RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW

Welcome,

Congratulations on embarking on your college journey! Starting college is a big step and something to be excited about and proud of. Despite the challenges you may face during your years here, I know you will find your place at the University of Miami and make memories and connections to last a lifetime. I remember my first year here, and I can tell you from personal experience that the person you'll be by the end will be much different. I've grown so much academically, emotionally, and socially, and I can't wait for you to see these changes in yourself.

As the Vice President of Recruitment and a former recruitment counselor, I understand that deciding to go through recruitment and ultimately choosing a sorority can be daunting, but please know that you are not alone. Many girls are in the same boat as you and seek an organization to offer them a sense of community and belonging. 

As a freshman during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I struggled just like everyone else to make connections on campus. I joined different organizations on campus but also looked into all the Greek organizations and councils available on campus. During the Thanksgiving break, I decided to give the Panhellenic Association a chance. I was anxious, but I felt that, at the very least, I would spend a week meeting new people on campus. Ultimately, I fell in love with my chapter throughout the week and couldn't have been happier opening my card during my bid day. Over the years, I've grown so much with my chapter, and I'm reminded of why I chose this group of women each year when I help the new pledge classes find their communities.

During the recruitment process, it is important to be yourself and be sincere with the sorority sisters you'll be meeting each day. Remember that you are looking for women who share your values and interests, so don't hesitate to ask questions and express your thoughts. This process is all about you and what you want. Don't let other opinions or preconceived notions hinder listening to yourself and finding what you want.

It's also important to keep an open mind and not focus too much on any sorority. Each sorority has unique ideals, history, and sisterhood; you may be surprised by which one feels like the perfect fit for you. I encourage you to experience everything firsthand with an open heart. Your recruitment counselor and I will be with you throughout the week to support you and help you figure out what you want. 

Lastly, I want to remind you that the Panhellenic recruitment process is only the beginning of your journey. After bid day, you will have weeks to meet your chapter members, bond with your pledge class, learn the ideals and history of your organization, get a big sister, and enjoy the sisterhood before you become an official member. This means it's okay if you're still nervous on bid day or worried that you don't feel utterly obsessed with every member of your chapter and ready to wear your letters every day for the rest of your life on Day 1. It takes time to build community and foster connections. Everyone moves at their own pace, so it might take a few weeks to feel like you made the right choice. Even though I loved my chapter after recruitment, it wasn't until I got my Big Sister and Twin Sister that I genuinely felt I had found my absolute home. If you feel like you didn't make the right choice, you can always try again if you're eligible, and that's the right decision for you. Once you become a member of your chosen sorority, you will have access to a supportive network of women who will be there for you throughout your college years and beyond.

I wish you the very best of luck on your sorority recruitment journey and hope that you find the sisterhood you are searching for.

Panhellenic Love and Mine & Love You Go Canes,

Simone Weatherspoon

Panhellenic Vice President of Recruitment

Class of 2024