2010 Panhellenic Preview Day

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Alabama
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<p>I’m glad to hear the problem with the registration form was fixed. I’m sure somebody just copied last year’s form and completely forgot that it might need updating.</p>

<p>Preview Weekend is an opportunity for PNMs (and parents) to learn about the Greek System, to get to know some of the members from each chapter, and to get an glimpse of what Formal Recruitment is actually like. The visits to each of the chapters is very similar to the 1st round, aka Open House. </p>

<p>Do parents need to come? I highly encourage it so that you will understand what your daughter is getting into. You will probably have more “real life” questions that your daughter doesn’t always think about, the big one being how much is being in a sorority going to cost? It can also be a great time to bond with your daughter sharing her excitement and experience. But IMO if it is going to cause a hardship financially due to travel/hotel expense or difficulty taking time off of work, then don’t worry about it. Just make sure your daughter knows what info you want/need her to get.</p>

<p>What to bring: During Recruitment PNMs are not allowed to bring anything into the houses. I’m not sure if this applies to Preview Weekend or not. Each PNM group is assigned Sigma Rho Chi’s (aka Sorority Recruitment Counselors) who will keep an eye on your things during the parties. Bring a mirror, brush, hair spray, and make up for touch ups. (Consider waterproof mascara, especially for Formal Recruitment. It will be hot and you will sweat! It also might rain. On Pref Night, you might even cry. Nobody wants to look like a raccoon.) If you insist on bringing your cell phone, remember to turn off the ringer. Don’t wear a watch. It’s too easy to check the time out of habit, but that can come across as rude or disinterested. A small umbrella is always a good idea in Alabama.</p>

<p>Bring a small notebook and pen. There will only be a few minutes between parties so not much time to take notes, but it’s still a great idea. Write down the names of the actives you talked to. That way if/when you see her again during Recruitment you can say “Hi Jane! I really enjoyed meeting you during Preview Weekend.” Jot down what you talked about and your gut feelings. Just remember that you are only meeting a small fraction of the members, so if the conversation didn’t go well (say you had nothing in common) try not to let that color your opinion of the whole chapter. Don’t bother with stuff like “Beautiful house. Yellow room.” That’s not going to help you because when it’s finished your mind will be a blur of pretty houses.</p>

<p>What to wear: Most of this has been covered by other posters, but I’m going to repeat it anyways. Sundresses are pretty much the norm. This is also what most wear for Open House. A coordinated cardigan sweater is also a good idea. Late March is typically warm, but the evenings can still get cool. Plus some locations may have the A/C blasting, while others get warm due to the number of people in the room.</p>

<p>Shoes are a personal choice. Remember you will be walking and standing a lot. Many change to flip flops or flats to walk between houses not only to save their feet, but if it rains there may be puddles and you don’t want to ruin your party shoes. You will see a lot of heels. If you can handle standing in them for extended periods of time without pain showing in your face, posture, body language, and overall attitude, then more power to you. I can’t. There is nothing wrong with pretty sandals or ballet flats. Also, if you don’t wear heels regularly then you may want to rethink that choice or start practicing! Finally, make sure you break in new shoes beforehand. Blisters are no fun. </p>

<p>What to expect during the parties: You will be divided up into PNM groups to visit each chapter for a short period of time. There you will mix and mingle, making small talk with chapter members. When time is almost up, there will be a signal (often flipping the light switch) to let the members know it’s time to start moving everyone to the door. You’ll be escorted outside, then move as a group to the next house and do it all over again.</p>

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<p>^^^ Great advice!! :)</p>

<p>Sundresses are pretty much the norm.</p>

<p>Maybe I’m wrong, but when I hear the word “sundress,” a different kind of dress gets pictured in my mind. I hear the word “sundress” and an ultra-casual dress comes to mind. </p>

<p>When I think of the dresses that girls wear in warmer weather in the south, I wouldn’t necessarily call them “sundresses.” </p>

<p>I would call such dresses sleeveless, or spaghetti strapped, tank-style, cap-sleeved, chemise-style, etc. I think of cute dresses from nice stores that are cooler to wear in warm weather and can pair nicely with a sweater if the temp drops.</p>

<p>When Michelle Obama was often pictured wearing sleeveless dresses (which flattered her toned arms), I wouldn’t say that she was wearing a “sundress.”</p>

<p>Am I crazy? LOL (probably!) ;)</p>

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<p>I’ve been around this for so long that I’ve picked up the lingo and often times forget not everyone knows what it means. This is how it was described to me years ago. They used to refer to the style of dresses as a Sunday dress, basically a dress that would be appropriate to wear to church. It might have been from political correctness or just shortening the word, but it is now simply referred to as a sun dress.</p>

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<p>*They used to refer to the style of dresses as a Sunday dress, basically a dress that would be appropriate to wear to church. It might have been from political correctness or just shortening the word, but it is now simply referred to as a sun dress.
*</p>

<p>Ahhhh!!! A church dress…a SUNday dress. LOL </p>

<p>Now that makes more sense! :)</p>

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<p>Don’t you just love Southern colloquialisms?</p>

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<p>An addition to my above post </p>

<p>What to bring: deodorant and breath mints/strips</p>

<p>As long as we’re on the subject of dresses, here are some more tips both for Preview Weekend and Formal Recruitment. </p>

<ul>
<li><p>Remember you are dressing to impress other young women, not guys. You are not going out to a club. That means not too short, too tight, too sheer, or too low cut. </p></li>
<li><p>Strapless is still an incredibly popular style, but I strongly advise against it. Every year there is a parade of PNMs yanking and tugging on the top of their strapless dress. It is not attractive. If you don’t think you do, then I suspect you aren’t paying attention. Everyone does.</p></li>
<li><p>Steer clear of any material that wrinkles easily. You want to look as good at the last chapter you visit as you did at the first. </p></li>
<li><p>Do not pick a dress material that becomes sheer if it gets wet. During the last few years it has rained at least one day of Recruitment.</p></li>
<li><p>Above all make sure you are comfortable with the fit and style. You will be wearing this all day.</p></li>
</ul>

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<p>Calantha,</p>

<p>Thanks so much for taking the time to write all that! Great advice and information. We’re really looking forward to the weekend! :)</p>

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<p>WAIT!!
“Sundress” is neither a shortened version of nor or a Southern colloquialism for “Sunday dress.” </p>

<p>A “sundress” refers to a dress which leaves the shoulders, arms AND at least part of the back bare. It could have spaghetti straps or be a halter-style dress. It may or may not include strapless dresses, and it is definitely not the same as a sleeveless dress. </p>

<p>Some sundresses are inappropriate for church, but you would not normally wear that to a sorority event. You’d wear a sundress that IS appropriate for church.
(I know it’s an old thread, but I have to straighten that out!!)</p>

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<p>I didn’t know who has heard what, but I caught this tidbit from a girl from our town. The 2010 Recruitment group is the largest is UA history: 1642 girls. Wow!</p>

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<p>There’s definitely a reason they’re adding 4 new sorority houses next year.</p>

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<p>They told the girls that 1642 is not only a UA record, but it is the largest number to have ever gone through recruitment anywhere!</p>

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<p>They’re adding 4 next year? I heard they were only colonizing 1 sorority in Fall 2011. </p>

<p>Waving at momofonly1 :)</p>

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<p>^^waving back RobD!</p>

<p>I believe you are right RobD, Delta Gamma is the one colonizing. They are building four new houses, but it is not yet known to whom they will belong.</p>

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<p>As far as the new houses…The current sororitys on campus will be the first to bid on the new houses W/ their housing corporation and nationals.</p>

<p>Some chapters (if not all) have just outgrown their current house. So they will have first dibs on the new buildings and sororitys who want to colonize will have the opportunity to move into an exisiting house!</p>

<p>The same is happening on the fraternity side. A couple of new houses are currently in the works; when they are completed other fraternities will be permitted to move into exisiting houses on fraternity row!</p>

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<p>An update…the 4 new houses will be built by Delta Gamma, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta and Delta Delta Delta. Occupation will probably be 2012 into 2013.
That will free up 3 existing houses (DG being new on campus), which other sororities could buy and remodel, tear down and rebuild, or whatever.
And the current plan is to bring in 3 more “new” sororities, 1 every other year, until there are…I think…a total of 20 NPC sororities on campus.</p>

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<p>Bumping this thread up…</p>

<p>Panhellenic preview weekend has been set for March 25-27. See the UA Panhellenic website for updated info. Upperclass women may attend, it’s not just for incoming freshwomen.</p>

<p>The sororities are already working on identifying PNMs to invite to events throughout the spring.
Hopefully DG will help lower the huge quota number, although their recruitment will take place after formal recruitment. I would expect DG to be at preview and putting on a great effort impress new members. They are already requesting recommendations for recrutment 2011.</p>