COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
What will being in a sorority do for me?
Leadership opportunities
Life long friendships
Sisterhood
Opportunity to give back to the community through service
Emphasis on scholarship
Social Opportunities
Everlasting memories
Networking opportunities to connect with national chapter members from across the country and internationally
What is Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment?
Recruitment is a two week long series of events, coordinated by the Panhellenic Council, where the chapters get to know you, and you get to know the women of each chapter. Panhellenic sorority recruitment is a mutual selection process that is filled with activities designed to offer prospective members the chance to learn about the Panhellenic sororities in a concentrated period of time. It is an opportunity for students to meet the sorority members, ask questions, and define financial obligations, time commitments, and membership requirements. Whether or not you decide to join a Panhellenic sorority, recruitment is a great way to meet people and get acquainted with life at BGSU!
How much does sorority recruitment cost and where does the money go?
The registration fee is $12. Recruitment fees pay for your recruitment T shirt, and a booklet featuring all chapter information which you will receive on the first day.
What is a Rho Gamma?
A Rho Gamma, or recruitment guide, is a woman who is already a member of a sorority who will help you through the recruitment process by answering questions, and guiding you through the exciting events of the week. They will remain disaffiliated from their sorority during recruitment, enabling them to remain impartial. Every Potential New Member (any woman going through the recruitment process) will be assigned to a group of girls led by a Rho Gamma.
What is Preference?
Preference round, or Pref, signals the end of Formal Recruitment. This night is more serious than the other days and will consist of traditional ceremonies very dear to the sisters. Further details about Preference will be discussed in groups by your Rho Gamma during recruitment.
What is Bid Day?
Invitation Day (formerly Bid Day) is the last day of Formal Recruitment where Potential New Members receive their invitation, or bid, to join a sorority and Potential New Members get to meet their new sorority sisters. This is the most exciting day of formal recruitment.
Do I need to register to be a part of Recruitment?
Yes. The registration may be found online (https://bgsu.mycampusdirector.com/register/) and there is also a link on the Greek Life website found here! Applications are available now through the deadline which is Thursday, August 27th at noon.
How do sororities decide who to invite back each party?
As the number of parties is reduced round to round, so is the number of women each sorority is allowed to invite back. Everyone who participates in recruitment has something different to offer a sorority, but sororities must release some potential new members, just as you will have to make decisions about some sororities. In deciding which potential new member to invite back and which to dismiss, each chapter has its own process. Great lengths are taken by chapters to ensure a fair process and equal consideration for each potential new member. Additional concerns should be addressed with your Rho Gamma.
What should I talk about at the recruitment parties?
It is important for you to be yourself during recruitment and let the conversation flow naturally. The sororities are presenting themselves to you just as you are presenting yourself. The conversation should go both ways. Asking questions is encouraged. As you go from one day to the next, conversations will become more in-depth and involved. Remember that you have to narrow your choice of sororities each round. Therefore, collect enough information to comfortably make these decisions.
What if I am shy?
There are a lot of shy people out there but this should not hinder your recruitment experience. Remember, there are members of the chapters who are shy too, and you are not alone. Every sorority wants members with a variety of personalities. Each member of a sorority contributes their individual talents to the chapter. Just keep in mind that it is up to you to present yourself to each sorority. Smile and feel free to talk; the members want to get to know you as best they can. There is no reason to feel insecure, be yourself!
What if I have trouble choosing between certain chapters?
Difficult decisions are a common dilemma. Potential new members, however, shouldn’t look at this as a problem. Most women would probably be happy in several sororities on campus. Besides, keep in mind that sororities have to make decisions too. Think carefully and look objectively at what each sorority has to offer. A sorority should be a second home, a place where you feel totally comfortable and welcome. It shouldn't be a popularity contest. Your intuition, experiences at each party, personal goals and desires should guide you to the group that is right for you.
I have heard that sororities have various reputations. How do I handle this information?
The only opinion of a chapter that should matter is yours. Each chapter is different from campus to campus and from year to year. If you allow someone else’s perception to influence you, you might not be satisfied with your choices during recruitment. Remember that each chapter is made up of many different women with different talents and qualities that compose the entire group. If you hear derogatory remarks about any sorority or any woman in the group, please disregard those comments as inappropriate and unethical to the Panhellenic spirit. You can direct further questions or concerns to your Rho Gamma.
What is a legacy?
A Legacy is a Potential New Member who has a mother, grandmother, or sister who is/was a member of a sorority while in college. Legacies may be given special consideration by the chapters that their female family member(s) are affiliated with, but they are never guaranteed membership in that particular sorority. We suggest every woman in Membership Recruitment have an open mind toward all of our sororities.
If I am a legacy to a sorority, is there anything special I should know?
Each potential new member is considered on an individual basis; legacies are no more obligated to join a particular sorority than the sorority is obligated to pledge her. The potential new member and the sorority are looking for happiness and compatibility, not a family connection to the group. You will also be able to indicate your legacy status when you register online.
What if I turn down the bid I receive on Bid Day?
If you receive a bid from a chapter on Bid Day, and decide not to accept it, you will not be able to pursue another sorority for one calendar year. Once the calendar year is up, you would have the opportunity to go through formal recruitment again or join informally if the sorority for which you would like to join has the room to be able to conduct open recruitment.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
Bowling Green State University requires that anyone participating in recruitment not be on academic probation. Please be advised that every sorority has established its own academic requirements. Many chapters follow the guidelines set by their inter/national organizations when deciding to offer invitations and bids. It is also important to note that very few grade exceptions are made by each chapter. Potential members who do not meet a chapter's academic requirements are released early in the recruitment process to allow them the opportunity to explore other alternatives. However, grades are considered throughout the entire process.
All information adapted from http://web.jhu.edu/studentlife/greek_life/PanhellenicCouncil/sororityFAQ.html#DoForMe.
Leadership opportunities
Life long friendships
Sisterhood
Opportunity to give back to the community through service
Emphasis on scholarship
Social Opportunities
Everlasting memories
Networking opportunities to connect with national chapter members from across the country and internationally
What is Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment?
Recruitment is a two week long series of events, coordinated by the Panhellenic Council, where the chapters get to know you, and you get to know the women of each chapter. Panhellenic sorority recruitment is a mutual selection process that is filled with activities designed to offer prospective members the chance to learn about the Panhellenic sororities in a concentrated period of time. It is an opportunity for students to meet the sorority members, ask questions, and define financial obligations, time commitments, and membership requirements. Whether or not you decide to join a Panhellenic sorority, recruitment is a great way to meet people and get acquainted with life at BGSU!
How much does sorority recruitment cost and where does the money go?
The registration fee is $12. Recruitment fees pay for your recruitment T shirt, and a booklet featuring all chapter information which you will receive on the first day.
What is a Rho Gamma?
A Rho Gamma, or recruitment guide, is a woman who is already a member of a sorority who will help you through the recruitment process by answering questions, and guiding you through the exciting events of the week. They will remain disaffiliated from their sorority during recruitment, enabling them to remain impartial. Every Potential New Member (any woman going through the recruitment process) will be assigned to a group of girls led by a Rho Gamma.
What is Preference?
Preference round, or Pref, signals the end of Formal Recruitment. This night is more serious than the other days and will consist of traditional ceremonies very dear to the sisters. Further details about Preference will be discussed in groups by your Rho Gamma during recruitment.
What is Bid Day?
Invitation Day (formerly Bid Day) is the last day of Formal Recruitment where Potential New Members receive their invitation, or bid, to join a sorority and Potential New Members get to meet their new sorority sisters. This is the most exciting day of formal recruitment.
Do I need to register to be a part of Recruitment?
Yes. The registration may be found online (https://bgsu.mycampusdirector.com/register/) and there is also a link on the Greek Life website found here! Applications are available now through the deadline which is Thursday, August 27th at noon.
How do sororities decide who to invite back each party?
As the number of parties is reduced round to round, so is the number of women each sorority is allowed to invite back. Everyone who participates in recruitment has something different to offer a sorority, but sororities must release some potential new members, just as you will have to make decisions about some sororities. In deciding which potential new member to invite back and which to dismiss, each chapter has its own process. Great lengths are taken by chapters to ensure a fair process and equal consideration for each potential new member. Additional concerns should be addressed with your Rho Gamma.
What should I talk about at the recruitment parties?
It is important for you to be yourself during recruitment and let the conversation flow naturally. The sororities are presenting themselves to you just as you are presenting yourself. The conversation should go both ways. Asking questions is encouraged. As you go from one day to the next, conversations will become more in-depth and involved. Remember that you have to narrow your choice of sororities each round. Therefore, collect enough information to comfortably make these decisions.
What if I am shy?
There are a lot of shy people out there but this should not hinder your recruitment experience. Remember, there are members of the chapters who are shy too, and you are not alone. Every sorority wants members with a variety of personalities. Each member of a sorority contributes their individual talents to the chapter. Just keep in mind that it is up to you to present yourself to each sorority. Smile and feel free to talk; the members want to get to know you as best they can. There is no reason to feel insecure, be yourself!
What if I have trouble choosing between certain chapters?
Difficult decisions are a common dilemma. Potential new members, however, shouldn’t look at this as a problem. Most women would probably be happy in several sororities on campus. Besides, keep in mind that sororities have to make decisions too. Think carefully and look objectively at what each sorority has to offer. A sorority should be a second home, a place where you feel totally comfortable and welcome. It shouldn't be a popularity contest. Your intuition, experiences at each party, personal goals and desires should guide you to the group that is right for you.
I have heard that sororities have various reputations. How do I handle this information?
The only opinion of a chapter that should matter is yours. Each chapter is different from campus to campus and from year to year. If you allow someone else’s perception to influence you, you might not be satisfied with your choices during recruitment. Remember that each chapter is made up of many different women with different talents and qualities that compose the entire group. If you hear derogatory remarks about any sorority or any woman in the group, please disregard those comments as inappropriate and unethical to the Panhellenic spirit. You can direct further questions or concerns to your Rho Gamma.
What is a legacy?
A Legacy is a Potential New Member who has a mother, grandmother, or sister who is/was a member of a sorority while in college. Legacies may be given special consideration by the chapters that their female family member(s) are affiliated with, but they are never guaranteed membership in that particular sorority. We suggest every woman in Membership Recruitment have an open mind toward all of our sororities.
If I am a legacy to a sorority, is there anything special I should know?
Each potential new member is considered on an individual basis; legacies are no more obligated to join a particular sorority than the sorority is obligated to pledge her. The potential new member and the sorority are looking for happiness and compatibility, not a family connection to the group. You will also be able to indicate your legacy status when you register online.
What if I turn down the bid I receive on Bid Day?
If you receive a bid from a chapter on Bid Day, and decide not to accept it, you will not be able to pursue another sorority for one calendar year. Once the calendar year is up, you would have the opportunity to go through formal recruitment again or join informally if the sorority for which you would like to join has the room to be able to conduct open recruitment.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
Bowling Green State University requires that anyone participating in recruitment not be on academic probation. Please be advised that every sorority has established its own academic requirements. Many chapters follow the guidelines set by their inter/national organizations when deciding to offer invitations and bids. It is also important to note that very few grade exceptions are made by each chapter. Potential members who do not meet a chapter's academic requirements are released early in the recruitment process to allow them the opportunity to explore other alternatives. However, grades are considered throughout the entire process.
All information adapted from http://web.jhu.edu/studentlife/greek_life/PanhellenicCouncil/sororityFAQ.html#DoForMe.