Go Greek!

College poses many different experiences for a young woman. She finally has the freedom to make some very difficult decisions on her own. Perhaps she wants to major in Education, Chemistry, or English. Perhaps she wants to run for Student Government or join a club on campus. College is the place to grow both intellectually and socially.

Choosing to go through sorority recruitment is a decision that a woman might make at California State, San Marcos. The sororities at CSUSM are Alpha Chi Omega and Alpha Xi Delta. They are both filled with independent, strong, and dedicated women. Many women have chosen to be a part of Greek life for over 10 years now at CSUSM. Why haven’t you?

Our Greek system is a great opportunity for you to challenge yourself beyond your academic life. Leadership opportunities, social planning, philanthropic activities, as well as lifetime friendship and networking are only a few of the experiences Greek life can give you. The time spent as an Alpha Chi Omega in college marks the beginning of a long lasting bond to a strong, caring and supporting sisterhood.

If you are interested in learning more about Greek life, please contact the Greek Leadership Council, or our VP Recruitment, Kelcie Joiner.

See below for answers to Frequently Asked Questions

 and helpful Recruitment Definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What am I being judged on?
A. First, you are not being judged.  Recruitment is NOT a beauty contest!  It is a time for gathering information to make a very important decision in your life.  The sorority members are trying to get to know you as a person.  You, in turn, should also get to know them as much as possible.  If you accept a bid, you're going to be spending a lot of time with these girls during & after college!

Q. What should I expect at the events?
A. The two sororities host different events each year, with different themes & activities.  The events are usually developed by each sorority to show you what they are all about and to give you information.  The members will also talk with you to find out who you are.  Just remember that this isn't an interview - you are choosing a sorority that best fits you just as much as they are choosing new members.

Q. What if I don't get into the sorority I really want?
A. This is a tough question to answer.  You have to keep in mind that each sorority can only take a certain amount of new members during Formal Recruitment.  The sororities must make very difficult decisions & sometimes it means that girls they want to extend membership to don't receive a bid.  Talk to your Recruitment Counselor (if during Fall Recruitment), she will be able to give you advice more specific to your situation.

Helpful Definitions:

Alumna - A member of a sorority that has graduated college.

Bid - An invitation of membership to a sorority.

Chapter - A National sorority's local name. The Cal State San Marcos Alpha Chi Omega chapter is Iota Tau.

House - Another word for sorority.

House Total - The total number of members each sorority is able to have. This number is decided by Panhellenic and is currently 55.

Lifetime Member - A member of a sorority that has participated in initiation.

New Member - Formerly known as "pledge." A member of a sorority that has not yet been initiated.

Panhellenic - The governing body of all the sororities on campus. Panhellenic puts together Recruitment & oversees the process with rules put together by the National Panhellenic Council.

Potential New Member - Formerly known as "Rushee." Any woman signed up for Recruitment or actively interested in joining a sorority.

Quota - The number of potential new members each sorority is able to extend membership to during Formal Recruitment. This number is usually the total number of women going through Formal Recruitment, divided by the number of sororities on campus.

Recruitment - Formerly known as "Rush." A set period of time, usually a week, where sororities may extend membership to other women