Paladin Mailbox - Re: (Potential new) Members-Only

By: Malory Lane

Posted: 11/13/09

Kristin Dollar's November 6 column, "(Potential new) Members-Only," contained many inaccurate statements concerning the sorority recruitment process. While I know that not everyone agrees on the rules for sorority recruitment as set by Panhellenic, some things need to be clarified.

In reference to the comments about passing saltshakers, making eye contact with freshmen and having freshman women over to study in North Village, I must say that all of these are very outlandish accusations and have no basis in fact. I speak personally as Panhellenic President to say that extending common courtesy to freshmen women will never be considered a violation of recruitment rules. Any contact with freshmen women on campus that is intended to complement the academic function of the university is allowed and even encouraged. All sorority women at Furman are here for an enriching academic experience above all else.

Furman Panhellenic has the same recruitment rules as all other schools. However, Furman's delayed recruitment process creates a different environment during fall term that is different from many colleges. The recruitment rules exist so that women entering their first year of college have the opportunity to be freshmen first - developing bonds on freshmen halls and establishing a personal academic presence - before deciding whether or not they would like to join a sorority.
I cannot imagine that any woman with an accurate understanding of the recruitment process at Furman would ever believe that this is "rude behavior" or a "refusal to help freshmen during one of the biggest transitions of their lives."

The goal of all sororities on campus is to fit within the Furman community from which it has grown. No rule will ever be created to change or disrupt that community. If anyone has any concerns about the recruitment process or Furman Panhellenic, I urge them to contact me or Lindsey Moye, Panhellenic's Vice President for Recruitment, for more information.

Malory Lane is the President of the Furman Panhellenic Council