By Jordan Favors | All aspects of the student experience have been affected by COVID-19 throughout 2020 including pledging for Howard Payne University’s sororities and fraternities. This year, organizations are excited to regain a bit of normalcy with less restrictions surrounding their pledging processes.
There are many noticeable differences between pledging with and without the COVID-19 restrictions. Overall, each organization has made the best out of an unusual circumstance.
Katherine Hill, Chi Alpha Omega President, stated that they have added to their pledging process as a result of the COVID-19 pledging experience.
“This year, we’ll have full access to our pledging events and we can do more on campus as well. COVID hasn’t changed our events, but it has allowed us to develop a new tradition,” stated Hill.
This year, administration presented each sorority and fraternity with the tough choice of pledging either in the fall or spring instead of requiring all freshmen to pledge in the spring semester.
Abigail Laubhan, Pi Theta Chi President, stated that Pi chose to pledge in the Spring semester to allow the freshman to transition and get comfortable on campus before pledging.
“We want to let the freshmen and transfers get acclimated to the University, and it kind of takes some stress off of us,” said Laubhan.
Parker Hughes, Delta Chi Rho President, said that Rho chose to pledge in the Fall semester to help people find their home and community sooner rather than later.
“We saw it as a better way to reach and connect with new students this semester. We really just saw it as a ministry opportunity and a way to love on people, specifically freshman girls who are away from home for the first time and looking for that sense of community that we all long for,” stated Hughes.
The interview process is the first step for any student looking to get involved in Greek life at HPU. Despite each sorority and fraternity having a unique pledging experience, all organizations look for similar characteristics when interviewing potential new members.
Seth Becker, Delta Epsilon Omega member, stated that potential new members have to be dedicated to protecting the reputation of their fraternity.
“What we look for is someone who wants to be a part of it and is interested in putting something into it. You have to be excited about it. It doesn’t have to be people we know or necessarily all get along with, but we have to be thinking in the back of our minds, ‘Are they going to be representing us well in the future?” said Becker.
Hughes describes what Rho members look for while interviewing as someone who is looking for a family on campus.
“We just really want people who are genuine and are looking for a great sense of community. We are people who will love you and support you, hold you accountable, hold you when you cry, cheer for you on your awesome days, and everything in between,” said Hughes.
Hill offers the potential new members encouragement by stating that pledging can be daunting, but it is so worth it.
“Find what feels like home to you. Don’t let anyone pressure you into pledging one sorority over another. Interview with all of us! Once you’ve chosen, don’t let it overwhelm you. Ask for help or patience if you need it,” stated Hill.
There are numerous upcoming events hosted by sororities and fraternities on campus, including all-campus parties, on-campus socials, and even Halloween events. Be sure to check your student email and get plugged in with Greek life on campus!