leadership - sisterhood - scholarship - service - individuality - support - solidarity
October 5th - October 9th, 2007
character - respect - love - strength - community - friendship - laughter - growth
GW Panhellenic Council
President - Whitney Welch Executive VP of Administration- Julia Mullenger VP of Recruitment - Emily Metz VP of Standards - Alex Byrd VP of Finance - Sam Gross VP of Programming - Kaitlin Seeberger VP of Community Relations - Natalie Kaplan VP of Marketing & Public Relations - Rebecca Hyne
Whitney Welch Letter from the Panhellenic President Welcome to GW! Your upcoming years at the George Washington University will be filled with a variety of wonderful experiences. There are so many opportunities for you to become involved at GW and within Washington, D.C. You are so lucky to have everything at your fingertips while living in the nation's capital. I encourage all of you to get involved as much as possible with whatever your passion may be. GW's Greek life can offer so many of these wonderful opportunities for all incoming women. The Panhellenic Association is the largest women's organization on campus which opens doors for young women in several ways. Besides being affiliated with a particular chapter, the benefits of going Greek can help you in the future. You will make long lasting friendships, form a sisterhood, learn leadership skills, and gain networking skills. All of these are very valuable in your future and will enhance more than just the four years of your life at GW. Going Greek was the best decision I have made at GW. It has gotten me in touch with so many people and given me access to great jobs and internships. This opportunity will also be there for you when you come to Formal Recruitment (October 5th-9th) Please keep an open heart and mind and be willing to try something new and exciting! All nine of GW's chapters are excited to have you meet their current members so get involved in Greek life! The Panhellenic women are very excited and extremely lucky to meet you! Greek life offers something for everyone so come out to recruitment and see why GW's Greek life stands out! The possibilities are endless when joining Greek life. And remember, no matter the destination, it was worth the trip! Best of Luck, Whitney
No Matter the Destination…
The Panhellenic Creed “We, as undergraduate members of women’s fraternities, stand for good scholarship, for guarding of good health, for maintenance of fine standards, and for serving, to the best of our ability, our college community. Cooperation for furthering fraternity life, in harmony with its best possibilities, is the ideal that shall guide our fraternity activities. We, as fraternity women, stand for service through the development of character inspired by the close contact and deep friendship of individual fraternity and Panhellenic life. The opportunity for wide and wise human service, through mutual respect and helpfulness, is the tenet by which we strive to live.”
Leadership and Networking Membership in a sorority provides multiple opportunities to become a student leader. As a chapter officer or coordinator of a chapter event or community project, you can further develop your leadership skills and abilities. Each chapter has committee structures that allow you to be involved in all operational aspects of the sorority. Additionally, chapters provide educational programming in areas such as time management, leadership, and communication. In a city with so much to offer, your chapter will encourage you to become involved in your passions and to bring those passions back to our community. The depth and variety of current leadership in the Panhellenic community ranges from positions in service organizations, internships, and athletics, both at GW and in the city of DC. Along with solid leadership experience, being Greek also provides a resource network when seeking employment. Greek alumnae understand the Greek experience of being a team player, but being an individual, the desire to excel both in and out of the classroom, and the commitment to give something back to the community. Greeks often hire Greeks, and many students in the Greek community get their first shot at internship and job openings through this network. The numerous networking opportunities made available through the Greek alumnae community helps students establish professional relationships that will contribute to their future success.
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… it Was Worth the Trip!
Sisterhood and Socials GW’s Panhellenic community provides a diverse election of events to expose members to a wide variety of social programs. Formals, semi-formals, date parties, crush parties, dinners, and retreats all support the goal of bringing women together to develop the bonds of friendship and lasting memories. The development of values, traditions, and honor contribute to the Panhellenic commitment of social programs enabling personal development. All sororities maintain a responsible social policy promoting Panhellenic standards for careful planning of safe social activities.
Scholarship and Support Scholarship, academics, and grades are the mainstays of college life. Sororities at GW certainly recognize the priority of a college education. All sororities provide support systems for their members, such as study hours, test files, and tutoring by older sisters. Each chapter has a scholarship chair who keeps track of members’ GPAs and organizes events to promote time management and study skills. All sororities’ national organizations offer generous scholarships to members who demonstrate exemplary academic achievement. Although Panhellenic does not require a specific GPA to participate in recruitment, each sorority chapter has a minimum GPA requirement for joining and initiation. Greek-letter organizations were founded on the principle of successful scholarship.
Philanthropy An appreciation for community service is one of the most important qualities you can develop as a sister. GW’s Panhellenic organizations support a strong tradition of service on our campus and in our community. Sororities sponsor a multitude of activities each year that impact the local community and earn money for their national chapters’ philanthropies. Last year, sorority women participated in events that raised funding for the GW Mammovan, CancerCure, Service for Sight, the National Kidney Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, YouthAIDS, and many more. Sisters also aided neighborhood clean-up efforts and walked to fight breast cancer.
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Alpha Delta Pi ΑΓ Π
“ We live for each other ” The GW chapter of Alpha Delta Pi is notably wellrounded. Not only did the sisters take home several ribbon and awards from their annual leadership conference, but they also achieved the highest GPA in the GW Panhellenic community. The chapter raised over $1,500 for the Ronald McDonald House during their fall Jail „N Bail event. Sisters also held the second annual Lion‟s Share Challenge Kind of the Jungle Relay for the Ronald McDonald House in the spring, which included relay races, pudding snacks, tug of war, and ultimate Frisbee tournaments. Involvement went beyond the Greek community, however. Sisters helped plan and organize the annual GW Dance Marathon held in the Marvin Center Hippodrome. The proceeds of the event went to help the Children‟s National Hospital located in D.C. To reward all of their hard work, the sisters held their annual Black Diamond Ball overlooking the beautiful Union Station in the spring. From their exemplary leadership to their dedication to schoolwork, the sisters of Alpha Delta Pi demonstrated the Panhellenic ideals on a daily basis.
Nickname: A - D - Pi Colors: Blue & White Mascot: “Alphie” the Lion Flower: Woodland Violet Symbol & Jewel: Diamond
Alpha Epsilon Phi ΑΔΦ
“ Many hearts, one purpose” The actions of the sisters of Alpha Epsilon Phi reflect a heartfelt dedication to sisterhood and community service. The chapter raised over $1,500 for their two national philanthropy, the Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Israel and the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation. AEPhi Tie Dye and the Valentine's Day candy sale were just a few things that AEPhi has organized. Throughout the year, sister also participated in a myriad of service activities. In the spring, the women held a late night food sale outside of Thurston with pizza, donuts, and baked goods. The ladies rewarded themselves with a beautiful formal after a year full of exciting crush parties, themed parties, and mixers. The sisters bonded and relaxed from their busy schedules at sisterhood events, such as dinner at Café Asia. Alpha Epsilon Phi fosters lifelong friendships while upholding chapter goals and values.
Nickname: A - E - Phi Colors: Kelly Green & White Mascot: Giraffe Flower: Lily of the Valley Symbol: Greek Temple
Alpha Phi ΑΦ
“ Union hand in hand ” Alpha Phi is one of the most prominent sororities on campus, holding a membership of women hailing from across the world. GW‟s chapter offers its members the opportunity to grow in its traditions and to enhance their leadership skills through a network of sisters and opportunities. The group of amazing young women are highly involved in campus activities, including Class Council, GW-TV, Dance Team, Colonial Cabinet, club and varsity sports and honors organizations. Our sisters also hold internships throughout the city in a variety of offices in the U.S. Government, private firms and companies, non profits, and NGOs. Alpha Phi has produced countless highly successful and intelligent alumni who have gone on to pursue advanced degrees and are contributing their skills through careers on Capitol Hill, Wall Street, in the international arena, and through numerous other capacities. Alpha Phi won Greek Week and actively contributes to its community. Among its many philanthropic activities, the chapter raises money for the Alpha Phi Foundation for coronary heart disease and women‟s overall cardiac health. Since heart disease is the number one killer of women in North America, Alpha Phi feels an obligation to promote awareness and fund research for this crucial cause.
Nickname: A-Fee Colors: Silver & Bordeaux Mascot: The Alpha Phi Bear Flower: Lily of the Valley & Forget-Me-Not Symbol: The Ivy Leaf
Delta Gamma ΔΓ
“ Do Good” The Delta Gamma philosophy reflects the purpose of the DG's at GW: to offer women a rich heritage and indelible bonds based upon principles of personal integrity, social responsibility, and intellectual honesty. Delta Gamma empowers women to leave a lasting mark on the world around them by participating in a myriad of campus and community service projects. This past year, the women of Delta Gamma devoted many hours to sight preservation efforts, including volunteering at the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind's annual children's holiday party. The main philanthropy event for the chapter is their annual "Anchor Bowl" flag football tournament where fraternities sponsor teams and compete for the championship. The event took place on the National Mall in the spring with a week of fundraising and awareness activities leading up to the day of the tournament. The sisters raised over $11,000 to benefit the visually impaired. Even after such a successful event, Delta Gamma women continued their commitment to service and volunteered their time through the GW Emerging Leaders Program, GW‟s Hippothon, DC Heads Up, My Sister's Place, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, and the Greek Fashion Show. Delta Gamma continues to strive to make a lasting impact on the Greek, university, DC, and world community.
Nickname: Dee-Gee Colors: Pink, Blue, & Bronze Mascot: Hannah Doll Flower: Cream Rose Symbol: Golden Anchor
Kappa Kappa Gamma ΚΚΓ “ Tradition of Leadership ”
Known for their strengths in both leadership and community service, Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters participated in a wide variety of GW and Greek events this past year. The chapter hosted their annual Kappa Kickball tournament in University Yard and invited any group of students to participate. The proceeds of the event benefitted the chapter‟s national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. Sisters participated in RIF book distributions around DC, reading to under-privileged children and in some cases, giving children their very own book for the first time. The chapter also had girls participate in a walk to benefit the CARE organization and hosted a cheering station for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. Kappa collaborated with Delta Gamma to host the first annual Mr. GW contest in which males on campus competed to earn the crown, and the money raised went to each sorority‟s philanthropy. Kappa also had a busy social calendar, from their Heaven and Hell themed party to their Disco party. The chapter also held many sisterhood-bonding events including a Book Club, Grey‟s Nights, and chapter dinners.
Nickname: Kappa Colors: Dark Blue & Light Blue Mascot: Owl Flower: Fleur-de-Lis Symbol: Golden Key
Phi Sigma Sigma ΦΣΣ “ Aim High ”
Among their many contributions, the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma brought spirit, dedication, and leadership to the GW Greek community. To begin the year, Phi Sigma Sigma sponsored "Greek Assassins" to benefit the local women's shelter, My Sister's Place. In the spring, the women organized their first annual "Rock-A-Thon" a 24-hour rocking chair marathon philanthropy event to benefit the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, which supports the National Kidney Foundation and provides scholarships and grants for Phi Sigma Sigma collegians across the country. Throughout the year, the women of Phi Sigma Sigma participated in several chapter philanthropy events, including providing care packages to children in Africa, participating in the National Kidney Foundation Walk, donating school supplies to children in Afghanistan, knitting for the needy, donating canned goods to the Food Bank, and making goodie bags for kidney patients going through dialysis treatment. Several sisters also participated in GW‟s Dance Marathon, Hippothon, which benefits the Children's Miracle Network. To top off the year, Phi Sigma Sigma was honored at the Greek Night of Excellence with the award for Greek Woman of the Year and Best Risk Management Program.
Nickname: Phi Sig Colors: Blue & Gold Mascot: Sphinx Flower: American Beauty Rose Symbol: Pyramid
Pi Beta Phi ΠΒΦ
“ Friends and leaders for life ” Pi Phi is back on the GW campus after an absence of 38 years! The new DC Alpha pledge class was initiated on January 27th, 2007. We have over eighty initiated sister! Several of our members are very active on campus with: Colonial Inauguration, College Democrats, College Republicans, and George Washington Women in Business. The Pi Beta Phi Fraternity was founded on April 28, 1867, at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. Pi Phi‟s D.C. Alpha chapter was on The George Washington University campus from 1889 until 1968. Today in 2007, the sisters of Pi Phi strive for the same principal values of leadership and sincere friendship that are instilled within us. We have had a wonderful and welcoming fall semester 2006. While just colonizing, we took part in Greek Week and fundraised for The Youth Aids “Kick Me Campaign”. Pi Phi looks forward to continuing our nationwide philanthropy “Links for Literacy” here in the district. We have so much more to look forward to with Pi Phi back at GW, and this time, we are here to stay!
Nickname: Pi-Phi Colors: Wine & Silver Blue Flower: Wine Carnation Symbol: Golden ArroW Mascot: Angel Jewel: Pearl
Sigma Delta Tau ΣΓΤ
“ One hope for many people ” Though membership is open to all, SDT has strong ties to Judaic traditions as it was founded by seven Jewish women at Cornell University in 1917. The sisters of the Alpha Tau chapter of Sigma Delta Tau integrated their religious roots with their other chapter values. Each semester the chapter hosts a Barney's New York sale to the entire GW community, fundraising for their national philanthropy, Prevent Child Abuse America. The chapter also holds regular bake sales to raise money for PCAA throughout the year. Along with its founding pillar of service, the chapter also prides itself on fostering social development and sisterhood, while promoting respect for the individuality of its members. The sisters participate in various other events at GW including Greek Week, the Greek Fashion Show, other philanthropy projects throughout the community and the Student Association elections in the Spring. The women of Sigma Delta Tau pride themselves on their close relationships, almost always seen out together from eating at sisterhood dinners and studying in Gelman Library, to having fun on the weekends. They celebrated the end of the fall semester with a beautiful formal held at the J.W. Marriott in Downtown D.C.
Nickname: SDT Colors: Old Blue & Café Au Lait Mascot: Bear Flower: Yellow Tea Rose Symbol: Torch Jewel: Lapis Lazuli
Sigma Kappa ΣΚ
“ One heart, one way ” The GW chapter of Sigma Kappa is one of the oldest sororities at the university. Last fall, the sisters of Sigma Kappa celebrated their chapter‟s 101st anniversary at GW. The ladies of Sigma Kappa had a busy social schedule this year, hosting numerous crush parties, mixers and sisterhood events. Of course, we are also vastly involved in philanthropic activities, hosting our annual Senior Citizens Prom at St. Mary‟s Court, along with our 2nd annual Eating Contest. Along with our chapter events we participated in numerous events sponsored by other Greek organizations at GW. We culminated our year with a scholarship banquet and, of course, our beautiful Formal held at the Westin Embassy Row. In addition we walked away from Greek Awards Night with several awards, most notably the award for Living the Ritual, indicating our strong commitment to our roots. Last, but not least, we were one of the three sororities at GW to achieve a Gold Standards Rating. We are proud of our accomplishments and our varied involvements across the university, the neighborhood, and the city.
Nickname: Sigma K Colors: Lavender & Maroon Mascot: Dove Flower: Violet Symbol: Heart Jewel: Pearl
Greek Fun Facts GW Greeks raised over $160,000 for philanthropy in the 2006 – 2007 school year. Greeks are the largest student group at GW, with well over 1,500 members. Both women appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court were sorority members. Of the nation’s 50 largest corporations, 43 are headed by Greeks. All but two presidents since 1825 have been Greek. 76% of U.S. senators are Greek. 70% of the U.S. presidents’ cabinet members since 1900 have been Greek. Famous Greeks include: JFK, Jon Stewart, Kate Spade, Harrison Ford, James Dean, Ashley Judd, Dr. Suess, Elvis Presley, Ronald Reagan, Condoleeza Rice, Babe Ruth, Laura Bush, Barbara Bush, Robert Frost, Paul Simon, Kenny Chesney, Donald Trump, Jeremy Piven, Vera Bradley, Robert Redford, Duke Ellington, MLK Jr., Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin, Deana Carter, Kate Capshaw, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and many more!
Formal Member
Formal Recruitment Week
Formal Recruitment Week, formerly known as “Rush,” is one week concentrating on potential new members (PNMs) becoming acquainted with the nine Greek-letter sororities established in GW‟s Panhellenic Association. Recruitment week consists of four rounds taking place over the course of four nights, starting on October 5th. Each activity planned is designed to help the PNMs and Sorority members acquaint themselves with one another. During Recruitment functions, PNMs engage in one-on-one conversations with sorority members. Presentations by each chapter also provide valuable information about each sorority‟s activities and values. At the end of each evening during Recruitment Week, a mutual selection process is utilized. In this process, each PNM‟s preferences are matched with the women each chapter would like to invite to the following round. In the Open House Round, each PNM will visit every sorority. In the Philanthropy Round, PNM‟s will attend up seven sororities‟ events. In the Invitation Round, PNMs may attend up to four sororities‟ events. Finally, on Preference Night, PNMs may attend events for up to two sororities. Recruitment Week ends with a Bid Day celebration in which the sororities invite women to become a part of their sisterhood.
Recruitment Counselors Upon Registering for Formal Recruitment, each PNM will be assigned a Recruitment Counselor, nicknamed a “RoCo.” In Spring 2007, the Panhellenic VP of Recruitment and the Head Recruitment Counselor selected the RoCo‟s based on their representation of GW‟s diverse Panhellenic community and for exhibiting qualities such as confidentiality, impartiality, sincerity, and patience. As a collective unit, these women have dedicated themselves to guiding PNMs through their Recruitment experiences. RoCo‟s disaffiliate themselves from their chapters in the months prior to and during Formal Recruitment in an effort to provide totally impartial and objective advice. RoCos do not reveal their chapter affiliation until Bid Day to minimize the effect RoCo affiliations may have on any PNMs under their counsel. The role of a RoCo is to provide information about the Recruitment process, accompany PNMs to events, and provide an attentive ear as each woman makes her individual decisions concerning sorority membership. PNMs are strongly encouraged to take advantage of their RoCos because they can offer valuable insight on sorority life at GW. As a junior or senior woman, a RoCo has been through recruitment both as a PNM and as an active sorority woman. She has experienced decisions on both ends and has been trained to be familiar with every chapter on campus. Her job during Recruitment Week is to be completely available to the PNMs she advises.
ship Recruitment Potential New Member Bill of Rights You Have: The right to be treated as an individual. The right to be fully informed about the Recruitment process. The right to ask questions and receive true and objective answers from Recruitment Counselors and Sorority members. The right to be treated with respect. The right to be treated as a capable and mature person without being patronized. The right to have and express opinions to Recruitment Counselors. The right to have inviolable confidentiality when sharing information with Recruitment Counselors. The right to make informed choices without pressure from others. The right to be fully informed about the binding agreements implicit in the preference card signing. The right to make oneâ€&#x;s own choice and decision and accept full responsibility for the results of that decision. The right to have a positive, safe, and enriching Recruitment and membership experience.
The Potential New Member Bill of Rights was adopted unanimously at the 1989 National Panhellenic Council Biennial Conference.
Recruitment Dates: Open House Round: Friday, October 5th Philanthropy Round: Saturday, October 6th Invitational Round: Sunday, October 7th Preference Night: Monday, October 8th Bid-Day: Tuesday, October 9th
Each day begins in the Marvin Center 3rd Floor Grand Ballroom
To register for Formal Recruitment, please visit‌ http://www.icsrecruiter.com/webservices/ appMain_pan.aspx? UID=GEWAUN&mode=enrollment
The registration fee is $25
About the Different Open House Round Friday, October 5th During the Open House Round, every Potential New Member (PNM) will attend a thirty minute function with each of the nine sorority chapters. On the first day of recruitment, you will be assigned a Recruitment Counselor (“RoCo”) and she will lead you to every party that day. Remember to be yourself! Dress is casual, so dress comfortably. At the end of the round, you will have to choose your top seven chapters that you would like to continue visiting in the next round.
Philanthropy Round Saturday, October 6th Philanthropy Round focuses on each sorority‟s community service activities. The parties will feature presentations and activities that explain each chapter‟s philanthropy. This will provide you with a different setting in which to talk with the sorority women. The dress for Philanthropy Round is casual, but slightly dressier than the previous round. Many of the activities involve arts-and-crafts that will be donated to the respective chatpers‟ philanthropies. After Philanthropy Round, you will choose your top four chapters that you would like to return to in the following round.
Invitational Round Sunday, October 7th Invitational Round is the third round of recruitment. Each party lasts forty-five minutes, and the Potential New Members get a better chance to get to know the sorority women. In this round, sororities present information about the ideals, responsibilities, and bonds that unite their members. Often, a special performance or presentation is given. The tone of the evening is much more calm and sophisticated. Dress for this round is business casual. A skirt with a nice top, a summer dress, or nice pants and a jacket are appropriate attire.
Nights of Recruitment Preference Night Monday, October 8th Preference Night, or “Pref Night,� is the fourth and final night before Bid Day. Pref Night is very special to chapters, as they share part of their ritual with Potential New Members, whereas all other rituals are strictly reserved for sisters. During this night, you will visit up to two of your top chapters. Each party is longer than before. Pref Night is your final opportunity to connect with the chapters and decide which one you could see yourself joining. Dress for Preference Night is semi-formal. A cocktail dress with heels, a suit, or a formal skirt and top are appropriate attire.
Bid Day Tuesday, October 9th Bid Day is the last day of recruitment. After you and a sorority have made a mutual choice of each other, you are offered an invitation, or a bid, to join that sorority. You should dress to look your best, but you should not dress up in fancy clothes, as this day is full of unannounced surprises! Wear something comfortable for possible adventures, such as a trip to a sporting event or a restaurant.
The New Member Period The New Member Period is a very special experience that begins when the Potential New Member accepts her bid. The New Member Period varies from chapter to chapter, but is usually 4 to 8 weeks in length. During this time, you will learn about the history of your chapter, your national organization, your sisters, and fellow Greek organizations. PNMs are eligible and encouraged to participate in Greek-wide activities, such as Greek Week, which occurs in the fall semester each year. The New Member Period concludes with initiation, in which the New Member becomes an active sister within the sorority.
GW Panhellenic Association 800 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20052 (202) 994 - 9022 panhel@gwu.edu