By Alex Argiris

Though still a long way from spring, the end of fall marks the beginning of preparations for a highly anticipated second-semester tradition. 

Sororities across the University of Maryland kicked off recruitment season with their annual open houses during the last week of October and first few weeks of November. Open houses are an opportunity for sorority hopefuls to get their first exposure to Greek life on campus.

“It really allows potential new members to meet girls in Greek life and ask questions in a less formal way,” said Lara Mandell, a sophomore marketing major and the recruitment chair for Phi Sigma Sigma. 

When potential members arrived at the Phi Sigma Sigma house on Nov. 4, they were greeted at the door by members of the sorority. Once inside the house, the prospective sisters were given house tours of the dining area, bedrooms and bathrooms to get a feel for what living in a sorority house entails. 

The open houses are a unique event because, unlike fraternities, sororities are not allowed to host any rush events. Because they won’t be hosting other rush events, sororities invest a lot of effort in making sure the open houses run smoothly.

Many sororities also spend a lot of effort marketing their open houses, using social media to advertise the different open houses all throughout the week.

In terms of recruitment, Mandall said that open houses really benefit new members more than anything. 

“The point is really more for them to get a first impression of our sorority,” she said. With 16 sororities in the Panhellenic Association at this university, there are many choices for a potential new member. 

“It definitely helps with recruitment because it gives them an idea before rushing begins next semester,” said Syndey Goldman, a sophomore architecture major and member of Alpha Epsilon Phi. 

Although it may seem early to be thinking about rush in November, Mandell noted that it can be helpful for freshmen who are still on the fence about rushing. 

“It’s a long enough period for them to transition into school and this is around the time the application for rush comes out so it gives them time to decide if they really want to rush,” she said.

Many freshmen don’t know much about life in a sorority, meaning the open house might be the first time they really start to consider if it is right for them. 

“I went to one last year and I thought it was helpful to get an idea of what an environment of girls living in the sorority house was,” Goldman recalled. 

Open houses can prove to some students that Greek life might not be for them.

“I knew about a few of them last year but my friends and I didn’t go because we were a little nervous,” said Emily Cheung, a sophomore finance major who ultimately decided not to rush. 

But for those who do attend open houses, sororities hope it gives hopeful members a glimpse of what joining a sorority means come springtime.