Important Info to Know
Fort Worth Alumnae Panhellenic:
We will help provide you with general sorority information and notify area alumnae of your intent to participate in membership recruitment through our Master List. THIS DOES NOT REGISTER YOU WITH YOUR COLLEGE PANHELLENIC. Our deadline is April 1. Our deadline is the same whether your school has fall or spring recruitment. The sorority members use the summer to get organized and ready for recruitment.
Campus Panhellenic Association:
When you register with your campus Panhellenic (this is required and most will open June 1), they will send you information about what you can expect during the recruitment process on their campus. Campus registration dates vary, so check their website or call to find out the deadline at your university. The information you will receive usually has dress guidelines and photo examples. Wear clothes that you feel good in, along with comfortable shoes. You will be standing and walking a lot.
Recruitment:
In order to go through the recruitment process, you will need a reference (a form with your personal information that is requested by each sorority chapter on your campus) written by a sponsor, often referred to as an alumna member. Each sponsor will obtain the reference form for her sorority. The recruitment process typically includes three or four events. These events are intended for you and the sorority membership to meet and also for you to learn more about sorority life and their sorority in particular. Since recruitment is a mutual selection process and each sorority is unique, don’t pre-judge one sorority by a stereotype given to you for the whole group. The period of recruitment varies but usually lasts for several days. If you would like to join a sorority, it is best to go through the recruitment process your first year in college since recruitment classes are limited in size.
Sorority Membership…It’s for life! All sororities were created with the desire for friendship, leadership, achievement and philanthropy, in their pursuit of higher education. Among the many benefits, they offer you a home away from home, help make the university smaller by providing an easy way to connect with others, and give you an opportunity to develop leadership skills. This also provides a lifetime of friendship through alumnae associations throughout the country and abroad where you can make new friends as you move to different locations. Alumnae groups are among the most noted organizations that support community non-profit organizations. Sorority membership offers benefits for a lifetime which are too numerous to mention.
Scholarship: Every sorority wishes to maintain a high chapter grade point average; therefore, each must consider a woman’s ability to adhere to its scholastic standards. There is hope that each student pledged will place importance upon the completion of her education and that she remains involved with the sorority for the full four years.
GPA Requirement: Although some universities publish a GPA requirement of 2.5 for admittance, sororities have different GPA requirements (often much higher than a 2.5) to be considered for membership.
Compatibility: Sororities are based upon friendship, congeniality and mutual ideals. The ability to get along with others and the enjoyment of being with people of diverse personalities are desirable qualities.
Interest in Involvement: Those who are group-oriented and who enjoy working with people are more likely to contribute to sorority operations and to benefit from membership. The potential member’s list of high school activities need not be long if there is an indication that she has truly participated in some, rather than being merely a “joiner” in many activities. It’s the quality of involvement over the number of activities that counts the most.
Financial Responsibility: Membership dues finance each sorority. Women participating in the membership recruitment process should be aware of the cost of sorority membership and be willing to accept this financial obligation.
Cost of Membership: Expenses for sorority membership include pledge fees, initiation fees, building fees, and dues. To secure accurate information regarding the expenses for sorority membership on your campus, go to their website and search for “Greek Life.” Review the material on the university website or contact the Panhellenic Council on the campus you are attending to find out specific costs for sorority membership at that particular campus. Fees will vary by sorority. This information changes from year to year and the Panhellenic office at each campus has the up-to-date information regarding these costs, and will be your most reliable source for this information.
It’s a Mutual Decision: National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities are private, social organizations. These collegiate groups have the right to invite recruits into their membership that they consider the best all-around fit for their organization. The privilege of choice is mutual for both the sorority and the recruit. It is best not to make up your mind about joining any sorority until you have met its active collegiate members. Remember that you are not joining a “name” but choosing a closely knit group where you expect to make lasting friendships. Also, remember that individual sororities differ from campus to campus and there are girls in every sorority with whom you would develop lasting friendships. Enter recruitment with an open mind. Go to all of the first round parties you are invited to attend, and give each group a chance. At preferential signing at the end of the membership recruitment events, you are encouraged to list more than one sorority in order to maximize your chances for sorority membership. Please understand that when you receive your invitation for membership, it could be that your second or third choice is the one that has offered you membership.
It’s All Greek to Me! Here’s a link to a glossary to many of the sorority terms you will likely encounter.