Monday, June 29, 2015

Recruitment Week Tips!

When you mix 100+ temperatures with over one thousand girls in nice dresses you get a hectic week. However, there are some things you can do to make the Austin heat just a little bit more bearable and the rush experience less stressful. The first day of rush you will receive a bag that you will carry everyday.

There are a few items you can invest in and keep in your bag to make your days  a bit easier. Bring something to absorb sweat. You will sweat. A lot. Austin in August reaches extremely high temperatures. I suggest coffee filters; they absorb really well. Just dab your face before you go into any house. A fan to cool yourself down is also a good idea.. Some fans have a spray bottle attached, which is convenient and refreshing. There will be water at every house, but I suggest bringing a water bottle so you can hydrate while you're walking between houses. DRINK WATER. It's hot so hydrate as much as possible. I know they tell you that you shouldn’t ask to go to the bathroom in a house but that is just silly. ASK! We don’t want you to be uncomfortable in our home. 

During philanthropy, skit night, and pref night you might choose to wear wedges/heels. If you are wearing heels bring a pair of flip flops and slip them on between houses. Your feet will thank you!  Ponytails are a necessity for the weather so bring some ponytail holders and a brush for a quick touch up between houses. Any makeup you want for touch ups in not a bad idea either.  

Lastly, bring yourself a snack.  You will have time to eat but often the lines are long. The first two days food is not served at the house and a Lara bar just might save your life! 

Recruitment is a complex process and can be really confusing and intimidating if you aren’t familiar with the commonly used terms. Here are some terms that can be helpful to know during the recruitment process:


Bid: a formal invitation to join a sorority


Initiation: a formal ceremony that marks the beginning of active membership


ISP-Intentional Single Preference: this term is also known as “suicide”; when a PNM will only accept a bid from one chapter of her choice, and refuses to rank any other sorority on their list during recruitment.  This is not recommended!


Legacy: a woman whose mother or other female family member was in a sorority


MIS/RIF-Membership Information Sheet/Recruitment Information Form: a form necessary for each PNM that an alumna fills out on the PNM’s behalf


New Member: a woman who has accepted a bid to a sorority but has not gone through the initiation process and is not an active member yet


NPC-National Panhellenic Council: The umbrella organization for 26 sororities


PC-Pledge Class: also known as New Member Class; a group of women who will be going through the new member and initiation processes together


PNM-Potential New Member: a woman going through recruitment


Recruitment: a week long process often referred to as Rush.

Recruitment Counselor: A sorority member who is disassociated from her sorority to serve as a recruitment guide during formal recruitment sometimes called Rho Chi’s


We hope this information helps make your week a little less stressful!


Good luck!


Zeta Rush Team

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Recruitment video: https://vimeo.com/128106277

Monday, June 15, 2015

Your Recruitment Fashion Guide

Recruitment is an exciting process, but it can also be nerve-racking. I remember asking myself questions such as ‘am I wearing the right clothes? Am I going to be comfortable? What if I stick out?’ You’re not alone! Everyone is wondering which dress to wear and which shoes are cute and capable of letting you sprint from house to house. To make it easier for you, follow this style guide for rush and you’ll be comfortable and confident.


Macintosh HD:Users:lindsaysmith3:Desktop:10592899_4379949674280_1294903687649691069_n.jpgDays 1 & 2: Open House 
Some like to call this the “camp counselor” look. Necessities include khaki shorts (don’t worry, we know they’re not very fashionable), cute and comfy tennis shoes or sandals, your provided recruitment T shirt, and simple jewelry! Tennis shoes are highly recommended, but don’t get too comfortable, it only get dressier from here!

Days 3 & 4: Philanthropy Day
Stuck between two dresses for this round? Don’t worry! Why not wear both? Two days, two dress, why not!?  This with a pair of wedges or sandals and light jewelry and you’re set. Get ready to learn about all the different sorority’s philanthropies!



Day 5: Skit Night
I may or may not be bias to this round, but skit night is by far the most fun. Get ready to laugh and cry (from laughing only!). Necessities: This round is luncheon or tea attire; a step up from Philanthropy day. Wear a party dress, wedges or heels, and pretty jewelry and get ready to watch different sororities do hilarious and clever skits!

Day 6: Preference Night
While rush is extremely fun, pref night is the most serious of the nights. With that being said, black dresses are worn. This is the dressiest of the all the nights. Pair a black dress with heels and your favorite jewelry and you’re good to go!

Day 7: Bid Day!!!




YOU MADE IT! Bid day consists of lots of pictures and conversations between you and your new pledge class (OMG). This day calls for bright and colorful sundresses, sandals or wedges, light jewelry, and a SMILE!


Other recommended items: Flip flops for changing shoes between houses, fans (yes, it is very hot), hair brushes, and water! Good luck!!

- PC '13 Lindsay Smith




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Website: texaszetataualpha.com
Recruitment video: https://vimeo.com/128106277