Swirling hair, bobbing heads and screeching voices — these are the staples of door chants, the first impression potential new members, better known as PNMs, receive of their future sisters. Meanwhile, fraternity gentlemen might be found hurtling through an ice rink, brandishing taped brooms in a quest for the “broomball” championship. This is the stuff of recruitment, that high-strung time of anticipation and excitement that punctuates entry into the Greek community.

The Greek community provides an alternative form of housing for freshmen or returning students who seek the comfort of home outside of dorms or apartments.

“I came here from California as a transfer student,” said Max Lyons, Interfraternity Council (IFC) vice president of recruitment. “I now live in a house of 95 guys. It’s great because you meet so many people so quickly.”

Kristen Hess, of Sigma Kappa, concurred.

“The dorms are so transient,” she said. “Everything is in flux. The Greek community provides a legitimate home for four years.”

As for the recruitment process itself, it varies greatly between sororities and fraternities.

Fraternities host informal recruitment throughout the summer. It’s best to start early in order to have the opportunity to connect with all 31 chapters.

“My advice for potential new members is to tour as many fraternities as possible before narrowing down your selections,” said Nick Feldman, IFC vice president of public relations.

With a wide variety of activities to choose from, fraternity recruitment is designed to create a fun environment for promoting brotherhood.

“Whether it’s a big event like a camping trip or a mellow barbecue, hanging out with friends and meeting new people makes for an amazing summer,” Feldman said. “Going through fraternity recruitment was definitely one of the best times of my life.”

According to IFC president, Thai Dang, the fun doesn’t stop with the end of recruitment.

“Fraternities offer a lot of opportunities to get involved, whether it’s by taking a leadership role in the chapter, playing on an IMA team, or participating in chapter philanthropy and community service events,” he said.

Sorority recruitment, on the other hand, is an intensive, weeklong process. Girls tour all 16 sororities within the first two days. The mutual selection process occurs for the next four days as girls are invited back for house tours, philanthropy day and preference.

“Sometimes it’s tricky because there’s certain types of personalities you connect with better, but the recruitment process is empowering because you learn that you can connect with all different kinds of people,” Hess said.

Admittedly, the first few days can be a bit hectic, with girls rushing from house to house, speaking to several different members. However, the anticipation reaches an excited pitch upon preference.

“By the time preference rolls around, you get to know the girls really well,” she said. “There’s a mutual connection. You get to see a little bit of the sororities’ ritual processes. It gives you a glimpse of the real depth of friendships.”

Bid Day, the day new members are welcomed into a house, is cathartic. Enthusiasm runs high, music blasts from each house, balloons bob, current members rally around their new sisters and celebration ensues.

“It’s [bid day] so rewarding realizing a common goal,” Hess said. “Seeing everything you’ve worked so hard for come together seamlessly is just indescribable.”

Reach reporter Sara Grimes at specials@dailyuw.com.