UMass is a big campus with students from all over the world. Sorority and fraternity life is a great way to make UMass feel small by being part of a group based on shared interests and values of friendship, service, and scholarship. 

UMass student Lexi has shared her personal sorority experience, from her initial perspective to the rush process to her experiences being part of a sorority.

What made you want to join a sorority?

I wanted to join a sorority to have more of a community within UMass, to meet new people, make new friends, and immerse myself in college life. Mainly I wanted to make this big campus feel small. 

Let’s run through the rush process…

To put it simply, here is the series of events.

1. Sign up to rush: You can sign up as early as the summer or a few days before recruitment starts.
2. Recruitment starts: When recruitment starts, you are assigned a Ro Gamma, who is a mentor to guide you throughout the entirety of the rush process.
3. Meet the Greeks: On this day, you meet with a sister from each sorority. At this point, it is important to remember that first impressions are everything, but to be yourself and enjoy getting to know the sororities. After meeting each sorority, you choose your top four.
4. Values: On this day, you meet with your top four. This is an opportunity to really get to know the sororities. After this day, you choose your top two.
5. Preference night: This is the final night where everyone dresses nice and attends a formal meeting with their top two choices. This night is the final opportunity to decide which sorority is the best fit for you, as at the end of the night, you make your final choice.
6. Running home: At the end of the process, you get to run home to your sisters. This is a celebration of initiation. It is important to note that most girls do receive their first pick sorority, but if you don’t, it is guaranteed that you will receive an invitation to your second choice. 

How did you feel during rush?

The beginning was a little stressful, as this experience was all new to me. But, very quickly, I became familiar with the process as I got to know the sisters at each sorority, and it became clearer and more apparent where I wanted to be. In the end, it is really exciting. 

What is one piece of advice you can give to anyone thinking of rushing?

Be you and stay true to yourself. If you are yourself, then you will end up at the right sorority, and the right sorority will choose you. 

What has been your favorite part about being a sister at Sigma Kappa?

I truly connect with everyone; all the girls have been so welcoming and supportive throughout this whole process.

What does it feel like being part of a sorority?

I feel like I am part of a family. A sorority is a small group of people that understand each other and care for each other. Also, it is great to be part of Greek life as a whole, as all sororities and fraternities are friendly with each other.

What is the most valuable thing about being part of a sorority?

Currently, I really value the academic support that being part of a sorority has brought me. Many of my sorority sisters are in my classes, and we study together outside of class. Additionally, my sorority has an academic advisor who provides support by giving course advice, booking study rooms, researching tutoring options, etc. 

What role do you hold at your sorority?

I serve as the assistant to the president of Recruitment for Panhel, the UMass sorority board. This role requires me to purchase supplies for Panhellenic events, help plan rush for the coming year, design business cards and flyers, and assist in overall creative marketing. Currently, we are working on spreading the word of Greek life at UMass, as not enough people are aware of this amazing opportunity.