2016
Panhellenic Recruitment Look Book
Welcome! On behalf of the OU Greek community and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Student Life, I would like to extend congratulations to you on your acceptance to the University of Oklahoma. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Student Life, which is comprised of four fulltime professional staff members, is located in the Oklahoma Memorial Union and provides oversight and guidance to the fraternities and sororities recognized by OU. More significantly, our office serves as a liaison between faculty, alumni advisers, national offices and parents; develops values-based leadership development programming; provides training in areas such as chapter operations, risk management, health and safety, and membership recruitment; monitors the academic performance of fraternity and sorority members; and recognizes the positive achievements and contributions of community members. It is our hope that you find the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Student Life to be a resource, not only to you, but also to your parents. If at any point you have questions about Greek life or Fall Formal Sorority Recruitment, please do not hesitate to contact us at (405) 325-3163 or panhellenic@ou.edu. Again, congratulations on your decision to attend the University of Oklahoma, and we look forward to seeing you in August! Very best, Jill Tran Fraternity and Sorority Student Life Coordinator, Panhellenic Recruitment Adviser
Welcome to the University of Oklahoma Panhellenic Association! First and foremost, congratulations on joining the Sooner Family! In addition, we are excited and honored that you are considering joining one of the largest student organizations on campus. Along with The University of Oklahoma's many other traditions, being established in 1909, the Panhellenic Greek life at the University of Oklahoma continues to be one of the oldest and richest traditions our campus has to offer. The OU Panhellenic Association is the coordinating and governing body of our 11 National Panhellenic Conference sororities. These chapters represent over 2,900 women, which makes us the largest women’s group at OU! Our membership numbers are evidence of the strong influence that sorority women have on campus and within the community. Each of our chapters has an outstanding reputation both locally and nationally. Each sorority at the University of Oklahoma has something special and unique to offer. You will find that sorority women at OU are well-rounded individuals who strive for excellence in scholarship, campus involvement, and community service. We hope that you consider becoming a member of our Panhellenic family! Christa Cherian, 2016 University of Oklahoma Panhellenic Association President
Our Core Values
The Panhellenic Association at the University of Oklahoma has been the center of women's leadership and service on campus since 1909. The council serves as the coordinating body of the 11 NPC affiliated sororities on campus and promotes our four core values in all we do - scholarship, service, leadership and sisterhood.
Scholarship Greek organizations were founded on the principle of exceptional scholarship. Our chapters provide academic mentoring, tutoring services, time management seminars, proctored study halls, and information on free campus resources.
Service
Sorority women recognize the need to donate time, talent, and funds to special philanthropies and community service projects. Each of our chapters provides assistance to their own individual philanthropic organizations as well as Panhellenic's philanthropy, Among Friends.
Leadership Greek life is a direct springboard into campus involvement. Greek life provides multiple leadership development opportunities to help our members attain their goals.
Sisterhood
Joining the Panhellenic Association means having nearly 3,000 women on your team. Sororities offer new friends, lifelong bonds, and invaluable experiences that will last long after your college years end.
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 contact, through mutual respect and helpfulness, is the tenet by which we strive to live.
Our Community The University of Oklahoma Panhellenic Association is a vibrant community filled with scholars, leaders, and engaged citizens. We pride ourselves on bringing excellence to our community every day. Take some time to learn about our community.
2,949
108,472
community service hours completed
women
11
chapters
3.31 All Panhellenic Grade Point Average 3.23 All Women's Grade Point Average Member Breakdown by College
$350,000
raised for philanthrpic causes
1,800 executive positions on campus
40 48 1,027 609 38 31 197 143 62 10 359 385
Architecture Atmospheric & Geographic Sciences Arts & Sciences Business International Studies Earth & Energy Education Engineering Fine Arts Independent Programs Journalism & Mass Communication University College
1,482 of our members are from Oklahoma & 1,467 represent 39 states & 4 countries!
Your First Year The University of Oklahoma Panhellenic Association strives to make every year of the sorority experience a great one - however we recognize that the first year can be the most exciting and influential of all. Below are some things you can expect during your first year in a Panhellenic chapter.
Study Hall Hours Some chapters require a certain number of study hall hours to be completed each week during your first semester at OU. Sororities also implement a number of educational programs to assist new members in the academic transition from high school to college.
New Member Meetings As a new member, you will be required to attend weekly new member meetings in addition to weekly chapter meetings. The goal of these meetings is to teach new members the values, traditions, and rituals of the sorority.
Community Service Hours
New Member Education The Panhellenic Association hosts various educational programs each year to help educate our students on topics such as leadership and risk management. Our programs include the following:
Hazing & Alcohol Awareness Sexual Assault Awareness & Active Bystander Training Positive Social Media Strategies
Many chapters require a certain number of community service hours to be completed each semester. Sorority women maintain a presence within the community by giving back as often as possible.
Philanthropy Events Each Greek chapter enjoys serving its local and national philanthropy and will host events each semester to raise awareness and donations for the cause. New members are invited to attend these events as a way to socialize within the community while helping a worthy cause.
Recruitment Events In the spring, chapters host recruitment workshops to help their new members prepare for next year's Fall Formal Recruitment. As a new member, you will be expected to attend and participate in these events.
Active Participation As a new member, you will be encouraged to participate in campus and Greek-wide events such as The Big Event, Soonerthon, and Homecoming. These events are not only fun but they also provide an opportunity for you to meet other members of the Greek community.
SafeBreak In March 2016, the Panhellenic Association hosted its 12th annual SafeBreak. This event is held each spring to increase awareness about safety and smart decision-making during Spring Break. Each year, we dedicate the event to celebrating the life of Lisa Weider, a beloved member of the Panhellenic community and Alpha Omicron Pi sisterhood at OU, who tragically passed away during her Spring Break vacation in 2004. The purpose of Safebreak is to remind students to have fun but still be safe on Spring Break so that our community never has to experience the tragedy of losing a sister again. This event allows Panhellenic women to understand the impact of their actions and the extreme importance of safety.
Financial Information
Financial requirements are an important consideration for women participating in sorority recruitment, so it is important to be as informed as possible with the costs associated with the sorority experience. If you accept an invitation to join a chapter, you will enter into a financial agreement and contract for housing and dues during your collegiate years. Dues and fees vary from chapter to chapter and year to year. It is important to note that sorority costs may be more expensive the first year due to one-time fees and expenses. It is also important to note that additional costs may arise throughout the year such as pictures, party favors, and T-shirts.
2016 - 2017 Financial Breakdown Chapter Information
Residence Hall Information
First-Year Member Dues Average: $3,016.64 Range: $1,450.00 - $4,016.00
The cost for the University of Oklahoma residence halls for the 2015-2016 academic year was $9,126.00 for a tower double room with the all-meals plan.
Member Out of House Dues Average: $2,719.92 Range: $1,300.00 - $4,080.00
It is important to note that all single freshmen students who are not 20 years of age and who do not have at least 24 hours of college credit from an accredited institution must live in a residence hall for the first two semesters of their college career.
Member In House Dues Average: $9,169.44 Range: $7,760.00 - $13,210.00
Sorority Living Sorority members have the opportunity to live in beautiful, historic homes just off of campus. Chapter houses are university-approved housing for upperclassmen but are privately owned and maintained by local and national sorority alumnae housing corporations. Once accepted into sorority membership at OU, new members remain in the residence halls. Typically, sorority members do not move into the chapter facility until their sophomore, junior, or senior year. Upperclassmen may have an obligation to live in the sorority house; however, each chapter regulates membership living. Each sorority employs a full-time, live-director sometimes referred to as the "house mother." The house director oversees the daily operations of the chapter facility and ensures it meets all health and safety standards.
Panhellenic Recruitment Team Being a sorority woman can be an integral part of your college years. Panhellenic chapters enhance the undergraduate experience and provide opportunities for you to become the best version of yourself. The University of Oklahoma’s Greek community is built on fostering high ideals of friendship, scholarship, community service and leadership.
Ivey Dyson
Jessica Graro
VP Recruitment Operations
VP Recruitment Programming
ivey@ou.edu
jessicagraro@ou.edu
If you choose to become a part of this community, you will gain rewarding experiences and impacting memories. Sorority life allows you to become a key, contributing part to both the campus community and the university tradition that has been active since 1909. We would like to formally invite YOU to explore our 11 Panhellenic chapters and discover what we have to offer. We highly encourage you to participate in our recruitment programs. By choosing to go through recruitment, you are exposing yourself to a myriad of opportunities and connecting with exceptional members of the Greek community. Please take the time to read this online guide to better help you understand how sorority life can benefit your college career -- and henceforth decide if the Formal Recruitment process is right for you.
Shay Hennagin
Becca Pitts
Recruitment Assistant
Recruitment Assistant
shayhennagin@ou.edu
rebecca.k.pitts@ou.edu
All of our Panhellenic chapters are unique and deliver something different to their individual members. We believe that there is a sorority for everyone at the University of Oklahoma and specifically one for YOU! Give the OU Greek system the opportunity to share with you what it has to offer. Boomer Sooner! -2016 Panhellenic Recruitment Team
Recruitment Registration Registration for the University of Oklahoma's Panhellenic Association Formal Recruitment 2016 opens on June 1. After this date, you can log on to our website www.pan.ou.edu to sign up. Registration is $200 and that includes several meals during the week as well as two T-shirts to wear on Round 1.
Registration Deadlines June 1
Registration opens online
July 15
Last day to register without late fee
Aug. 1
Last day for registration refund and Fall Formal Recruitment registration closes
Recruitment Housing All PNMs must live in the residence halls during the Formal Recruitment process. For PNMs living in the residence halls during the academic year, Housing & Food will place you in your permanent room upon move-in. Those not living in residence hall rooms for the academic year will be placed in a temporary room for the week. The cost of living in the residence halls during Formal Recruitment is not included in the campus living contract nor the Formal Recruitment registration costs. Housing costs $24.10 per day (this is based on the seven days and six nights of usage prior to the start of the fall contract) and this fee will be charged to your bursar account. Rates are subject to change pending University of Oklahoma Regents' approval.
Recruitment Meals A light breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided on all days of Formal Recruitment except Move-In Day, Preference Round (Round 4) and Bid Day. PNMs must purchase all other meals during the week.
Tips & Tricks Below you can find some tips and tricks for registering for Panhellenic Formal Recruitment. As always, if you have specific questions about registration, please let us know at (405) 325-3163. Be prepared. Have your updated resume, transcripts and test scores nearby to plug into our online registration system. You will be prompted to enter this information that will be released to our 11 chapters. Know your OU student ID number as well. Have a high-quality picture. Our online system will prompt you to upload an image with your profile. The better resolution the image has, the better it will look on your profile when the chapters download it. Don't be humble. This is a time to brag on yourself! You have worked hard up to this point so be sure your registration profile reflects that. Be detailed in what you enter into the fields on the profile - this will be considered your resume. Register early. We do not have a cap on our Formal Recruitment registration, but be sure to register prior to July 15, 2016 to avoid a $25 late fee. Be honest. It is important to note that Panhellenic staff cross checks the academic data you input on your registration profile with the University of Oklahoma's records office. The grades you were admitted to the university with should be the grades listed on your profile. If you update your grades with the university, email panhellenic@ou.edu to update them with Panhellenic as well. Fill out everything. If a field is required but you do not have the information needed, enter "0" or "N/A." You will not be registered for Formal Recruitment without paying a $200 registration fee. You will receive a confirmation email for your records after registering.
Schedule of Events Panhellenic Formal Recruitment is a week-long process filled with fun times, a chance to make memories, and plenty of opportunities to make new friends! Check out the 2016 Panhellenic Formal Recruitment schedule below!
Wednesday, August 10
Monday, August 15
Move In Day
Round Four - Preference Night
8:00 AM - Noon Potential New Members arrive and receive rooming assignments. Registration tents will be located in the housing areas between Adams & Walker Centers.
Potential new members attend a maximum of two parties.
4:00 PM Mandatory Potential New Member Orientation in Lloyd Noble Center
Bid Day
Thursday, August 11
Tuesday, August 16 2:00 PM Bids are distributed.
Round One Day One- Open House
Thursday, August 18
Potential new members will visit half of the chapters.
Sooner Orientation Weekend Begins
Friday, August 12
2:00 PM Follow @OU_SOW for schedule updates and for additional information.
Round One Day Two - Open House Potential new members will visit the remaining chapters from the previous day.
Saturday, August 13 Round Two - Philanthropy Day Potential new members attend a maximum of eight parties.
Sunday, August 14 Round Three - Sisterhood Day Potential new members attend a maximum of five parties.
Monday, August 22 Fall Semester Begins Fall 2016 classes begin at the University of Oklahoma.
Connect with us to stay updated! www.pan.ou.edu @OUPanhellenic
Formal Recruitment
Formal Recruitment is Panhellenic's largest recruitment event each year. Formal Recruitment is a time to meet women in all eleven chapters and to determine if sorority life on campus is a good fit for you.
Round 1 - Open House Rounds 11 parties attended | 25 Minute parties August 11th & August 12th What to Expect: This round of parties focuses on the importance and excitement of "Going Greek!" During the first two days of recruitment, you will visit all 11 sororities with your recruitment walking group. You will be greeted at each chapter facility by door songs as you are welcomed into the party. Feel free to ask questions of the members and to tell them a little bit about yourself as you begin to get acquainted with each chapter. What to Wear: Recruitment T-shirts (provided by the Panhellenic Association) and casual shorts or skirt with tennis shoes, flip flops or sandals. Tip: These first two days are the longest and you will be doing a lot of walking, so you will definitely want to be dressed comfortably. Also, find a method that works for you to keep track of all the chapters you visit to help with your selections at the end of Round One.
Round 2 - Philanthropy Round 8 parties maximum | 35 Minute parties August 13th What to Expect: Community service is an important part of the overall Greek experience and Philanthropy Day will give you a glimpse into the philanthropic work that sororities participate in at the local and national levels. You will learn about the women's involvement both on campus and within in the community. What to Wear: Casual daytime dress, skirt or capris with comfortable sandals or flats. NO T-shirts or heels this round. Tip: Think about what philanthropies are important to you and what service projects you were involved in during high school. These will be great talking points during this round of recruitment.
Round 3 - Sisterhood Round
5 parties maximum | 45 Minute parties August 14th What to Expect: Sisterhood Day allows you the opportunity to learn about the values our organizations were founded on, as well as our beautiful sorority homes. The parties on this day are informative and allow you more time for conversation with sorority women. You will be able to see firsthand the individuality and spirit of each sorority, as well as experience the special bond of sorority sisterhood. What to Wear: A nice sundress with wedges, heels, or flats. Tip: This is the day when you learn what each chapter is involved in on campus and what their founding values are. Think hard about what you would like to be involved in while at OU and what kind of sisterhood you want. Use this day to see if this chapter can help you reach your goals.
Round 4 - Preference Round 2 parties maximum | 75 Minute parties August 15th What to Expect: This is the day to really focus on what you want to gain from joining a sorority. An invitation to Preference Round means that the sorority is very interested in having you become a member. The events focus on the core aspects of sorority life, including sisterhood, friendship, and ritual. This is your last chance to interact with chapter members. What to Wear: Cocktail dress with heels, perhaps a dress you would wear to an evening wedding. Tip: Look around the room at each of your parties. Many of the other potential new members could be your pledge sisters, so make sure that you feel comfortable.
Round 5 - Bid Day
August 16th - Bids Distributed at 2:00 PM What to Expect: Formal Recruitment ends with Bid Day. Bid cards will be distributed by the Recruitment Guides at 2:00 PM. Families are welcome to join the new members at the sorority house. A Panhellenic representative will be downstairs in Adams Center with a complete list showing where each woman joined. (Parents, please do not go to your student's room while bids are being distributed by Recruitment Guides). What to Wear: Shorts and comfortable shoes. You will receive a T-shirt with your new sorority letters when you receive your bid card. Tip: This is a very exciting and long day. Make sure to get a good night's rest, as some chapters will have a retreat planned immediately after Bid Day.
Recruitment Guides Recruitment Guides, or Rho Gammas, are upperclassmen women from various chapters who disaffiliate from their chapters during the recruitment season in order to help potential new members navigate recruitment. Check out the advice, tips, and tricks below from some of this year's Recruitment Guides!
Bailey Brurud
Meaghan Holm
Emily Pool
Junior | Fallon, NV
Junior | Garland, TX
Junior | Spring, TX
"Even though you look a little goofy changing from wedges/sandals to tennis shoes between parties, it makes for a much more enjoyable experience."
Addi Wilson
"Bring a notebook to write down your thoughts after leaving each chapter house. You will meet so many people, and this helps you remember everything when it's selection time."
Erin Kraemer
Junior | Edmond, OK
Junior | Shreveport, LA
"During the week of Formal Recruitment it's okay to be selfish. It's all about you - not your mom, sister, best friend - this is for you and what fits best for you."
"If you forget to switch into your cute sandals and walk in with your Chacos on with a dress, don't sweat it. I did it accidentally and it was a great talking point!"
"Don't worry about what others are saying in regards to chapters they prefer. It's your decision, so choose the chapters you feel most comfortable with."
Esther DeClerck Senior | Enid, OK
"If you aren't a fan of the wind-blown look, it's nice to have a comb or brush handle to do a last minute hair check to make sure you look fab before entering your dream home!"
Recommendation Letters
A letter of recommendation - also referred to as a "rec" is a recruitment information form that is completed by an alumna of a specific sorority. These letters are used to introduce a potential new member to the alumna's sorority chapter at the University of Oklahoma.
Recommendation Information Sororities appreciate and use the information provided in letters of recommendation to assist in their recruitment selection process. Some sororities require a letter of recommendation, but it is important to understand that, if a sorority requires a recommendation, it is that individual sorority's responsibility to obtain said recommendation. It is permissible for a PNM to ask a sorority alumna member to complete a recommendation for for her own chapter. However, it is inappropriate for a PNM (or anyone on her behalf) to contact an alumna member that she does not know to ask for a recommendation. Each national sorority has its own guidelines and its own recommendation forms the alumna must use. If an alumna is not familiar with her own sorority's regulations, she should contact the national sorority.
Tips & Tricks Always send a thank you note. Alumnae members are busy and sending them a brief thank you will let them know you appreciate them. Know what to send. Chapters need only the recommendation forms from alumnae members. They do not need packets, gifts, or anything else mailed to their facilities. Forms can be sent to the chapter facilities themselves, or the Panhellenic office. Get them in early. There is no official deadline for when letters of recommendation must be received, but we suggest before August 1 to give the chapters ample time to file the paperwork. Use your network. If you are worried about finding references, ask teachers, coaches, family friends, or anyone else you feel comfortable talking to. You might find you know more sorority women than you think.
Chapter Mailing Addresses Alpha Chi Omega 1115 College Ave. Norman, OK 73072
Chi Omega 820 Chautauqua Ave. Norman, OK 73069
Kappa Alpha Theta 845 Chautauqua Ave. Norman, OK 73069
Alpha Gamma Delta 930 Chautauqua Ave. Norman, OK 73069
Delta Delta Delta 1611 College Ave. Norman, OK 73072
Kappa Kappa Gamma 700 College Ave. Norman, OK 73069
Alpha Omicron Pi 1411 Elm Ave. Norman, OK 73072
Delta Gamma 744 Elm Ave. Norman, OK 73069
Pi Beta Phi 1701 Elm Ave. Norman, OK 73072
Alpha Phi 1401 College Ave. Norman, OK 73072
Gamma Phi Beta 1105 College Ave. Norman, OK 73072
Recommendations can also be sent to the Panhellenic Association office at:
Panhellenic Association ATTN: [Sorority Name] 900 Asp Avenue Suite #370 Norman, OK 73019
Formal Recruitment Policies The University of Oklahoma Panhellenic Association Membership Recruitment Guidelines are intended to help guide fraternity women and PNMs through the membership selection process and Formal Recruitment Week. The guidelines incorporate many of the procedures recommended by the National Panhellenic Conference.
Formal Recruitment Guidelines
A woman must be an enrolled, full-time undergraduate student at the University of Oklahoma (Norman or OUHSC campus) to be eligible to participate in formal or informal recruitment activities. Potential new members must register with the University of Oklahoma Panhellenic Association and pay the registration and housing fees in order to participate in Formal Recruitment. All women participating in Formal Recruitment must live in the residence halls during the week of recruitment. PNMs must abide by the Membership Recruitment Guidelines published in the University of Oklahoma Panhellenic Association Recruitment Look Book and NPC Unanimous Agreements. A PNM may not have guests (including family members) in her residence hall room from 8:00 PM on August 10, 2016 until after the distribution of bids on August 16, 2016. All guests must be met in the lobby area of the residence hall. PNMs participating in Formal Recruitment must wear the name tags provided by the Panhellenic Association during all Formal Recruitment activities. PNMS participating in Formal Recruitment must be in their own residence hall room every night by 11:00 PM. PNMs participating in Formal Recruitment may not visit any fraternity chapter from August 10, 2016 - August 23, 2016, Sorority women may not visit chapter facilities during fraternity recruitment. PNMs must attend all Formal Recruitment events at the designated times. A PNM must receive prior approval from the Panhellenic Recruitment Chairmen or the Panhellenic Advisor to miss any event during the week. A PNM participating in Formal Recruitment shall not be, nor have ever been, an initiated member of a NPC organization. A woman is ineligible for membership recruitment if she has been a new member of a NPC sorority at the University of Oklahoma in the same calendar year. A woman shall complete the "Membership Recruitment Acceptance" card immediately following the last preference event she attends. Once a "Membership Recruitment Acceptance" has been signed and submitted, no changes may be made. A woman signing a "Membership Recruitment Acceptance" card and receiving a bid at the end of Formal Recruitment shall be bound to the chapter she matched by the agreement for one calendar year at the University of Oklahoma. Failure to follow any of these rules could result in dismissal from the Formal Recruitment process.
Summer Contact
A potential new member should not be in contact with a chapter member, alumna member, or anyone acting on the sorority's behalf during the summer months from May 13, 2016 - August 22, 2016, or any time outside a scheduled Formal Recruitment event. No woman is eligible to join a sorority in the summer months or anytime when school is not in session with the exception of the end of Formal Recruitment.
Legacy Information A legacy is defined as a daughter or sister of an initiated sorority member unless an international or national organization recognizes additional relations. A legacy may not be given any gifts by the legacy sorority. Potential new members may not spend the night at a sorority house unless prior approval is obtained from the Panhellenic Advisor. However, a legacy is permitted to spend the night at a legacy sorority house, upon invitation, during the academic year.
Helpful Terms & Definitions Joining a Panhellenic sorority at the University of Oklahoma is an exciting step many students choose to take in their collegiate journey - but our community can come with a new set of lingo. If you have questions regarding the terms below, feel free to reach out to anyone on our team for clarification.
Chapters Any member-sorority of the University of Oklahoma Panhellenic Association.
Chapter Bid Any invitation to join a sorority.
Continuous Open Bidding (COB) An informal recruitment process that Panhellenic sororities use to recruit new members outside of the designated Formal Recruitment period. Also called "Open Bidding," or Informal Recruitment.
Initiation A ceremony during which new members receive lifelong membership privileges
Intentional single preference (ISP) When a woman only lists one sorority on her Membership Recruitment Acceptance when two options are available.
Legacy A woman whose mother, sister, grandmother, or in some cases aunt or cousin, is an alumna member of a specific Panhellenic sorority.
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) The National Panhellenic Conference provides support and guidance for its 26-member international sororities/women's fraternities and serves as the national voice on contemporary issues of sorority life.
New Member A woman who has accepted a sorority bid but is not yet an initiated member.
Party Parties are rounds of formal recruitment. When a PNM attends a round of recruitment, that specific round is called a "party."
Panhellenic Association The University of Oklahoma Panhellenic Association serves as the umbrella organization for the 11 NPC affiliated chapters on campus. The council provides guidance, programming, service opportunities, and judicial oversight to the member organizations.
Potential New Member A potential new member is a woman who is going through either the formal or informal recruitment process. PNMs are not yet new members of sororities.
Recruitment Guide A Recruitment Guide, or Rho Gamma, is an upperclassman member of a Panhellenic sorority. These women disaffiliate from their chapter's recruitment process to help guide PNMs through the formal recruitment process.
Continuous Open Bidding Continuous Open Bidding (COB), sometimes called Informal Recruitment or Continuous Open Recruitment, is a way for women interested in joining our Panhellenic system to become members in a less formal way. You can learn more about COB below or visit our website, www.pan.ou.edu.
What is Continuous Open Bidding or Informal Recruitment? Continuous Open Recruitment begins as soon as Formal Recruitment ends. In the fall and spring, eligible chapters are able to extend bids to women who do not receive bids on Bid Day. This process is more laid back, and the Panhellenic event in the spring gives chapters the ability to meet women on a more personal basis.
How can I sign up for Continuous Open Bidding? Women who are interested in Continuous Open Recruitment need to fill out an Informal Recruitment Information Form. This form will need to be filled out each semester a woman is eligible and interested in COB. The form will be on the Panhellenic Org Sync portal near the end of Formal Recruitment.
What chapters participate in COB? This is dependent on multiple variables and cannot be determined until after Bid Day in the fall, and until the second week of school in the spring. You can reach out to the Panhellenic office during the times listed above and we can let you know what chapters are eligible and participating in COB that semester.
How will the participating chapters know if I am participating in continuous open recruitment? The Vice President of Recruitment Programming or the Panhellenic Graduate Assistant will give a copy of your Informal Recruitment Information Form to all eligible chapters. The chapters will then contact you if they are interested in arranging another meeting with them.
What is the Panhellenic Spring Recruitment Event and is it the only informal recruitment event? The Panhellenic Spring Recruitment event is a chance for eligible chapters to meet interested women in a more laid back setting, typically within the first few weeks of school. This is the only event sponsored by Panhellenic, however, chapters may have one to three events depending on this national requirements.
For additional information about COB, feel free to reach out to the Panhellenic Association in the Student Life office at (405) 325-3163.
Frequently Asked Questions How much time does a sorority require?
How long does it take to be initiated?
There is a required meeting once a week where you will exchange information on chapter events and fraternity education. Weekly chapter study sessions are an option for all members, along with events such as sisterhood activities, community service projects and social events.
Most chapters have an initiation period that ranges from four to 12 weeks. The new member period offers opportunities to meet other members, learn fraternity history, and establish a level of comfort within the chapter. Each chapter builds its own new member program and sets its own initiation dates.
Are upperclassmen allowed to participate in recruitment?
What does it mean to maximize my options?
Most sororities look for a four year commitment; however, most of our groups do consider upperclassmen in their recruitment process. Fewer upperclassmen than freshmen participate in Formal Recruitment and fewer join chapters. We cannot predict any one person's recruitment experience. The best advice is to go through the process with an open mind.
When a PNM makes a selection, it is in her best interest to rank all of the chapters she attended during that round. By ranking all chapters, she maximizes her ability to receive an invitation from any chapter for the next round. If a PNM does not maximize her options, it is possible that she will receive zero invitations for the next round. OU Panhellenic strongly discourages intentional single preference.
Is there a required GPA to participate in recruitment? The OU Panhellenic Association does not require a certain GPA to participate in Formal Recruitment. However, each sorority has a minimum GPA to be considered for membership and initiation. The average GPA to join is around a 2.39 an the average GPA for an upperclass student is around a 3.00. These grades are pulled from university records.
Do I need to attend all the parties listed on my recruitment schedule? Yes. The objective of recruitment as a PNM is to learn as much as you can about the OU Greek community and the chapters so you can make an informed decision regarding membership. If you intentionally miss an event you were invited to, you are not maximizing your options and could be released from the Formal Recruitment process.
Will all participants pledge a sorority at the end of recruitment? Recruitment is a process of mutual selection and, as such, there are many different outcomes to this process. Participation in Formal Recruitment does not guarantee an invitation to join a sorority, nor does it obligate you to join. However, approximately 80-90% of the women participating in Formal Recruitment each year join a sorority at the end of the week!
What if I only want to be in a certain sorority? Only wanting to be a member of one specific sorority or only considering a few chapters can severely limit a PNM's options for membership and can lead to disappointment. Panhellenic discourages joining a sorority based on stereotypes or others' opinions. We encourage you to keep an open mind and make a decision that is best for you.
Chapter Facility Map catlett music center
1. Chi Omega
845 Chautauqua Ave.
4. Alpha Gamma Delta 930 Chautauqua Ave.
5. Delta Gamma 744 Elm Ave.
6. Gamma Phi Beta 1105 College Ave.
BROOKS STREET
1
3
8. Alpha Phi
1404 College Ave.
9. Delta Delta Delta 1611 College Ave.
10. Pi Beta Phi 1707 Elm Ave.
11. Alpha Omicron Pi
5
PARSONS STREET
4
7. Alpha Chi Omega LINDSEY STREET 1115 College Ave.
2
ELM AVENUE
3. Kappa Alpha Theta
COLLEGE AVENUE
700 college ave.
CRUCE STREET
CHAUTAUQUA AVENUE
2. Kappa Kappa Gamma
LAHOMA AVENUE
820 Chautauqua Ave.
LINDSEY STREET
CATE CENTER
HOOVER STREET
6 7
ADAMS WALKER TOWER TOWER
ELMWOOD DRIVE
1411 Elm Ave.
couch TOWER
EMERALD WAY
8 9
DELTA STREET
11 10
N
Questions? Let's Chat. We hope this guide has answered your questions regarding Panhellenic Fall Formal Recruitment. This can be a bit of a daunting process, but it is a fun one with so many people that are here to help. For additional information, you can check out our website, social media links, or join the Panhellenic Formal Recruitment Facebook group - OU Panhellenic Recruitment 2016. Our office is always here to serve as a resource to you. We look forward to seeing you in the fall!
www.pan.ou.edu www.greek.ou.edu
(405) 325-3163
Office of Student Life 900 Asp Ave. Suite 370 Norman, OK 73019