WCU CPC 2024 Primary Recruitment Guide by WCU College Panhellenic Council

WELCOME FROM THE

De

President

On unity, I would like to say how excited we are tha sign up for primary recruitment! Three years ago of excitement and apprehension. Rec t times, but trust the process!

Western Carolina has four amazing chapters that are all filled with love, leadership opportunities, support, networking, social experiences, academic excellence, and lifelong friends you will take with you after college! Each chapter on this campus is made up of women with all different qualities and personalities that you will be introduced to throughout the next couple of days.

My one piece of advice is to take in every moment of this experience. Take plenty of pictures, make new friends , and most importantly, make decisions for yourself. At the end of the day, this process is yours, and yours alone. Listen to your heart and think about all the values that you are looking for in a sisterhood and where you feel most at home. I truly believe that joining my chapter was the best decision I made when I started college. My sisterhood has shaped me into the leader, friend, and woman that I am today. I encourage everyone to explore all the possibilities that Greek life has to offer! Our chapters, as well as our Panhellenic executive board, are so honored to watch you find your home within our Panhellenic community. This is only the beginning of such an amazing journey!

With Panhellenic Love,

Maggie Barrett 2024 Panhellenic President

WELCOME FROM THE

VP of Recruitment

Dear ,

First, or taking the time to read this recru e information you will need to get you prepared!! Now, if you are reading this and getting nervous and you ' re on the fence about signing up for recruitment, I encourage you just to try it. I was just like you, I was going to wait, but I decided just to try it to get involved. I would not change a thing, my organization gave me courage, leadership opportunities, and my best friends for life.

The exceptional members of our Panhellenic community are committed to community service, philanthropy, academic excellence, and the advancement of other women. Each sorority on our campus is dedicated to giving each of its members the finest college experience possible through leadership, sisterhood, friendship, and service, and we couldn't be more proud of that! I am so excited to meet you and see where your journey takes you!

Olivia Jarrett 2024 Vice President of Recruitment

THE COLLEGE PANHELLENIC COUNCIL

The College Panhellenic Council Executive Board at Western Carolina University is composed of ten (10) sorority leaders who come together to serve the sorority community. Panhellenic exists to promote the values of being a sorority member and to serve as an advocate for its member groups in collaboration with chapter members, the campus staff, and the community.

At Western Carolina University, the College Panhellenic Council acts as a regulating and unifying body among the four (4) NPC organizations on this campus. It is the responsibility of the Panhellenic Council to plan and implement sorority recruitment! CPC also hosts programs and workshops to educate chapters on study habits, promoting Panhellenic standards, and why it is important to empower other women! Overall, the College Panhellenic Council leads and serves as a resource to chapters with the Panhellenic Creed as its central focus.

The Panhellenic Creed

We, as undergraduate members of women’s fraternities, stand for good scholarship, for guarding of good health, for maintenance of fine standards, and for serving, to the best of our ability, our college community. Cooperation for furthering fraternity life, in harmony with its best possibilities, is the ideal that shall guide our fraternity activities.

We, as fraternity women, stand for service through the development of character inspired by the close contact and deep friendship of individual fraternity and Panhellenic life. The opportunity for wide and wise human service, through mutual respect and helpfulness, is the tenet by which we strive to live.

2024 PANHELLENIC

Executive Board

Kaitlyn Kennedy DeAsia McQueen Ensley Cook Madison McRoberts Lauren Kerker

DEPARTMENT OF GREEK STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

The Department of Greek Student Engagement & Development (GSED) is the team within the Division of Student Affairs who advise and support the recognized WCU fraternity & sorority chapters, the leadership councils, the national honor society, and the advisor, alumni, and volunteer support teams.

GSED staff manage and administer the many programs and events that promote a values-based fraternal experience in Cullowhee. In addition, the Department is committed to establishing and maintaining positive relationships and partnerships with WCU colleagues, the local community, alumni, and between the numerous local and inter/national headquarters that make up the American Fraternity & Sorority Community.

The GSED offices are located on the 3rd floor of the A.K. Hinds University Center in Suite 334.

WHO WE ARE

Panhellenic Values

The National Panhellenic Conference is committed to relationships built on trust through transparency, accountability and mutual respect. Innovation and our core values of friendship, leadership, service, knowledge, integrity and community guide us in fulfilling our mission

FRIENDSHIP LEADERSHIP SERVICE

WHO WE ARE

Philanthropy

Western Carolina University Panhellenic supports Circle of Sisterhood as our organization’s philanthropy. The College Panhellenic Council Executive Board hosts Circle of Sisterhood Philanthropy Week annually to fulfill our commitment to supporting the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation and promoting our beliefs that all girls and women deserve equal access to education.

The Circle of Sisterhood Foundation is a U.S. charity founded and powered by sorority women to remove barriers to education for girls and women worldwide. The Circle of Sisterhood leverages the power of collective giving to award grants so girls can gain and maintain access to formal education and women can get the training, education, and support they need to earn and sustain a prosperous income.

Service

7,350 +

Community service hours completed by the WCU Panhellenic community during the 2023-2024 academic year.

$2,480 +

Philanthropic funds raised for the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation during the 2023-2024 academic year.

GREEK DICTIONARY

Bid: A formal invitation to join a Panhellenic sorority.

Potential New Member (PNM): An enrolled WCU student who is not a member of a Greek letter organization. Regardless of their intention to participate in any recruitment process, they may at any time wish to explore the possibilities of membership.

Recruitment Counselor (RC): A sorority member who has disaffiliated during Recruitment to assist Potential New Members. They will be assigned a group of PNMs to help guide them through the process of primary recruitment. Any RC can be used by a PNM for assistance throughout the recruitment process.

New Member: One who has accepted a bid to join a Panhellenic sorority and has not been initiated.

New Member Process: A time period where you are educated about the sorority you have affiliated with at WCU.

Initiation: The formal ritual ceremony that brings new members into full membership of a sorority. Women are no longer called a “new member” after this important ceremony.

GREEK DICTIONARY

Recruitment: The process guided and regulated by National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) standards and agreements where undergraduates interested in a Panhellenic sorority meet with the members, learn more about the organizations, and join an organization.

Primary Recruitment: The term often used by Panhellenic sorority women to describe the formal recruitment process that takes place in the Fall semester here at WCU.

“Rush”: Slang for “Recruitment” that is generally no longer used by Panhellenic sororities.

Philanthropy: Fundraising efforts sponsored by sororities supporting local and national charitable organizations. Examples: Meals on Wheels, Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Domestic Violence Awareness, Starkey Hearing Foundation.

Dues: Money used by your sorority to support chapter operations, national expenses (including insurance), and to remain in good active standing with the organization. Dues are used towards activities a sorority hosts such as a movie or pizza night, sisterhood retreats, chapter housing expenses, and leadership conferences!

Badge or Pin: A traditional and very special piece of jewelry worn only by sorority members to publicly demonstrate that you are a full member of a sorority. Typically worn during ritual meetings, ceremonies, important public events, or even at weddings!

GREEK DICTIONARY

Legacy: A PNM whose mother, sister, and/or grandmother is an alumna or active member of a NPC sorority. Legacy status differs by organization. At WCU, legacy status does not guarantee a PNM a bid to that organization of which they are a legacy.

National Panhellenic Conference (NPC): The conference is composed of 26 women’s inter/national organizations, each of which is autonomous as a social Greek-letter society of collegiate and alumnae members. WCU currently recognizes four (4) NPC sororities.

Letter of Recommendation/Reference: A written letter or statement from an alumna, following their organization’s guidelines, introducing and recommending a Potential New Member for membership. At WCU, letters of recommendation are not required, nor are they a guarantee to receive a bid. They serve more as an introduction for the PNM to the national sorority chapter.

Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA): A document each Potential New Member completes immediately following the Preference Round of events stating their membership preferences. The Potential New Member ranks the sororities they would accept a bid from, listing the chapters which they most want to join first and the other(s) in preferential order. This is a binding agreement, stating that the Potential New Member is willing to accept a bid from any sorority they list. This agreement is binding until the next scheduled Primary Recruitment period at the university.

Single Intention Preference: Occurs when a PNM attends more than one preference event but only lists one choice on their MRABA.

ESSENTIAL POLICIES

For Potential New Members

PNM Bill of Rights

As a Potential New Member at Western Carolina University, I have the right to:

Be treated as an individual.

Be fully informed about the recruitment process.

Ask questions and receive true and objective answers from recruitment counselors and members.

Be treated with respect.

Be treated as a capable and mature person without being patronized.

Ask how and why, and receive straight answers.

Have and express opinions to recruitment counselors.

Have inviolable confidentiality when sharing information with recruitment counselors.

Make informed choices without undue pressure from others.

Be fully informed about the NPC Unanimous Agreements implicit in the membership recruitment acceptance binding agreement (MRABA) signing process.

Make one ' s own choice and decision and accept full responsibility for the results of that decision

Have a positive, safe and enriching recruitment and new member experience.

The above is provided by the National Panhellenic Conference.

Potential New Members must be accepted and enrolled as full-time students (minimum 12 credits) at Western Carolina University.

Potential New Members must have AT LEAST a 2.5 cumulative GPA in order to participate in Primary Recruitment.

Potential New Members must attend all academic classes during the Primary Recruitment period for the duration of the scheduled class time.

Potential New Members will not visit any sorority house except during designated Primary Recruitment events.

Potential New Members must attend all events to which they are invited

Any Potential New Member who does not attend an event without an approved excuse will be asked to leave the Formal Recruitment process. The College Panhellenic Council Officers must approve any emergencies or illness that may prevent attendance.

Potential New Members must attend the Formal Recruitment events at the time officially scheduled to them.

Potential New Members may not contact any active sorority members during Formal Recruitment week. Sorority members may not contact PNMs

Sorority members may not make promissory comments or give oral, or written, invitations to join a sorority to any PNMs. Bids are only issued on Bid Day. PNMS are to contact a Panhellenic Officer orRecruitment Counselor if a situation like this occurs at any time.

ESSENTIAL POLICIES

For Potential New Members

PNM Expectations

Potential New Members must be respectful to all sorority women and may not spread rumors or make disparaging remarks about chapters, chapter members, or other PNMs.

Potential New Members may not be on their phones while they are in a party/round of recruitment.

Potential New Members may not use or be in the presence of drugs or alcohol during the Formal Recruitment week including Bid Day.

Potential New Members who wish to withdraw from Formal Recruitment must complete a withdrawal form and survey, which will be given to them by a GSED Staff member.

It is recommended that Potential New Members be fully aware of the academic and financial obligations of membership before accepting a bid. If Potential New Members wish to be eligible to join a sorority, they must complete and sign a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA). **It is not guaranteed that every PNM who goes through Formal Recruitment will receive a bid to join a Panhellenic sorority.

Potential New Members are encouraged to keep an open mind during Formal Recruitment to ensure any decisions they make are their own.

RECRUITMENT COUNSELORS

Recruitment Counselors, otherwise known as RCs, are the backbone of Panhellenic Primary Recruitment. RCs work in pairs to oversee groups of Potential New Members. These women are active sorority members who have temporarily put their letters aside to act as mentors, advisors, and friends to their groups of PNMs. They have participated in an extensive training program to support you through the recruitment process. They are prepared and eager to help you throughout this exciting journey.

Duties of Your RCs

Listen to you! Keep everything you say confidential. Provide unbiased advice. Encourage and empower you to make the best decisions for YOU! Provide a positive environment. Assist you as you navigate the recruitment schedule. Serve as a mentor. Celebrate you and your decisions!

Fall 2024 Recruitment Counselors

Group 1: Isabel Pacillas & Darbe Reesman

Group 2: Julia Reed & Leah Bowers

Group 3: Nelson Wiggins & Tiffan Black

Group 4: Renna Olson & Lauryn Tadlock

Group 5: Emma Greenawalt & Carolina Sullivan

Group 6: Riley Sanz & Bethany Mayes

Group 7: McKenzie Reed & Marissa Clontz

Group 8: Abbie Parker & Rachel Andrews

VALUES-BASED

Recruitment

Western Carolina University Panhellenic advocates for a values-based recruitment that reflects the authentic version of our chapter members and potential new members. This type of recruitment helps our organizations and members focus on our founding values and recruit women who understand and are committed to living out the values of our organizations. It also provides PNMs an opportunity to make informed decisions through a fair and unbiased experience. This approach to recruitment encourages more intentional conversation in order for PNMs and chapter members to discover shared interests and values and define membership expectations and standards more clearly. It is important for PNMs to consider their own values when participating in values-based sorority recruitment. The chapters are excited to get to know YOU for YOU. Don't be nervous to talk about your values and what makes you passionate.

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Recruitment Registration Opens

Wednesday, May 15th

PNM Recruitment Orientation

Thursday, August 29th | 7:00 PM

Potential New Members will attend a primary recruitment orientation meeting in the University Center Theatre. RCs will answer any questions that PNMs have before this event.

Recruitment Registration Closes

Friday, August 30th | 12:00 PM

Last day to register for Fall Primary Recruitment. Link closes at noon.

Round I: Panhellenic Fair

Friday, August 30th | 7:00 PM

Potential New Members will attend the Panhellenic Fair in the University Center. Potential New Members will meet all 4 chapters.

Round II: Philanthropy & Leadership

Saturday, August 31st | 10:00 AM

Potential New Members will visit all 4 chapters.

Round III: Sisterhood & Values

Sunday, September 1st | 10:00 AM

Potential New Members will visit a maximum of 3 chapters.

Round IV: Preference

Monday, September 2nd | 9:00 AM

Potential New Members will visit a maximum of 2 chapters’ Preference Ceremonies. These sessions are required to receive a membership bid.

Bid Day

Monday, September 2nd | 5:45 PM

Matched Potential New Members will receive their bids and attend their new chapter’s bid day activities.

ROUND I

Panhellenic Fair

Friday, August 30th | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Third Floor of the University Center

Conversations during the Panhellenic Fair will be very casual. This round allows PNMs to meet with all 4 chapters in an informal, relaxed setting. Be prepared to share basic information about yourself, such as why you decided to go through the recruitment process, what your interests are, what your intended major is, and what you hope to be involved in on campus.

WARDROBE SUGGESTIONS

Attire: Casual & Comfortable

We encourage PNMs to wear something that shows off their personality and makes them feel comfortable and confident. We suggest wearing shoes that are comfortable for standing.

ROUND II

Philanthropy & Leadership

Saturday, August 31th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Village

Conversations during Round II will include discussions about the chapter’s philanthropy and the leadership opportunities that the chapter offers Sisters will share their personal connection to their chapters’ philanthropic cause, what philanthropy events they enjoy most, and the leadership positions they hold within the chapter. We encourage PNMs to share what service or leadership experiences they have or hope to have throughout their college years This is a great opportunity to ask Sisters about the financial requirements of membership.

WARDROBE SUGGESTIONS

Attire: Dressy Casual

We encourage PNMs to wear something a little more dressy than Round I, but still comfortable. We suggest wearing shoes that are comfortable for walking and clothes that are not too hot for the August heat.

ROUND III

Sisterhood & Values

Sunday, September 1st | 10:00 AM – 2:45 PM

The Village

Conversations during Round III will include more details about what membership in each chapter looks like and what events they host throughout the year. Sisters will share their personal experiences in their sisterhood, the chapter’s values, and what makes their chapter unique. We encourage PNMs to share their own values and a little bit more about themselves. This is a great opportunity to ask Sisters about their requirements for living in the house.

WARDROBE SUGGESTIONS

Attire: Dressy Casual

We encourage PNMs to wear something a little more dressy than Round I and II, but still comfortable. We suggest wearing shoes that are comfortable for walking and clothes that are not too hot for the August heat.

ROUND IV

Preference

Monday, September 2nd | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

The Village

Conversations during Round IV will be personal, as the Sisters will share their Preference Ceremony ritual with PNMs. PNMs will learn why the chapter means so much to the Sisters. We encourage PNMs to think about whether they can envision themselves in that sisterhood. This is a great opportunity to ask Sisters any remaining questions you may have, as this is the last time you will talk with the chapter before making a final preference list.

WARDROBE SUGGESTIONS

Attire: Semiformal

We encourage PNMs to wear something dressy, as this round is a ceremony. We suggest wearing shoes that are comfortable for walking and clothes that are not too hot for the August heat.

BID DAY

Monday, September 2nd | 5:45 PM Catafount

Matched PNMs will finally get to open their bid cards with their RC group at the Catafount. This is the time when you will find out what chapter you are invited to join and run home to their spot on the field. You will meet your new Sisters and attend the chapter’s bid day activities.