Photo of Panhellenic Council. Courtesy of Peighton Allen. With BamaRushTok trending once again, it can leave students who are planning to go through the recruitment process here at Montevallo somewhat uneasy. Unlike the nature of rush at the University of Alabama, the recruitment process here is unique and designed to be a fun and lighthearted experience.
What makes Greek life at UM different from other institutions is the diversity of the chapters and the support that they provide for each other throughout the year.
“Don’t worry about RushTok when coming to Montevallo because it is so much more laid back here. I have friends in other chapters and I can confidently say that no matter where you end up after recruitment, Greek life here is one big family with room for anyone,” says Panhellenic President Peighton Allen.
What makes the recruitment process at UM more relaxed is the chance to meet people before the formal recruitment starts. You can meet members of the sororities as early as orientation during the summer.
Once students arrive on campus, they receive a schedule full of welcome events that are designed to get students acclimated to campus and to help them make friends and connections before classes start. These events are a great opportunity for new and returning students to meet members of campus organizations and to make connections beforehand which can offer you a peace of mind when beginning the formal recruitment process.
The Recruitment Process
Recruitment starts every year on the Friday of the first week of school, beginning with the sisterhood round. This is the longest round since the PNM, potential new member will visit each chapter.
This round is the most laid back- it’s a chance to get to know the sororities and for them to get to know you. You will learn about the different chapters’ involvement on campus, the hobbies and interests of the members and what makes each chapter unique. If you go in with an open mind, you could leave this round with new friends across all of the chapters.
“My advice for sisterhood round is to go in with an open mind and leave the preconceived notions at the door. I know it is easy to perceive the different chapters on social media but the best way to find where you fit in is to leave that behind and get to know the different chapters in person,” says member of Phi Mu sorority Jenna Hwang.
Philanthropy round starts the next day. You will visit up to four of the chapters to learn about the different organizations that the sororities support and the events they participate in to raise money for that organization. This is a good day to take a deeper look into how each chapter not only serves their philanthropy, but also how they serve their community.
Each chapter serves a different organization. Chi Omega supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Delta Gamma supports Service for Sight, Phi Mu supports Children Miracle Network Hospitals, Alpha Delta Pi supports the Ronald McDonald House and Alpha Gamma Delta supports the cause against world hunger.
The last day of recruitment tends to be the most stressful. By the time preference round starts you have narrowed down your choices to two chapters. This is the final round of recruitment and during this round you will have longer conversations where you will get to hear member testimonies and the values on which the chapter was founded.
This round can bring up many emotions, not only for the PNM but for the active members as well. When making your decision, it is normal to feel conflicted and uneasy. Being honest with yourself and going with the chapter that aligns with your values the most will be the biggest aid in making your decision.
“Go in with an open mind and an open heart. Preference round is so special and you never know which sorority will surprise you and steal your heart,” says member of Alpha Delta Pi EJ Bostick.
Following preference round is bid day. This is when all of the PNMs line up on the steps of Palmer Hall to open their bids and run home to their new chapter.
Behind all of the chanting, the outfits and the stress, going through recruitment is a special process that can lead to lifelong friendships. If Greek life is something that interests you, there is a place for everyone within the Greek community at UM.
Ashlee Hall is the lifestyles editor for The Alabamian. She is majoring in mass communication with a concentration in multimedia journalism with minors in public relations, social media administration and food and nutrition sciences. In her free time, she enjoys reading “Southern Living Magazine,” curling her hair and making niche Spotify playlists.
