Annual sorority recruitment attracts new members

Dust off your toga and laurel wreath; the Women’s Panhellenic Association Formal Recruitment begins Friday, Sept. 5.

Sorority recruitment is structured around the core values that sororities share with each other, said Gina Knauff, coordinator of fraternity and sorority life.

During Recruitment Week, potential members will “Go Greek,” learn about scholarships, community service and philanthropy, discuss sisterhood and, finally, on Bid Day, sorority hopefuls will become members of WSU’s Greek community.

“On the first three nights, those going through recruitment will have the opportunity to visit each chapter house,” Knauff said. “As recruitment progresses, the potential new members and the chapters begin a mutual selection process where membership decisions are made.”

Incoming members will benefit from academic support, job networking through alumni associations, leadership classes, and national and regional leadership conferences. New members also will be involved with community service, athletics, social programs and events.

“Our chapter members are highly involved in campus organizations and activities,” Knauff said.

Examples of Greek involvement include Shocker navigators, orientation leaders, athletics and dance team members, and Student Government Association, Student Ambassador Society and Students In Free Enterprise members.

“Greek life has benefited so many in our community,” Knauff said.

Each chapter has its own national or international philanthropy that members are dedicated to supporting. Also, most contribute to local organizations connected to their area of philanthropy. That allows them to make a direct impact on the community.

“Because of how committed the university is to us, we try to show our gratitude by giving the same commitment to the university,” Knauff said. “What we want to help aid (WSU) with is recruitment of high school students.

She believes many high school graduates leave ͷ because they do not believe they are able to achieve the typical college life at WSU.

“But if they realized how active the Greek community is, and how much life it brings to the university, then we could potentially help bring in some great students,” she said.

Formal recruitment will be held Sept. 5-6 and Sept. 12-15 at WSU. All applicants must attend one of the two orientation sessions at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4 or Sept. 10, in 107 Devlin Hall. Registration fee is $40, required from all applicants.

Find more information about each sorority under “WPA” on the Fraternity and Sorority Life Web site at

. Contact the Center for Student Leadership with questions at (316) 978-3022.