When it comes to recruiting freshmen, collaboration is key.
In fact, many executive members of the six Penn Student Government branches have agreed that an increase in inter-branch collaboration will be key this year in recruiting freshman additions.
Still, giving out candy doesn't hurt either.
On Tuesday, the branches of PSG came together to recruit freshmen on Locust Walk during the Student Activities Fair. Interested students who signed up to receive informational e-mails were given free candy.
"We're using candy as bait," said Shomik Sarkar, College sophomore and Nominations and Elections Committee vice chair for nominations.
But the candy was merely the draw as different branches collaborated to get the word out on the PSG information session, which was held last night in Claudia Cohen Hall.
"The more PSG works together, the greater our visibility on campus," said College senior and NEC Chair Rachel Levick.
During the information session, each of the six branches were described by its executive members. Each speaker also emphasized how much fun his or her group could be. The NEC claimed to have the most attractive members while the Social Planning and Events Committee boasted meeting celebrities like Spike Lee and Akon.
PSG also held a mixer Saturday night which was an "enormous success," according to Undergraduate Assembly Chairman and College junior Alec Webley. An estimated 600 students came to the mixer.
The UA is holding its own information session at 8 p.m. in the Harrison College House Heyer Sky Lounge this Monday. The group will offer campaigning tips, which will also be posted on the UA's website, to prospective candidates.
The UA is also planning to travel across campus to get students involved. Starting Monday, UA members will go door to door in Hill College House introducing themselves to residents. The week after that, they plan to do the same in the Quadrangle.
The NEC has bought ads on Google, and applications to join are posted on the group's website.
SPEC refurbished its website to make it easier for students to find out about events and join the listserv. SPEC is also having an information session today in Steinberg Dietrich Hall 350 at 7 p.m.
The Student Committee on Undergraduate Education also has applications online.
College freshman David Aron, who attended the recruitment session, said he was most interested in joining the Class Boards.
Aron participated in the leadership pre-orientation program PENNacle and said he was inspired by the upperclassmen to "enact social change for the community as much as we can and as soon as we can."
Although members from both the Student Activities Council and the Class Boards were present at the informational meeting last night, neither group is hosting additional recruitment events.
