Sorority Recruitment Explodes (article re: University of Delaware)

[Hartofsec]

Sorority recruitment explodes



By Rachel Blaire
Staff Reporter
Published:Tuesday, February 19, 2013


Though initially intimidating, the sorority recruitment process was a fun and exciting experience, freshman Janine Wasek said. She said she did not put too much thought into the size of pledge classes when deciding whether to participate in Greek Life.

“I think a big pledge class is fine,” she said. “You can have more personalities and more people to get along with.”

An ideal size for a pledge class would be around 50 girls, Wasek said.
Wasek was one of more than 1,100 students who tried to join the ranks of the 11 Panhellenic sororities on-campus this semester, a new record for recruitment at Delaware, University Student Center Director Marilyn Prime stated in an email message.

Last year, 900 students came out for recruitment and the average turnout for sorority rush at the university is about 500 to 600 students, Prime said.

The size of the class of 2016, the largest freshman class in school history, probably affected recruitment numbers, Prime said.
“Sorority recruitment is increasing nationwide,” Prime said. “I am sure the larger freshman classes are a part of that trend here at the University of Delaware.”

The university’s sororities are trying to accommodate the larger recruitment pools by taking larger pledge classes, Prime said.

“It is our goal to place as many interested women as possible,” she said.
She said students are eager to participate in Greek life because university officials strongly encourage students to get involved, in extracurricular activities and expand their networks on campus. Sororities at the university are strong academically and do a wide range of community service and philanthropy efforts, she said.

Continues at link: http://www.udreview.com/news/sororit...odes-1.2993800