Dear Potential New Member,

Our names are Chelsea Smith and Sarah King, Vice President of Recruitment and Director of Recruitment for the Women’s Panhellenic Association.  Pretty soon, you will be embarking on an incredible new journey – college! OU has an endless amount of new things to experience and activities in which to become involved. We are also particularly thrilled to invite you to become a part of our exceptional Greek community on campus. Being part of a sorority is an excellent way to make your brief time here at Ohio University the best it can be.  Sorority life offers opportunities to make lifelong friends, meet new faces, give back to our community, become strong leaders, shine academically and not to mention, have a blast.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit Ohio University’s gorgeous campus by scheduling a campus tour. Also, Pre-college this summer gives you an opportunity to meet other new freshmen as well as current OU students, faculty and staff.

Over the summer, you will be added to our mailing list and will receive an informational postcard.  Additionally, this website provides all the information you will need for Fall Formal Recruitment 2009 – official registration form, detailed information about Formal Recruitment, the recruitment manual, and most important, answers to various inquiries you might have about this exciting process! Please feel free to browse our site to find out about Ohio University’s incredible Greek Life!

We look forward to meeting you in the fall, and we cannot wait to see what sisterhood has to offer you at Ohio University!

Truly,

Chelsea Smith and Sarah King

WPA Recruitment, Vice President and Director

Formal Recruitment Schedule

Sept. 18th: Formal Recruitment Kickoff

Kickoff will take place in Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium. Get there early to pick up your t-shirt and your assigned Rho Gamma group!

Sept. 19th: Welcome Day

Your Rho Gamma will take you to all nine sorority houses, in 30 minute rounds.  Dress is casual.  Wear the t-shirt you picked up at kickoff and jeans, shorts, a casual skirt, etc.

Sept. 20th: Philanthropy Day

Round two is geared toward learning about the chapter's philanthropy as well as sisterhood. You can expect to complete a craft that will be submitted to the chapter's philanthropy, as well as view a slideshow that exemplifies their sisterhood. At the most, you will be asked back to seven of the chapter houses. Appropriate attire for this day of recruitment is a skirt, dress pants, or casual dress. 

Sept. 25th: Skit Night

The third round of recruitment offers a time for you to see the women relax and have some fun. You will get a chance to see a skit performed by members in up to five chapter houses which you were asked back to visit. Each round of recruitment gets a little dressier. For this round, a nice top and a skirt or pants may be considered.

Sept. 26th: Preference Night

The final round of recruitment is the most intimate and special. You will be able to get to know the chapter on a deeper level. Each chapter presents a special ceremony. During this round, you should be considering where you can see yourself being a member, visiting three chapter houses at the most. Since this is the most important night, women tend to opt for a cocktail dress.

Sept. 27th: Bid Day!

Meet in Baker Ballroom and find out the affiliations of WPA and your Rho Gammas before opening your bids and celebrating with your new sisters!

What is a Rho Gamma?

You will have two recruitment guides, known as Rho Gammas, assigned to you at the beginning of recruitment.  They are members of sororities, but they "disaffiliate" during formal recruitment and do not reveal which chapters they are members of.  This way, your Rho Gammas can give you unbiased advice and answer any questions you may have. 

All of the Rho Gammas have gone through an extensive training process to ensure they are prepared for any questions or concerns you may encounter.  While your Rho Gammas are an excellent resource, they are also there to listen, to share your anxieties and joys, and to calm your nerves.  Above all, Rho Gammas are there to make the recruitment process smoother and more enjoyable for you.