| What is sorority membership recruitment and how does it work?
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Answer:
Membership recruitment is frequently and formerly referred to as "rush." Formal recruitment usually takes place in the fall and is different at every campus.
Recruitment will most likely begin with an orientation session hosted by the Panhellenic Council. You will be given general information about Recruitment and divided into Recruitment Groups. A Recruitment Counselor will be assigned to your group. A Recruitment Counselor is a sorority woman that has temporarily disaffiliated from her chapter in order to be a Recruitment Group Leader. A Recruitment Group Leader is there to guide you through recruitment, answer your questions and support you as you make your decisions.
Recruitment often consists of 3-4 rounds of events/parties designed for you and the sorority members to meet and converse with one another, and for you to learn more about sorority life. During the first few days of Recruitment, you will be required to visit each NPC chapter at least one time. The period of recruitment varies, but usually lasts a few days. This is your opportunity to learn about the values, traditions and programming of the individual sororities.
After the first round of events, you may receive invitations to revisit one or more chapters. This is the first step in the mutual selection process. You will be required to accept a specific number of invitations. This invitational process will continue until the last day of Recruitment.
After the last Preference event has ended, you will be asked to rank your membership choices. Your preferences are matched up to the preferences of the chapters. You are strongly encouraged to list more than one chapter and not limit your options.
There is always a possibility that you may not be matched with your first choice sorority. Before declining the opportunity to join, consider that the sorority on your bid card already feels that you would make a great sister and friend. You should give the chapter the same opportunity that they are giving you. If you decline an invitation to join, you will be ineligible to join a sorority for one calendar year.
| Will I be able to register for formal membership recruitment through the Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic Association?
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Answer:
No, you must register with your university's Greek Life/Panhellenic office to participate in formal membership recruitment or rush. When you register with your college or university Panhellenic, they will send you information about what you can expect during the recruitment process on that campus, as well as information on each sorority on campus. The information you will receive this summer from your college or university Panhellenic association usually has dress guidelines and photo examples. Wear clothes you feel good in and comfortable shoes because you will be standing and walking a lot.
| What is a recommendation and is it needed?
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Answer:
A recommendation is similar to a job reference. It is a form written by a sorority alumna (graduate) to introduce you to a sorority chapter. An alumna wishing to write a reference does not need to be a graduate of the college you will attend. She only needs to be a member of a sorority with a chapter on that campus.
The recommendation provides a means of introduction and does not guarantee an invitation to membership from that sorority. It is the responsibility of the sorority alumna who is completing the form to obtain, complete and submit it in the manner and time required by her group.
Recommendations are not always necessary. Contact the college/university you will attend for their policy on recommendations.
| What general requirements and qualities do sororities seek when inviting women to join?
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Answer:
As private social organizations, collegiate members of NPC sororities have the right to invite into membership the women they deem to be most congenial. The privilege of choice is mutual. Although a sorority has the right to choose whom it will invite to pledge, the prospective member also has the right to choose which sorority to join.
Generally speaking, a sorority is seeking members meeting the following requirements:
- Scholastic Ability
It is hoped that each woman who joins will place importance upon the completion of her education.
- Compatibility
Since sororities are based upon friendship, the ability to get along with others and to enjoy being with people of diverse personalities is a necessary quality.
- Involved and Group-Oriented
Those who enjoy working closely with others are more likely to contribute to sorority operation and to benefit from membership. Sororities promote leadership ability and community outreach. All sororities have adopted philanthropies supported by collegiate and alumnae chapters, and the prospective member will be asked to work with others to assist in reaching philanthropic goals.
- Financially Responsible
Sororities are financed through membership dues. Prospective members must be willing to accept this financial obligation. It is important to discuss this financial obligation with parents.
| How can the Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic Association help me with membership recruitment?
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Answer:
The Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic Association (PPA) can help you by providing a way to obtain recommendations, and to help answer your questions about sororities.
PPA provides a list of membership chairmen in each member sorority's alumnae chapter, as well as a Personal Information form for you to complete when requesting a recommendation. The Personal Information form, as well as a cover letter, are available on the Recruitment Information page of this website.
| Is sorority membership affordable?
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Answer:
Greek members are not wealthy! Many women in sororities maintain jobs and internships, receive finanacial aid, and obtain in-chapter scholarships to afford their college education.
The financial commitments vary from campus to campus and from chapter to chapter. Each chapter is required to disclose its financial requirements to you. Costs vary depending on whether or not housing is provided, if you will be required to eat meals at the house, or live in the house during your membership period. More often than not, it is no more expensive to live in sorority housing than in residence halls on campus.
| How much time will I spend at the sorority?
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Answer:
The amount of time you spend at the sorority with your new sisters will vary. You will be asked to attend new member and chapter meetings in addition to any number of planned activities. If meals are offered at a chapter house, some of these hours will be spent at meals with your new sisters. During Recruitment, ask specifically what time commitment will be expected of you.
Answer:
No. The National Panhellenic Conference and its member fraternities/sororities have strict policies against hazing. Hazing is not a part of responsible Greek life.
| What if I decide I don't want to join a sorority?
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Answer:
There is no obligation to join a sorority just because you participate in Formal Recruitment. You are encouraged to participate as it gives you an excellent opportunity to learn about sorority life. If you decide not to join at this time, it will not be held against you. If you change your mind later, contact the Greek Life office on your campus and inquire about Continuous Open Bidding opportunities.
| How do I decide which sorority to join?
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Answer:
Learn as much as you can about each chapter, get to know as many members as possible during the events and consider where you felt most at home. Although your final preference decisions are important, you can be happy in almost any chapter on campus if you put forth the effort.
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