MUTUAL SELECTION

Recruitment season is upon us. The primary membership recruitment process, previously known as "rush," is underway on many of our 675 campuses in North America

The recruitment process is one of mutual selection. While active members of our sororities are preparing to greet and meet potential new members as part of the membership selection process, potential new members are learning about sororities on their college campus as part of the recruitment process. Potential new members and the sororities use values-based criteria to make membership decisions.

This is why we call this process mutual selection. 

The Panhellenic Compact is one of our Unanimous Agreements binding each NPC member organization. This compact defines a potential new member's eligibility for sorority membership. In addition, College and Alumnae Panhellenics are required to operate according to these agreements, as are all individual chapter members.

NPC has several position statements related to recruitment activities:

• NPC Position Statement on Primary Recruitment
• NPC Position Statement on Membership Selection
• NPC Position Statement Against Discrimination
• NPC Position Statement on Standards of Conduct
• NPC Position Statement on Right of Association as Women's-Only Organizations
• NPC Position Statement on Right to Assemble

These statements reinforce our respect for each NPC organization to follow its internal membership selection procedures, provided it follows state and federal laws.

It is interesting to note the evolution of the recruitment process. We know that in the beginning, the most basic and urgent questions in NPC centered on recruitment. Sorority pioneers believed that competition was beneficial as long as it was tempered by a commitment to fair play. NPC representatives denounced women having dual membership in NPC member organizations and established college matriculation as a prerequisite for pledging. These policies continue to apply to the membership recruitment process today. Our predecessors also went on record as early as 1904 against the "rush evils" of undue expense and "elaborate parties." Today, our campuses are to host a "no frills" recruitment approach and encourage chapter members and potential new members to focus on conversations and shared interests. 

NPC continues to work with our College and Alumnae Panhellenics to implement appropriate recruitment formats and procedures. Our Release Figure Methodology (RFM) specialists and NPC area advisors provide guidance. RFM specialists support College Panhellenics and NPC member organizations by recommending carry figures for every chapter. NPC area advisors provide helpful advice by interpreting NPC policies and procedures. Suffice to say, professional volunteers and NPC office staff stand ready to assist in various ways. 

It is a point of pride to see College Panhellenics articulate the mutual selection aspect of the recruitment process. Recently, the College Panhellenic at Texas Tech University posted a recruitment statement on its website. This type of communication helps provide better understanding on many levels. 

Surging recruitment numbers in recent years tell us that college women see value in what sororities offer. This corresponds with the number of women who pursue college degrees. NPC is riding the wave of momentum at this point in history. 

It is exhilarating to be on campuses for Bid Days and witness the distribution of sorority invitations. Nothing can compare with watching the joy on the faces of those who realize that they have found their new sorority home. 

Our ultimate goal is that every woman will find the perfect match. Harmony is achieved when both the potential new member and the active sorority women make their membership decisions through a values-based, mutual selection process.