Εpsilɵn Κappa Theta

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is Theta still a member of panhell? 

Yes! Apart from the recruitment system, we participate in all Panhell events and initiatives. We are also still invested in improving the formal recruitment process, so we will continue to be a part of those conversations and work with our fellow sororities in this process as it develops and moves forward. 

 

Why did Theta decide to ditch formal recruitment? 

There has always been talk about the flaws of formal recruitment, such as superficial conversation, ranking and numbering of women, and competition between Potential New Members as well as between Houses. In 2014, Thetas realized that they wanted to take a bolder step towards the alleviation of many of these flaws. Together we created a new ShakeOut system, one inspired by the fraternity recruitment system but different, too. Based on feedback from sisters and PNMs, we believe that these changes have been extremely successful in making recruitment a more genuine, enjoyable, and shorter process! 

 

Was it a big step for Theta?

Not really - Theta has a strong history of dedication to women's empowerment and leading change for the good of Dartmouth women. In May 1992, we went local by breaking off from a national sorority that was suppressing us into conforming to antiquated and bigoted traditions, and sexist molds. Since then, we've committed ourselves to gender equity (and inclusivity) at Dartmouth as one of our primary values, which meant breaking away from formal recruitment. 

 

Is ShakeOut binding? 

It is not! Attending ShakeOut does not guarantee that you will receive a bid, nor does it require you to accept a bid should it be offered to you. We want all Dartmouth students to find their niche on campus, and if that's not with us, we're okay with that! 

 

If I come to ShakeOut, do I have to go to those GLOS info sessions? 

Yes!! Before attending ShakeOut, you must attend both a GLOS info session and a DBI overview session. 

 

Oh shucks, do I have to go to the Panhell recruitment info session, too?!

Nope :) 

 

Can I get a bid after formal recruitment somehow? 

Unfortunately, no. Attending ShakeOut is the only way to receive a bid from Theta this winter, since we are not participating in formal recruitment. 

 

Do I have to come for the whole time? 

Not at all! You don't need to come at the beginning or stay until the end, but you should leave enough time to meet sisters if you haven't, and get all your questions answered! It's really chill. 

 

Do I have to go to both ShakeOut events? 

Nope! You can go to both if you want, but you don't need to! If you want us to get to know you better, you might want to go to both, but if not, no worries! 

 

If my friends don't get a bid, I don't really want to join. Is there a way for us all to join? 

Yes! You can all come to ShakeOut and talk to us about joining as a group! We'll definitely take that into consideration when handing out bids. 

 

So do we actually shake hands at the end of the event or...? 

No, there's no subtle signal that you've been given a bid except the email that you'll receive within 24 hours of the party. 

 

How does ShakeOut relate to formal recruitment? 

You can go to the first ShakeOut and still go through formal recruitment, unless you accept a bid from us. You can go to the second ShakeOut if you dropped out of formal recruitment in Rounds 1 or 2. You can go to the second ShakeOut event and still go to Pref Night.

 

I visited the house, and I don't think Theta is the right fit for me. What happens now? 

If you turn down a bid that we offer you, you may still go through formal recruitment and get a bid from another sorority. If you turn down a bid that we offer you, it will not inhibit you from going thorugh formal recruitment. We will still love you unconditionally, and we wish you luck on your journey!

 

I want to visit Theta, but I still have some questions....

That's fine! Please feel free to contact our President Sally (Hyunjung) Kim '16 or our Recruitment chairs, Madeline Cooper '16 and Abigail Munroe '16! They're the most knowledgable people to speak with, but if you know any thetas personally, feel free to contact them as well! We're all super excited to answer your questions!