Sorority 101 Handbook

Three Steps to Recruitment Success

University Panhellenic Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions

Information for Parents

Greek Glossary

Recruitment Home

What is Sorority Recruitment?

Panhellenic is the governing body on each campus for sororities. Every year the college Panhellenic develops a schedule of events that make up Formal Recruitment. Typically there are three or four rounds of events. Emphasis is on conversation and getting to know each other. This is the time to learn about the values, traditions, programming and expectations of the individual sororities. Formal recruitment is normally held in the fall but some campuses hold spring recruitment. Contact your campus Panhellenic office for information.

How Do I Register?

During the summer, your college will send recruitment information and a registration form with a deadline for submission of form and fees. If you have not received this information by July, contact the Panhellenic Office and/or check the campus website. Online registration may be available.

What Are Recommendations/Letters Of Reference?

A reference is similar to a job reference. Alumnae members write these on your behalf as a personal introduction of you to their sorority. This letter of introduction does not guarantee an invitation to events or membership. It is the responsibility of the alumna to obtain her sorority form, complete it and submit it according to her group’s requirements.

How Do I Obtain a Recommendation/Letter of Reference?

Begin networking now with friends, family, neighbors and teachers. Let them know you plan to participate in the recruitment process. They may ask you for a photograph, a resume of your activities and a copy of your transcript to enclose with their introduction. Keep in mind, the alumna writing the recommendation 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.

What Should I Do Now?

To get started correctly and quickly, do the following:

1. Attend AAPA's College Sorority 101. (Information coming soon for 2011.)
2. Prepare several copies of your resume including photographs to give alumnae when they offer to write a recommendation for you.
3. The National Panhellenic Conference sororities have websites providing information about their values, philanthropic pursuits and successes. Become familiar with those sororities on your intended campus. This knowledge will enable you to ask good questions based on your interests and ultimately make an informed decision about your sorority membership.

What Is A Legacy?

Every sorority determines its own definition of a "legacy." Typically, it is defined as a daughter or sister of an initiated member. Some sororities also recognize a granddaughter, stepdaughter or stepsister. Extending courtesy to a legacy is every sorority’s priority, however being a legacy does not guarantee an invitation to membership. Legacies are reviewed based upon the same criteria as non-legacies. It is also important to realize that in some situations, there are more legacies participating in the Recruitment process than a chapter has membership openings. If you are legacy, you should list them on your resume.