Skip Navigation

Greek Affairs

Sorority Membership Recruitment

sorority photos

Dear Potential New Member,

Welcome to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln! We are excited to have you here at the University, and we look forward to your involvement in Panhellenic Recruitment. We have a fantastic Greek System here at UNL, whose members actively participate in an array of organizations on campus. The Greek System is a great way to meet new people, and to find a sense of community at our fairly large university.

Panhellenic is comprised of 15 incredible sororities, all of which excel in academics, serving the community, and becoming leaders on campus. I strongly encourage you to go through the recruitment week with confidence and an open mind. Take the week seriously and get to know the women in each chapter, because these women will be your mentors, friends, and sisters for the next 4 years and beyond. Find the chapter that makes you feel comfortable and where you feel that you can make the biggest impact. Just be yourself, relax, and have fun.

Remember to keep our motto in mind for the week: “No matter which way you go, you can’t go wrong!”

We are so excited to meet you in August for sorority recruitment!

Erika Franta pic

Erika's signature
-Erika Franta
Director of Sorority Recruitment and the Panhellenic Executive Team

Sorority Recruitment Guidebook
2011 PHA Signed List

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process begins on Monday, August 15. Parents are invited to attend a brief orientation at 2:00 p.m. at Kimball Recital Hall. Sorority women will be on hand to provide information about the Nebraska Greek community and the recruitment process. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Potential new members will meet their recruitment guide at 5:45 p.m. on the Union Plaza. Groups will walk to Kimball Recital Hall for a brief orientation. Potential new members will meet the Panhellenic Executive Board and learn how recruitment works! Following the orientation, potential new members will visit 15 chapters for 20 minutes each. Women will walk from house to house with their recruitment group and recruitment guides. Because of the large number of sororities on our campus, open houses will continue through Tuesday, August 16. This is your introduction to the Greek community – an opportunity to see how “Going Greek” can enhance your student experience. After visiting with all chapters, potential new members will rank them. As recruitment progresses, the number of chapters you visit with each day will become smaller. Up to ten on Wednesday, six on Thursday, and three on Friday.


Orientation photo

Orientation and Open House Part I and II

Do Wear

Your recruitment t-shirt given to you by a recruitment guide, jeans, skirt, shorts and comfortable shoes.

NO DRESSES OR HEELS.


round 1 photo

Invitational Round I

On Wednesday, you will visit a maximum of ten sororities, meeting members and learning the history and focus of each sorority. Each session is 30 minutes long. Lunch is provided. This day is semi casual.

Do Wear

A skirt, capris, casual sundress, pants and a nice shirt and comfortable shoes (flats or sandals).

NO JEANS/DENIM OR HEELS.


round 1 photo

Invitational Round II

On Thursday, you may visit a maximum of six sororities. You will see the individual personalities of each chapter beginning to emerge, plus you will have a chance to tour each living unit. Each session is 50 minutes long. Lunch is provided.

Do Wear

A sundress, skirt, pant outfit and comfortable shoes (flats, sandals, or a kitten heel).

NO JEANS/DENIM.


round 2 photo

Preference Day

On Friday, you may visit a maximum of three sororities. During these sessions you should begin to see familiar faces and feel a bond with the women around you. You will spend more time at each chapter: sessions will last 60 minutes. Following the final session you will make your membership selection. Attire is dressier than previous days. If you are living in the residence halls, you will have a chance to spend some time with the other women on your floor. You will attend the convocation together, have dinner in the halls & attend a floor meeting all before heading to the stadium for the famed “tunnel walk!”

Do Wear

A nice dress and comfortable heels.

NO JEANS/DENIM OR FORMAL/PROM DRESS.


bid day photo

Bid Day!

On Saturday, prospective members will receive invitations to membership. You will also learn the chapter affiliation of your recruitment guide and the Panhellenic executive board. Following individual chapter activities, new members will attend the Big Red Welcome activities with their new pledge classes.

Do Wear

A t-shirt or tank top—new members will receive t-shirts from their new chapter, so wear something you can slip the new t-shirt over easily, jeans, shorts, skirt, capris and comfortable shoes.

NO DRESSES OR HEELS.

2011 Recruitment Schedule


Monday, August 15: Orientation and Open House Part I

9:00 AM Participants living in the Residence Halls may check in.
No requests to move in before 9:00 a.m. on August 15 will be granted. (See Housing Information)
1:35-4:00 PM Drop of Friendship Home items and pick up T-shirt and Guide Book - Front of Union
2:00 PM Optional Parent Information Session, Kimball Recital Hall
5:45 PM-6:15 PM Meet at the Union Plaza (by the fountain)
6:30 PM-7:15 PM Welcome and Orientation Kimball Recital Hall
7:30 PM-9:35 PM Open House Round Part 1 (4 chapters – 20 minutes)


Tuesday, August 16: Open House Part II
9:30 AM-4:25 PM Open House Part II (11 chapters – 20 minutes)
6:00 PM Pizza Party
7:30 PM Philanthropy Presentation – Kimball Hall


Wednesday, August 17: Invitational Round I

9:30 PM-6:00 PM Invitational Round I (10 Chapters, 12 Sessions – 30 minutes)
6:30 PM Dinner with Recruitment Guide
8:00 PM Activity


Thursday, August 18: Invitational Round II

9:30 AM-6:40 PM Invitational Round II (6 Chapters, 8 Sessions – 50 minutes each)


Friday, August 19: Preference Day

9:30 AM-2:15 PM Preference Day (3 Chapters, 4 Sessions – 60 minutes)
2:15 PM Meet with Recruitment Guide
2:30-3:30 PM Preference
5:30 PM New Student Convocation, Dinner in the residence halls, Floor meeting


Saturday, August 20: Bid Day
1:00 PM Meet at the Union Plaza (by the fountain)
2:30-9:00 PM Bid Day
Hug pic

Smile pic

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 15, 2011 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 18th. Residence hall dining facilities begin serving meals on the evening of August 18th. 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 16th.

Students who arrive on campus on August 15th 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 $19 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.

Are the chapter houses wheel chair accessible?

Yes, there are a limited number of chapter houses that are wheel chair accessible, but most of the houses are not. If you need special accommodations for physical accessibility please contact the Office of Greek Affairs. Please contact the Office of Greek Affairs about other special accommodations including dietary needs and sign language interpreters, large print or Braille. Requests for special accommodations must be made no later than August 1.

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 myred.nebraska.edu. The fee for applying is $70.00. 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?

A recruitment guide willl 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.

Summer Contact

Please be aware that according to the National Panhellenic Conference Recruitment Rules, it is ILLEGAL for an active member or chapter to contact you. This can include lunches, letters, phone calls, or any communication through Facebook, MySpace, emails or instant messaging, etc. This recruitment rule is not meant to break off any friendships that existed prior to recruitment. Normal social contact with individual sorority actives or alumnae is allowed if you had a relationship prior to formal recruitment. Normal social contact is defined as co-workers, roommates, family members, neighbors and close friends.

Recommendations

A recommendation is an introduction and brief description of a young woman interested in recruitment, written by an alumna member of a chapter. Recommendations serve primarily as introductions and aren't necessary, but can be beneficial for a potential member. It is the responsibility of the individual chapter to secure recommendations for potential members. It is not up to the Potential New Member. Having a recommendation does not guarantee that a potential member will receive an invitation or pledge from that sorority.

Questions, comments, concerns

If you have questions, please call the Office of Greek Affairs: 402.472.2582 or 888.547.1029.

Sorority Recruitment Powerpoints

Download these Adobe Powerpoint presentations for more sorority recruitment information.

These power points are intended to give an overall view of our Greek Community. Some statistics and/or facts may not be reflective of the most current data. You will be receiving an updated Semester Report at your New Student Enrollment date, as well as in your Recruitment Guide Booklet in August.

 


Questions, comments, concerns

If you have questions, please call the Office of Greek Affairs: 402.472.2582 or 888.547.1029.