YO U N G S T O W N S TAT E U N I V E RS I T Y
Panhellenic Recruitment
STEP ONE : REGISTER
STEP FOUR: RECRUITMENT
Register online at www.ysu.edu/greeklife > Recruitment > NPC Sorority Recruitment > Recruitment Registration Registration Cost: $10. The cost for recruitment registration covers: one Recruitment shirt, snacks, lunch on Saturday and administrative costs during Formal Recruitment week. There will not be refunds for Recruitment registration fees.
If you are interested in joining this semester, you MUST attend one of the following sessions:
MEET THE GREEKS
SORORITY INFO
SORORITY INFO
August 29 7:00 pm Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center
September 6 7:00 pm Room 2068, Kilcawley Center
September 12 7:00 pm Room 2068, Kilcawley Center
STEP THREE: MEET YOUR RECRUITMENT COUNSELOR After (or before) attending an info session, you should receive contact from a recruitment counselor. Any questions about Greek Life can be answered by them and they are there to guide you through the recruitment process.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Philanthropy Night: 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Open House: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
ACADEMIC & MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS Undergraduate students who wish to join an NPC organization must meet specific membership qualifications. - Have a minimum of a 2.50 overall cumulative grade point average (unless the organization requires a higher GPA) - If the potential member is a first year student who has not earned a YSU academic grade point average and is seeking membership, they can join with the understanding that they must have a 2.50 cumulative average or higher from a previous institution or high school. - Be a full-time YSU Student (attempting 12 academic credits or more) - No active conduct record with the Office of Student Conduct
QUESTIONS? CONTACT:
MEET YOUR RECRUITMENT COUNSELOR (ATTENDANCE REQUIRED TO START RECRUITMENT)
CHANDLER HOPPEL
September 14 - 7:00 pm Ohio Room, Kilcawley Center
@YSU Panhellenic
MUST ATTEND ALL EVENTS FOR THE ENTIRE TIME FRAME, SO ADJUST YOUR WORK SCHEDULE
Preference & Bid Day: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: Schwebel Lounge, Kilcawley Center
STEP TWO : INFO SESSION
YSU Panhellenic
Guide
Vice President of Recruitment ysupanhel@hotmail.com 330-420-5665 @YSU Panhellenic
@YSU Panhellenic
CARRIE ANDERSON Greek Advisor clanderson@ysu.edu 330-941-4702
@YSU Panhellenic
@YSU Panhel
“Hello and welcome to Youngstown State University! For the past few months my team and I have been planning this year’s Formal Recruitment. We are very excited for you to start your journey. “I have been a part of YSU Greek Life for the past four years. It has seriously been one of the best experiences of my life! Over the years I have met some of the greatest people you will ever meet. I have made tons of friends and many memories. “Now it is your turn to do the same! All of us here on the YSU Panhellenic Council hope that you enjoy this time. We want you to join us and find your home. So have fun and GO GUINS!!!”
Recruitment Counselors Some of the first people you get to know during recruitment are your Recruitment Counselors. They are women from the Panhellenic Community who disaffiliate from their chapter during the formal recruitment period. They act as a guide and mentor to the Potential New Members (PNM) during their recruitment experience.
Chandler Hoppel VP of Recruitment
Recruitment Counselors went through a competitive interview process and were selected based on their leadership skills, counseling skills and their enthusiasm for recruitment. Each PNM will be assigned to a Recruitment Counselor group. Your Recruitment Counselors are there to be your listener, guide and friend. You can count on them to keep all of your questions and concerns confidential. Look at your recruitment guides as a shoulder to lean on. Since they went through recruitment as well, they understand that the decision to choose a chapter is a difficult one and they want to help.
Lindsay
Brittany
KrissY
Chandler
Megan
Kassie
Sarah
Ashley
Natalie
Rebecca
Financial Obligations
Recruitment Behavior
Each chapter has several different types of dues and fees that must be paid in order for the chapter to function properly and for you to remain in good standing. Different chapters break their dues down differently, some include everything, and others allow you to make additional purchases for things like shirts, outside of the base cost. When you calculate everything, all of our chapters have relatively similar costs for a year.
1. Potential new members must attend all scheduled recruitment events. Without a valid excuse for every absence, you will be removed from the recruitment process.
You will receive information about each individual chapter’s costs during the open house round. Below are some general terms and things to consider regarding sorority financial obligations.
3. Do not discuss stereotypes, rumors, hazing, reputations, illegal behavior, etc. with sorority members or fellow PNMs.
One-Time Fees These are generally paid during your first semester and may include a badge fee or initiation fee. Chapter Dues These cover chapter operations, as well as the cost of chapter events like sisterhoods and socials. Some chapter dues include the full cost of formals and t-shirts. Inter/National Dues These are fees that go to the inter/national organization and allow you to be a member of the larger inter/national organization, and often help to fund programming, operations, etc. put on by the inter/national organization.
2. Treat each sorority and member with equal respect throughout the process. Silence your phone and keep it in your pocket or small purse during events, don’t speak poorly about any chapters, etc.
4. You may not accept any gifts before or during the recruitment process. 5. You may not contact sorority members at any time before or during the recruitment process. If you see sorority members during recruitment week in class or on campus, it’s okay to say hi and smile, but don’t discuss recruitment. Contacting sorority members includes text, email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat etc. If you have any questions regarding sorority recruitment, please contact your Recruitment Counselor.
6. Following recruitment events or rounds, you may not discuss
personal opinions with other PNMs. Each PNM is entitled to her own opinion and a chapter you did not connect with may be another PNM’s first choice. Respect other PNMs and the chapters, and do not discuss your opinions with anyone aside from your Recruitment Counselor.
Attendance Policy
Examples of
What to Wear
DAY 1
for recruitment
DAY 2
DAY 3
What to Expect INFORMATION SESSIONS Here at YSU, we like to start things off with a couple days where we provide information to you about who we are and what we do. Attending this event lets you catch a glimpse of what sorority women do – and helps you make a decision on whether or not being in a sorority is for you.
OPEN HOUSE -ThursdayThis will be the first round of recruitment. You will get to meet and greet with members from each chapter. Every group has their own schedule of activities – be prepared to get up and move around! These 30-minute events are fairly short and the time will probably whiz right by as you visit all four chapters. Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with clapping and a song or chant – they’re excited to see you!
Philanthropy -FridayThis is the second round of recruitment. You will be spending 45 minutes in chapter rooms that you have been invited back to. During this round, you will learn about each sorority’s philanthropy and service projects. This round is very important to every sorority girl because their philanthropy is close to their heart.
Preference -Saturday Morning-
DAY 3
The Panhellenic Association has a mandatory attendance policy during recruitment. This means that as a Potential New Member, you are required to attend all chapter events to which you are invited. If you choose not to attend a chapter on your event schedule and you do not have an excused absence, you will be removed from the recruitment process immediately. PNMs must submit academic or athletic conflicts to your recruitment counselor no later than September 20 at 5:00 PM. While Panhellenic encourages chapters to invite back PNMs who must miss events due to conflicts, there is no guarantee that a chapter will invite you back if you have to miss an event. At the beginning of each recruitment round you will go into one room with all of the other PNMs and Recruitment Counselors. Here is where you will be able to leave all of your belongings. Each day you will be split into groups with your Recruitment Counselor. Before you enter each chapter room you will be lined up alphabetically by last name. Please listen to the Recruitment Counselors who will be assisting you before the event begins.
This is the most important and meaningful event of the week. This serious hour long event is where you’ll make your final decision on what sorority you want to call your own. Listen carefully to the words they say and the songs they sing – that is where they’ll tell you the essence of their beliefs. This round is often a very emotional step in the recruitment process because each chapter is sharing a ceremony with you that reveals their whole heart and soul.
What to Talk About
What to Wear
Since Information Sessions are relaxed and informal, you’ll probably be walking from table to table. If you don’t have a chance to have an in-depth conversation with everyone you meet, don’t worry about it! Ask about Greek Life in general, about individual sororities, or about personal experiences. Don’t forget to tell them a little about you since they want to get to know you, too!
A t-shirt and shorts are perfectly fine but you’re also welcome to dress up a bit. Remember that this is the sorority’s first impression of you so dress tastefully!
At this point, you’ve decided that being in a sorority is definitely something for you; now you just need to figure out where your best match is. Ask questions that will help you learn more about the individual sororities. Tell them about you, too! - What are your chapter’s academic programs? - What positions have you held? - What are some other activities on campus that your sisters are involved in?
Casual tops, pants/ nice jeans, casual dresses, comfortable shoes
As the day will be focused on the chapters’ efforts to promote their various philanthropies, this is a great chance to ask them what service projects they do on campus. You might just be surprised at what these women can accomplish! - Tell me about your chapter’s philanthropy. - What do you like most about your chapter’s philanthropy? - What types of community service do you do as a chapter? - What philanthropy events have you participated in?
Casual tops, pants/nice jeans, casual dresses, comfortable shoes
- What is your most cherished memory from being in your chapter? - What made you feel at home in this chapter or why did you choose this chapter?
Bid Day -Saturday AfternoonThe last and most exciting event of the week! At this event you’ll receive an invitation to join a sorority. Recruitment is a mutual selection process where your Preference card is matched with the sororities’ preferences. After discovering what chapter each Recruitment Counselor belongs to, you’ll get to join your new sisters in a celebratory sisterhood event.
Business casual dress or pants/skirt and top, flats, boots/booties, heels
T-shirt, jeans, or leggings and comfortable shoes
8
Things Every PNM should know before recruitment 1. Be yourself. Chapters are looking for genuine women and the best way to find the best chapter for you is to stay true to yourself. 2. Manage your time! Recruitment rounds are scheduled to begin and end at certain times. Make sure to be on time and be prepared for each day. If you are late for a recruitment round, contact your Recruitment Counselor ASAP! 3. Your schedule might change day to day, and will vary from one person to the next - don’t read too much into it, just enjoy the process and keep an open mind. 4. Ask questions about what’s important to you. You want to find the right fit for you, so finding out if your values match the chapter’s is a great way to find the right fit. 5. Each day of recruitment is designed for you to learn more about the chapters. A chapter you loved one day might not be your favorite the next and just because you didn’t love a chapter early in the week doesn’t mean you should rule it out. There’s a reason they invited you back to their event! 6. Wear what makes you comfortable and confident— the more confident you feel, the more your genuine personality will shine through. 7. Engage in Active Listening! Sit up straight, don’t have your phone out, and try not to look at your watch. Make eye contact and ask questions! The members want to learn more about you just like you want to learn more about them. 8. Remember that this is YOUR recruitment experience and YOUR decision.
Daily Selections After Open House and Philanthropy rounds of recruitment, you will meet with your Recruitment Counselor to do your daily selections. Daily selections are your preferences for which chapters you would most like to return to during the following round. 1. You will meet privately with your Recruitment Counselor or a member of the Recruitment Team away from your PNM group and discuss which chapters you would most like to go back to. 2. Once you have decided, you will make your selections in the computer lab while sitting with your Recruitment Counselor or member of the Recruitment Team. 3. Then, if you have a full or almost full schedule, write the chapter or chapters you would least like to return to under “Interest/Rank”. This section is in order, with the higher number meaning the chapter you would least like to return to. Please remember that selecting certain chapters does not guarantee that you will be invited back and that most PNMs do not have full schedules throughout the recruitment process. Do not discuss your selections with anyone aside from your Recruitment Counselor.
Frequently Asked questions When do I get my Recruitment Counselor and how can they help me? Your Recruitment Counselor is assigned to you when you register and will contact you during the fall semester. They are here to support you through the process and answer any questions you have about recruitment. Make sure to utilize them! How do sororities decide who to invite back each round? Recruitment is a mutual selection process. Just as each PNM is selecting which chapters she likes best, the chapters are also selecting the PNMs in the same manner. Sororities choose PNMs based on who they feel best exemplifies the characteristics and values their sorority works to uphold and believes in. Does everyone get a bid? Unfortunately a bid is not guaranteed to every woman who goes through recruitment. However, if a PNM progresses though the week, attends all of the events and she is invited to the final formal recruitment round and lists all of the chapters on her preference card that day, she will likely receive a bid to one of those chapters. What if I can’t make it to a recruitment event or I have to arrive late? Our recruitment team will work with all different types of schedules to make your experience the best it can be. Please let your Recruitment Counselor know if you have a conflict with the recruitment events ASAP. If you arrive late to an event let the Recruitment Counselor or sister know who you are and that you are late, they will help you find where you need to go. What happens with my registration fee? Your $10 registration fee is used to make formal recruitment a reality! That money is used for various logistical costs such as snacks or lunch for the Potential New Members during rounds, the computer system we use to create your schedule, and the booklet you are reading right now. Are there certain sororities that are better than others? No! Each sorority is a perfect fit for its members. The most important part about formal recruitment is to go in with an open mind. Friends that you have before recruitment week will still be your friends after, no matter which chapter you join! What if I already know which chapter I want to be a part of? It is crucial that you keep an open mind throughout the recruitment process. By keeping your options open, you increase your chances for a successful recruitment process. Once I join a sorority will I have to go through hazing? Absolutely not. YSU Panhellenic has a zero tolerance hazing policy. You will have a safe and fun experience as a new member. If hazing does occur it is against YSU’s policy. Report it. What if a sorority woman contacts me during recruitment by text or calls prior to Bid Day? If you are concerned or uncomfortable, contact your Recruitment Counselor and explain the situation. If I am a legacy, am I guaranteed a bid? No. Legacy policies differ from chapter to chapter, but no chapter guarantees a bid to a legacy. Also, remember that chapters change with their membership, and just because the sorority was the right fit for your family member doesn’t mean it will be the right fit for you. May I skip a sorority event if I do not want to attend? No, if you choose to miss a party during formal recruitment week, you will be removed from the entire recruitment process. There are no exceptions. Can I withdraw from recruitment? Yes, but we encourage you to stay through the week. You will be surprised at how happy you are in the end. It sounds silly that everything happens the way it is supposed to, but truly it does! Often you do not know what the best fit for you is until you are in the chapter. Youngstown State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age, religion or veteran/military status in its programs or activities. Please visit www.ysu.edu/ada-accessibility for contact information for persons designated to handle questions about this policy.