Prospective members of Greek Life at the University of Rhode Island are facing unique experiences while getting to know their potential new chapters.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greek Life recruitment process had to be largely changed. Last fall, all new members were recruited virtually and weekly chapter meetings were held via Zoom throughout the academic year.
Maren Drake, president of the Panhellenic Council, said that this year sororities have adopted a hybrid approach to ensure the safety of all students involved.
“We do [recruitment] in four rounds,” she said. “This year, we did one digital round, and we are now back to more of what it was like in 2019, where the girls get to go to the houses and meet in person.”
Potential new members (PNMs) are required to wear a face covering while visiting each chapter, and the Panhellenic Association has encouraged sororities to do as many activities outdoors as possible.
According to Drake, approximately 650 students signed up for formal recruitment this semester. She said this number has fluctuated throughout the pandemic, but she is pleased with how many PNMs are still involved as round three of the process approaches.
“Our numbers this year are lower than they were in 2019, but they’re on par to last year,” Drake said. “We’re seeing a lot of sophomores from last year who were waiting for the in person option, as well as incoming freshmen, as usual.”
Drake believes that there will likely be more students who go Greek this semester, as many chose to pursue a separate recruitment process with Alpha Chi Omega, which is re-establishing its URI chapter this semester and participating in an informal recruitment process.
Mitchell Asante, the president of URI’s Interfraternity Council (IFC), said that the switch to in-person recruitment has brought a wave of PNMs “like never before.”
“It’s sort of like having two freshman classes, for the men especially, because a lot of men waited it out and decided to rush for their sophomore year,” he said. “We are seeing an uptick in students, which is a positive since that means there’s still an interest and a drive to join Greek Life.”
Much like the sororities on campus, Asante said that fraternities have followed University protocols when recruiting indoors. Additionally, many meet-and-greet events have been held outdoors for students to learn what each chapter has to offer.
The best part of this year’s recruitment has been the shift back to in-person, according to Asante, since each fraternity has better access to the students who are rushing.
“It’s easier to market your fraternity and get your values out there when you’re in-person,” Asante said. “You’re able to shake people’s hands and talk to them without a screen.”
Freshmen and sophomores have given positive feedback to the IFC, according to him, as well as fraternity presidents who feel grateful to be closer to normal.
Although recruitment looks different from the past, both Drake and Asante encourage all PNMs to keep a positive attitude throughout the process.
Overall, Drake hopes that the women involved with recruitment recognize the importance of staying true to themselves during the process.
“At the end of the day, make sure you are prioritizing where you feel the most comfortable and think about the girls who you can see yourself with,” she said. “Not to be cheesy, but they say sisterhood is for life, so make sure you’re doing what is best for yourself, and choose where you feel the most at home.”