When the doors of Littlejohn Coliseum open with anticipation on Aug. 13, hundreds of Potential New Members, also known as “PNMs,” will journey through Clemson’s Primary Recruitment. From athleisure to semi-formal dresses, each round differs in style, allowing PNMs to show their style and confidence to each sorority chapter.

Round 1: Convocation

The first round of Primary Recruitment is Convocation. The convocation round — also known as Open House — is where PNMs gather in Littlejohn Coliseum, listen to the Clemson Panhellenic Association and a guest speaker as well as watch videos from each chapter. After the presentation, PNMs walk to Tiger Park for a barbecue. Since PNMs and chapters don’t meet in person for this round, plan on wearing casual attire, such as athleisure: T-shirts, tank tops, skirts, skorts, shorts, rompers and a casual shoe like a sneaker or sandal.

Round 2: Philanthropy

After Convocation, the second round is Philanthropy, which takes up two days of rush. During this round, PNMs learn about each sorority’s philanthropy and service projects. Clemson Panhellenic provides a custom shirt for PNMs to wear for the round, which can be styled with colorful shorts, skirts or skorts alongside a nice sandal or heel. Moreover, PNMs are encouraged to “style this however you like and let your personality shine through,” according to Clemson Panhellenic’s 2024 PNM Video Guide to Recruitment.

Round 3: Sisterhood

A good rule of thumb to remember for each round of Primary Recruitment is that the dress code grows more formal than the last. Similar to Philanthropy, the Sisterhood round lasts two days, but centers on more of the bonds and values shared among members of each sorority. Additionally, this round offers PNMs “the opportunity to learn about membership expectations, as well as experiencing the special bond of sisterhood,” Clemson Panhellenic’s Guide states. The dress code is considered dressy-casual. Sisterhood looks can range from casual dresses to rompers and jumpsuits.

Round 4: Preference

The last round of Primary Recruitment is the Preference round, in which the attire is the most formal out of all the rounds. Chapter members share their personal connection and sisterhood with their sororities during this round. PNMs can draw inspiration from attire they would wear at events such as a banquet or semi-formal with a classy dress alongside a nice heel.

Bid Day

Bid Day is the final day of Primary Recruitment, where PNMs receive an invitation to join a sorority and celebrate with new sisters. Each sorority has a bid day theme, in which new members will receive premade shirts following their chapter’s theme. Outfits for Bid Day are similar to the convocation round, so PNMs should plan on wearing casual athleisure and sneakers.

PNMs can refer to Clemson Panhellenic’s visual guide for more fashion advice at https://www.pinterest.com/clemsonpanhellenic/.