Potential New Member Enrichment Mississippi State Panhellenic
Table of Contents -
Slide 3: Purpose Slide 4: Greek Alphabet Slides 5-8: Greek Glossary Slides 9-14: Panhellenic Sorority Chapters Slides 15-18: Financial Overview and Breakdowns Slide 19: Values Based Recruitment Slide 20: Academic Obligations Slides 21 & 22: Yellow and Red Zones (What to say) Slides 23-32: Conversation Starters Slide 33: Tips for Recruitment Week
-
-
Slide 34: Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) Slide 35: I’m in a sorority, what now? Slide 36: What to expect (Bid Day and Bid Night) Slides 37-42: Days in the Life of Greek Women Slides 43 & 44: Expectations of a Greek Woman Slides 45-50: NPHC, MGC, and IFC Slide 51: Final Words Slide 52: Contact Information
Purpose: *Fair warning: this is going to be a long slide show, but it’s worth the read!*
The purpose of this PNM enrichment program is to help women going through recruitment feel prepared for recruitment week and sorority life. Our goal is for you to walk into Student Orientation before recruitment feeling extremely prepared and excited for what is in store!
Greek Alphabet The Greek Alphabet is what the sororities and fraternities in the Greek Community use to identify themselves. It is nice to know the letters so when you see them on sorority or fraternity row, you can recognize what organization you are seeing.
Greek Glossary: -
-
Active: a woman who has been formally initiated by her sorority Alumna: a sorority member who is no longer a member of a collegiate chapter Bid: an invitation to join a sorority Bid Day: the last day of recruitment when potential new members receive invitations (bids) to join chapters Chapter: a membership unit of an international sorority College Panhellenic Association: the governing body of a campus College Panhellenic Association
-
-
-
Continuous Open Bidding (COB): an opportunity for chapters that do not reach quota during primary recruitment to bid to quota and/or for chapters that are not at total to bid to total: not all chapters will participate in COB Dues: cost of joining a sorority; generally covers chapter operations, events, and activities House Mom: a person hired to live in the chapter house and manages the facility Initiation: a ritual ceremony that brings new members into full membership of a sorority including lifelong beneďŹ ts
Greek Glossary: -
-
-
Intentional Single Preference: when a woman lists only one chapter on her membership recruitment acceptance binding agreement (MRABA) following preference round but attended more than one party (DO NOT DO THIS) Legacy: a daughter, sister or granddaughter of an initiated member of a sorority; this does not guarantee a bid to the chapter you are a legacy to-- keep an open mind! Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA)- a binding agreement signed by a potential new member
-
-
-
-
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)the umbrella organization for 26 inter/national sororities New Member- a woman who accepted a bid from a sorority but is not yet an active member of a chapter New Member Educator- the officer in each chapter charged with educating new member about the values, history, standards and expectations of the organization Philanthropy- a speciďŹ c organization or cause to which members donate volunteer hours and money
Greek Glossary: -
-
-
Pin/Badge- a insignia of fraternity or sorority membership worn by initiated members Potential New Members- a woman who is eligible to participate in recruitment Preference- the final round of primary recruitment Recommendation- a form completed by a member of a sorority, recommending a potential new member for membership Recruitment- a period of time during which events are held by each sorority for the purpose of selecting new members; recruitment is organized and implemented by the College Panhellenic
-
-
-
Recruitment Event- each chapter a PNM visits during a round of recruitment is an event Recruitment Round- a round is a day or days during recruitment when you visit a specific number of chapters; for example, Go Greek Rounds, Philanthropy Round, Sisterhood Round, Preference Round Release- when a PNM stated willingness to receive an invitation or bid from a chapter does not match with that organization’s list of PNM’s invited to its recruitment event or membership
Greek Glossary: -
-
-
Ritual- sacred and inspirational ceremonies used to inspire and educate members about the values of the organization Snap Bid- a bid that is offered to a PNM prior to the start of Bid Day by a chapter that did not match to quota; a PNM is eligible to receive a snap bid if she registered and attended at least one round of the primary recruitment process, however did not complete the recruitment process or did not match to a chapter after completing the MRABA Gamma Chi- recruitment counselor that guides Potential New Members through recruitment week
-
-
-
Social- a get-together with another group for a party, dinner or other fun occasion Sorority- a Greek-letter sisterhood; NPC refers to all its members organizations, regardless of formal title, as sororities Strict Silence- the period of time after the close of preference events and prior to the distribution of bids when there is no communication between potential new members and sorority women Total- the allowable chapter size on a campus, as determined by College Panhellenic, which includes both new members and initiated members
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) The National Panhellenic Conference is an umbrella organization for 26 national women's sororities throughout the United States and Canada. Each member group is autonomous as a social, Greek-letter society of college women and alumnae.
Panhellenic Sorority Chapters We have 8 Panhellenic sorority chapters at Mississippi State University. Each chapter brings its own unique qualities together for the betterment of the Greek community and are all a part of what makes MSU Greek Life so great! For more information about each chapter speciďŹ cally, go to our recruitment guide on greeks.msstate.edu. Any further questions about chapters speciďŹ cally can be answered at the Organization Fair at your designated Orientation time or during recruitment week.
Panhellenic Sorority Chapters Alpha Delta Pi
Chi Omega
Panhellenic Sorority Chapters Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta)
Delta Gamma
Panhellenic Sorority Chapters Kappa Delta
Phi Mu
Panhellenic Sorority Chapters Pi Beta Phi
Zeta Tau Alpha
Financial Obligations (Overview)
Financial Obligations (Breakdown)
Financial Obligations (Breakdown)
Financial Obligations (Breakdown)
Values Based Recruitment We use a values based recruitment system here at Mississippi State University. When you signed up for recruitment you chose 3 values that you ďŹ nd important and have shaped you into who you are today. Keep these values in mind when you are having conversations with active members in each of the houses. This is your time to get to know the girls in the house and we want you to be able to take advantage of that!
Academic Obligations No specific GPA is required to join a sorority, however, here at Mississippi State University we pride ourselves on the academic excellence that our Greek community has shown over the years. When going through the recruitment process your GPA from your most recent academic institution will qualify you for one of these three zones:
Green Zone: 3.0 & Above options are not likely to be limited by GPA Yellow Zone: 2.75-2.99 – Your options are more likely to be limited by GPA Red Zone: 2.74 & Below – Your options are very likely to be limited by GPA
If I’m in the yellow/red zone, what do I do? QUESTIONS THE HOUSES WANT TO KNOW: - Why your GPA is in the yellow or red zone? - What are you going to do to improve in college? - Are you willing to change your study habits?
Your , GPA does matter but it does not define you. If you do fall under the yellow or red category, it is not the end of the world. Our chapters appreciate showing initiative. Here, we are going to go over some ways to let the chapters know you are not defined by your GPA and that you plan to improve it moving forward throughout college.
What should I say? A way to bring this up to the chapter is to ask about their academics. This will spark the conversation. - Does your chapter require study hours? - I have heard a lot about how the chapters care about academics, how does your chapter make sure its members are held accountable? After this you can easily say, my GPA has struggled a little bit because of‌ If you know that you are willing to put serious effort into making sure your grades are a priority then reassure them of that and let them know that your high school GPA does not deďŹ ne you!
Conversation Starters: Go Greek
Social: -
-
What are some of your social functions? Is it mandatory to attend all social functions? If my signiďŹ cant other is not in a fraternity or sorority, can he or she still attend social functions with me? Is there anyone in your chapter from my area/high school that I might know? How do you spend your free time?
Activities: -
How active is your chapter in intramurals? Are your members involved in academic groups on campus? Do your members belong to any athletic teams on campus? How involved is your sorority in other campus activities? Do you participate in activities with other fraternities/sororities?
Conversation Starters: Philanthropy
Community Service: -
How does your chapter support your philanthropy? What is your favorite thing about your philanthropy? Do you still get to participate in other chapters philanthropy events? What is your favorite philanthropy event that your chapter puts on? How many community service hours does your chapter require? What philanthropies do you support?
Time: -
How often does your chapter have philanthropy events? How long do philanthropy events usually last?
-
Lifelong BeneďŹ ts: -
What alumnae connections are available through your organizations? Is there a local alumnae organization? Are alumnae actively involved with your chapter?
Leadership: -
What leadership opportunities are available in your sorority? Are there positions I can hold as a new member? Is there training for leadership positions? Is there a limit to the number of positions that can be held during membership?
Personal: these questions could be used during Philanthropy, Sisterhood, or Preference -
Why did you choose this sorority? How were you sure it was the right choice for you? How has being a member of this sorority beneďŹ tted you?
Conversation Starters: Sisterhood
Sisterhood: -
What’s your favorite thing about your sisterhood? What makes your sisterhood stand out from the rest? What do you do at sisterhood events? What’s your favorite sisterhood event that your chapter has put on? What makes your chapters sisterhood strong? How well do you get to know everyone in your chapter? Do the members spend time together outside of meetings and mandatory events?
Social: -
What do you and your sisters do in your free time? What’s your favorite thing to do with your sisters?
Cost and Time: -
What are the time commitments as a member of your sorority? What are the financial commitments for a member of your sorority? Are there any costs on top of your regular dues? Do you have payment plans available if needed?
Membership Education: -
What is your new member education period like? What is its purpose? What rules do you have for new members? How long does it take before I am initiated? What is the time commitment for new members? What things does your chapter do to provide education to all its members?
Housing: -
What duties are assigned for cleaning or other tasks? What areas are visitors allowed/not allowed in? Am I required to live in the sorority house? If so, for how long? How are people selected to get to live in the house?
Personal: -
Why did you choose this sorority? How were you sure it was the right choice for you? How has being a member of this sorority beneďŹ tted you?
Conversation Starters: Preference
Comparison: -
What are the advantages of membership in your sorority? What made your chapter stand out to you during recruitment? What is the thing you ďŹ nd most unique about your chapter?
Personal: -
Why did you choose this sorority? How were you sure it was the right choice for you? How has being a member of this sorority beneďŹ tted you?
-
Tips for Recruitment Week
Be engaged! This means really listen when the active members are talking to you and contribute to the conversation.
-
Show interest! These active members are so excited to get the chance to talk to you and get to know you, make sure you make it known to them that you are happy to be there!
-
Be respectful! These ladies have invited YOU to the place they call home. Do not forget that getting to go through recruitment week is a privilege.
-
Answer their questions with questions of your own. It will show that you are interested in what they have to say and help with ow of conversation!
MRABA (Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement The MRABA is a form that you will sign at Selection on Preference Night after going to your last party. This form is a binding contract, meaning by signing that contract you are saying that wherever you receive a bid to the next day you will accept the bid. In the chance that you do not wish to accept the bid, you will be unable to participate in any recruitment processes (Continuous Open Bidding, Spring Recruitment, etc.) until Fall Recruitment of that next year.
I am in a sorority, what now?
Something that people in the past have felt unprepared for is what comes next after recruitment week. This section will consist of the expectations Mississippi State University, the Greek community, and what your new chapter will expect of you, as well as, what to expect as a new sorority woman.
What to expect after accepting your bid: BID DAY -
-
-
Come to Union ballroom, find your Gamma Chi group, open bid cards. We will call you by sorority to leave and head to the Ampitheatre where Bid Day will take place. Once we get there, we will tell you when you can run home. When you run home, you will find your Bid Day Buddy. Panhellenic Executive Council and Gamma Chi’s will reveal their letters. Everyone heads to sorority row.
BID NIGHT -
-
This varies from chapter to chapter, but everyone will walk back to the row and go to their new houses with their new sisters. Your chapter will have something fun planned for you all to do that night so you can get to know everyone.
*Too much detail cannot be given because each chapter does something different, but just know you are definitely going to have fun!*
Days in the Life of Greek Women Many of you have asked about the time commitment required for being in a sorority. We felt the best way to answer this question is to show you a variety of different sorority women’s schedules to show you that being in a sorority can take up as much time or as little time as you want it to. If these women can make it work, so can you! This experience is what you make it!
Days in the Life of Greek Women Panhellenic President
Days in the Life of Greek Women ROTC and Campus Organizations
-
5:30 AM - Wake up 6:00-7:00 AM - Physical Training for ROTC at the Sanderson 8:00-9:00 AM - Shower and eat breakfast 9:00-9:50 AM - Go to class 10:00-11:00 AM - Go the sorority house for lunch 11:00-11:50 AM - Go to class 12:00-12:50 PM - Go to class 1:00-3:00 PM - Break (I go study at the library or the sorority house) 3:00-5:00 PM - Lab 5:00-6:00 PM - Dinner at the sorority house 6:00-7:00 PM - Chapter Meeting or other club meeting
“I always have my homework assignments complete the day before they are due. I almost never am doing a homework assignment the night before. Once you are last minute on one assignment it is a domino effect. All it takes is one week to make it a habit - start doing your assignments before they are due at the beginning of the semester, and then it incredibly easy to maintain for the remainder of the semester. This is a life saver when I found out about sisterhood events/campus organization meetings/dinner dates last minute! I can spare time to attend because I don’t have to worry about doing something that night when it’s due the next day.”
Days in the Life of Greek Women Campus Organizations and Chapter Leadership
Expectations of a Greek Woman As a greek woman, you are expected to put your school work ďŹ rst. Education is the reason you came to Mississippi State and you have to always be aware of that. This expectation may vary by chapter, but most chapters will require you to be involved in 1-3 organizations that are not affiliated with your chapter. This is to encourage you to contribute to Mississippi State in ways other than Greek Life and to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people.
Expectations of a Greek Woman We also have to know that, by joining a sorority, we are now a part of something that is much bigger than ourselves. This means that we have to behave in ways that would make our chapter proud. Your letters are something you should be proud of. Anything that is sorority affiliated should not be mentioned or worn in these settings: parties, bars, anywhere where you are drinking or doing things that would not reflect well on your chapter. We also do not condone the use of “finstas” or fake instagrams, private stories on Snapchat, or anything of that nature. The reason for this is because even though it may seem like those things are private, once you put information/pictures/videos out there, they do not go away. So it is better to steer clear from these things.
Greek Community Being a part of Mississippi State’s Greek Life community means that you a part of one big family. We want every chapter in every council to succeed in all that they do, and the best way to help with that is by always contributing and supporting them when they have events. We all work so hard for our philanthropies, our community, and Mississippi State as a whole. By showing our love and support, we are helping each council be the best they can be.
National PanHellenic Council (NPHC) The National Pan-Hellenic Council is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. The nine NPHC organizations are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Divine Nine". On our campus we have 8 of the “Divine Nine�.
Ways to get involved with NPHC: NPHC on our campus encompasses 8 service based organizations. A way to get involved with their council is by participating in the events they put on throughout the semester. The pictures to the right are of events they hosted previously, but by following their instagram account (@nphc_msstate) you can stay posted on any events coming up. They have 2 events coming up: -
August 22nd - NPHC Block Party August 27th - NPHC Game Night
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) The purpose of NMGC is to provide a forum that allows for the free exchange of ideas, programs, and services between its constituent fraternities and sororities; to promote the awareness of multicultural diversity within collegiate institutions, their surrounding communities, and the greater community-at-large, and to support and promote the works of its member organizations.
Interfraternity Council (IFC) The North-American Interfraternity Conference is an association of collegiate men's fraternities that was formally organized in 1910, although it began on November 27, 1909. The power of the organization rests in a House of Delegates in which each member fraternity is represented by a single delegate.
Ways to get involved with IFC: Each IFC chapter has at least one philanthropy that they fundraise for and support. A way to get involved with IFC chapters is by attending their philanthropy events. All of the proceeds from these events go to the philanthropy of that chapter. These philanthropy events will be promoted on their instagram @msstateifc, as well as on our account @msu_panhellenic, so follow their account to stay updated about what all they have planned!
We Are So Excited to Meet You! As recruitment gets closer and closer we hope that you are excited to step into this new chapter of your life! Mississippi State Greek life is an incredible family to join and hopefully after this program you feel more at ease with the idea of joining a chapter on our campus. Wearing Greek letters is a huge privilege and it is our hope that you remember that when going through the recruitment process. All 8 of our chapters are so excited to get to know you and welcome you into their homes. Get excited, Recruitment 2019 is just around the corner!
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Phone: 662-325-3917 www.greeks.msstate.edu
Have a question we didn’t answer? Contact our office or go online to view our 2019 Recruitment Guide!
Rachel Dumke, President mstatepanhellenicpresident@gmail.com
Addie Melchior, Director of Recruitment msupanrecruitment@gmail.com
Follow us! Instagram: msu_panhellenic Twitter: MSUPanhellenic