Let’s Talk Recruitment!
What does Recruitment mean to Chi Omega?
Recruitment is a time that we treasure as a chapter. It is the avenue for our chapter members to have an opportunity to come together and relive stories, experiences, share, be together, and learn the values of our chapter and how special it is to be a Chi Omega.
Recruitment means that we are preparing our hearts to welcome in a new group of women and create the same sisterhood and community that a long line of powerful women have created before us. This process means more life-giving experiences and a safe place for women who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. We treasure our new members and love watching them grow into the future leaders of our chapter.
“Chi Omega strongly encourages PNMs to acquire a Recruitment Introduction Form (RIF) which can be accessed on our nationals website chiomega.com. Any Chi Omega Alumni, collegiate, or the PNM themself can submit a RIF.”
Jordan Oxedine, Recruitment Chair ‘23
Round 1 - Go Greek
Conclusion on Aug. 7
During the first round of recruitment, the PNM will be introduced to each of the 13 active chapters and begin to learn more about the organizations and their members via a video that they will watch online at their own time. They will also view a video from the chapter joining this Fall. These will be viewed prior to move-in.
After viewing all chapter videos PNMs will meet virtually with their Gamma Chi who will walk them through the preferencing process. They will list their first 10 preferences and rank their remaining 3.
PNMs will be required to submit a 1 minute video that will be shared with chapters. These videos will allow chapters to learn more about each PNM for our Go Greek round. For more information on how to submit yours, please visit UTK Panhellenic.
Round 2- Philanthropy and Service
Aug. 12 - 14
The Philanthropy Round will span three days, during which Potential New Members (PNMs) will gain insight into the philanthropic organizations supported by each of the chapters on both national and local levels. They will learn about causes that are significant to the members and explore opportunities for involvement in raising awareness and fundraising for these organizations.
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Our national philanthropy is Make-A-Wish Foundation. Pi Chapter is lucky enough to work with a local form of Make-A-Wish called The Dream Connection. Working through East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, which is minutes from campus, we are able to have a personal connection with Dream Connection. We work with this organization to sponsor a child’s dream, while also forming personal relationships with them and their families. This past year, we fundraiser for our sweet dream kid Hattie! To learn more about our passion for Dream Connection and our dream kids, CLICK HERE!
Round 3- Sisterhood
Aug. 15 - 16
Sisterhood round is treasured amongst our chapter members because it is the time where they get to share their hearts for our special sisterhood. This round allows for our members to share memories and stories with potential new members about the ways in which Chi Omega has changed their life. In this round, you will visit up to 6 chapters over a two-day period, and you get to spend 45 minutes with each house. Additionally, you can expect for the chapters to go over financial, academic, and time obligations as well as future leadership opportunities. During Sisterhood round, you will really get a feel for what each chapter’s sisterhood is truly like and what it means to be a member there. Typically, during this round, we reflect on our six purposes and symphony as a standard for what Chi Omega really values. Our recruitment chair, Ally, suggests journaling or taking notes after each house visit, so later, you can revisit how you felt leaving each chapter. CLICK HERE to see more of what our sisterhood looks like.
Round 4- Preference
Aug. 17
Preference Round is when you see the ins and outs of what our chapter means to us. You only visit 2 chapters, so you get to spend an hour in each one. You also get a glimpse at some traditions and rituals embedded within the history of our chapter. For us, we use this round to share the uniqueness of Chi Omega. In this chapter, you will find consistency, encouragement, kindness, love (even in your unlovable moments), individuality, yet unity, various passions and personalities, and most importantly, bonds that will last way beyond just your 4 years of college. This is a very serious round, and your gamma chis will instruct you to remain silent within the village. Again, this round is a great time to write down your thoughts about the chapters you visit.
BID DAY
Aug. 18
Today is the day! Bid day is full of excitement, BIG hugs, and celebration. At the beginning of the event, you meet with your gamma chi group where you will be handed your bid cards to open all at once. And then, of course, you run home! This is an exciting day for new members joining our chapter, but also for our chapter members as well. If you were to ask any of our chapter members, bid day is always one of their favorite Chi Omega memories. This is truly the beginning of forming new friendships and getting to know the chapter as a whole. We are so excited for all of the new members who get to experience this exciting day!
