As COVID-19 restrictions continue to affect students on and off-campus, Greek Life at Stevens proves to be no exception. Relationship-building, as well as participation in events, are essential aspects of Greek Life, both of which have been hindered due to the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing many constraints, Stevens Greek organizations are still planning on making the most of the year by hosting events and initiating recruitment opportunities in a manner that is both safe and effective.
The fall semester is still in its early stages, meaning that everything is still up in the air when it comes to the rushing process. Not much has been officially decided upon, but sororities and fraternities at Stevens are hopeful for this year’s recruitment process, whether it will continue virtually or be hosted in-person. Melissa Tirone, Vice President of Recruitment in Delta Nu Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, mentioned that “some time in November” the sororities and fraternities will be told if recruitment will be held virtually or normally by the Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Malcolm McDaniel. “Our sisterhood is preparing for either scenario by attending virtual recruitment workshops in which both usual recruitment and virtual recruitment practices are being taught,” Tirone confessed. Similarly, Gabrielle Griffin, Vice President of Membership Recruitment in Alpha Phi, stated that, although unsure of recruitment plans for the future, “Alpha Phi has adjusted overtime by moving chapter online, along with hosting our biggest philanthropy event Red Dress Brunch on Zoom.” As well as this, Alpha Phi hopes to host other events on Zoom, including “writing letters to loved ones, host chapter, and initiation,” as well as a “recruitment Q&A.”
As for hosting virtual events, Sigma Phi Epsilon has done the same. According to Brian Taglialavore, recruitment chair for Sigma Phi Epsilon, all recruitment events are happening over Zoom. Sig Ep “had to create new virtual events that would still be engaging and fun for everyone”, including “virtual Info Sessions, a ‘Show off Your Pets’ Zoom, and a virtual Jeopardy game,” Taglialavore detailed. Sigma Delta Tau turned to virtual events for the beginning half of the year, as well. Melissa Tirone mentioned that Sig Delt had to cancel events such as “Tacos with TX and S’more with Sig Nu” due to the social interaction limitations placed as a result of the pandemic. “Aside from social events, our chapter has taken part in virtual fundraisers and virtual philanthropic events for organizations like American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, California Community Foundation, WomenRising, and COVID-19 relief programs,” Tirone stated.
Other sororities, such as Phi Sigma Sigma and Delta Phi Epsilon, have had similar approaches toward event scheduling. Molly DiGregory, Membership Recruitment Chair for Phi Sigma Sigma, said that instead of rescheduling events, Phi Sig is “coming up with ways to replace these events with online equivalents.” An example of such a situation is Phi Sig’s plan to host one of their “sisterhood favorites:” a LipSync, virtually on the social media app TikTok. Phi Sig is also coming up with ways to recruit new sisters using instagram takeovers for “everyone to get to see what makes up our unique and fun group of Phi Sig sisters.” Nina Caldarone, Vice President of Recruitment for Delta Phi Epsilon, mentioned that DPhiE is hosting a “new member class this fall for anyone who is a sophomore, junior, or senior” and wishes to partake in the recruitment process.
Though this is a time of uncertainty, Greek organizations are looking forward to a more normal future. Caldarone expresses hope, stating “we are so excited for formal recruitment in January!” While looking toward the future is always an imperative and necessary step, it is important to make the best of the current situation. Brian Taglialavore expressed that “while we would love to meet people in person, we are confident that we can still have a great experience virtually.” Though circumstances are still partially unknown, Greek Life recruitment will still occur, even if it’s over Zoom.
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