What happens during sorority pledging?

Along with the time pledges spend learning about their sororities, they're typically also expected to attend a multitude of other events such as mandated study times, weekly meetings and other social activities.

How long is a sorority pledge process?

How long does pledging take? The new member education process differs between organizations but typically ranges between 4 and 12 weeks. Ask the brothers or sisters of the organization you are looking to join for more specific information.

What happens during sorority initiation?

Initiation is a ceremony where new members are brought into full membership of a sorority. During your new member process, you will learn public information about your chosen sorority – founders' names, where and when the organization was founded, its colors, its philanthropies and so on.

What to expect when joining a sorority?

After pledging and hazing are complete, new members go through an initiation where they are formally inducted into the sorority. During initiation, pledges will be let in on sorority secrets, such as secret passwords, handshakes, and others. There is usually a ceremony based on sisterhood as well.

What is sorority hazing actually like?

Many times, hazing involves power dynamics and control over others. It may include humiliating rituals, forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, extreme physical exhaustion through reckless tasks, and sexual exploitation.

Women Share Sorority Horror Stories

What is the most common hazing in sororities?

The most common hazing behaviors included participating in a drinking game (53%); singing or chanting in public in a situation that is not a related event, game, or practice (31%); drinking large amounts of alcohol to the point of getting sick or passing out (26%); being awakened at night by other members (19%); and ...

Is hazing in Greek life illegal?

In all but six states, hazing is illegal.

44 states have anti-hazing laws of some kind on the books. Most of these laws punish offenders with fines of varying size. However, there are 13 states where anti-hazing laws allow for felony prosecution.

What I wish I knew before joining a sorority?

How do sororities pick who they want?

The voting process for the sororities can vary depending on the campus and the sorority. Two main methods usually take place: Chapter Vote: A chapter vote is when everyone in the sorority has a say in potential new members. Your name will come up, and everyone will vote on whether or not to invite you back.

What are some sorority rules?

Why are sorority initiations secret?

Mostly out of respect, but also to keep the differentiation between sororities in place. If everyone knew each other's initiation process and sorority secrets, there would be nothing that made you feel unique! Here are a few things you should never discuss with other sororities or uninitiated members: Rituals.

What does pledging look like?

A pledge can expect to make early morning house calls to the fraternity house. This could be to clean up after the actives threw a party, to have meetings or to even be quizzed. The duties of a pledge include anything from cleaning the fraternity house to driving actives to and from classes.

What is the difference between rush and pledge?

Students participating in rush are known as "rushees", Potential New Members "PNMs", while students who have accepted a bid to a specific fraternity or sorority are known as "new members" or in some cases "pledges". A new member period may last anywhere from one weekend to several months.

Is it hard to leave a sorority?

If you do decide to leave, be prepared for a lengthy process that could take a bit of time. “Leaving is very specific to each organization,” says Johnson. Work with sorority leadership, your house mom or your school's Greek Council to find out exactly how to disaffiliate.

What do you wear to pledge a sorority?

The welcome round, or “Ice Water,” is a bit dressy, but you DEF wanna stay comfy too! So think along the lines of what you'd wear on a fun date. You can stick with a skirt, flowy shorts, venture out with decorative pants, or take one step forward in one of our casual summer dresses.

Do you have to pay to pledge a sorority?

On average, joining a sorority costs between $1,000 and $4,750 per semester. These costs typically include member dues, housing, recruitment fees, application fees and social expenses. However, you typically do not have to live in a sorority house to be a member, and skipping that experience could save you money.

What is a dirty rush?

Dirty Rushing – When one organization will attempt to influence a potential new member through gifts, bad mouthing other organizations, etc.

Are sororities based on looks?

According to Moore, the ideal candidate for her sorority was wealthy, sociable and adhered to societal beauty standards. Girls were chosen based on their looks as much as their personality, and were not allowed to wear the sorority's branding or colors unless they were "presentable."

Are sororities really worth it?

There are many advantages when it comes to joining a fraternity or sorority. Greek life is a great way to meet new people, gain leadership skills, and build lasting connections — and then there's also all the parties and events you'll be attending.

What are cons of joining a sorority?

1. Time Commitment: Sororities often require a significant time commitment, including attending meetings, participating in events, and fulfilling responsibilities. 2. Financial Obligations: Membership fees, housing costs, and other expenses can make belonging to a sorority expensive.

Do sororities look at your Instagram?

Just like a hiring manager, most sorority recruiters stalk all your social profiles before admitting you to speak to a member. Before you submit your application to your college or university's primary sorority recruitment and embark on the journey of rush, take a minute and clean up your social media accounts!

What do girls have to do to get into sororities?

In order to join a sorority, you will need to take part in recruitment events, meet new people, learn about the various different sororities on campus, and ultimately decide on a sorority that fits best with your values, goals, and social life.

How many people have died from Greek life hazing?

In 2021, NBC reported that since 2000, at least 50 college students have died from hazing, with the majority of those deaths related to alcohol. According to independent researcher Hank Nuwer, the toll could even be as high as 105.

Why is pledging illegal?

The Risk of Hazing Activities

If a pledge feels they, or another student, were likely to experience bodily harm in the initiation process, this is grounds to file criminal charges in California.

What falls under hazing?

Hazing includes but is not limited to any brutality of a physical nature, such as paddling, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or any other forced physical activity that would subject the individual to physical ...