PANHELLENIC RECRUITMENT GUIDE 2016
A M ESSAG E FROM OU R R EC RU ITM EN T OFFIC ER Welcome, Star!
each of our sisterhoods
Each of our four houses
has something unique to
is full of strong women
On behalf of the Panhellenic
offer, every woman in
that will encourage you in
Community, I would like
our community has found a
all of your endeavors and
to welcome you and let
house that they proudly call
enrich your life every day.
you know how ecstatic we
their home.
Recruitment is an exciting
are that you have chosen
time to get to know your
Oklahoma City University as
When you take the first step
fellow freshmen women and
your new home. I am even
toward joining a sorority by
more than 40 percent of the
more delighted that you are
going through Recruitment,
female population on OCU’s
considering joining one of our
you are not just choosing
fantastic campus. There is
four amazing sisterhoods,
which Greek letters you will
truly nothing to lose by going
which make up the largest
wear, you are becoming a
through recruitment, but so
student organization on
part of something that is
very much to gain! Get ready
far greater than yourself.
to meet new friends, make
Joining a sorority will enrich
memories, and have fun!
campus.
WEL COM E TO
The OCU sorority community is recognized as one of the finest in the country, with numerous chapters and individual members earning national awards in the areas of scholarship, community service, and leadership each year. Whether your passion is academia, performance, service, fellowship, leadership, or athletics, joining a sorority can assist you in achieving more than you ever thought possible. Within our four Panhellenic
your college experience
sororities, we have women
academically and socially,
represented from nearly
and will inspire you to grow
every field of study,
into the woman you hope to
Meagan Chew
athletic team, and student
become. The bonds you form
Panhellenic Vice President
organization on campus,
with your sisters are not ones
so there is a perfect fit
that last four years, but are
for everyone! Because
ones that will last for life.
Best Wishes,
OCU Panhellenic Association and Council NAT IONA L PA N H E L L E NIC CON F E R E NCE
Phi, Delta Gamma, Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Pi Beta Phi to discuss their similarities and the
National Panhellenic Conference
honor of belonging to a women’s
(NPC) is an organization that
fraternity both for their time
oversees and supports the
and still today. As time went on
growth of 26 sororities and
NPC began to organize, creating
women’s fraternities both
councils at Universities and
nationally and internationally.
Colleges where these women’s
NPC holds these individual
fraternities existed.
organizations to high standards,
A Message From Our President from each of the
is able to develop fully
sororities, and each
into the best version of
woman is chosen
herself. Sisters are always
to be a voice and
there to encourage each
embodiment of her
other to get involved and
own house on the
become strong leaders.
council. The council
Lastly we value service
discusses matters
that above many things
such as recruitment,
women’s Greek Life never
scholarship, social
hesitates to give back.
events, philanthropy,
Each sisterhood invests
and is then able to
time into raising money
ensure all houses
for their philanthropy, and
are meeting the
completing community
higher aims that all women’s fraternities wish to fulfill. At OCU, Panhellenic supports all the women’s fraternities in their individual goals and is always working
and ensures that women are
PANHE LLENIC AT O CU
to find innovative ways to
women’s fraternities during
At Oklahoma City University
Greek life experience. Without
their college years. Panhellenic
the Panhellenic Council exists
the existence of Panhellenic,
focuses on what we all have in
to oversee the four women’s
women’s fraternities would
common. Historically NPC began
fraternities on campus: Alpha Chi
not be given the supportive
when Kappa Kappa Gamma
Omega, Alpha Phi, Gamma Phi
environment needed to grow.
invited six other women’s
Beta, and Phi Mu. The council
The Panhellenic council at OCU
fraternities including Alpha
consists of three representatives
believes in all that it means to be
able to gain an enriching and rewarding experience through
improve the quality of women’s
a part of a women’s fraternity and works to continue to make the opportunity available for women for years to come. At Oklahoma City University the Panhellenic council and
service hours. Through these values women in OCU Greek Life are all able to achieve more as individuals, and create an experience that lasts far beyond their four years at OCU.
Panhellenic to me means coming together with women that share the same love for sisterhood and believe in the power of belonging to a women’s fraternity. Each fraternity has a rich history full of strong minded and courageous women. Women’s fraternities choosing to join together and create the NPC furthered the growth and strength of the fraternal bond. It has been such a privilege to serve on Panhellenic Council and to find women who are both mentors and friends throughout women’s Greek Life. Being on the council has shown me, while we all have our strengths, together we are able to become
community values sisterhood
more; striving to create a strong
and the lifelong bond and
Panhellenic community. We each
memories that come with it.
have found our own homes to
We value scholarship because
grow as women and build life-
college is a time to learn and
long memories, but it is through
grow as students, and discover
Panhellenic that each sisterhood
what it is we are meant to do.
is able to remain strong.
We value leadership; through women’s Greek Life each woman
Chandler M. Hardy Panhellenic President
Welcome from Greek Life
The following information will be required for registration: • Your student ID Number (B-Number). Your B-Number is a nine-digit number starting with the letter B.
detail, as it will be a resource
• Your high school information,
to many of the questions you
including your GPA
will have regarding Greek Life.
• Your T-Shirt size
If you still have questions,
• Your honors, activities, or
don’t hesitate to contact your
service experience
Rho Gamma or the Panhellenic Plan to register for everything in
Advisor.
one sitting; if you close your Any women with
application it will not be saved
special needs due to
and you must start from the
Your first week
health or disability
beginning.
of college is
are encouraged
one of the most
to contact the
exciting weeks
OCU Panhellenic
you will have
Advisor at
in your college
405.208.7903. We
career, and
want everyone to
taking the leap
have an outstanding
to participate
recruitment
in Sorority Recruitment may be
experience!
where you meet your new best
FOR SOROR ITY R E CRU I T M E N T
Contact Information okcu.edu/students/greeklife/ 405.208.6287 ljharrel@okcu.edu
friend! Should you choose to
The OCU Panhellenic Advisor and
accept a bid to one of our four
Rho Gammas are here to assist
amazing chapters, you will join
you in the recruitment process
the long legacy of OCU Greek
and help you get adjusted your
students who have focused
first few days at OCU. Don’t
their life around the values of
hesitate to say hello, we just may
Once you have completed your
leadership, scholarship, service,
be your new sisters soon!
registration application and your
Find us on Facebook at OCU Sorority Recruitment 2016
payment has been received, a
and sisterhood. Registration for Sorority
confirmation email will be sent
The Panhellenic Council at OCU
Recruitment is available online at
within the following two weeks.
facilitates a fully structured
okcu.edu/students/greeklife/.
Remember to check your OCU
recruitment process during Stars
Registration will open on April
email regularly to see any updates
Week, the week before classes
11, 2016 and will close on
or information you might need!
start in the Fall. Please take the
August 16, 2016 at 11:50 p.m.
time to review this booklet in
To register, visit: okcu.edu/students/greeklife/panhellenic > Click the “Online Registration” link > Fill in required information
Schedule of Events EV ERYTHING YOU NEED TO K NOW AUG
16
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION: GREEK LIFE (parents only) 3:00-5:00 pm Meinders School of Business
G RE E K LIFE IN FORMATION ME E TI NG (student event, parents welcome)
M U T UAL SEL ECTION PRO C E SS
many chapters as possible during
and during Sorority Recruitment.
their recruitment experience.
Use this time to make new OCU Panhellenic Council
campus!
does not set any academic
There is no guarantee that a
selection process that balances
woman will receive a bid to any
the preferences of each potential
sorority. However, if a PNM
new member with those of our
attends all the events she is
sorority chapters. The OCU
invited to and is invited to a party
Panhellenic Council attempts
on Preference Night (Round 3)
to give each potential new
and lists those chapters on her
member the opportunity to find
preference sheet that night, she
the sorority that best suits her
will receive a bid to one of those
individual interests, personality,
chapters.
woman to a chapter. If you have
an objective and organized
There is no specific formula or
have told you that you need a
membership selection process
reason to explain why a woman
for the chapters.
is released from a particular
and values, while providing
chapter, or why a woman prefers
AC ADEM IC STAN DAR D S
friends in all the organizations on Sorority Recruitment is a mutual
RE COMME N DATION LE TTERS A letter of recommendation is written by an alumna member of an organization for the purpose of introducing a family members or friends who recommendation letter to get into a sorority, no need to worry! Fortunately, recommendation letters do not play a large role in
conditions for potential new
5:30-11:15 pm Panhellenic Quad
it is important to understand each chapter has grade point average requirements set by its international organization and local chapters. It is possible, but extremely rare, for exceptions to
you may have significantly fewer opportunities than participants
on Wednesday. There is no
to provide the opportunity for
guarantee that a PNM will be
each PNM to join her chapter
invited to attend the second or
of choice, but there are no
third event rounds. Invitations
guarantees a young woman will
to subsequent rounds are made
be placed within that specific
based entirely on both the
sorority. However, there are
preferences of the PNMs and of
four outstanding options at OCU
the chapters. PNM schedules
and there is no bad choice. It is
will be maximized so they are
important to keep an open mind
requirements differ from chapter
able to able to get to know as
during your first week in college,
to chapter.
[Organization Name] Attn: Recruitment Officer 2501 N Blackwelder Oklahoma City, OK 73106
PNM ME ETING 4:00-4:30 pm Watson Lounge, Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel
PHI L ANTHROP Y N IGHT-ROUN D 2 4:30-10:15 pm Panhellenic Quad
is below a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale),
Council to make every effort
19
your high school or college GPA
the first round, which begins
be mailed directly to:
AUG
be made to these guidelines. If
goal of the OCU Panhellenic
recommendation letter, they can
5:00-5:30 pm Watson Lounge, Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel
recruitment process. However,
to potential new members for
in providing you with a
17
PNM ME ETING
OPE N HOUSE PARTIES-ROUN D 1
one chapter to another. It is the
If someone is interested
AUG
member to participate in our
Invitations are only guaranteed
the recruitment process at OCU.
7:00-8:00 pm Petree Recital Hall, Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center
with higher GPAs. Potential new members who do not meet the
AUG
20
minimum academic requirements
PNM ME ETING 4:00-4:30 pm Watson Lounge, Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel
PRE FE RENCE N IGHT-ROUN D 3 4:30-9:15 pm Panhellenic Quad
of a specific chapter are typically released early in the recruitment process to allow these women to explore other alternatives. After accepting membership in a chapter, there are academic requirements for women to stay active in the chapter. The GPA
AUG
21
BI D DAY ! 10:00 am Great Hall
L
NFE CO
N AT I O N A
S C HOL A R SHI P
RE N C E
EV ERY THING YOU NE ED TO K NOW
SISTERHOOD
Scholarship is an important
How do they do this? Sororities
Joining the Greek system gives
aspect of any college
concentrate on creating
you the opportunity to create
organization, but OCU
successful scholarship programs
a unique and special bond with
Panhellenic women have taken
that help each member reach her
women in your organization.
their commitment to scholarship
academic goals. Some of these
One of the greatest aspects
to the next level! Panhellenic
programs include, study buddies
of joining a sorority is making
women have consistently
and academic tutors. Each
new friends that will last long
outperformed their all-women
chapter takes great pride in their
after you graduate from OCU.
and all-campus counterparts,
academic accomplishments and
Sisterhood means more than
recording an average 3.52 GPA
makes a priority to encourage
wearing the same Greek letters,
over the course of the past 10
academic excellence in their
attending meetings and going
semesters.
members.
to socials; it is about developing the camaraderie and sense of belonging that will impact your college years and your life beyond. Sororities were founded as social organizations, and learning to interact in these environments will help you in your professional and personal life outside of college. Our events support the important goal of bringing people together to develop bonds and friendship.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
year of membership is the most expensive. At OCU, the first
The financial requirements of
year of membership ranges in
joining a sorority vary from
$480 per semester to $745 per
chapter to chapter. Dues
semester. However, rates are
information for each chapter
consist of expenses related
reduced significantly the second
will be discussed during Formal
to membership fees, new
year and beyond. At OCU, the
Recruitment. Feel free to ask any
membership fees and cost of
second year of membership
questions you have about the
maintaining meeting house
ranges from $370 per semester
financial commitment to have a
facilities. There are also
to $462 per semester.
clear picture of the investment
occasional one-time fees to
Payment options vary from
you are making. It is important
cover the cost of various things;
chapter to chapter, also. Many of
to consider all of the financial
such as, initiation badges, meals
our chapters offer payment plans
obligations associated with being
and events. Typically, the first
and scholarships. All financial
in a sorority.
EV ERY THING YOU NE ED TO K NOW
L E A DE R S H I P
SERVICE & PHILANTHROPY
Leadership is acquired through
all OCU student-athletes are
One of the most enriching
hands-on experience, and OCU
members of Greek Life.
aspects of being involved in a
sororities offer just that to their
Each organization offers dozens
sorority is the unique opportunity
members. Chapters encourage
of opportunities for their
to work as a group to make the
their members to get involved
members to take on leadership
world a better place. All of the
and to maximize their potential
roles. Additionally, each chapter
sororities at OCU make service
in their chapter and on campus.
offers programming targeted
a priority in their activities and
Almost 40 percent of all OCU
to leadership development and
for their members. Sorority
current student organization
cultivating the skills that will
women contribute volunteer
presidents and 30 percent of
enable their members to excel.
efforts and raise money for monetary donations to a number of important local and national causes. Our women donate
Did You Know? Did you know your experience in Greek Life can help you out of college too? A recent national Gallup-Purdue Index found a relationship between Greek Life and post-graduate success. The study found that respondents who identified
hundreds of hours and thousands
together to show everyone what
is part of what makes being an
to hear the talents of all the
of dollars in an effort to improve
OCU means to them. While
OCU star so spectacular!”
different houses on campus and
their community. It is the ideal
Homecoming is a competitive
of many of our organizations to
time, it brings everyone together
– Mackenzie Kelly, Homecoming
closer. Judges select the Best
instill a sense of responsibility
by uniting us as a student body
Commissioner 2014
Production as well as Blue Key
in our members to enrich their
that loves our university. Other
Honor Society, who produces the
world.
than showing campus pride,
event, selects the Best in Show
Homecoming is fun! You learn
themselves as Greek scored better in overall well-being, workplace engagement, emotional support from their college, experiential learning experience as a student, and alumni attachment. For more information, click here.
things about your organization,
HOME COMING
the university, your peers, and yourself that you would not have
“Homecoming is an amazing
known otherwise and you create
time on campus. It’s really a
bonds that will last your entire
time when organizations work
time on campus. Homecoming
the event draws each house
SPR ING SING “Spring Sing is a campus-wide event where all the houses compete in a friendly way as to who can put on the best musical production. It is so refreshing
awards. The event is also a great way to help philanthropies all around the school so it feels nice to give back to our community.” – Jordan Hopkins, Blue Key Honor Society President
N EW M EM B ER M EETING S
R EC RU ITM EN T TR AIN ING
SC HOL A R S H I P School always comes first
As a new member, you will
Throughout the year,
for Greek students. Our
be required to attend weekly
chapters host recruitment-
Greek population includes
new member meetings in
training programs to help
almost every major available
addition to weekly chapter
their new members prepare
on OCU’s campus, and our
meetings. The goal of these
for Sorority Recruitment in
results show that students
meetings is to teach new
the Fall. New members are
involved in Greek life excel
members about the values,
expected to be in attendance
academically. Sororities will
traditions and rituals of their
at these events.
give extra attention to new
sorority chapter.
PH IL AN TH ROPY EV EN TS
members to ensure that
AC TIV E PARTIC IPATION
Each of our Greek chapters
encouraged to participate in
devotes time and energy
campus-wide events, such
to supporting their own
as Homecoming, Spring Sing
local and/or national
and Relay for Life, etc. These
philanthropies. Each chapter
events offer new members
will host events each
a chance to engage with the
semester to raise awareness
university and to get to know
and donations for the cause.
people outside of their Greek
New members are invited
membership.
to attend and participate in these events to socialize within the community and to promote a necessary cause.
position them for success in their first year with the organization.
New Members are
NEW M EM BER
school is their focus and to
University Policies & Codes NAT IONA L H AZI NG PR E V E N T ION WEEK
HA Z ING POLIC Y
DRUG S & AL C OHOL
Policy concerning these actions will be subjected to University
Oklahoma City University has a
Oklahoma City University is a “dry
sanctions, as well as possible civil
Greek Life supported National
zero-tolerance policy regarding
campus” and the use, possession,
and criminal penalties.
Hazing Prevention this past year
hazing that is consistent with
manufacture, or distribution of
by raising awareness about the
Oklahoma state law. Hazing
drugs and/or alcohol is strictly
contrary purpose it has on our
is contrary to the purposes
prohibited. Furthermore, providing
Find more information on all
community. The OCU Panhellenic
of the Greek community and
these substances on or off campus
OCU’s Policies and Codes by
Council started off the week by
the University. Hazing is
is strictly forbidden. If you sense
clicking here.
tabling outside the OCU Cafeteria
not tolerated. If you sense a
a student is violating this policy
using a social media campaign
student may be participating in
you should contact the Dean of
to discuss what sisterhood and
inappropriate activities as a result
Students Office.
friendship meant to them. Using
of membership in a sorority or
the hash tag “Words Matter” our
fraternity, you should contact the
Panhellenic women came out and
Dean of Students Office. Calls will
explained what sisterhood really
be handled in a discreet manner.
meant to them.
RESPONSE ABILITY PROJECT
The Student Code of Conduct States: “Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the
DISC R IM INATION, H AR ASSM EN T, R ETAL IATION, & V IOL ENC E Oklahoma City University has a zero-tolerance policy for
We started 2014 with the mission of empowering our Greek students to be the positive impact on our community.
discrimination, harassment,
Greek Life, Panhellenic and IFC partnered to bring out Mike Dilbeck, an award-winning speaker, to present his
retaliation, or violence.
Response Ability project to our Greek community. Response Ability revolves around bystander intervention training,
Allegations of such conduct will
and puts the power in the hands of our students to keep harmful events from happening on our campus. Our
be investigated and anyone found
students took the pledge to stop acts of harassment, bullying or hazing from happening on our campus.
to have violated the University’s
purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliations with, or as a condition of membership in, a group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim shall not be a defense. Neither apathy nor acquiescence in the presence of hazing is a neutral act; both are violations of this rule.”
Alpha Chi Omega "TOGETHER L ET US SEEK THE HE IGHTS"
Alpha Phi
" U N ION H AN D IN H AN D "
NAT IONA L FOUNDI NG
NATIONAL FOU N DING
October 15, 1885
October 10, 1872
DePauw University
Syracuse University
OCU C H A P T ER
O C U C H APTER
Gamma Tau
Delta Delta
Chartered in 1955
Chartered in 1961
C OL OR S
C OL OR S
Scarlet Red & Olive Green
Silver & Bordeaux
S YM B OL S
SY M B OL S
Lyre & Pearl
Ivy Leaf
FOUN DI NG VALUES
FOU N DING VALU ES
Wisdom, Devotion, Achievement
Sisterhood, Leadership, Service, Scholarship, Loyalty, Character
MOT T O
Development
"Together let us seek the heights."
PHI L A N T HROP Y Domestic Violence Awareness
MO TTO "Union hand in hand."
PH IL AN TH ROPY The Alpha Phi Foundation
ΑΧΩ
ΑΦ
Gamma Phi Beta " T O I N SPI RE THE HIGHEST TYPE OF WOMANHO OD "
Phi Mu
" TH E FAITH FU L SISTER S"
NAT IONA L FOUNDI NG
NATIONAL FOU N DING
November 11, 1874
March 4, 1852
Syracuse University
Wesleyan College
OCU C H A P T ER
O C U C H APTER
Beta Omicron
Epsilon Epsilon
Chartered in 1951
Chartered in 2013
C OL OR S
C OL OR S
Light & Dark Brown
Rose & White
S YM B OL S
SY M B OL S
Crescent Moon
Quatrefoil
FOUN DI NG VALUES
FOU N DING VALU ES
Love, Labor, Learning, Loyalty
Love, Honor, Truth
MOT T O
MO TTO
"To inspire the highest type of
"The faithful sisters."
womanhood."
PHI L A N T HROP Y
PH IL AN TH ROPY Children's Miracle Network
Building Strong Girls
ΓΦΒ
ΦΜ
Preference Night Round One Round Two W HAT TO
Here are some examples of what kind of attire you might see for each round of Recruitment! However, feel free to cater to what you feel comfortable in and what best reflects you. We will give you more examples on the OCU Recruitment 2015 Facebook page and at the Greek Information Meeting during Stars Week.
Bid Day
Frequently Asked Questions
ALUMNAE Members of a sorority who have graduated.
chapter, as well as the chapters
BID
change at any time.
An invitation to membership
IFC
BID DAY
umbrella organization for the
includes activities hosted by each chapter.
BIG SIS/SISTER The new member selects an active
Continuous Open Bidding (COB) is an informal recruitment process that takes place after fullystructured recruitment in the fall and lasts throughout the school year. Please keep in mind not all chapters can or will participate in Continuous Open Bidding. Please see more information about COB
interested in COB, she can still be eligible to accept a bid. However, please keep in mind there is no guarantee that any chapter will be eligible to participate in COB.
It depends. Please contact Levi
I am a performance major, will I have time to be able to be in a sorority and keep up with my classes and rehearsals?
Advisor, at 405.208.6287 to
Each woman needs to decide for herself how much she can manage with the time she has. However, it
in the “Greek Terms” section.
can be said that our sororities host
What if I decide I don’t want to participate in sorority recruitment? Can I still join a sorority?
major on campus and many also
If a woman decides to withdraw from recruitment, she must check out with the Panhellenic Recruitment Officer and the Panhellenic Advisor. If she is
I have a scheduling conflict during recruitment rounds, can I still participate?
members from every performance
J. Harrel, Panhellenic Council discuss how we can change your schedule so that you can still participate in Recruitment. Please note, failure to attend invited parties can affect the number of houses you are invited back to.
Is it better to sign up early or during Stars Week?
hold leadership positions within
The earlier your register for
their chapter. If this is something
Recruitment the better. This gives
that concerns you and you want to
the Greek Life office enough time
know more about it, don’t hesitate
to ensure that your payment has
to talk to your Rho Gamma who
been processed and secures that
can give you a clear picture of what
you will be able to get a T-shirt in
it looks like to be a performer and
the size you want.
a Greek woman on OCU’s campus.
participating in COB, is subject to
extended to a prospective member
The last day of recruitment that
What if I want to be in a sorority but I'm not interested in participating in formal recruitment?
The availability within each
member to serve as their Big Sister. This initiated member serves as a
Interfraternity Council. The fraternities at Oklahoma City University.
NEW MEMBER A new member of a fraternity/
INITIATION
sorority aspiring to become an
A spiritually based ritual which
intiated member.
marks the acceptance of a lifetime commitment to the sorority.
PANHELLENIC COUNCIL The governing body of the
LEGACY
National Panhellenic Conference
solver for the new member.
Someone whose mother or sister
sororities at Oklahoma City
are members of a particular
University.
CHAPTER
Greek-letter organization.
resource, role model, and problem
The local group of undergraduate
PNM MEETING HOUSE
A potential new member. This is
Houses where individual sororities
someone who is considering being
the inter/national organization.
meet for their weekly meetings
a part of Greek life or participating
and other functions.
in recruitment.
CONTINUOUS OPEN BIDDING (COB)
MRABA
RECRUITMENT
An informal recruitment process
Membership Recruitment
The organized period for the
that takes place after fully-
Acceptance Binding Agreement.
recruitment of prospective
structured recruitment in the fall
It’s the document a potential new
new members. For Panhellenic
and lasts throughout the school
member signs to make her final
sororities, formal recruitment
year. Sororities may extend a bid
selections during recruitment. This
occurs during Orientation Week
to a potential new member at any
is a legal binding agreement and
each fall semester
time if the chapter is eligible for
details about this document can be
COB and chooses to participate.
found by clicking here.
students on a particular campus recognized by the university and
RHO GAMMA A Rho Gamma is a Recruitment Guide. She is a neutral sorority member who is available for guidance through the recruitment process.