The whirring of Cornhole bags, the sound of a compressor from the slushy machine, the upbeat laughter of new friendships, and the smell of paint from the “Greek Life Rocks” rock painting table — that is how Greek Week recruiting started off.

For the past year, the phrase “back to normal” has been repeated despite COVID-19 continuing to affect campus life. The back to normal sentiment was once again on display as Greek Week officially started Sunday, Aug. 15. Representation from all of Northwest’s fraternities and sororities had one goal in mind: inform newcomers of the opportunities Greek Life offers.

Thomas Mick, Noble Ruler of Alpha Gamma Rho — the term Alpha Gamma Rho uses for president — summed up this sentiment when he said, “Today is about putting faces to chapters and having the first face-to-face interaction.”

Many leaders of Northwest Greek Life hold high hopes for this year’s recruitment. The pandemic made many feel like last year was an off-year, especially because they were restricted on what kind of activities they were able to do.

Some of the restrictions, like not having any food at events and even limiting face-to-face interactions, limit what activities can be done. However, this year the University is easing up on those restrictions. The only COVID-19 rule for recruitment is everyone must wear masks for indoor events. Because of this, many chapters think they will easily see more potential new members, especially compared to last year’s recruitment.

Vice Noble Ruler of Recruitment for Alpha Gamma Rho Nick Dieffenbach expects about 15 to 20 new recruits for his chapter alone, compared to last year when Alpha Gamma Rho got six new recruits. The number of recruits did jump significantly as Interfraternity Council formal recruitment numbers more than doubled after Meet the Greeks on Sunday. Around 7% of the new male student population has signed up. Panhellenic numbers went up 50 new members for a total of 170 new members.

Assistant Director of Greek Life and Northwest Alumni Joanne Sapp was happy with the student turnout, also citing the desire for Northwest Greek Life to have a big comeback after last year’s restrictions.

The recruitment process continues throughout the next couple of weeks as the fraternities hold open houses on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20. Following those events, chapter-specific recruitment activities will be Aug. 21-26 and preference day runs 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 28. 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Finally, recruitment finishes up with Bid Day on Aug. 29 with scheduled events going on from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Panhellenic recruitment will start with open houses 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 21, a Philanthropy Round 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 22, Preference Round 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 28, followed by Bid Day 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 29.

There is no registration process for Northwest’s historically Black fraternities and sororities, but if students are interested in joining those chapters, they can reach out to their social media platforms or Joanne Sapp at the student involvement office.