Penn State University is a large public research university located in State College, Pennsylvania. With over 46,000 undergraduate students, it is no surprise that the university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Greek life. Greek life at Penn State includes both fraternities and sororities, which are governed by the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Association (PHA), respectively.
Sororities at Penn State are a popular choice for many students looking to join a close-knit community, make new friends, and develop leadership skills. In this article, we will explore the sororities at Penn State University, their history, values, and the recruitment process.
History of Sororities at Penn State University
Sororities at Penn State University have a long and rich history. The first sorority, Phi Mu, was established at Penn State in 1921. It was followed by Delta Gamma in 1923, Alpha Xi Delta in 1924, Alpha Omicron Pi in 1926, and Delta Delta Delta in 1927. Today, there are 20 sororities on campus that are recognized by the Panhellenic Association.
Values of Sororities at Penn State University
Each sorority at Penn State has its own set of values and beliefs that guide its members. However, there are some common values that are shared by all sororities on campus. These values include:
- Scholarship: Sororities at Penn State prioritize academic achievement and encourage their members to excel in their studies.
- Leadership: Sororities provide their members with opportunities to develop leadership skills, both within the organization and in the broader community.
- Service: Sororities are committed to giving back to their communities through service projects and philanthropic events.
- Friendship: Sororities provide a supportive and inclusive community where members can form lasting friendships.
- Personal Growth: Sororities encourage personal growth and self-improvement through a variety of activities and programs.
Recruitment Process for Sororities at Penn State University
The recruitment process for sororities at Penn State University is highly competitive and takes place over a period of several days. The process is designed to give potential new members (PNMs) the opportunity to meet members of each sorority, learn about their values and traditions, and ultimately decide which sorority is the best fit for them.
The recruitment process begins with an orientation session, where PNMs learn about the recruitment process and what to expect. This is followed by several rounds of events, where PNMs visit each sorority and participate in various activities and conversations. The rounds are designed to be more in-depth as they progress, giving PNMs the opportunity to get to know the members of each sorority more personally.
On the final day of recruitment, PNMs will rank the sororities they are interested in joining, and the sororities will also rank the PNMs they are interested in extending bids to. A computer algorithm matches PNMs with sororities based on their mutual preferences. If a PNM receives a bid from a sorority, they can choose to accept or decline it.
Conclusion
Sororities at Penn State University offer a unique and rewarding experience for those looking to get involved on campus. With a strong emphasis on scholarship, leadership, service, friendship, and personal growth, sororities provide their members with a supportive community where they can thrive both academically and socially. If you are interested in joining a sorority at Penn State, it is important to research the different sororities and their values, and to prepare for the highly competitive recruitment process.