Disclaimer: We realize that the attention span of the average college student is shorter than it takes to read this page, but it contains lots of really useful information, trust us! But come back and finish reading later because there will be a quiz! (OK, just kidding, but it's a good way to procrastinate anyway).

During B-Term every year the women of WPI are invited to structured events to get to know the women in both sororities. This is called Recruitment. It is moderated by the Panhellenic Council at WPI. Panhel, as we call it, is made up of women from both sororities, but they stay unaffiliated throughout the Recruitment process so that you can feel like you can talk to any one, no matter which sorority you have questions about. Panhel organizes the times, days, and places of the events, but the sororities choose what they want to do from there.

The first part of Recruitment is learning about the process. During late A-Term there will be information sessions about Recruitment. There may be other activities like an Ice Cream Social where you will have the chance to speak with sisters of both sororities in an informal atmosphere. So go, and talk to as many people as you can...plus there's food! :)

At the beginning of B-Term there will be a meeting on your residence hall floor with a person called a Recruitment Counselor. These are women who have chosen to be neutral until the end of Recruitment to help you make an unbiased choice. They will further explain the Recruitment process and answer any questions you might have. They will also walk you to and from the Recruitment Events.

Before you can attend the Recruitment Events you need to register for Recruitment. WPI states that you must be in good academic standing to participate in Recruitment. That means you must pass two out of three classes A-Term. If you are taking a semester class you must be making satifactory progess. Registering gives Panhel the authorization to check your grades. There are two days when you can sign up for Recruitment. You can also register late with your Recruitment Counselor.

Before the Recruitment Events, you will have the option to tour both sorority houses. You will walk down with your Recruitment Counselor and be guided through each house by either the President or House Manager. You will see the living areas and some of the rooms, have the meal plan explained, talk about chores, and be given information on the price of room and board. Living in the house is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Phi Sig, and we want you to know about it as you make your choice.

After the meetings with the Recruitment Counselors, there will be four Recruitment Events. During an event you will go visit each sorority in their room for an equal amount of time. There you will have a chance to meet and talk to the sisters. During this time they will also fill you in on what their sorority is about. Even if you don't want to join a sorority it is still a great way to meet other girls on campus! After you visit one sorority, you will have a break and then go to the other room. During one of the rounds there will be a philanthropy activity. Not only do you get to do some community service, but it also beats standing around trying to think of things to say. During one of the events (usually the second) you will be given information from both sororities about the financial commitment. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, you must visit each room. You may have up to TWO EXCUSED absences in order to be considered for the rest of the Recruitment process.

Once the Recruitment Events are complete, there will be Preference Picking. Panhel will set up a designated time and place for you to come and choose which Preference Party(ies) you want to attend. You may only attend parties you were invited back to. You do not have to accept any invitations, if you wish.

This leads to the Preference Party. It will be the Sunday before Bid Day. This is a formal event where you learn a different side of sororities. And there is generally food involved. At the end of whichever parties you attend you will have Bid Signing. Bid Signing is a statement of which sorority you will join if they invite you. You will choose a first choice, and, if you desire, a second choice. The cards will be collected by Panhel and matched to a sorority later that evening.

At noon, bids are put into mailboxes. If a girl has not been matched to either sorority, her Recruitment Counselor or another Panhel officer will come talk to her about her options. Later on that day, the "identity" of the Recruitment Counselor's and Panhel Officers will be revealed at a special reception.

At this time, if you have received a bid from Phi Sig, you will jump right into the New Member period and start getting to know your fellow New Members as well as the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma. This is one of the most exciting times of the year, so if you find yourself in this position, make the most of it and enjoy it to the fullest!!

We know this is all very confusing, so if you have questions, email any of the following people:

 

Sarah VanOudenaren

Panhel President

 

Andrea Portnoy

Panhel VP Recruitment

 

Emily Perlow

Greek Advisor