Pi Beta Phi’s local chapter has returned this semester after four years of inactivity, and they are recruiting untraditionally.

The sorority is returning with a new group of members after an unauthorized event forced it into unrecognition. In late 2011, Pi Beta Phi was sanctioned by WSU as the result of an event that involved hazing and underage drinking, according to an article by The Seattle Times. The sanction prevented Pi Beta Phi from receiving any kind of recognition or support from the university until June 2014.

During their absence, Gamma Phi Beta rented Pi Beta Phi’s facility on Linden Street for the 2014-2015 school year, said Alexis Karwoski, resident leadership development consultant.

The sorority will move back into their facility in fall of 2015, said Jami Slaton, assistant director of the center for fraternity and sorority life, in an email.

Until then, the sorority is actively recruiting in an untraditional manner, Karwoski said. Pi Beta Phi did not participate in formal recruitment.

Rather, representatives are tabling on campus Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the rest of September and the beginning of October. This will be a way for women to learn and better understand the values of the sorority, Panhellenic President Madi Phillips said.

“Once a woman becomes interested in joining Pi Beta Phi we have a one-on-one meeting with them,” Karwoski said. “During this meeting, we discuss in detail what to expect during and after recruitment.”

Once the women have this conversation, they are free to formally join the sorority’s colonizing recruitment weekend taking place Oct. 10 through 12. This process aligns more with traditional formal Panhellenic recruitment, and will include an open house round, a preference round, and Bid Day.

Pi Beta Phi is looking to recruit women interested in these activities and who possess the sorority’s values, Karwoski said. These values include integrity, lifelong commitment, honor, respect, personal and intellectual growth, philanthropic service to others, and sincere friendship.

Pi Beta Phi will have six informational sessions, alongside their recruitment process, at 7 p.m. Sept. 16, 23, 30, and Oct. 1, 7, and 8 located in CUE 219. During these sessions, a brief history of the sorority, their values, recruitment, and membership will be reviewed.

“We hope the next chapter of their history brings with it even more positive change and success,” Karwoski said.

Women interested in leadership opportunities, philanthropic events, community outreach, and sisterhood events can discuss these during the sessions as well. 

Any questions related to the sorority’s reinstatement or how a woman can involve herself can be directed to [email protected].