Each day is scheduled to the second, with parties that range in size from fifty to ninety potential new members. Everything from decor to conversation topics is designed to show a aspect of sorority life, which changes each round.
The week is divided into 4 rounds: ice water teas, philanthropy, skit and preference. After the recruitment process is over, the new members are asked to join a sisterhood on bid day. The first three rounds are all 2 days long becuase of the ever-increasing number of participants each year. The lengths of the parities also change each day: as more girls are cut, the parties become longer and more personal.
The first round of recruitment is called ice water teas. This is when each potential new member has the opportunity to see every house and have a brief conversation with the actives. It serves as an ice breaker for the sorerity members and rushees to become familiar with each other. These parties are very short, so it is important to stand out and make a good first impression.
Next up is philanthropy day. After the first round of cuts, girls are invited back to a maximum of twelve houses for this round. They get twenty minutes to learn about each philanthropy and what the actives do to contribute to their cause. The conversation is usually geared towards service and campus involvement. The actives and PNMs want to know more about each other's interests and passions during this round. Philanthropy is an important component of sorority life because members work to host events and fundraisers all throughout the year.
The next round is called skit day. This is often a favorite day because the girls are more relaxed and able to let their personalities shine through. Actives work tirelessly to write and perform a fifteen minute skit that shows the personality of the house. The skits are often humorous and relatable to the PNMs. Crazy costumes and elaborate decor make these parties exciting. Skit day is also the time where PNMs have the opportunity to see the house itself, and tour through rooms they haven't seen in previous rounds. This is also the time when girls talk about social events and the many themed parties that sororities have each week.
The final and longest round is preference. Often called pref, this night is when girls with the most potential are invited back to three houses to learn more about the importance of each sisterhood. It can be a very emotional and personal experience on both sides. Girls speak from the heart when they talk about how much they have gained from the sorority experience. The one-on-one conversation helps potential new members invasion themselves in each sisterhood and choose the one in which they best fit.
Last but not least is bid day! This is the time when girls find their new home and become a part of a sorority. Bid day is exciting and overwhelming for all involved. New girls run from the stadium to their respective houses to be greeted by actives and welcomed into the sorority. Bid day is the ultimate celebration after a week of hard work.
