Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university located in Worcester, Massachusetts. The university has a small Greek life community, with approximately 12% of undergraduate students participating in a fraternity or sorority. In this answer, we will focus specifically on sororities at WPI, including their history, culture, and recruitment process.
History of Sororities at WPI
Sororities have been a part of campus life at WPI since the 1980s. The first sorority on campus was Sigma Delta, which was established in 1983. Other sororities followed, including Alpha Gamma Delta, Delta Gamma, and Phi Sigma Sigma.
Currently, there are 4 active sororities at WPI, with approximately 200 members collectively. Each sorority has its own unique history and traditions, but they all share a commitment to sisterhood, leadership, and service.
Culture of Sororities at WPI
Sororities at WPI have a strong emphasis on community service and philanthropy. Each sorority 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, Alpha Gamma Delta focuses on supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, while Phi Sigma Sigma supports the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to members.
Sisterhood is also a core value of sororities at WPI. Sorority members often live together in chapter houses or off-campus apartments, which provide a supportive and inclusive environment for women to grow and develop. The chapter houses are also often used for social events, such as mixers with fraternities and formals.
Leadership development is another important aspect of sorority life at WPI. 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 WPI
The recruitment process for sororities at WPI takes place at the beginning of the fall semester. It is a mutual selection process, where potential new members (PNMs) visit each 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 each sorority and meet some of its members. The next round, “Philanthropy,” focuses on the community service and philanthropy efforts of each sorority. The third round, “Sisterhood,” allows PNMs to interact with the members of each sorority in a more personal setting. The final round, “Preference,” is a more formal event where PNMs have the opportunity to indicate which sororities they are most interested in joining.
After the recruitment process is complete, each 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
Sororities are an important part of campus life at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, providing a supportive and inclusive environment for women to grow and develop while also emphasizing community service, leadership, and sisterhood. The recruitment process allows potential new members to explore their options and find the sorority that best aligns with their personal values and interests. Sorority life at WPI offers a unique college experience and a lasting sisterhood that extends beyond graduation.