The University of Oregon’s Panhellenic Council plans for Fall Formal Recruitment for most of the year.
Samantha Kalb, VP of recruitment for the governing body of UO’s sororities, began her search for 2014 Rho Gammas in January — nine full months before recruitment begins.
Rho Gammas, or recruitment counselors, are a woman’s first glance into sorority life upon starting recruitment. Usually three Rho Gamma’s, who are sorority sisters who are disafilliated from their respective chapters and sworn to secrecy, host a group of women and mentor them through the rush experience.
“They applied in January and anyone could apply from the houses, and then I just went through to make sure there was an equal amount from all the chapters,” Kalb said. “I narrowed it down to like 80 out of 150 girls that applied.”
Kalb reads the applications objectively, especially because Kalb herself is apart of UO sorority Pi Beta Phi.
“I blindly read their application. Usually their chapter affiliation is on the first page so I just start reading on the second,” Kalb said.
Of the 150 applicants, 80 applicants were called back for interviews.
“I interviewed those 80 girls just last week so now my final step is to choose my final 65 or 70 and make sure I have an equal amount from each house,” Kalb said.
The process is definitely tedious, but this year was especially difficult for the PHC VP of recruitment. This year brought in 150 applicants, when in a normal year, they only receive around 100 applications.
With so many girls applying, it was important for interested women to make sure they showed their commitment, Kalb said. Two women, who were studying abroad this term, even made deadlines and sent in videos to answer their interview questions from the different countries.
So what is the Panhellenic Council looking for in a Rho Gamma?
“I look for girls who are really dedicated to making sure they’re there for the PNM (potential new member) and support them and guide them through this difficult process,” Kalb said. “I want them to be a completely unbiased support of just Panhellenic sisterhood and let them know that all the chapters are great and there’s a place for everyone to fit in if that’s what they choose to do.”
Applicants will be notified before spring break.