You’ve probably heard the term “rushing” in the world of Greek Life. But what does that actually mean? The term refers to the recruitment process and, according to members of UVM’s FSL team, is a carefully structured journey. For context, the Panhellenic Council at UVM serves as the umbrella organization for the six sororities at UVM, which exists to promote superior scholarship, service, leadership development, and friendship. This council oversees the sorority recruitment process, inviting new students to attend an initial orientation to learn about the community on campus. It’s then followed by multiple days of meetings with various chapters to explore siblinghood, philanthropies, and core values. Finally, on their last night of recruitment, all invited members attended Bid Night, where students are welcomed into their respective chapters.
While recent national data shows a decline in Greek life membership, UVM’s flourishing sorority experience has seemingly challenged such findings. This fall, UVM hit its goal of reaching 300 students to apply for the coveted spots. “Our main strategy was to increase our marketing efforts,” explains Mister Clemmones, Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life, who joined UVM only a few months ago. “During the summer, the PanHellenic Council leveraged various social media platforms to not only showcase the incredible activities of their team, but to also provide insight into the recruitment process.” Collaboration with the Student Life Marketing Team extended their reach beyond social media, effectively connecting with a wider segment of our university’s student body by leveraging high-traffic campus locations and engaging students at key moments, like at new student move-in.
“I had the most incredible time during this year's sorority recruitment,” shares Zoë Montalto ’24, a senior in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Vice President of Recruitment Programming for the Panhellenic Council. “It was so exciting to watch all of the planning come to fruition.” Despite the potential anxieties of the recruitment process, Montalto shares that all of the new recruits were positive and excited, while Student Life staff and existing members collaborated closely to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Montalto joined a sorority her first year at UVM in hopes to make the large campus community feel smaller and tighter knit. “When I joined, I never really thought I would seek out leadership positions, never mind a position on the Panhellenic executive board, but I am so grateful I did,” she explains. Each new members of UVM’s six chapters, adds Montalto, have the potential to make a positive impact on the Panhellenic community, UVM community, and greater Burlington.
And, these words are backed up by decades of fundraising for local and national efforts. In the first month of the fall 2023, Alpha Delta Pi (sorority) and Delta Tau Delta (fraternity) organized a car wash and raised over $1,400 for the Ronald McDonald House of Burlington and the JDRF diabetes foundation. Last year, Kappa Alpha Theta hosted an event to raise funds for CASA, an organization that provides court appointed special advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Alpha Chi Omega organized a benefit for Steps to End Domestic Violence, an advocacy group in Vermont working to assist in the transition to safety and independence.
“It’s so exciting to work alongside Panhellenic Council and to support the culmination of so much planning and coordination,” shares Lina Balcom, Director of Student Life. “The wonderful recruitment process is a great example of the many leadership and philanthropic opportunities sororities provide for their members along with a strong sense of community.”
If you're interested in learning more about Fraternity and Sorority Life at UVM, visit their webpage. Congratulations to all of this year’s newest recruits!