By Faith Jarrell
Student Life Editor
With the start of the Spring 2024 semester begins sorority recruitment at Washington College. The three sororities on campus, Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Omicron Pi, and Zeta Tau Alpha, are all ready for recruitment season, with tables being set up in Hodson Hall starting the first week of classes.
While the sororities at WC have continuous open recruitment, allowing them to take new recruits year-round, the organizations still dedicate this time to reaching out to those interested as well as hosting a “Bid Day,” which is a celebratory event held by sororities in honor of the recruits, or “bids” that have been chosen.
“This is the time where we have events that are really specific and meant for people who are thinking about rushing,” Director of New Member Education and Ritual Education for AOII sophomore Heather Moffatt said. “Recruitment is all about finding the right place for you.”
Some of the events include an ice cream night with Zeta Tau Alpha on Wednesday, Jan. 31, a pizza party with Alpha Chi Omega on Thursday, Feb. 1 in the Egg, a game night with Alpha Omicron Pi on Thursday, Feb. 1 in the Nest, a philanthropy event with AOII on Friday, Feb. 2 in the Egg, and a craft night with AXO on Friday, Feb. 2 in Hynson Lounge.
“The Zetas in the chapter now are super creative and we enjoy just hanging out. so our events are on the crafty side,” ZTA Vice President junior Emily Marik said. “We are very passionate about our philanthropy and wanted to share it with campus, not just our members. We’ve also been tabling the past few days which allows campus to see who we are and gives us an excuse to all hang out together when we normally don’t have the time to.”
Multiple sororities may choose to send bids to the same people, leading to a tough choice for many. However, Vice President of Finance for AXO junior CJ Dunker has advice on such a decision as well.
“While recruitment can be stressful, everyone participating should know that there is no rush to join immediately,” Dunker said. “Be sure to take your time and make the best choice you can.”
As for making the final decision, most sororities will give you around 24 hours to accept or deny their bid, according to Moffatt. That way a student can wait to see if they receive offers from other sororities as well.
“We want you to find your home… if it’s not going to be the place for you, we want you to find the place that you enjoy, [and] that you feel safe in,” AOII member junior Hartley Meyer said.
Photo by Faith Jarrell
Photo Caption: Sophomore Heather Moffatt and junior Hartley Meyer tabled in Hodson Hall for Alpha Omicron Pi recruitment on Friday, Jan. 26.