Auburn University Panhellenic has a record-breaking number of potential new members (PNMs) going through fall recruitment this August. Being a part of a sorority can offer community, opportunity and friendship.
Amanda Barkley, president of Auburn University’s Panhellenic Council, offered her insight and advice for those going through recruitment.
“Auburn Panhellenic is a unique sisterhood of women from different backgrounds, beliefs and interests," Barkley said. "Through academic excellence, a commitment to service and a passion for leadership, these women strive to create a welcoming community for women on Auburn’s campus and leave a positive impact on both the campus and community."
Recruitment week consists of the following: ice water teas, philanthropy, sisterhood, preference and bid day. Ice water teas and preference rounds last one day each while philanthropy and sisterhood rounds are three days each.
Barkley, rising senior in business administration, went through recruitment in fall of 2020 during the pandemic. The experience was completely virtual, where all parties were held over Zoom.
“Going through recruitment completely on Zoom was a vastly different experience than the in-person experience that happens now. It did not dawn on me until stepping into this role how different my experience was from what it is now. However, that was only due to the extenuating circumstance of COVID-19,” Barkley said.
From becoming a new member of her sorority, to becoming president of the sorority, to the president of Panhellenic, Barkley understands the excitement and stress PNMs feel during recruitment and provided advice from her leadership experience as part of the Panhellenic Council.
“Coming into recruitment, I was excited but equally nervous. Some days I could not wait to get to Auburn and start the process and other days I would be overwhelmed and a little unsure about it all," Barkley said. "I had no idea what to expect, and although you can prepare yourself as much as possible, it typically ends up being an unpredictable week.”
Barkley added that throughout the week, PNMs will feel a rollercoaster of emotions and that it is best to trust the process. To decide on her sorority, Barkley took notes in a notebook and utilized her Pi Chi to have a conversation about her feelings on sororities and her emotions. Talking with friends about the opinion of sororities can lead a PNM to go into a party with a bias, which Barkley suggested PNMs should not do.
“Pi Chis are there to be an unbiased support system and answer all questions," Barkley said. "Choosing which chapter is right for you is a very personal decision and it can be hard to not talk to friends about it, but it really is for the best.”
Each PNM is put into a Pi Chi group. Pi Chis will hold meetings with their groups to discuss emotions, questions and concerns the PNMs may feel during recruitment. The sorority affiliation of each Pi Chi remains a secret to prevent bias a PNM may develop throughout the week of knowing them.
Towards the end of recruitment, Barkley gained a sense of what sorority felt like home to her.
“I felt a sense of comfort in my sorority during all the conversations I had throughout the week. I could see myself being friends with many of the girls I talked to,” Barkley said. “I knew I could be an authentic version of myself and really saw myself being able to thrive within the chapter. I was looking for a chapter that was going to push me to be the best version of myself, and my chapter has done that in so many ways.”
Barkley emphasized that when going through recruitment, open-mindedness, attending Pi Chi meetings and confidence are crucial during the rush process.
“When you come in with pre-conceived notions you are doing yourself a disservice. All our chapters are incredible and have unique characteristics,” Barkley said. “However, regardless of your chapter affiliation you are a member of the Panhellenic community. You are not confined to just friends or opportunities offered solely by your chapter but instead are given incredible opportunities by the entire Panhellenic community.”
Going to UPC (University Program Council) events and gatherings with your Pi Chi group during recruitment is another recommendation. Barkley said it is a great way to meet new people and make friends during the week of recruitment.
“Most importantly, be confident in who you are and the steps you have taken to get to this week," Barkley said. "My greatest wish is that all PNMs come into the process, from kickoff to bid day, open-minded and noble-hearted."
Being a part of Panhellenic and working her way up to president has been Barkley’s favorite part of her college experience.
“My position has impacted me in numerous ways," Barkley said. "It has been my greatest honor to be able to cater to this community."
Along with events like formals and socials with other sororities and having a big/little sister in the sorority, sororities can offer the opportunity to run for leadership positions to grow as a woman and leader.
Barkley said joining a sorority can offer a sisterhood that lasts a lifetime and enable networking opportunities beyond college. Alumni chapters exist after graduation.
With kickoff approaching Aug. 6, Barkley and the rest of Auburn University’s Panhellenic Councilcould not be more excited to welcome more women into their community.
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Piper Bosart, junior in journalism, is the assistant culture editor for The Auburn Plainsman. She has been with The Plainsman since January, 2022.
