Alyssa Wilson ~ Editor-in-Chief
To many students, Greek life is an important aspect of the college experience, including at the University of Lynchburg where recruitment activities started on Monday, Jan. 30.
Social and business fraternities started their Rush week, or recruitment process this week, however the sororities on Lynchburg’s campus wrapped up their recruitment on Jan. 20 and are now in the process of something they call COBs, or continuous open bidding.
Panhellenic President and member of Kappa Delta, Madison Bakalov says, “Sororities have a certain chapter total that they have to be at. So as of right now we are trying to change the total to the highest chapter amount plus ten.”
This means that each sorority has ten bids that they give out to prospective members who did not participate in the formal recruitment process, although they do have to follow certain rules in regards to who qualifies for a COB.
Throughout the next week, sorority members will be inviting girls on “sister dates” to get a feel for their personalities and interests. At the end of the week, the chapter will get together and vote on whether or not they would like that person to join their sorority.
Other organizations on campus, however, have different ways they go about starting their recruitment process. For example, Alpha Psi Lambda, one of the business fraternities and latino-oriented organizations on campus.
Alpha Psi Lambda kicks off their recruitment process for the next two weeks that is named after their mascot, the Jaguar.
Victoria Garay, the newly appointed Associate Member Educator, says, “As a Hispanic attending a PWI [predominantly white institution], it is very easy to get out of touch with yourself. My brothers and sisters have supported me in my journey of self-discovery here on campus and throughout life. This semester I am hoping to transcribe that message to those who feel like they are out of place or lost.”
Over the next two weeks, Alpha Psi Lambda will be hosting bonding events for potential new members, such as a movie night and game nights.
Social fraternities are also beginning their Rush weeks this week, with full daily schedules of fun events like cook-outs, games and closed events later in the week that potential new members can only participate in if they receive an invitation.
Most events are open to everyone and their fliers posted around campus and on the organizations’ social media with more details on recruitment events.
Sources:
Madison Bakalov – bakalom893@lynchburg.edu
Victoria Garay – garayv464@lynchburg.edu
