Staff Writer- Cora Hess

Fin Gustafson

As the first month of the Spring Semester comes to an end, spring recruitment is just beginning. Recruitment for Greek Life, or FSL (Fraternity and Sorority Life), is something that members of these organizations look forward to each year as they welcome new members. Member of Alpha Sigma Tau (AST) and Sophomore Natalie Borst expressed her excitement for the upcoming recruitment.

“I can’t wait to welcome more sisters!” Borst said. 

Vice President of Recruitment for Panhellenic and the Director of Ritual for AST, Senior Arianna Bergeron, told us why she was initially drawn to recruitment. 

“I joined a sorority because I wanted a strong sense of community on campus and a way to meet people outside of my major. I was also really drawn to the leadership and service opportunities that Greek life offers,” Bergeron said.  

As an experienced member of AST, Bergeron encourages anyone who is nervous about going through recruitment to go through it with an open mind. She shared that though it may feel intimidating, it’s really just a chance to meet new people while learning more about yourself in the process. Taylor Cox, Student Engagement Coordinator and All-Greek Advisor of FSL, reflected on her own undergraduate experience.

 “Some of the most meaningful parts were the people I met along the way, during recruitment, on the walk back after events, and even connecting with other unmatched Potential New Members (PNMs) while watching bid day,” Cox explained. 

Cox is involved with FSL from a staff viewpoint. 

“My favorite part is getting to work alongside students as they build community, helping them turn big ideas into real programs, grow their leadership, and create spaces where people feel like they belong,” Cox said. 

Not only is recruitment an opportunity to join an organization, it is also a chance to expand your opportunity to give back. Borst said one of the reasons she wanted to join AST is to give back to more people in this community through AST’s philanthropy. 

“I joined because I wanted to form deeper friendships and build more connections around campus,” Member of Kappa Sigma Chi (Kappas), Senior Caleb Matros shared. “I also joined because of our philanthropy; save the Boundary Waters.” 

As a new member of AST, Borst shared her experience with recruitment. 

 “ I thought I would go through recruitment and see what it’s like, and every time I was in the AST room, I just felt so accepted and welcomed and that everyone genuinely cared about me; and that I could just be my full self and be accepted,” Borst said. 

“Gustavus Greek life, and especially the Kappas, are something truly special. Our culture is based on shared values and offers a social space that builds leaders, expands your world, and connects you with so many great community service opportunities,” Matros expressed. 

Going through Recruitment doesn’t mean you’re committed to any organization. Borst expressed that though it can be nerve-racking and stressful, sororities and fraternities just want to know who you are, so be sure to be yourself. 

“If you go through recruitment, it doesn’t mean you have to join a sorority or fraternity, it’s just a chance to meet more people, have a Frost Your Own, learn more about yourself, and build confidence and community whether you end up joining or not,” Borst explained. 

As Director of Ritual, Bergeron expressed her favorite part about the job.

 “I love being able to preserve and share the traditions and values of our organization—it’s really meaningful to help create moments that connect members to something bigger than themselves.” 

As VP of Recruitment, she loves helping PNMs feel confident and supported during the recruitment process. 

“Having a built-in support system of friends who genuinely care about you makes such a big difference, especially during stressful times in the semester,” Bergeron said. 

FSL isn’t just about building a community; it’s about having a home. 

“My favorite part of being in a fraternity is feeling like I always have a home on campus where I can be recognized and be supported,” Matros said. 

 Borst seconds that when speaking on AST, “We always have each other’s backs, and it’s great to know you always have a group of people who will accept you. They’re always hyping me up, and I just feel like they all really care about me and accept me.”

FSL isn’t the same everywhere you go, and even on campus, they look different. 

“Even within one campus, every chapter has its own culture. Before making assumptions about FSL broadly or about our GAC community, give it a chance and meet people. Our Greek Life students are genuinely committed to one another and contribute a lot to campus through leadership, service, and community-building,” Cox said.  

If anyone is skeptical of going through recruitment, just know that it doesn’t mean immediate commitment. It means meeting new people and building a community that can last through college and far after.  “Recruitment is about showing up as yourself, learning what different communities value, and seeing if there’s a fit. Even if you don’t join right away (or at all), it can still be a positive way to meet people and try something new,” Cox shared.