In the weeks after Panhellenic sorority recruitment, an alternative group is hoping to attract women who are looking for a different sisterhood experience.
Delta Nu Zeta, a local sorority, will begin its first formal recruitment for the UF Beta chapter in a couple of weeks.
“Not every girl will like Panhellenic, but some still want a sisterhood or a home away from home,” said DNZ president Mina Radman, a 20-year-old journalism junior.
DNZ is not affiliated with UF’s Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council or the Multicultural Greek Council. Radman said she hopes this independence helps her chapter gain a distinct identity.
“This Fall class will help shape what it’s going to be like,” she said. “We only exist here and [at] FSU.”
The FSU chapter was founded in 2003 and now has 27 active members.
Rush for the UF chapter will be Sept. 10 to Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. The location hasn’t been selected, but potential members can stay up to date by visiting deltanuzetauf.weebly.com.
Though Radman said she hopes to recruit a group of close-knit women, she said DNZ won’t have some of the perks Panhellenic sororities have, like meal plans or houses. However, their dues will be much less than traditional sororities.
UF Panhellenic Council’s estimated average dues are $1,883 each semester, which covers meal plans, socials, T-shirts and other expenses. DNZ requires $275 for the first semester and $200 each following semester.
“This is a much more low-key sorority experience,” she said.
But the sorority life might not appeal to everyone. Jamie Wilson, a 20-year-old journalism senior, said she didn’t rush Panhellenic sororities because she thought they were cliquey. She won’t rush DNZ either.
“I don’t see the difference between it and other sororities,” Wilson said. “It’s like a sorority for GDIs.”
Contact Shelby Webb at swebb@alligator.org.
