Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2010

Thesis Director

Richard Roberts

Thesis Committee Member

Mona Davenport

Thesis Committee Member

Charles Eberly

Abstract

This purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of sorority members in relation to their experience during the recruitment time period they rushed at two different universities. One university held deferred recruitment before second semester classes resumed in January, and the other permitted recruitment during a one week period following Labor Day in the first semester of the academic year. A qualitative study was conducted to gather in-depth perceptions of sorority women on their recruitment process. General themes and categories from focus groups participants' responses were critically evaluated. The findings of this study suggest that the non-deferred sorority members felt a lack of faculty support, a general overall level of stress during the process, conflict between rushing and academics and recruitment practices emphasized quantity than quality. The deferred sorority members felt support from the faculty, a mild form of stress, and support for authenticity between recruiter and potential new members. A discussion follows connecting participant responses to prior research, as well as recommendations for collaborate assessment with fraternity/ sorority professionals, campus leaders and National Panhellenic Conference representatives.

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