Panhellenic Formal Recruitment gives Wichita State women the opportunity to discover what Greek life is like by meeting Greek members in their sorority houses.

It starts tonight.

“Greek life is nothing like the TV shows or rumors you hear,” said women’s panhellenic recruitment coordinator, Brianna Kitchings. “These are elite women on campus who uphold high standards.”

The six-day process begins tonight and includes a different activity every evening, allowing potential members a chance to meet women from each WSU sorority.

By the end of recruitment, future members will have selected a sorority they want to join as they wait for an official bid.

Some within the Greek community said the sorority experience is life changing.

“I’ve gained so many things, but mainly confidence in myself,” said Michaela Liebst, a Gamma Phi Beta. “It’s given me the opportunity to be a leader; the ability to voice my thoughts and opinions and helped me not be afraid to stand up.”

The event is not an official commitment to Greek life.

“I’d advise you to go through recruitment, even if you’re not sure,” said Christianna Powell, a Delta Gamma. “It is the perfect place to get all of your sorority questions answered, and you’re not required to join a house if you decide not to.”

The first two nights – activity night and house tour nights – are informal sessions to introduce recruits to the houses on campus. As the week progresses, the nights become more formal with philanthropy night, values night and preference night and require more formal attire.

While there are dress guidelines for each activity, the overall goal is to help potential members choose a sorority.

“Go with your gut,” Liebst said about choosing. “Go where you see the most potential to shine and where you feel most comfortable.”

Once potential members have found a house they feel is a good match for them, Kitchings said they can expect to become part of a family.

“When you join a sorority, it is a lifetime commitment,” she said. “I have cried and laughed with my sisters. We even act like a family and get angry with each other at times, but in the end I know they will be there for me no matter what.”