This year California State Universities (CSUs) across the state saw their lowest recruitments in years. Unlike other schools, our very own California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State) was one of the rare cases where recruitment numbers actually increased.
There are many different theories as to why recruitment is so low this year, but as to why recruitment is actually increasing at Stan State, many were baffled.
Stan State Panhellenic President Georget Ohara was pleased that recruitment is increasing on our campus. She attributed the increase to having three Panhellenic sororities, instead of just two.
“What affects recruitment numbers is how many active members of each chapter spread the word and how often they go out of their way to talk to new people,” Ohara said.
With more sororities, there are more women to go out and actively recruit potential new members, which leads to a larger recruitment.
“The PanHellenic sororities at Stan are stronger together than they are apart,” Stan State Greek Advisor Carolyn Zoerb said.
When asked what the actual numbers were for recruitment, Zoerb mentioned recruitment had actually been on the rise for the past couple of years.
“In 2013, 52 girls total ending up joining a sorority, 2014 had 68 girls and this year had the highest at 74 girls joining,” Zoerb said.
She believes recruitment numbers are on the rise at Stan State because we have a five-year graduation rate. Students are at Stan State longer, and therefore want to feel a connection to the campus. She also thinks having a large number of commuter students might be influencing numbers for the same reason. Students want more than to just come to school and leave. 
Sacramento State is one of the CSUs that has seen a lower recruitment.
“320 girls signed up for recruitment last year, with 275 getting bids, but only 299 women signed up this year, with only 240 getting bids,” Sacramento State Panhellenic President Kaitlynn Pirotto said.
She believes there has been such a drastic decrease due to a lack of organized recruitment.
“The best way to recruit is to have real conversations with the women,” Pirotto said.
Ohara, Zoerb and Pirotto all agree that the best way to recruit girls is to really connect with them. Sororities may seem like all frills and glitter, but in reality they are a group of women with higher GPAs and are actively involved on campus.
According to Alan Riefman, who has a Ph. D. in Psychology, sororities tend to increase self-esteem. Women who join sororities are a part of a larger network of female friends, which boosts their confidence. The community service aspect of sororities also appears to carry on beyond college for many members.
If you or someone you know is interested in recruitment, you can visit http://stanstatepanhellenic.weebly.com for more inofrmation.