Representatives of the Panhellenic Council will vote Thursday on proposed changes to recruitment rules for sororities at Iowa State.

Similar to the rules that govern each national sorority, female recruitment rules traditionally have been strictly enforced.

“With such a small amount of time to spend with each Rushee, and their [impersonal] process of selecting houses, there is no way with this system you can effectively match the most fitting members with the feeling of your house,” said Justin Hoffman, member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at ISU.

The National Panhellenic Council (NPC) is an international governing board that represents sororities and women’s fraternities throughout North America. The NPC has recommended that campuses adopt a “No Frills Rush” for this fall’s Rush.

“The idea is to help young women that are going through formal Rush Week feel more comfortable at each house,” said Carolyn Jones, president of the ISU Panhellenic Council.

Jones, junior in journalism and mass communications, said “No Frills Rush” would entail establishing rules on the clothing worn during Rush parties, such as the prohibition of identical outfits.

Also, sororities would face limitations on decorating the interior of their houses.

Another modification concerns “Bid Day,” during which the number of women allowed on central campus will match the number of new members.

The main thrust behind the NPC recommendation is to make recruitment equal for all houses, Jones said. Instead of a Rush based on superficiality, the new changes encourage sororities to accept members based on merit, academics and personality.

“I think that it is important for Iowa State to show initiative by supporting the NPC recommendation,” said Melissa Falk, Panhellenic representative for Alpha Delta Pi sorority and sophomore in advertising. “There is merit and reason in the NPC recommendations.”

ISU sororities annually host formal Rush one week before school starts. Potential female Rushees come to school a week early and are collectively housed on campus. On the first day of Rush, they visit all houses and narrow their choices as the week progresses.

Based on the Rushees’ choices and the cuts made by each sorority house, a match is then made.

Last year, 330 women participated in formal Rush, and this year the Panhellenic Council at ISU expects about 400 women.

“Greek Getaway,” which takes place during Greek Week in April, will bring high school seniors to ISU so they can experience the campus and the greek system.

High school students will stay at sorority houses for the weekend and will participate in Greek Week events, as well as other orientation events, Jones said.