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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Greek Affairs

Sorority Membership Recruitment - Questions & Answers

What do I wear?

Check out the pictures including in this brochure as well as the Dos and Don'ts. Remember, the days are going to be long and hot! Your main concern should be comfort as you will be doing a great deal of walking and standing in the sun.

What happens at a recruitment party?

A recruitment party is the time set aside for prospective members to learn more about individual chapters and for chapter members to learn more about potential new members. Potential new members will meet and talk to various members of the chapters, see skits and videos, and tour the houses. Remember, members are just as nervous about meeting new people and making a good impression as you are. They are concentrating on portraying a favorable image of their chapter as much as you are concerned about positively representing yourself. Most women are meeting you for the first time and will need to ask the same "get to know you" questions. Don't be shy. The more you get to know the chapters and vice-versa, the easier it will be to select the chapters which are right for you.

What about rumors?

It is possible that during recruitment you may hear rumors about chapters or chapter members. Speaking unfavorably of a chapter, chapter member, or another potential new member could result in influencing someone's recruitment experience and possibly hurting someone's feelings. A potential new member's concerns should be learning about those chapters in which she is most interested. If you encounter any negative comments or behavior from chapter members or other potential new members, do not hesitate to report it. Questions and concerns should be directed to your Recruitment Guide or the recruitment staff.

What if I get sick?

There is always a possibility that a potential new member may become ill or have something happen to limit her participation in recruitment. Whatever the situation, don't worry. Alert your Recruitment Guide and she will help you with whatever you need. The individual chapters are very understanding and will make the appropriate exceptions in these cases. To prevent illness, we recommend you eat before starting the day and feel free to ask for water or a drink when you are thirsty. Also, remember that the days are long, so get plenty of rest.

I have a schedule conflict during recruitment week. Can I still participate?

Greek Affairs will work with any woman who has a campus related conflict such as marching band practice, Big Red Singers, or any of the varsity athletic teams. We do not make special accommodations for work conflicts. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact the Office of Greek Affairs as soon as possible. No later than August 10th, would be preferred.

When do I move in?

No requests to move in before 9:00 AM on August 17th will be granted. This is to allow housing staff sufficient time to prepare for the fall opening. The residence halls do not officially open until August 20st. Residence hall dining facilities begin serving meals on August 20st. Sorority recruitment fees include lunch on Tuesday, dinner on Wednesday, and coupons for breakfast during the week. Additional information on meal service will be provided when women arrive on August 17th.

Students who arrive on campus on August 17th will need to complete an Early Check-In Form at their residence hall, and will be charged the housing guest room rate for the three additional days. This rate is $17 per day ($51 total) for a double room; the single rate room rate is higher. These charges will be posted to your UNL centralized bill and are your responsibility. For additional information regarding Early Check-In, including the single room costs, please refer to the housing contract. If you pre-ordered a University Parking permit, you should receive it in the mail. However, if you order after August 1st, you will need to pick up the permit at Parking and Transit Services.

How does the recruitment process work?

Formal membership recruitment begins the week before the fall semester begins. Each day, you will attend parties at various sorority houses, meeting women from each chapter and finding the chapter in which you could best see yourself. As the week goes on, you will attend fewer parties and spend longer periods of time at each party, giving you the opportunity to narrow down your choices and devote more time to the chapters with which you feel the strongest connection. The chapters, in turn, will be participating in this "mutual selection" process and looking for the girls who best embody their own ideals.

Where can I find a sorority recruitment application, and what does it cost for me to apply?

You can find a sorority recruitment at http://wam.unl.edu. The fee for applying is $65.00. This fee covers your t-shirt and meal expenses for the week. After you have applied on WAM be sure and check your email for important information about the next step!

How do letters of recommendation work? Do I need one for each chapter?

Letters of recommendation from sorority alumnae are helpful in the recruitment process but not necessary. Each chapter has its own policy regarding these letters. Many chapters find them helpful in learning information about you that may not be evident from your application. However, personal contact at each chapter during sorority recruitment is the best way for sorority members to get to know you.

Is there anyone who will help me throughout the week?

Yes! When you move into your residence hall on Monday, a Recruitment Guide will stop by and introduce herself to you. She will help you throughout the week in knowing where to go and what to expect, and she will also serve as an advisor or confidante if you have any questions or concerns about the recruitment process. Your Recruitment Guide will be in charge of a Recruitment Group composed of other girls on your floor who are also participating in recruitment. These groups are an excellent way to meet and bond with your new neighbors and find support in your first week at UNL!

I'm a Legacy. Does that mean I'm guaranteed a spot in that sorority?

Nope. Each chapter has their own policy regarding legacies (at most chapters you are a legacy if your mother or sister was in the chapter; other chapters include grandmothers or aunts as well). Some chapters may have enough legacies going through recruitment to fill an entire pledge class. Being a legacy to a chapter is helpful, but will not necessarily guarantee you a place in that chapter.

What information should I include in my application?

This application is major factor that chapters use in extending invitations for the first round of parties, so be sure to fill out your application completely and honestly. Ten lines are included on the application for you to list your high school involvement. Some ideas to consider when filling in those ten lines:
  • High school activities such as cheerleading, band, student council, and other clubs
  • Academic honors and awards including scholarships, National Honor Society, and other recognitions
  • Community activities (at your church, community centers, etc...)
  • Volunteer work you have done
  • Part time jobs

Also, please limit your responses to the ten lines provided and do not include an additional resume with your application. Any such additional materials will be discarded by Greek Affairs.

Hopefully we have been able to help address many of your questions about formal membership recruitment. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at any time this summer! Good luck with your recruitment experience!

How do I get a letter of recommendation and where do I send it?

Letters of recommendation are great but not required to go through formal recruitment. The forms for letters of recommendation can be accessed through the specific chapter's national website. If you find an alumni of a certain sorority who is willing to write one for you they just need to fill out the form and mail it directly to the sorority house. Mailing addresses can be found under the chapters tab.

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