CURRENT ACTIVE DATA USE PRACTICES IN RECRUITMENT
Hi Values-Based Recruitment Meet Research-Based
Recruitment BECKY GLEASON Imagine if the “Evolution of Dance” YouTube video was about Panhellenic recruitment. One would see an evolution from carriage rides and small gatherings; to a more formalized process with skits, costumes, and elaborate decorations; to door chants and songs; to a process now defined by videos and social media influence. While it could be entertaining to watch, it begs the question of where we go from here. What is next when it comes to not only Panhellenic recruitment but also recruitment and/ or intake for any organization? In this article, I posit the next stage in the evolution of recruitment is to use more holistic, researched-based methods.
Since 2003, sororities associated with the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) have used the Release Figures Method (RFM) to compute the formal recruitment process. Simply described, RFM is a mathematical model to determine the number of invitations issued by each participating chapter during the formal recruitment process. This method provides professionals, volunteers, and undergraduate chapters with data including information on priorities, rankings, and anticipated quota and total that helps inform, measure, and analyze chapter and community recruitment processes. In 2015, the NPC began focusing on values-based recruitment and fully defined expectations in its Manual of Information (MOI). The NPC refers to values-based recruitment as focusing on values-based conversations, establishing guidelines on recruitment budgets, keeping decorations at a minimum, determining chapter member attire to reduce financial burden, barring gifts to and/or from potential new members, and eliminating skits from the process. While values-based recruitment has done a lot to shift away from frills and expense, it may be time to enhance the recruitment preparation conversation. Preparation should include more robust data than mere recruitment performance statistics. This research-based recruitment model does not mean giving chapters data points they can recite to recruits. It means utilizing the data gathered to understand what development and education the chapter needs to be prepared to create effective relationships through the recruitment process. Data-based recruitment would aim to measure overall chapter health and inform recruitment preparation.
THE CASE FOR WHY ONLY RFM & VALUES-BASED RECRUITMENT MISSES THE MARK Research shows the brain does not fully develop until age 25. For many, college is a time where students expand and challenge their assumptions, connecting new information with previous learning to make meaning. As such, many traditional students don’t enter college having identified or developed a true understanding of their personal values. While it’s important to start those conversations, it’s also important to acknowledge participating in the NPC formal recruitment process does not historically elicit that type of thoughtful engagement. More often than not, potential new members seek connection, belonging, and “a home away from home.” When two individuals meet outside of higher education, do they typically begin an introductory conversation with, “What are your values?” Maybe … but probably not. We learn the values of others over time and by getting to know them on a deeper level. Brené Brown tells us humans are
