Women interested in becoming a part of the MSU greek system are encouraged to participate in women’s Recruitment, which begins today.
Despite the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington Sept. 11, men’s Recruitment drew large numbers of potential members last week, and the same trend is hoped this week.
“I think, as of right now, we don’t really know what to expect,” said Panhellenic Council President Kristy Tippen. “Everything’s carrying on as planned and we’ll just see what happens.”
Several fraternities canceled Recruitment activities Sept. 11 but continued them the rest of the week.
“We stepped back,” said Billy Molasso, assistant director of Student Life. “There are a number of members in the community with some sort of ties to the Pentagon and New York.”
Molasso said he believes women’s Recruitment will be a success despite last week’s events.
“Our strength in the community is reflected across the nation, and our numbers will do extremely well,” he said.
Students interested in Recruitment should meet their Recruitment counselor, or Rho Chi, in the lobby of their residence hall at 5 p.m., where they will walk to the Auditorium for Phase A of the process.
Once at the Auditorium, prospective members will have a chance to meet with different chapter members and learn more about the greek system.
Sept. 21-23, for Phase B, women’s Recruitment will proceed similarly to men’s Recruitment. A busing service provided by the Capital Area Transportation Authority will transport students to and from the 15 chapter houses.
And for the second year in a row, women are required to visit each chapter and have their Panhellenic Council passport stamped at each location to show they were there.
Tippen said the passport theme is a good way for potential members to see the different ideas the chapters have to give.
“We’re hoping it’ll help them to organize their thoughts and think more about the opportunities the greek system can offer them,” she said.
Bids will be given out Sept. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m., with activities and celebrations beginning at chapter houses at 7 p.m.
Medical technology junior Kristen Smith said while she is not involved in the greek system, she thinks it can be a positive involvement in student life.
“I think it seems like a fun thing to do if you are a freshman wanting to make friends,” she said. “The media always portrays the fraternity and sorority houses as party elements in a college society, but I think the real emphasis is on unity and friendship.”
