For those who were unable to participate in formal recruitment last fall, another chance may be just around the corner.

Informal Recruitment, as the name implies, is a more relaxed form of sorority recruitment in which some of the chapters participate.

“The chapters that are below their average chapter total are allowed to participate in the process,” said Norah Cetin, junior in AHS and vice president of recruitment for Panhellenic Council.

Cetin said the chapters that do participate follow a different process than the main one in the fall.

“Chapters usually hold 2-3 low-key events, such as inviting potential new members (PNMs) over to the chapter’s house so the girls can get to know the other members of that chapter,” Cetin said. “There’s not much of a rule as there is with formal recruitment, and it’s pretty laid back.”

According to Cetin, formal recruitment is more structured. Unlike informal recruitment, which does not include any lists or timed events, formal recruitment includes a specific number of rounds and the PNMs will get a list of chapters to go to.

While sorority women encourage PNMs to sign up for recruitment in the fall just as school starts, Cetin said rushing informally is more open.

“Girls who are in chapters who have friends that might be interested in joining a house usually spread their events by word of mouth,” she said.

With a more easygoing approach, girls who aren’t sure if they’re interested in joining a house are encouraged to go through informal recruitment.

“Even if they’re on the fence of joining a house, the PNM can get to know the girls a lot more, rather than be restricted by a time limit,” Cetin said. “However, only a select few chapters hold events.”

Since the number of chapters that hold the events is small, the chapters may not even publicize their events to PNMs, said Ashley Dye, assistant dean for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.

“Most often, chapters that recruit in the spring are recruiting students they already know in a very informal style, so they won’t want to give out specific dates of events,” she said. “It is organized by the chapters individually, so one chapter may have an event and another may have one a few weeks later.”

Currently, Dye said she does not have a list of all the chapters participating this semester.

Nevertheless, informal recruitment has been a worthwhile process for those who have participated.

“I went through informal last year, and I’m really glad I did,” said Taryn O’Neil, sophomore in LAS and member of Alpha Gamma Delta. “I heard about it through a girl on my floor and she asked me if I wanted to do it. I was kind of nervous, but the vibe it had definitely influenced my decision to join the house.”

O’Neil said the house had three events, including a house tour and a formal dinner.

“I felt it was a lot less stressful than formal, and the rounds were about an hour to an hour and a half, so I had more time to meet the girls,” she said.

While each chapter runs informal recruitment differently, O’Neil said it’s a great opportunity for girls who want the sorority experience.

“Be open to the whole process,” she said. “I was overwhelmed with how formal (recruitment) was structured, but informal is a lot less nerve-wracking and more approachable. I think that if girls give it a chance while they have the opportunity, it will all be worth it in the end.”