Sorority recruitment is an exciting time for potential new members (PNMs). One common question is about the bidding process, specifically if members can compare bids at night. This article outlines the Fall 2024 formal sorority recruitment schedule at Montana State University, providing insight into key events and deadlines, which will help answer this question.
Understanding the Sorority Recruitment Timeline
Formal recruitment at Montana State University follows a structured schedule, spanning several days and culminating in Bid Day. Each day has specific activities designed to help PNMs learn about the sororities and for sorority members to get to know potential new members.
Key Recruitment Events:
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Meet the Sororities: This informal event allows PNMs to meet members from each sorority in a relaxed setting. For Fall 2024, this will be held on Tuesday, August 20th.
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Orientation: Mandatory for all PNMs, orientation provides crucial information about the recruitment process and the four participating sororities. Two sessions are offered on August 21st and 22nd.
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Sisterhood Night (August 23rd): PNMs visit each sorority for short 30-minute introductory parties held at Norm Asbjornson Hall.
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Philanthropy Night (August 24th): PNMs learn about each sorority’s philanthropic activities and community involvement during 50-minute parties. This provides insight into the values and mission of each organization.
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Preference Day (August 25th): This crucial day involves longer, more in-depth conversations (60 minutes) in the SUB Ballrooms and Norm Asbjornson Hall. PNMs attend a maximum of two parties, focusing on potential membership and submitting their Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) form. This form indicates which sororities a PNM would accept a bid from.
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Bid Day (August 26th): PNMs pick up their bids between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm at SUB 235. The official Bid Day celebration takes place at 5:00 pm in Norm Asbjornson Hall.
Addressing the Bid Comparison Question
While the schedule doesn’t explicitly state when PNMs receive detailed bid information, the MRABA process on Preference Day suggests that PNMs don’t have bids to compare during the night. Instead, they rank their preferred sororities based on their experiences throughout the recruitment process. The sororities then extend bids based on mutual selection. Bid Day reveals the outcome of this process. Therefore, while PNMs can reflect on their experiences each night, the formal comparison and decision-making occur through the MRABA submission on Preference Day, leading to the Bid Day reveal.
Conclusion
Understanding the recruitment timeline helps PNMs prepare and manage their expectations. While comparing experiences and reflecting on each day is important, the formal bid comparison isn’t a nightly activity. The structured process culminating in the MRABA submission and Bid Day ensures a thoughtful and informed decision for both PNMs and sororities. Contact Erin Macdonald Peck at 406-994-2826 for questions or accommodation needs. For further information, consult the Sorority Recruitment FAQs or The Sorority Life website.
