Cal Poly is Facing an Increase in Sorority Recruitment Following the Popularity of "RushTok"

New members of Chi Omega pose in front of the chapter house on Bid Night. (Photo / Asia Croson, Asia Croson Photography)

Hundreds of girls in full hair and makeup standing in dresses complete with 3 inch heels at 6:30 A.M. on O’Neil Green. 

All of them are bubbling with nerves, even the ones with years of preparation under their belts. They all ask themselves the same question each morning of rush: “What house am I going to end up in?”

Recruitment, or more commonly referred to as rush, is described as “a process in which university undergraduate women join a sorority,” according to Greek-Banded, a fraternity/sorority merchandise brand. 

All across the United States, rush has exploded in popularity due to “RushTok”, a phenomenon where PNMs (potential new members) post TikTok videos of their rush process, according to Lindsey Lowe at TODAY. Cal Poly Panhellenic has seen a high increase in formal and informal recruitment since “RushTok” gained popularity in 2021. 

“Formal recruitment has gotten more and more popular every year, especially this past fall, because of “RushTok”. I also think a lot of it has to do with COVID-19. More people are trying to make friends and connect,” said VP of Panhellenic Recruitment Counselors, Alexa Williams.

Cal Poly’s Panhellenic community has 9 chapters on campus, all with a different national philanthropy they support. Each chapter hosts one philanthropy event each quarter of the school year, typically resulting in hundreds or thousands of dollars raised for their respective philanthropy. 

This past fall, Chi Omega hosted “Chi Olympics”, a sports competition between fraternity houses to raise money for their national philanthropy Make-A-Wish. 

“Coaching and cheering for “Chi Olympics” was so fun. It’s great to know I’m surrounded by a community of people who want to help others,” said Kennedy Walker, a first-year member of Chi Omega. 

Although philanthropy is a big part of the Panhellenic community at Cal Poly, they focus on sisterhood and community building just as much. Each chapter has sisterhood events every few weeks, with most events focused on career and academic development.

“I decided to join the Panhellenic community because I met so many people I loved and felt supported by. They’re all really motivating because they’re so proactive and such hard workers,” said Williams. 

Credited to “RushTok”, both Cal Poly’s formal and informal recruitment has been growing year after year. The members of the Panhellenic community expect these numbers to keep growing, and are welcoming PNMs in with open arms. 

“Each chapter is so special in its own way. Rush really helps you find the best group of women to support and encourage you throughout your life, and I couldn’t be more grateful I decided to join,” said Walker.