Sorority recruitment handbook

Sorority Fall Recruitment 2013 No matter the letters,

We’re all tied together.

Sorority Recruitment 2013

“They’re the people you can share your secrets with, cry with, laugh with, and just be yourself with. They don’t judge you or make you change. They accept you exactly as you are. They look at you and they see a great person, one they love spending time with.

You all share something in common and are tied together by memories, tears, laughs & smiles. You’re tied together by love for the other. Sisterhood is the greatest thing in the world. I find my time with my sisters the best times of my life. My sisters are my heart, my soul, my fun, my laughter, my tears, my love and my life” – Unknown

Dear Potential New Member,

We, as the Panhellenic council, would like to give you a warm welcome to our beautiful campus at the University of Montevallo. This is a wonderful place to spend your time during your college career, and becoming a part of Greek life on campus can only enhance that experience even more. To begin your college journey, we would like to encourage you to join in on the fun of Sorority Recruitment. Being a part of the Greek community provides great opportunities during your time at Montevallo. With the average sorority woman’s GPA being higher than the non-Greek female student’s GPA, Greek life shares in a greater standard of academic excellence. Having the support of sorority sisters can be a great encouragement to excel in your studies.

Along with striving to succeed academically, sorority women are extremely involved on our campus, outside of Greek life. Greek women can be found participating in non-Greek clubs and organizations, where many hold leadership positions. Our Greek community is intently focused on community service. Since each sorority and fraternity supports a specific charity, the campus is constantly bustling with events sponsoring their causes. This provides women the opportunity to serve local and national charitable organizations, which cultivates an attitude of generosity within our Greek community. As you can see, while Greek life provides friends, social events, and fun times, we also are given support academically and offered with many outlets to serve our community. This gives women the tools to flourish during their time at Montevallo and in their lives following their college years. We would love to have you as a member of our Greek family!

Audrey 2013 President University of Montevallo Panhellenic Council

Dear Potential New Member,

Welcome to the University of Montevallo and to sorority recruitment. I am so glad that you chose the University of Montevallo as your home for the next four years. It truly is a home away from home. Not only are you now a college student, but you’re also part of the Montevallo family. Those of you who are returning students know what I’m talking about. The UM family is real, and you will soon see the loyalty, pride, and respect that we have for each other.

You have the unique opportunity over the next few days to explore five families within the Montevallo family. They are the sisterhoods of Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, and Phi Mu. These five sororities are all wonderful examples of the UM family. The young women who make up their memberships are leaders, community servants, scholars, and so much more. You now get to meet these five families to see which one you feel most at home with.

Sorority recruitment is a wonderful experience. You will meet young women over the next few days that you’ll stay in touch with throughout your four years at Montevallo and beyond. You will also have the opportunity to learn what sorority life has to offer you. It is amazing how many opportunities a sorority can grant to you both on a local and national level.

Have fun this week as you begin your journey here at UM. Be yourself, and trust your own feelings. I am so very glad that you are all here, and I’ll be here for you this week whenever you need me! Once again, welcome to the University of Montevallo!

Jenny Bell Director of Student Life Panhellenic Advisor

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 the 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.

Why It’s Great to be Greek Being Greek Means You Are Part of a Great Tradition!

In all areas of business and government, there are outstanding men and women who are very proud of their Greek affiliations. Greek organizations teach priceless skills. A sorority chapter is actually a learning laboratory in gaining so many skills that are necessary and highly valuable in today’s world. You gain leadership skills, time management assistance, and you learn to be a better team player. As a Greek, you will share ties with such famous women as Dr. Condoleeza Rice, the former U.S. Secretary of State; Erin Andrews, ESPN Reporter; and Jerri Mock, the first woman aviator to fly successfully around the world.

Being Greek Means High Academic Standards!

On the University of Montevallo campus, Greeks are held to high standards both academically and socially. Consistently, the sororities have a higher grade point average than the average non-Greek woman on campus. We focus on our studies and mentor one another. Study groups within the chapters also help. Our class attendance is very high, and scholarship is the highest priority in sororities.

Being Greek Means Giving Back to the Community!

While Greeks enjoy a well-rounded social life, that’s far from the most important part of sorority life. A sorority presents many opportunities for involvement on campus and in the community. You are guaranteed to have a full life in every area. Among the most important activities are those that focus on philanthropic causes. Each sorority has a local philanthropy in addition to supporting their national philanthropy. All Greeks participate in school sponsored service events as well, such as blood drives, canned food drives, and projects sponsored by SGA and other campus organizations. Since the Greeks are known for their philanthropic works, they are called upon by the community to assist in a variety of ways, and they always respond!

Being Greek Means You Will Always Have a Home Away From Home!

An instant new family…that’s what you get when you join a sorority. The moment you pledge, you’ll have more than 40 new sisters at the University of Montevallo. Freshman year can have some stress associated with it, and having an instant support system can be a great help. Getting to know your sisters is a fun and beneficial experience. You’ll have mentors who can help you not only when you are a freshman, but throughout your life. There is also a strong group of alumnae associated with each chapter as advisors. They are also available to assist you in any way.

Being Greek Means Campus Involvement!

Sorority life presents so many opportunities for involvement. You’ll never have a boring minute. There is a full menu of activities from which to choose. The members of each chapter all have different interests. The activities of a sorority reflect the variety in interests of their members. There are Bible studies, social events (like exchanges with fraternities that might even be costume parties), philanthropy events, study groups, athletic games, and sisterhood events. On campus, the Greeks are the most highly participatory group of all. College Night is an especially exciting time! Each chapter participates in every intramural sport. The Greeks also have their own week. Greek Week in the spring brings positive attention to the many contributions the sororities and fraternities make to the campus and community.

Greek membership opens doors to so many opportunities during your college years, and the Greek member enjoys a lifetime of benefits including professional networking, community involvement, and instant friendships through alumnae associations located in every area of the country. It is truly the experience of a lifetime!

It’s All Greek to Me! terms and slang

Active - an initiated member of a fraternity or sorority.

Alumna – a female member who has graduated from her initiating chapter.

Bid – an invitation to join a fraternity or sorority.

Big Sister/ Big Sis – an active who befriends a new member and becomes like an older sister to her.

NPC – National Panhellenic Conference; a conference composed of delegates from 26 recognized women’s social fraternities.

Panhellenic Council – the governing body of all NPC sororities at a college or university, consisting of representatives from each sorority on campus.

Philanthropy – active effort to promote human welfare.

Candlelight – a ceremony in which a member reveals having been given a lavaliere, fraternity pin, or engagement ring.

Pin/ Badge – a jeweled representative of the sorority or fraternity’s crest that is usually worn above the left breast.

Chapter – an organized, local branch of a fraternity or sorority.

Potential New Member – a college or university student who is becoming oriented with all sororities on a college campus in order to secure a pledge of membership.

Greek – a term applied to members affiliated with a Greek-letter organization.

Initiation – the ceremony in which a person becomes a member of a fraternity or sorority and receives all associated rights and privileges.

Lavaliere – a necklace with the letters of a Greek Organization.

Legacy – a sister, daughter, or granddaughter of a sorority member.

Quota – the number of new members, determined by the local college Panhellenic, which any Greek chapter may pledge during a specified time.

Recruitment Counselors – Sorority members who have disassociated themselves from their chapters during recruitment to answer any questions a potential new member may have about recruitment.

Social – a get together with another group for a party, dinner, or other fun function.

Membership has its privileges…

And its responsibilities When you accept a bid from a sorority, you become a new member of that chapter. You’ll be a part of a new member class; a group of young women who have chosen that sorority during recruitment and accepted the invitation to membership. The new member experience can be one of the most memorable times during your college years.

Your new sisters will make you feel comfortable and will include you in fun sisterhood and other types of activities.

There will also be an orientation or “new member” period. Before the new member can be initiated, she must fulfill the sororities requirements that may include learning its history, purpose and goals. This is information that a new member should know in order to fully understand the scope of the organization she has joined.

It’s important for a new member to understand that once she’s initiated, she can never join any other National Panhellenic Conference Sorority. That’s one of the most important agreements that exist among the 26 member sororities of the conference. If the new member decides not to be initiated, she is eligible to join another sorority, but ONLY AFTER ONE CALENDAR YEAR HAS ELAPSED. This is important information for any potential new member to know.

The new member period can be one of the most positive and rewarding experiences of your career. There are no demeaning or

degrading requirements. Hazing is strictly forbidden by each national sorority, the National Panhellenic Conference, the University of Montevallo, and the State of Alabama.

Sorority membership is an investment in your personal growth. It’s your responsibility to take advantage of the opportunities offered to you by your sorority membership. You’ll be expected to participate in activities and to add your time and talents to the success of your chapter. Your academic success is the highest priority, and the sorority expects you to do your best. Each sorority sets high standards for behavior and participation. You will be expected to be fully aware of those standards and to rise to meet them.

There is a financial obligation for all sororities.

Chapters are run in accordance with good business practices. The dues and fees of the members support the social activities and philanthropy events that are sponsored by the chapter. Each sorority has its own fee structure, and you should be sure to ask the sorority about their financial expectations.

Here are the average costs for the sororities at the University of Montevallo: New Member Fee: $502.00 Monthly Dues: $74.30 Please keep in mind that this is an average of all five chapters. Some chapters will have higher fees than these and some will be lower.

Potential New Member Bill of Rights 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 members.

The right to be treated with respect.

The right to have and express opinions to recruitment counselors.

The right to have confidentiality when sharing information with

recruitment counselors.

The right to make informed choices without undue pressure from others.

The right to be fully informed about the binding agreements implicit in the

Membership Recruitment Acceptance Agreement (MRAA).

The right to make one’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 new

member experience.

Recruitment Schedule Wednesday, Sept. 4th - Mandatory Mtg 6 p.m. Comer Auditorium,

First meeting with

Pi Chi Groups, Recruitment Check-in Thursday, Sept. 5th - Open House 7 p.m.

Meet in Comer

Auditorium for Pi

Chi Meetings 8:30-8:50 p.m.

Party One 9:05-9:25 p.m.

Party Two 9:40-10 p.m.

Party Three 10:15-10:35 p.m. Party Four 10:50-11:10 p.m. Party Five 11:15 p.m.

Pi Chi Meetings

in Comer Friday, Sept. 6th - Philanthropy Night 6 p.m.

Meet in Comer

Auditorium for Pi

Chi Meetings 7-7:30 p.m.

Party One 7:50-8:20 p.m.

Party Two 8:40-9:10 p.m.

Party Three 9:30-10 p.m.

Party Four 10:20-10:50 p.m. Party Five 11 p.m.

Pi Chi Meetings

in Comer

Saturday, Sept. 7th - Sisterhood Night 12 p.m.

Meet in Comer

Auditorium for

Pi Chi Meetings 1-1:50 p.m.

Party One 2:10-3:00 p.m.

Party Two 3:20-4:10 p.m.

Party Three 4:30-5:20 p.m.

Party Four 5:40-6:30 Party FIve 6:40 p.m.

Pi Chi Meetings

in Comer

Sunday, Sept. 8th - Preference 12 p.m.

Meet in Comer Auditorium 1-2 p.m.

Party One 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Party Two 4-5 p.m.

Party Three Immediately after your last party, return to Comer for selections. STRICT SILENCE. Monday, Sept. 9th - Bid Day 5:15 p.m.

Meet in Comer Auditorium

What to Wear

Open House: Sun dresses, blouses, and nice skirts or pants.

Philanthropy Night: Recruitment shirt with tasteful bottoms and shoes.

What to Wear

Sisterhood Night: Dressy casual, cute tops with nice skirts or pants.

Preference Night: This is the most formal night. A nice, knee-length cocktail dress and heels are recommended.

Recruitment Tips •

Check to make sure that you have the appropriate wardrobe selections for each day.

•

Wear comfortable shoes or flip flops, and pack heels in your purse to change into when you get to the parties.

•

Bring an umbrella.

•

Relax and remember that the sorority women are just as nervous as you are.

•

Be courteous to your group members and Recruitment Counselors by always being on time. Events begin and end at certain times.

•

Confide in your Recruitment Counselor. She can be your best friend during recruitment week. Feel free to ask her any questions or discuss any problems that you may encounter during the recruitment process.

•

Be open to all sororities, looking for characteristics that are unique to each.

•

Don’t worry if you find that a sorority member or alumna will not talk to you outside of recruitment functions. There is a silence period when sorority members are to refrain from speaking with potential new members.

•

Get plenty of rest each night. Drink a lot of water. You may want to bring snacks to eat in between the parties.

Famous Greeks Madelyn Albright Kirstie Allie Troy Aikman Erin Andrews Vera Bradley Jimmy Buffet Laura Bush Drew Brees Kenny Chesney David Cook Katie Couric Sheryl Crow Jamie Lee Curtis Bob Dylan Aretha Franklin Joanna Garcia Nancy Grace Amy Grant

Star Jones Ashley Judd Alicia Keys Anne Klien Gladys Knight Ashton Kutcher Lucy Liu Oscar Mayer Bette Midler Sandra Day O’Connor Georgia O’Keefe Gwyneth Paltrow Sarah Jessica Parker J.C. Penny Brad Pitt Colin Powell Ronald Reagan Orville Redenbacker

Condoleeza Rice Sally Ride Eleanor Roosevelt Babe Ruth Meg Ryan Fred Savage Dr. Seuss Paul Simon Jada Pinkett Smith Ben Stein Sharon Stone Shirley Temple Donald Trump Carrie Underwood Tennessee Williams Vanessa Williams Tiger Woods Mark Zuckerberg

Advantages of Greek Life 1. Friendship and Brotherhood/Sisterhood 2. Academic Support and Excellence 3. Leadership Opportunities 4. Social and Recreational Involvement 5. Philanthropy and Service 6. Networking and Alumni Involvement

Questions?

Contact: Jenny Bell 205-665-6565 jbell8@montevallo.edu

16% Sixteen percent of undergraduate students are Greek. That’s 15.5% of female undergrads and 18% of male undergrads.

3.33 The average sorority GPA is 3.33, while the average GPA of non-Greek females is 3.188.

The average fraternity GPA is 3.02, while the average GPA of non-Greek males is 2.9.

Alpha Delta Pi Nickname: ADPi Founded: 1851, Wesleyan College Founded at UM: 1971 Chapter Name: Zeta Delta Flower: Woodlyn Violet Colors: Azure Blue and White Mascot: Alphie the Lion Philanthropy: Ronald McDonald House Motto: “We Live For Each Other” National Website: www.alphadeltapi.org Local Website: www.alphadeltapi.org/montevallozd High School GPA required: 3.0 College GPA required: Panhellenic Average or higher President: Abigail Bradley Recruitment Chair: Emily Moses

Alpha Gamma Delta Nickname: Alpha Gam Founded: 1904, Syracuse University Founded at UM: 1972 Chapter Name: Gamma Upsilon Flower: Red and Buff Rose Colors: Red, Buff, and Green Mascot: Squirrel Philanthropy: Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation Motto: “Surrounded by Sisterhood” National Website: www.alphagammadelta.org Local Website: websites.omegafi.com/omegaws/

alphagammadeltamontevallo/ High School GPA required: 2.5 College GPA required: 2.3 President: Mallory Mitchell Recruitment Chair: Mary Kate McLaurine

Chi Omega Nickname: Chi O Founded: 1895, University of Arkansas Founded at UM: 1971 Chapter Name: Tau Kappa Flower: White Carnation Colors: Cardinal and Straw Mascot: Owl Philanthropy: Make-A-Wish Foundation Motto: Hellenic Culture and Christian Ideals National Website: www.chiomega.org Local Website: chaptersites.chiomega.com/default.aspx?site=178 High School GPA required: 3.0 College GPA required: 2.5 President: Jana Taunton Recruitment Chair: Lizzie Bellina

Delta Gamma Nickname: Dee Gee Founded: 1973, Lewis School (Ole Miss) Founded at UM: 1991 Chapter Name: Zeta Nu Flower: Delta Gamma Cream Colored Rose Colors: Bronze, Pink, and Blue Mascot: Hannah and the Golden Anchor Philanthropy: Service for Sight and Aid to the Blind Motto: “Do Good�

National Website: www.deltagamma.org Local Website: montevallo.deltagamma.org High School GPA required: 2.7 College GPA required: 2.7 President: Jordan Wales Recruitment Chair: Julia Erwin

Phi Mu Nickname: Phi Mu Founded: 1852, Wesleyan College Founded at UM: 1972 Chapter Name: Kappa Chi Flower: Rose Carnation Colors: Rose and White Mascot: Lion Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Motto: Hellenic “Les Soeurs Fideles,” Faithful Sisters National Website: www.phimu.org Local Website: sites2.theginsystem.com/phimumontevallo High School GPA required: 3.0 College GPA required: 2.5 President: Kelly Fromholzer Recruitment Chair: Maria Ramos

Notes ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Notes ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

205-665-6565 www.montevallo.edu/GreekLife/panhellenic