Recruitment is truly a time like none other and can be incredibly exciting for the women going through the process. With recruitment, there often is also a great deal of emotion that comes with going through the process. Whether you are a member of a Greek organization yourself or are being newly introduced to the Panhellenic community, it is important to understand that the recruitment process is different for everyone and that your student might need a little extra support from you during this time.
By getting some more information, context, and tips for support, we hope to provide you with great ways to be able to be there for your loved one throughout the process. Make sure to check out the rest of the information on this website - it will help answer some questions you might have! The most important thing about supporting your loved one as she goes through the recruitment process is helping her to process her emotions and thoughts to make the best decision for her.
Your Students Membership Expectations
New Member Process: The new member education process prepares each new member for membership into their sorority. During this process, new members have the opportunity to become familiar with the goals, purpose, national and local facts, traditions, rituals, and activities of their sorority while getting to know fellow new members and active sisters. In addition, new members participate in educational sessions on topics including developing new leadership skills, academic success, time management, teamwork, communication skills, and appreciation of diversity. This period allows new members to experience what being in a sorority is all about through different sisterhood activities, social events, and one-on-one interactions with members. Each organization’s process timeline varies from 6 to 10 weeks where new members learn more about their potential to grow within their chapter.
Time Commitment: Upon joining a sorority, new members may be required to attend new member meetings where they will learn important information about their chapter and what it means to be a sister of that chapter. Weekly chapter meetings are also held to discuss ongoing and new business within the chapter and the Panhellenic community. There might be additional events such as philanthropy events, sisterhood events, socials, and formals. Some of these may be optional; your student should expect to spend anywhere between 4-8 hours a week with their chapter!
Financial Commitment: As part of membership in a sorority, chapter members pay dues every semester. These dues may cover a wide range of events and activities, as well as national dues and other miscellaneous fees. During Recruitment, chapters will distribute Financial Transparency Forms which will outline a breakdown of fees for their specific chapter, new members, as well as campus fees. Chapters also offer payment plans! Sorority membership is an investment that will enrich your student’s college experience, as well as provide life-long friendships, numerous opportunities, and a home away from home. Members of each chapter are expected to pay dues that cover a wide range of initiatives and events such as national dues, educational programs, sisterhood, and social events. Below are a few examples as to where your students paid dues could be utilized:
Social and Sisterhood Events: Each chapter puts together its own social and sisterhood events that are paid for by chapter dues. These events bring sisters together and provide members of each chapter with the opportunity to honor sisterhood. Each chapter offers a variety of different sisterhood activities, retreats, and events; this could be workout classes, escape rooms, goat yoga, painting, picnics, you name it!
Leadership Conferences/Opportunities: Your student will have the opportunity to take on leadership roles in their chapter and the Panhellenic Community. Certain positions may give your student the chance to go to national or local conferences located across the state and country. These conferences connect student leaders to develop and further personal and professional skills that can be utilized throughout their lives.
Chapter Programming: Each chapter chooses to provide several academic, service, and professional development programs throughout the year for their respective members. These programs can include resume workshops, job/interview help, time management tips, budgeting skills, and new service opportunities on campus and in the community.
Things to remember:
There will be times during recruitment when cell phones are not permitted. She won’t have her phone on her during the events she is participating in, and while she’s making selection decisions after each round she will not be able to communicate with others. Check in on her, but have patience if she takes a bit to respond!
These will be long days, so please understand that your loved ones might be tired. Encourage your student to get as much sleep as she can and to work to keep her body healthy by eating full meals and drinking plenty of water.
Please be sure to keep an open mind when speaking with your loved one going through recruitment, as they are most likely experiencing a variety of emotions and simply need help processing them. Ask them open ended questions and let them tell you about their days.
Please keep in mind that Greek life is different at all schools, and has changed a great deal over the years. Your loved one’s recruitment experience could be incredibly different from those in the past. If you went through a recruitment process or were a member of a fraternity or sorority during your college years, remember that sharing chapter stereotypes or decades-old opinions about the community might cause more harm than good when your loved one is making her own membership decisions.
Take the time to discuss the financial responsibilities that come with joining a Panhellenic chapter with your loved one, as that can play a great role in their recruitment process.
Conversation Topics and Questions to Ask During the Week of Recruitment:
How are you feeling about recruitment thus far?
What have been some of your favorite moments thus far?
Tell me about some of the conversations you’ve had in the chapters you’re visiting.
Have you spoken to your recruitment counselor? What things has the recruitment counselor said that stand out to you about the recruitment process?
Are you taking care of yourself? Have you planned the times you’ll be able to eat meals and take water breaks throughout the day?
Which chapters are you feeling the most connected to at the moment?
How will the chapters that you’re excited about work to develop you into a better student/leader/woman?
Suggestions that may ease your student’s transition to sorority membership at UT:
Be happy and supportive with your daughter's choice of sorority.
Remember that this is your daughter’s choice, and she should choose the chapter that is right for her, regardless of legacies or family history!
If you have a question about sorority life, go to the source and ask the Panhellenic Advisor. Don't buy into gossip or hearsay. We want you to have the best information possible! Contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at (813) 253-6233. Sorority life changes with each new member class. Allow your daughter to participate in the new experiences and new ways of Panhellenic life.
Encourage your daughter to attend programs sponsored by Panhellenic and Fraternity and Sorority Life. It’s a great way to meet women from different chapters.
Know the name and phone number of the chapter president, chapter advisor, new member educator, and big sister if applicable.
Ask for details about the financial aspects of membership before joining! Each chapter governs its finances individually. If you are paying, you deserve to know! Many one-time fees are paid in the first semester, so expect the first semester to be the most expensive.
Initiation is an important time for the new initiates. Be supportive and respectful of this time for your student. Initiation dates are made public to the new members.
Talk with your daughter! Phone calls, e-mails, letters, and care packages are always appreciated.
Attend UT Fall Weekend (Oct. 18-20, 2024) and visit the sorority and your daughter.
Expect to see new t-shirts, photos, and other sorority paraphernalia in your daughter’s possession.
Encourage your daughter to be a part of the UT community and take advantage of our University’s numerous resources!