By Danielle Cortes, Staff Writer
It is that time of the year again, where all of Greek life gets ready to welcome those at Saint Leo University to get to know more about their organizations, and hopefully grab the interest of Saint Leo’s finest as Spring Recruitment 2012 kicks into gear. For those not familiar with spring recruitment or how it works, it is a week filled with socials and events to help get to know the Greek organizations on campus. There are many reasons to come out and get involved during this week, not only for those wishing to join a Greek organization, but also to meet new people and network.
The recruitment process is not just for those want to belong to an Greek organization. Individuals can meet many new people that might be in the same classes, live in the same residence hall, or even have some of the same interests. Not everyone will want to become part of Greek life, but that doesn’t mean that they are not welcome to get to know the people that reside here at Saint Leo. Recruitment is even a great way to meet people that are involved in other organizations like Campus Activities Board (CAB), Student Government Union (SGU), or even meet people that play intramurals that students find interest in.
Many have several opinions about Greek life, both good and bad, and coming out is a way to either confirm personal stereotypes or form new ideas about those who choose to join Greek organizations. Greeks are just like everyone else, but held to a much higher standard. The difference is that they have found a group that fits with their personalities, their ambitions, and that they find to be a support system when they need it. Any Greek can tell you their reason for wanting to join an organization, and no matter what letters they wear they always have one similarity: they found a family in their organization. For the students that feel homesick, the only child that wanted more siblings, for those that feel they cannot find someone to turn to; it becomes a second family. There’s the brothers that always fight with each other, but would be quick to defend one another. There is the sister she was mad at for getting her in trouble, but she is the one who wipes away tears. For those in Greek life that’s what it is all about.
Saint Leo Greek life isn’t unique, but it isn’t what you’ll find on television or in the movies. Greeks here don’t have houses, and they don’t throw raging, reckless parties. Most people that go through the recruitment process find just how strict the standards are to be part of a Greek organization: most are governed by a national organization, and for the locals, they must follow the University’s policies on social events. Greeks at Saint Leo tend to be community-focused – all organizations must meet accreditation standards that allow them to keep their standing with the University, and with this they must complete a mandate of community service hours and educational events, as well as keep a reasonably high cumulative grade point average.
Saint Leo Formal Recruitment begins Sunday, January 29, and runs through Saturday, February 4. For more information, contact Dawn McElveen, Director of Student Activities, located in the Student Activities Building.
