Delta Phi Epsilon (DPhiE) and Theta Phi Alpha (TPA) at Shawnee State University held recruitment events from September 13 to September 17. The potential new members largely anticipated the conclusion of recruitment week as Bid Day marked its end.

Throughout the week, both sororities posted on social media and reached out to students in the hope of recruiting new members. DPhiE’s theme for recruitment week was “Diners, Drive-ins, and Deephers.” Members of DPhiE refer to themselves as “Deephers,” and they used the word in their theme to replace “Dives.” TPA’s theme for the week was “Bratz.”

The Shawnee Panhellenic Council (SPC) worked alongside both sororities throughout the week. SPC is a neutral organization that helps the sororities make objective decisions, schedule and plan events, and ensures that both sororities are functioning at their highest capacity. Although they did not recruit new members during the week, the council themed its recruitment week events with checkered patterns and neon colors.

DPhiE and TPA spent the week sharing their principles, values and philanthropy projects with candidates. They also got to know the candidates, discussed which candidates would be compatible with other members, and considered if candidates’ moral values aligned with the values of the sorority. There was a lot of interest in joining sororities at the beginning of the semester, and interest in these organizations continued into recruitment. Current members of both sororities expected 13 qualified recruits to receive bids.

A “bid” is a formal invitation to join a sorority. During Bid Day, candidates learn which sorority, or sororities, want them to become members. If both sororities choose the same candidate, the candidate gets her choice of sorority. Once bids are revealed, candidates provide a formal signature before becoming new members. The signing took place in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at 5 p.m. on September 17. Both sororities were excited to welcome their prospective members.

Erica Gallant, member of the SPC and DPhiE responded to why she believes that being in a sorority is significant:

“For me, joining a sorority has given me a sense of support and mentorship on campus in addition to getting to work for really great causes. It helps you keep up with your grades with study hours and peer support, and there is always someone to support you as a person. For its philanthropy work, ‘DPhiE’ (Delta Phi Epsilon) works with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). It has been so rewarding to volunteer and do philanthropy projects.”

If you missed fall recruitment, be looking out for more information regarding spring recruitment during the months of January and February.