Recruitment Counselors
All You Need To Know
What Is A Recruitment Counselor?
A Recruitment Counselor (often referred to as an RC) is an initiated member of a sorority who temporarily disaffiliates in order to act as a guide to Potential New Members (often referred to as PNMs) during Primary Recruitment in the fall.
Recruitment Counselor Eligibility
All initiated members of a chapter at Cal Poly are eligible to apply to be a Recruitment Counselor. They are chosen based on traits including compassion and positivity, knowledge of Panhellenic Association, leadership experience, and desire for the role. All applicants are expected to be in good academic standing, have a GPA of over 2.5, and to be able to attend training.
Aspects of the role
Every PNM that decides to participate in Fall Recruitment will be assigned into a group of other PNMs led by an RC. An RC is the main contact for a PNM. They serve to guide their group of PNMs through the process; able to clarify questions, terminology, scheduling, and other questions they may have. Since Recruitment can be overwhelming for some PNMs, their RC is a designated source to be able to have confidential conversations with, and to work through their thoughts.
Guidance
Temporary Disaffiliation from a chapter means to remove association to their chapter physically, mentally, and emotionally. For the period of Recruitment they don’t attend chapter events, and remove any indication of their sorority from social media. Disaffiliation is vital so each RC can be the most unbiased source to answer questions and give advice. Since they aren’t trying to recruit the PNM to their specific chapter, they can have impartial discussions about which chapter could be the best fit for each PNM. Temporarily Disaffiliation
Each RC goes through a process of applying, interviewing, and being selected. Before recruitment, they attend a week-long training to help prepare for their role. Training includes learning all terminology, the logistics of the Panhellenic mutual-selection process, being able to explain the financial aspects of different chapters, and scenario training about how to respond to PNMs in an inclusive and positive way. Preparation
Types of Recruitment Counselors
Standard Recruitment Counselor
The majority of RCs are Standard RCs. They are assigned a group of PNMs, and they meet with them each morning, afternoon, and evening. Each RC is assigned to a chapter house. They will lead PNMs to that chapter house at the beginning of each round and walk them back afterwards, taking approved routes for safety. They check in with their group of PNMs throughout the day to check in on how they feel.
Head Recruitment Counselor
Head Recruitment Counselors are stationed at each chapter and remain there all day with a different set of responsibilities. They line up the PNMs to be taken into each round, keep time of each round, and watch for any violations. Though they don’t have a group of PNMs, their role is very important to the Recruitment process.