Chi Omega is establishing its first Idaho chapter at Boise State this fall as the university’s Greek life continues to grow.
Nicolas Poling, the fraternity and sorority life program director at Boise State, said recruitment numbers have increased significantly over the last 10-15 years, creating a need for new chapters on campus.
Founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas, Chi Omega is the largest women’s fraternal organization in the world, with chapters across more than 45 states.
National Resident Consultants Caroline Renegar and Bonnie Sherwood will help establish the chapter this fall semester before leadership transitions to Boise State student members. Recruits will elect the executive board creating new leadership opportunities for students.
Chi Omega has partnered with the Make-A-Wish foundation since 2002. The new chapter hopes its proximity to the organization’s Idaho headquarters will make donating and volunteering more accessible.
“When you actually get to meet the family and put a face to a name, it’s so much more special… I’m doing something bigger than myself,” Renegar said.
The sorority will participate in the first round of recruitment before taking a break until bid according to Avery Herington, Chi Omega’s director of growth and marketing positioning.
Chi Omega will have an extended recruitment period from Sept. 10 until Oct. 1 to build its founding class. During that time, the chapter will maintain a presence on campus, allowing prospective members to attend events, meet others and learn about the chapter before committing.
Poling states, “We really want to give them the best chance possible to establish a really strong foundation.”
Other sororities on campus will have three days to send out bids, then Chi Omega will have an exclusive three week recruitment period to build their founding class.
Rachel Abrahams, Chi Omega chief experience officer explains, “We are seeking members from every academic class as we are recruiting enough for a chapter size parallel with the other sororities on campus.”
Herington sums up her view of the Chi Omega mission, stating, “We’re not like-minded, we’re like-hearted.” Her advice to girls seeking to join Chi Omega, or those participating in rush, is to trust that they will eventually find their place; That when it’s right they’ll know.
Caroline Renegar emphasizes that, “There is no cookie cutter image of a Chi Omega, it is truly who you are, and you’re welcomed for who you are into the chapter that you choose to join.”
Following bid day in late September, Chi Omega will continue recruiting as space allows. The chapter is scheduled to be installed Dec. 6, when leadership will begin transitioning to its newly elected executive board.
