A Guide to FrAternity And Sorority LiFe - Virginia Tech

INFOrMAL rECruITMENT
Although the formal recruitment program is our largest means of bringing new members
into our organizations, we also have a period called informal recruitment that takes place
each fall semester and after formal recruitment in the spring. There are many differences
between formal and informal recruitment that are important to keep in mind.
Many women find the informal, relaxed atmosphere of open recruitment as a less
stressful and more enjoyable way to take part in Greek Life at Virginia Tech. Like formal
recruitment you must have at least 12 hours and a 2.0 GPA before a sorority can
extend you an invitation to join. Therefore, first semester freshmen cannot participate
in informal recruitment.
There are many differences between formal and informal recruitment that are important
to keep in mind:
1. Informal recruitment usually does not involve all of the sororities. Those who do
take part usually have only a few spots open for new members. Since you will
not be meeting all of our chapters it is important you know you feel comfortable
with the chapter you are considering during informal recruitment. If you want
the chance to explore all sororities, formal recruitment is the place for you.
2. Next, informal recruitment is a much less structured process. You do not get the
overall view of Greek life, nor do you see what each sorority is about. Because of
this limited spectrum, most of the women who go through informal recruitment
already have a better feel for which sororities they would be comfortable joining.
3. Lastly, because most sororities do not accept many women during informal
recruitment, you experience a different “new member period” than the majority
of women in sororities have. Many times these are smaller new member classes.
However, you still have the same opportunities to bond with your new member
class as a group.
PHC
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