Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college located in Middlebury, Vermont. The college has a small Greek life community, with only one sorority officially recognized by the school. In this answer, we will focus specifically on the sorority at Middlebury College, including its history, culture, and recruitment process.
History of Sororities at Middlebury College
Sororities have been a part of campus life at Middlebury College since the early 1900s. The first sorority on campus was Pi Beta Phi, which was established in 1917. Other sororities followed, including Kappa Delta, which was established in 1921.
Currently, Pi Beta Phi is the only active sorority at Middlebury College, with approximately 80 members. The sorority has a long history of promoting sisterhood, leadership, and service.
Culture of Sororities at Middlebury College
Sororities at Middlebury College have a strong emphasis on community service and philanthropy. Pi Beta Phi has a national organization that it is affiliated with, and they often raise money for that organization or for a specific cause that is important to the sorority. For example, Pi Beta Phi focuses on supporting literacy programs through their philanthropic efforts.
Sisterhood is also a core value of sorority life at Middlebury College. Sorority members often live together in off-campus apartments, which provide a supportive and inclusive environment for women to grow and develop. The apartments are also often used for social events, such as mixers with fraternities and formals.
Leadership development is another important aspect of sorority life at Middlebury College. Sororities offer various leadership positions, such as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary, that allow members to gain experience in organizational management and teamwork. Sorority members also have access to various leadership and professional development opportunities, such as attending conferences and workshops.
Recruitment Process for Sororities at Middlebury College
The recruitment process for the sorority at Middlebury College takes place at the beginning of the fall semester. It is a mutual selection process, where potential new members (PNMs) visit the sorority during different rounds of events to learn more about the organization and its members.
The first round, called “Open House,” is an opportunity for PNMs to visit the sorority and meet some of its members. The next round, “Philanthropy,” focuses on the community service and philanthropy efforts of the sorority. The third round, “Sisterhood,” allows PNMs to interact with the members of the sorority in a more personal setting. The final round, “Preference,” is a more formal event where PNMs have the opportunity to indicate their interest in joining the sorority.
After the recruitment process is complete, the sorority extends bids to the PNMs it would like to invite to join. Once a PNM accepts a bid, she becomes a new member of the sorority and participates in a new member program that lasts for several weeks.
Conclusion
The sorority at Middlebury College provides a unique college experience for women, emphasizing community service, leadership, and sisterhood. Although it is the only recognized sorority on campus, it offers a supportive and inclusive environment for members to grow and develop. The recruitment process allows potential new members to explore their options and find the sorority that best aligns with their personal values and interests. The sorority at Middlebury College offers a lasting sisterhood that extends beyond graduation.