With over 1,000 women participating in recruitment this weekend, many women who have not rushed before can find the upcoming process overwhelming.

“My best piece of advice for potential new members (PNMs) is to keep an open mind in the process,” said Ashley Dye, assistant dean of students for fraternity and sorority affairs.

In order to find a chapter that is the best fit for the girl, she has to be herself and not have any preconceived ideas about the chapters, Dye said.

Gamma Chi Kelsey Snider, a senior in LAS, added that girls should go into every chapter with a positive attitude and attend all the events the chapter has to offer. “Be yourself, stay relaxed, have a fun time, enjoy meeting new people and get familiar with the Greek community on campus,” Snider said.

Here is what to expect for the following weekends according to Dye and the University of Illinois Panhellenic Council website, illiniphc.com.

What to wear

Open House day: A recruitment T-shirt will be provided for the PNMs, and girls are free to wear whatever they like on the bottom. Girls should also keep in mind that they will be walking to each of the chapter houses, so comfortable shoes might be a good idea. First Invitational: Girls should wear nice casual clothes such as skirts, capri pants, and nice shirts. Second Invitational: PNMs should wear more dressy clothing such as skirts or summer dresses. Third Invitational: Girls should wear semi-formal dresses or skirts. Bid Distribution: Girls should wear casual outfits for activities.

What to talk about

Open House day: Since this is the first day that girls are meeting one another, conversation should be kept light and more on the level of small talk. Ask the existing members general questions such as, what they like about Greek life or why it would be a good idea to join a sorority. First Invitational: PNMs should start considering whether the chapter is a good fit for them and should start asking questions about areas that concern them. Expect conversation to be deeper than small talk. Second Invitational: Girls should ask questions about the unique aspect of the sorority and questions about philanthropy. Third Invitational: PNMs will talk one on one with a chapter member and should ask about any final concerns that she has.

What to expect

Open House day: Over two days, PNMs will be introduced to all 19 of the chapters in a series of 25-minute events. Skits will be performed, and girls will get the opportunity to talk to members in the chapter. First Invitational: After first meeting with a recruitment counselor, PNMs will visit up to 13 chapters for more 25-minute events where there will be more skits, videos and getting to know one another. Expect to learn about each chapter’s sisterhood. Second Invitational: After again meeting with a recruitment counselor, girls will visit up to six of the chapters they are most interested in at 45-minute events, where they will complete a small philanthropy project and possibly get a tour of the house. Third Invitational: This day is more serious. Existing members will share personal stories and include PNMs in certain rituals or ceremonies. They will attend up to three, one-hour events, and at the end, girls will have to pick which sorority they would like to join. Bid Distribution: Girls will receive an invitation, or bid, to join one of the sororities they visited. They will then go back to their new chapter for fun activities.