Joining a National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sorority at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) helped commuter Torri Walker engage with the Charger community. Julia McCullars found a support system that encouraged her to break out of her shell. Leslie Gonzalez formed connections that enrich her life – and may boost her job outlook after graduation.
Best of all, they agree, they’ve made good friends.
Gonzalez, McCullars and Walker urge fellow UAH students to explore a slice of Greek life during Panhellenic Primary Recruitment Week, Aug. 25-31. The UAH NPC sororities – Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Zeta and Kappa Delta – will hold open houses and other events for prospective members. On Bid Day, Sept. 1, the chapters will extend invitations to join.
NPC is one of three national councils at UAH and the only one that holds a Bid Day. The other two – the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – conduct recruitments later in the academic year.
UAH is a part of The University of Alabama System, but Greek life at UAH takes a more laid-back approach than typically found at larger schools, says DZ member McCullars.
“When I first came into college as a freshman, I didn’t think it was for me because of the stereotypes. But once I started meeting the people involved in Greek life on this campus, it opened my eyes. It feels like a regular student organization that gives you philanthropic opportunities and a support system.”
And, she says, it’s a great opportunity to make friends and move out of your comfort zone.
“My first semester, I was very quiet and wasn’t good at making friends and starting conversations,” says McCullars, a senior double-major in sociology and political science on the pre-law track. “Now I’m the Panhellenic president!”
Walker, a KD and the NPC director of operations, is entering her junior year in biology with a concentration in ecology and evolution with a minor in Earth ecosystems. Along with enjoying the social aspects of Greek life, she credits the chapter’s study sessions with improving her grades.
“I’m surrounded by people who want to see me succeed and push me to succeed,” Walker says. “There’s a lot of positivity and encouragement for going out and bettering yourself.”
Gonzalez, an AOPi and the NPC treasurer, says she appreciates having friends she can count on.
“I think the Greek life here is more of a community because we’re not a big Greek campus,” says the senior marketing major. “It’s a small-town feel, a community that helps you not only advance in social skills but also gives you a lot of potential in job opportunities.”
NPC Recruitment Week begins with casual social activities designed to let prospective new members get to know the sisters. The first event – Meet the Panhellenic Chapters! on Aug. 25, 1 to 5 p.m., Charger Union lawn – is not required, but organizers say it’s a great low-key introduction.
Before students can be considered for membership, they must attend at least one open house for each chapter during Aug. 26-29. The schedule is posted on the NPC Instagram page, @uahpanhellenic.
Then they must register for the final series of events no later than 7:29 p.m. on Aug. 29. Immediately after registration closes, an orientation session will be held in Charger Union Theater at 7:30. Students must attend orientation unless they have class or are otherwise excused.
Prospective members will learn more about the three sororities during structured rounds with recruitment counselors on Aug. 30-31, 3-9 p.m. On Bid Day, Sept. 1, participants will meet on Greek Row at 1 p.m. and open their bids at 1:30.
For more information on NPC recruitment week, email the recruitment team at cpcrecruitment@uah.edu. For more information on UAH’s fraternities and sororities, contact Celia Venable, coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life, at celia.venable@uah.edu or 256-824-4720.
