By Isa Riano, Contributing Writer
Students at Saint Leo University have numerous opportunities to take on leadership roles on campus, where they can network with valuable people who will leave an indelible mark on their lives. Joining a sorority is one of these opportunities.
These Greek organizations are ideal for those looking to broaden their involvement and connections because they provide community service events and groups where girls organize events and get to know each other.
This spring, Saint Leo’s Panhellenic Council informal recruitment will start on Jan. 31st and end on Feb. 4th. The Council assists with chapter operations, recruitment, and academic excellence for the Theta Phi Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Gamma Upsilon, and Alpha Sigma Tau sororities.
The sororities that are going to be participating in informal recruitment are Alpha Sigma Tau, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and Theta Phi Alpha.
During the informal recruitment week, each sorority will have a series of bonding events where students interested in “going Greek” will learn about each chapter and interact with members.
To be eligible for recruitment, students must be enrolled full-time and be pursuing an undergraduate degree.
Saint Leo’s sororities create strong leaders that develop valuable skills for their personal and academic lives.
“Sigma Sigma Sigma is looking for empowered women who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, who want to become leaders and make a difference while being a part of a close-knit sisterhood,” said Eternity Rodriguez, the Sigma Sigma Sigma Education Director. “All Greek organizations on our campus hold their members to a higher standard both inside and outside the classroom.”
Sigma Sigma Sigma requires all students applying to at least be a sophomore with a 2.5 GPA or higher to qualify for informal recruitment.
Informal recruitment is an excellent opportunity for students to feel more relaxed than formal recruitment.
“When I was first approached last semester for formal recruitment, I was very nervous, and I did not know what to expect. But with informal recruitment, we get to hold fun events and create a stress-free environment,” said Rodriguez.
Continuous Open Bidding (COB) is a simple process sororities use to take in new members. COB has no strict rules or complicated invitation acceptances, which provides an open space for students to be authentic.
“COB creates a comfortable setting for girls to be themselves. We do not want a specific type of applicant in our sorority; we just want everyone to be genuine,” said Linsey Blacklidge, an Alpha Sigma Tau member.
Each sorority has different events that offer students the opportunity to do community service.
“We get involved around campus through volunteering. We also hold fundraisers to raise money for our Philanthropy, The Tri Sigma Foundation,” said Rodriguez.
Sororities offer women the opportunity to create strong connections with their sisters.
“You know that you have unconditional support and help from girls that are aligned with your morals and ideals,” said Blacklidge.
These organizations preserve their values and participate in different activities throughout the year.
“We have two main community service focuses: Dress for Success and Girls Who Code. Dress for Success is a fashion show that provides professional business attire for low-income women. Girls Who Code is a project that equips young girls from all ages with the skills necessary to pursue careers in the STEM computer-related field,” said Blacklidge.
Each sorority has a mission that follows Saint Leo’s core values.
“Theta Phi Alpha is a national women’s social fraternity that focuses on leadership, education, development, and adheres to the highest moral standards,” said Emily Katz, Theta Phi Alpha president.
Students can follow @saintleopanhellenic on Instagram or email the Panhellenic Council’s president, Arden Saldana, at arden.saldana@email.saintleo.edu for updates and more information about joining a sorority.
