After recruitment has come and gone, it can be easy for chapter members to feel as if their job is done, as if they've done their duty and extended a warm welcome to the new pledge class that they have worked so hard to get. But, Bid Day isn't the end of the story.

We can all, if we try hard enough, remember what it feels like to be a new member of our sorority. After a hectic week of choices and emotions and way too much talking, we entered a sisterhood of 100+ women, whom we most likely didn't know. We were nervous and excited and ready to flaunt our new greek letters whenever and wherever, but even more than that, we wanted to experience the sisterhood that every chapter member raved so much about during recruitment. And on top of that, we wanted to know who the heck all these girls requesting to follow us on Instagram really were.

For chapter members, it's easy to continue our day-to-day lives with the occasional wave to a new member of our chapter as we pass them walking to class. We forget, however, that these girls do not know us. It is our job to make our new members feel welcome, and we can do that in many different ways. 

1. Introduce yourself. And then introduce yourself again.

New members struggle getting to know all the names of the girls in their pledge class at first, not to mention getting to know older girls in their chapter. Chapter members can make this transition for new members so much easier, simply by introducing themselves. And don't be offended when you have to introduce yourself again, and a third time after that, it's hard to remember so many names.

2. Reach out. 

New members feel so loved and wanted when older girls take time out of their week to hang out with them. It could be a Starbucks date or a Chick-Fil-A run, or just a trip to see their oh-so-cute dorm rooms, (and let's be honest, we all miss Presidential court at times,) but whatever it is, it's better than nothing. Spending time with new members makes them feel wanted, and helps chapter members to really get to know the new members.

3. Inform them.

Before new members are initiated and attend chapter meeting, it is easy for new members to feel out of the loop. New members want to know all about the upcoming philanthropy events, mixers, and where they can purchase their first oversized sorority t-shirt (only to be worn with Norts, of course.) The transition from PNM to New Member becomes much easier when new members feel like they're in the loop.

When it comes down to it, being a new member of a sorority is exciting, more than anything else. Chapter members, we've worked hard for these girls, let's welcome them and guide them through their new member experience, building a stronger sisterhood as we grow to love each other more and more.