Spring sorority recruitment is taking place online this month as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the District.  

The move falls in line with the University’s decision to start the spring semester with remote classes and to continue holding events online for at least the first week of the semester because of the rise in cases, fueled by the spreading Omicron variant. Brian Joyce, the director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said in an email that officials consulted with leaders from the Panhellenic Association and “other stakeholders” to move recruitment activities online in hopes of limiting COVID-19 transmission among GW community members.

“The Fraternity and Sorority Life office will continue to prioritize the health and safety of all of our community members by following the guidance of GW, our state and local officials and health professionals,” he said in the email. “We will continue conversations with chapter and association leaders to advise best practices on safety protocols, and we will encourage flexibility in our spring plans.”

Joyce said about 275 potential new members are participating in recruitment, and no in-person activities will be permitted during the process. He said the restriction of in-person activities did not impact the timeline for chapter members and potential new members moving back to campus.

“The FSL office, Panhellenic council and all of its chapters worked diligently over winter break to prepare for a virtual recruitment,” he said. “Moving virtually takes a lot of planning, but the essential components of recruitment remain similar in structure.”