I would like to think that formal recruitment here at the University of Mississippi was the only time that the recruitment process dominated every aspect of my time in college. In hindsight, however, I can see clearly how my hope to have my options maximized each round of rush influenced my conversations, thoughts and actions in the weeks leading up to recruitment.
Despite valiant (and credible) efforts by the Interfraternity Council and College Panhellenic at the University of Mississippi to reduce negative externalities that recruitment week tends to exacerbate, it appears it will take much more to reverse what has long been negatively associated with Greek life here: pre-rush rumors, stereotypes for each sorority and the push for legacy.
From the time I arrived on campus, “Are you rushing? Are you a legacy?” and “Do you have a certain sorority in mind?” were three consistent questions that contributed to the other small talk I had to rehearse when meeting scores of new faces each week.
“Do I have the right outfits? Do I know the right people? Do I look the part?” all regrettably infiltrated my thoughts and corrupted my confidence, although not as bad for me as others.
Other consequential warnings were spread by potential new members in the days before rush: “Don’t make a fool of yourself at the bars on the Square. Don’t be seen at the frat tents on game days and do not take an alcoholic drink from an active member.” Whether or not these rumors had any validity is still unbeknownst to new members. We submitted, nevertheless.
It was obvious though, when conferring with recruitment counselors that there had been recent changes implemented in hopes to create a more positive and enjoyable experience for all.
Unfortunately, though, calling rush “recruitment,” saying cuts are “releases,” and renaming Gamma Chis “recruitment counselors” in order to promote inclusivity does not reverse the years of the all-exclusive reputation that sororities and fraternities historically established.
Personally, I had no Greek background. I am not a legacy and I struggled to find people to even write me recommendation letters. However, I had an excellent resume, grade point average and standardized test score that each worked highly in my favor. I had a phenomenal recruitment experience.
My recruitment counselor as well as everyone on the Panhellenic team did an incredible job of remaining neutral and encouraging potential new members like me to keep an open mind when entering the recruitment process. My sympathies are with the girls who were not as fortunate as me, who had legacies to live up to with conniving moms putting additional outside pressure on them. They were the most stressed and most heartbroken after unwanted releases.
While I stand behind the current efforts by IFC and CPH to change the outlook on Greek life at Ole Miss, I think it is imperative to realize the changes that still must be enacted in order to respect the sensitivity of the emotions that are poured into this defining week. Negatively stereotyping certain chapters, spreading rumors, pressuring legacies and puppeteering daughters through the recruitment process has to end— not just with active members, but with potential new members as well as alumnae.
Lydia Johnsey is a freshman international studies major from Fayetteville, Tennessee.
