Welcome  (back to top)

The Chicago Alumnae Panhellenic encourages you to participate in Formal Recruitment at the college or university that you will be attending. Formal Recruitment (formerly referred to as Rush) is the once-a-year process by which the National Panhellenic Conference ("NPC") member groups work together to recruit new members. Continuous Open Bidding (C.O.B.) is another NPC recruitment process that is held on many campuses throughout the year, but is not as structured as Formal Recruitment.

The twenty-six National Panhellenic Conference member groups are:

Why Should I Join a Sorority?  (back to top)

A sorority is more than a home away from home - it is friendships you never knew you could have and a supportive network of sisters working with you to achieve your personal best. It is leadership development, scholarship and service. It is whatever you want it to be - there are many opportunities and experiences to explore.

Regardless of which sorority you join, you will find a strong bond with women to share your joy, tears, hopes and dreams.

What are the requirements to join?  (back to top)

Most NPC member groups have a GPA requirement for membership. If there is such a requirement, individual chapters are responsible for informing you. In addition to your scholastic abilities, your high school activities should be well rounded, showcasing a variety of interests and goals. Participation in civic organizations, sports or the arts are all signs of a well-rounded person.

Finally, the financial requirements must be taken into consideration. Membership dues support the local chapter and the national organization. Fees vary from chapter to chapter and from campus to campus. Be sure to discuss the financial commitment fully during the recruitment process and make sure your parents are completely aware of the added expenses.

How much time will I spend with my sorority?  (back to top)

During your new member period, the amount of time you spend with your 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 the recruitment process, ask specifically what time commitment will be expected of you.

How long will I be a new member?  (back to top)

The new member period varies from chapter to chapter but on average lasts from six to ten weeks. Each NPC member group has different requirements for initiation. You should ask these questions during the recruitment process.

Is recruitment only for college freshmen?  (back to top)

Not at all! Greek life has many wonderful opportunities for all undergraduate women. There is no reason to miss the experience just because you are not a freshman.

Do sororities haze?  (back to top)

The National Panhellenic Conference and its member groups have strict policies against hazing. Hazing is not a part of a responsible Greek life. As you participate in Formal Recruitment, ask the chapters to what lengths they go to insure that hazing is left out of your new member period.

What if I decide I don't want to join a sorority?  (back to top)

There is no obligation to join a sorority just because you participate in Formal Recruitment or C.O.B.. 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.

What is a Recruitment Information Form?  (back to top)

A Recruitment Information Form (sometimes called a Potential Member Information Form) can be provided by an alumna member of a sorority to the chapter on the campus of your choice. These letters are not required; it is just a way for you to be introduced to the chapter before the recruitment process begins.

Let your friends and relatives know that you will be participating in Formal Recruitment. One or more alumnae members may step forward and offer to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. These letters should be mailed by the alumna member to the chapter before Formal Recruitment begins.

Letters of recommendation do not guarantee you an invitation to join a sorority.

What is a legacy?  (back to top)

A legacy is a woman whose mother, sister or grandmother belonged to a sorority. Each sorority defines the term legacy in their own way and this definition may include more distant relatives such as aunts and cousins and step-relations such as step-sister and step-mothers.

Being a legacy is not a guarantee that you will receive an invitation to join a sorority.

What is recruitment like?  (back to top)

If nothing else, recruitment is fun! You will meet dozens of women and get to know many of them as friends.

Recruitment will most likely begin with an orientation session hosted by the college Panhellenic Council on your campus. You will be given general information about Recruitment and divided into your 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. She will uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and Panhellenic spirit.

During the first few days of Recruitment, you will be required to visit each NPC chapter at least one time. These events will be your first glimpse into sorority life. Take a small notepad with you and after each party, write down your impressions about the chapter.

Throughout the week, you will spend more time with the sisters learning about their chapter's history, their activities on campus, seeing skits or videos and participating in activities.

After the first round of events, you will receive invitations to revisit one or more chapters. This is the first step in the mutual selection process. You will be required to accept only 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 on a Formal Membership Recruitment Acceptance card. 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.

The last event of Formal Recruitment is Bid Day. On this day, you will receive your invitation to join a sorority and you will join your new sisters for a day of fun activities.

It may be that you will not be matched with your first choice. Before declining the opportunity to join, consider that the sorority on your bid card already considers you a sister AND this sorority was one of your three preferences for membership. They feel 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.

How should I act during recruitment?  (back to top)

The best advice is Be Yourself. Be honest and open with the women in the chapters; don't pretend to be someone you are not. Ask questions of the sisters - you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Before participating in Recruitment, use the resources around you to learn about the NPC member fraternities on your chosen campus. Ask questions about scholarship, sisterhood, philanthropy and campus life. Listen to what the sisters are telling you and weigh the answers against your impressions of the chapter and its members.

What should I wear during recruitment?  (back to top)

You should receive a Recruitment Information packet prior to the events. Suggested dress will be listed in the packet. Follow the guidelines suggested by the campus of your choosing - they know best.

How much does it cost to join a sorority?  (back to top)

The financial commitments vary from campus to campus and from chapter to chapter. Each chapter is required to disclose its financial commitment 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. As stated earlier, it is important to discuss this financial commitment with your parents.

More often than not, it is less expensive to live in sorority housing than in dormitories on campus.

How do I decide what sorority to join?  (back to top)

Only you know the answer to this question. 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. Consider which chapter will give you the scholarship, leadership and service opportunities you desire. Although your final preference decisions are important, you can be happy in almost any chapter on campus if you put forth the effort.

Additional Resources  (back to top)

• Greekchat
• Local Alumnae Panhellenic Associations
• Campus Student Activities or Greek Life Offices
• College & University sponsored Web sites
• Individual chapter Web sites