Why Sisterhood is Thriving at Cal Poly SLO

 

2024 Bid Night of Alpha Omicron Pi New Member Class at Dexter Lawn. (Photo/Rachel Welch)

 

As they strut around Cal Poly's campus in stylish heels and colorful gowns, hundreds of women experience the rush of joining sorority life, seeking the excitement of making new friends and finding their new home in Greek life during the 2024 Cal Poly sorority rush week. 

 

The rise in interest in Greek life at Cal Poly is evidence of broader cultural trends at a time when college students are looking for real connection and community. 

The 2024 sorority recruiting numbers  shattered previous records, demonstrating that sisterhood's appeal is more than simply a fleeting trend.

The popularity of sorority membership at Cal Poly is part of a wider trend. This year, 1,151 students participated in sorority rush, according to Delainee Fernandes, Alpha Omicron Pi recruitment chair, significantly more than 2023, with 1,0003 students.

 

In an otherwise chaotic period, sororities are seen by many students as a source of stability and tradition. Sororities offer an already existing network of friends, mentors, and opportunities, which can help ease the stressful move to college. 

 

First-year journalism major Grace McNamara said she decided to rush for the social opportunities.  

“I wanted to feel like I was with family here, especially because I've never been away from home before,” McNamara said. 

Beyond the Social Sphere 

Today's chapters place a higher priority on networking, leadership, and philanthropy, even though the idea of sororities may still evoke visions of endless party gatherings. 

 

As Mustang News notes, chapters at Cal Poly organize career panels with alumni, resume-building workshops, and volunteer activities that support nearby nonprofits. 

The National Panhellenic Conference data highlights this change: 79% of sorority members attributed their involvement to promoting job preparedness, and 88% of members reported acquiring leadership experience.

Diversity Initiatives and Barriers 

Even though Cal Poly's Greek community is flourishing, the school continues to struggle with more general diversity and inclusion challenges. It has been difficult to recruit members from underrepresented groups because of the school's predominately white student body and the conventional perception of Greek organizations. 

First-year statistics African American student Mira Griffin shared her initial thoughts while rushing,   

“I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in, but seeing chapters that celebrated different cultures made me feel like there was a place for me,” Griffin said. 

 

Based on my very own experiences, although it wasn't easy at first, marketing and putting myself out there after joining the Alpha Omicron Pi chapter has helped me connect with people of my own ethnicity as well as those of other diverse ethnicities, which has helped me feel more at ease with the transition of living away from home and has given me insights into other people's lives. 

 The Future of Rush 

As Greek life continues to evolve, Cal Poly is a reflection of the broader trend of sororities being viewed as vibrant communities that combine history and relevance. 

 

The appeal of sisterhood endures whether students join for the chance to lead, make professional contacts, or form friendships. 

 

For students like Griffin, being a part of a sorority is about more than just the here and now; it's about the future.  

 

“It's more than the events; it's knowing that you have a support system that will always be there for you,” Griffin said.  

Work Cited: 

Advocacy Building Blocks - National Panhellenic Conference. (2024, February 20). National Panhellenic Conference. https://npcwomen.org/priorities/advocacy-building-blocks/ 

Delainee Fernandes (AOII recruitment chair): data on the number of students for 2024 sorority rush and 2023 sorority rush 

 Grace McNamara:glmcnama@calpoly.edu

Mira Griffin: mgriff35@calpoly.edu 

Mehran, L. (2023, November 11). An inside look at Cal Poly sorority rush. Mustang News. https://mustangnews.net/an-inside-look-at-rush/ 

2024 Bid Night of Alpha Omicron Pi New Member Class at Dexter Lawn. (Photo/Rachel Welch)