For over 900 students involved in Greek life at Tarleton, wearing letters is not just an extracurricular, it is a way of life. Sororities and fraternities on campus live by self-designated character values that attract members to their organizations. Arguably, the most important week for sororities and fraternities is recruitment week. There are several notable differences between sorority recruitment and fraternity recruitment weeks. 

The main difference between sororities and fraternities, in regard to recruitment week, is the style of the events. Sororities hold structured events including a sisterhood night which often includes activities to get to know the active members of the sorority. Sororities may also have a philanthropy night focused on the sorority’s affiliated charities. Bid day is the last day in which new potential members may receive a bid to join the organization. Fraternities have a similar structure, however, events are more relaxed, and often have more lenient policies as to what activities include. 

“I think the main difference is the way they have their rules set up during recruitment as sororities have stricter rules compared to fraternities having relaxed rules,” Phi Kappa Sigma member,  Robert Martinez stated. 

Recruitment week is very different for everyone, but for Delta Zeta member Brianna Archer, recruitment week means something special. During recruitment week, Archer experienced an unfortunate situation that affected her emotionally and mentally. 

“Right then and there I called panhellenic, discussing my story and they were so understanding and helpful,” Archer said. She continued to go through the recruitment process despite this event and on bid day they sent her a “Welcome Home” video. “I knew I had found my people.”

 Phi Kappa Sigma member Robert Martinez explains that he was nervous about rushing because he was very shy coming into college. 

“Once I rushed, I learned to be more open and outgoing with everyone,” Martinez said. Overall, rush can be an overwhelming as well as an exciting experience for those going through it. 

 “At the end of the day, we are just looking for a genuine friendship, we want to get to know you as a person. We’re not here to interview you, we just want to see if your values line up with ours,” Archer said. 

Sorority recruitment is especially nerve-racking due to the competitive nature of the process. There were over 250 women who decided to rush this semester and only about 40 actually got a bid to the Delta Zeta Xi Nu chapter. Although fraternity recruitment is less stressful and less competitive, at the end of the day it is still a process. 

“Be open minded and visit every chapter because you may think you have your mind made up, but you could find your place in some other chapters,” Martinez said. 

Overall, both interviewees are adamant that Greek life has overall contributed greatly to their quality of life at Tarleton State University. 

“Joining Greek life has honestly impacted my life in many ways by sharpening my communication skills, giving me many leadership opportunities, and friendships that will last a lifetime. These girls are here for you no matter what, to push you when you need to be pushed, to be by your side when you need someone, all in all this organization has made me a better person,” Archer said. 

While this year’s rush weeks may be coming to a close, the quality of involvement these Greek organizations provide makes the process all worth it.