covid-19)

TCU is a larger recruitment (pledge classes around 70, 40-50% of the total student population). Not as big as an Alabama, but not small either.

I think it will all go on in the fall. I just think there will be changes.

As for schools hoping to have football season as planned, I thought this was a good interview with the Big 12 commissioner about all the different mental scenarios they're running through at this point... The worry isn't the beginning of the season, it's that this comes roaring back in the later months at the beginning of flu season.

https://www.espn.com/college-footbal...disrupt-season

That's why I think getting it done in August is a better idea. Also I think with
the new information about the virus not being able to survive high heat and humidity makes August sound even better especially for the southern states.

[navane]

This may sound like an unorthodox way of looking at it; but, I wonder if some families might think it an *advantage* to participate in SEC recruitment this fall. The advantage being that, if there are less PNMs going through, due to concerns over COVID19 or less family resources, then their daughter might stand a better chance.

[zTaalum]

Originally Posted by navane

This may sound like an unorthodox way of looking at it; but, I wonder if some families might think it an *advantage* to participate in SEC recruitment this fall. The advantage being that, if there are less PNMs going through, due to concerns over COVID19 or less family resources, then their daughter might stand a better chance.

I would hope not but nothing surprises me anymore.

[3DGator]

The unhoused sororities at Stanford are currently holding virtual informal recruitment.

[SweetHomeStL]

Anyone read through this yet? It is very interesting......all of the virtual recruiting sounds difficult. Maybe for 1st round, but past that?? Viable options certainly, but definitely sad for the class of 2020 that has already lost so much.

https://www.npcwomen.org/wp-content/...nhellenics.pdf

[NYCMS]

Originally Posted by SweetHomeStL

Anyone read through this yet? It is very interesting......all of the virtual recruiting sounds difficult. Maybe for 1st round, but past that??

Agree. I can't imagine how virtual recruitment would work unless it's for very small chapters, but definitely not for chapters at major campuses.

The virus has broken out again in Wuhan and I suspect it will increase in places opening now, so I think there's a likelihood that rush will be deferred until January and some colleges may choose to wait until then to go back to in-person classes. "Adults" aren't obeying the rules (masks, distancing) in places that are re-opening so I doubt students will do so based on pics of friends' college kids socializing in large groups at home - no masks, no distancing. A restaurant in a Denver suburb opened for Mother's Day - no masks, no distancing, no separation of tables. Unbelievable.

Read enough about the future with the virus and until there's a vaccine, life will look very, very different and I think colleges are preparing for drastic changes due to that.