Dear Potential New Member,
Welcome to Formal Recruitment at Pittsburg State University. On behalf of myself and the Panhellenic Executive Council we are so excited that you have chosen to explore the world of Fraternity and Sorority Life with us.
Being a part of a sorority is a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should have the chance to experience. Throughout your time in Greek life you will have the opportunities for philanthropy, leadership, scholarship, and friendships that will last a lifetime. Although all the sororities on our campus have different letters we have common goals that we share amongst each other. We are members of these organizations to help better ourselves, our community, and our school.
Throughout this week as a PNM and your time in Greek life I hope you can see the advantages of being a member of something bigger than yourself. This week will bring you so many memories and friendships.
Loyally,
Emma VP of RecruitmentSign up online at: www.pittstate.mycampusdirector2.com
You will need access to personal information including:
• Pitt State ID Number
• Picture to Upload
• High School Activities
• Grade Point Average
Cost:
• $200 if you are living in a Residence Hall on Campus
• $150 if you are living off-campus
Contact us:
• Instagram:@npcpittstate
• Email: fsl@pittstate.edu
• Website: www.pittstate.edu/fsl
Fraternity/Sorority Advisor: Sydney Anselmi 620.235.4960 slanselmi@pittstate.edu
A Recruitment Counselor, better known as a Rho Gamma, is available for guidance and support through the week-long recruitment process. The Rho Gammas are here to help you through this process by being available to you during the day, as well as any time you may need them. They have all been through the recruitment process and extensive training, so they know how to handle certain situations. The Rho Gammas’ duties include making sure you have an enjoyable, memorable, and successful week.
Pittsburg State University has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing rituals and activities by any student, student organization, campus program, or athletic team. Students involved in, encouraging, aiding, and/or assisting in hazing or hazing related activities are subject to a conduct review resulting in possible suspension or expulsion from the University. Additionally, knowledge of involvement in any such activities will be reported to local authorities. Failure to report known hazing incidents to the Dean of Students, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor, or coach of the organization or team, or the police may result in disciplinary action. To report an incident anonymously go to the Fraternity and Sorority Life on PSU’s website and fill out the Greek Life Reporting Form.
Will I have to live in the sorority house?
- Every sorority has different guidelines when it comes to living in the house. Most chapters give their members a chance to experience this opportunity on a first come, first serve basis. However, some chapters must meet a house quota.
How much do sororities cost?
- Individual chapter financial information can be found on the last page,
Is it possible to still be involved on campus while being in a sorority?
- Most chapters require you to be involved in something other than your chapter to help you cultivate your relationship, skills, and personal development. There is a benefit in sharing your personal talents in different organizations and different causes.
What do I do if I want to join a particular sorority?
- Limiting yourself to one chapter devalues the reason we are here and can ultimately lead to your disappointment in the recruitment process. You are encouraged to keep an open mind and listen to all the chapters. Find the chapter that aligns with your values and is the best fit for you! Your happiness is worth it!
I am a legacy, what do I need to know?
- Being a legacy to a chapter is not the same as having the obligation to join that chapter. You are encouraged to keep an open mind when going through recruitment week. Find the chapter that you connect with more and your personal values align more towards. Each PNM is considered to be an individual and should never feel pressure from a sorority to join based on their legacy status. A PNM should also know that being a legacy does not grant you an automatic bid to that chapter(s).
Recruitment is a mutual selection process that balances the preferences of each potential new member with those of the sorority chapters. The National Panhellenic Council strives to allow every young woman an opportunity to find a sorority that best suits her personality, interests and future goals, while providing an organized and unbiased membership selection process for the chapters.
Event invitations are only guaranteed to potential new members for the House Tours Round on Tuesday. There is no guarantee that a PNM will be invited to attend the Philanthropy Events, Preference Events, or Bid Day Ceremony. Invitations to subsequent rounds are made based on the selections of the chapters and the preferences of the potential new members. PNM schedules will be maximized so they are able to meet with as many chapters as possible during their recruitment experience.
There is no guarantee that a woman will receive a bid to any sorority. However, if a potential new member progresses through the week and attends all the events she is invited to during the Preference Event Round and lists each of those chapters on her Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) sheet that night, she will likely receive a bid to one of those chapters.
There is no specific formula that explains why a woman is released from a particular chapter, or why a woman prefers one chapter more than another. The National Panhellenic Council makes every effort to allow each potential new member the best opportunity to join the sorority of her choice, but there are no guarantees a young woman will be placed within that specific sorority. It is important to keep an open mind during recruitment week and to use the time to meet and make new friends!
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.
The National Panhellenic Council at PSU does not set specific academic requirements/ standardsfor potential new members to participate in recruitment. However, each chapter has grade point average requirements set by its inter/national organization and the local members.
It is possible, but very rare, for exceptions to be made to these guidelines. These individual requirements are listed on the sorority profile pages later in the booklet.
If your high school or college GPA is below a 2.6 (on a 4.0 scale), you may have significantly fewer opportunities than participants with higher GPAs. Potential new members who do not meet the minimum academic requirements of a specific chapter are typically released early in the recruitment process to allow these women to explore other alternatives.
After accepting membership in a chapter, there are academic requirements for women to stay active in the chapter during their time at Pittsburg State. Inquiring about academic standards is a wonderful idea for conversations during recruitment.
Each woman must be a full-time PSU student to be considered an active member of the chapter (12 credit hours per semester).
The National Panhellenic Conference oversees 26 women’s fraternities and sororities, both National and Internationally.
NPC was established in 1902 to assist collegiate and alumnae chapters of the NPC organizations in cooperating with colleges and universities and to foster relationships between organizations.
The National Panhellenic Conference is a premier advocacy and support organization for the advancement of women and the sorority experience.
Vision: National Panhellenic Conference-Advancing the Sorority Experience Together.
Values: NPC is committed to relationships built on trust through transparency, accountability,and mutual respect. Innovation and our core values of friendship, leadership, service and knowledge, integrity, and community help to guide us in fulfilling our mission.
NPC’s Impact:
- 5 million women as members
- 3,288 collegiate chapters
- 3,784 alumnae associations
- Given over $81,991 in scholarships
- Over 3,000 scholarships awarded
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your Rho Gammas, Panhellenic Executive Team, and all of the women recruiting have been in your position in some recruitment aspect (formal or informal) we are here for you. Ask as many questions as you want until you are comfortable.
2. Keep an open mind. You may have heard rumors about chapters here on our campus and if you have yet to there is a possibility that you might. Do not listen to these rumors, most of them are wrong and will only hurt your outlook on the chapters.
3. Be respectful. Remember that you are going to be around people for most of the week. Be cautious of what you say about chapters and other women. You never know the true impact your words have.
4. Be sure to put your best effort forward. The chapters work tirelessly year round to make sure they are as perfect as they can get for recruitment. Show them respect by putting your best foot forward as well.
5. Be YOURSELF. Don’t try and conform to what the other women around you are doing. Wear the clothes and shoes that feel the most comfortable and appropriate to you. Please remember though that we give you inspiration each day for outfits to wear but that is not required.
6. Don’t listen to everyone around you. Instead listen to your head and heart. Choosing a chapter will be tough for many and your Rho Gammas know the weight of the decision on you. Calling home and listening to the girl you met on move in may sound like a good idea but don’t feel pressured to align your choices with theirs.
Monday, August 12th: Orientation & House Tours Day
10:00am-12:00pm Residence Hall Move-in
1:00pm-2:00pm Student and Parent Organization @Grubbs
2:30pm-6:45pm House Tours Day
7:00pm-9:00pm Dinner & Evening Activity @Grubbs
Tuesday, August 13th: Sisterhood Day
9:30am Sisterhood Orientation @Jungle Lounge
10:00am-12:45pm Sisterhood Events
1:00pm-2:00pm Lunch
2:30pm-5:15pm Sisterhood Events
5:30pm-6:30pm Selections
6:00pm-7:30pm Dinner & Evening Activity @Grubbs
Wednesday, August 14th: Philanthropy Day
10:30am Philanthropy Orientation @Jungle Lounge
11:00am-12:45pm Philanthropy Events
1:00pm-2:00pm Lunch
2:00pm-3:45pm Philanthropy Events
6:00pm-8:00pm Dinner & Evening Activity @Grubbs
Thursday, August 15th: Preference Day
9:45am Preference Orientation @Jungle Lounge
10:30am-11:30pm Preference Events
1:00pm-1:45pm Lunch
2:00pm-3:00pm Preference Events
3:00PM MRABA Signing@Campus Activities Center
6:00pm Dinner
Friday, August 16th: Bid Day
11:00am-1:00pm Lunch
4:15pm PNMs Open Bid Cards
5:00pm Bid Announcement @Oval
* SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
• Drink Water - During events chapters may offer you water but you need to stay hydrated between events and throughout the day as well!
• Snacks - The days can be long and dinner is not till 6pm most nights so if you get hungry during the afternoon you may bring snacks to help keep you full.
• Comb/Bobby Pins/Hair Ties/Hair Spray - Don’t forget to keep your hair looking great during the day.
• Make Up/Mirror/Oil Blotters - For during the day touchups.
• Rain Gear/Sunscreen/Sunglasses - You will be walking to houses on the first day so make sure to check the weather each day.
• Gum/Mints/Toothbrush - Keep your breath super fresh for conversations and afterlunch.
• Deodorant and Perfume - Keep yourself smelling good.
• Comfy Shoes - Between events to walk around in and to reduce blisters.
• Band Aids - just in case you get a blister.
• Phone Charger/Headphones/Book - Bring something to keep yourself entertained between events.
• Money - Just in case you forget your drink or snack and can get one on campus.
• Smile - Don’t forget to smile and enjoy this incredible week.
Sorority members may ask you...
• Why did you choose Pittsburg State University?
• What is the greatest strength you will bring to the chapter?
• What are your values?
• How do you plan on getting involved on campus?
• Who are your role models?
• What is expected of sorority members?
• How has your sorority helped you?
• What makes your chapter different from the others on campus?
• Are women involved in other campus organizations?
• What are the expectations of new members?
• Every Potential New Member has the right to:
• Be treated as an individual
• Be fully informed about the recruitment process
• Ask questions and receive true and objective answers from Rho Gammas
• 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 Rho Gammas
• Expect confidentiality when sharing information with Rho Gammas
• Make informed choices without undue pressure from others
• Be fully informed about binding agreements, implicit and explicit, in the preference card signing
• Make one’s own decisions and accept full responsibility for the result of that decision
• Have a positive, safe and enriching Recruitment and new member experience
The Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) is an agreement that is effective for one calendar year. By signing the MRABA you agree as a PNM that you are willing to accept a bid for membership from any sorority that you rank on the MRABA. If you receive an invitation to membership from a chapter that you ranked on the MRABA you are bound to that group for one calendar year. (August 2024-August 2025). Importantly, if you receive a bid from any sorority that you rank on your binding agreement and you choose not to accept it you are not eligible to participate in Continuous Open Bidding in fall 2024 or spring 2025.
At the conclusion of all your preference events you will make your final selections in the Campus Activities Center on the main floor of the Overman Student Center. If you feel you need to speak with someone before you make your selections there will be women available for you to speak to about your decision, You must complete a paper copy of the MRABA and you will complete one on the computer. Both documents must match. Once you have turned in your MRABA you are not allowed to make changes to any portion of the document. Here are the options you have before you sign your MRABA.
We highly encourage you look at each option and choose the best one related to your values.
First, you may choose to list the sororities whose preference events you attended that day. You should only list the sororities on your MRABA that you would feel comfortable getting a bid from. If you are matched with a sorority that is listed on your MRABA, it is important that you remember you are bound to them for one calendar year (August 2024-August 2025) regardless of whether you choose to accept the invitation of membership or not.
Second, you can choose to not sign the MRABA and withdraw from the recruitment process. If you were to choose this option, you would be able to participate in Continuous Open Bidding in fall 2024 or spring 2025. Please keep in mind that not all sororities participate in COB and that it will limit your choices of the sorority you would like to join.
Lastly, you may choose to limit your choices by choosing just one of the sororities whose preference event you attended during that day. You need to understand that if you only pick one sorority on your MRABA there is a chance that you will not be given an invitation of membership to that house.
If you do not receive an invitation of membership to any sororities you are eligible for continuous open bidding (COB). If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your Rho Gammas or Panhellenic Exec Team. We would be more than happy to help you with any questions you have.
Active – A fully initiated member of a sorority/fraternity
Alumni (Alumnae) – An initiated member of a fraternity/sorority who is no longer in college
Advisor – Fraternity/sorority alumnae members who bring experience and guidance to collegiate members and officers.
Badge – An insignia of fraternity/sorority membership worn by initiated members
Bid – A formal invitation to join a fraternity/sorority
Bid Day – The last day of recruitment is when potential new members receive invitations (bids) to join a chapter. The Unanimous Agreements state that there is to be no alcohol use or men associated with Bid Day.
Chapter – The local group of the larger national/international organization, represented by a special Greek letter name
Continuous Open Bidding (COB)/Informal Recruitment – An opportunity for chapters that do not reach quota during recruitment to bid to quota and/or for chapters that are not at total to bid to total. The COB process is not as structured by the College Panhellenic Council, and only chapters with available spaces in quota/total are eligible to participate in COB.
Formal Recruitment – The recruitment period set aside by the Panhellenic Council for membership selection.
Initiation – The formal ceremony during which a new member begins full membership in a fraternity/sorority.
Single Intentional Preference – When a woman lists only one chapter on her membership recruitment acceptance binding agreement following preference round.
Legacy – A daughter, sister, or granddaughter of an initiated member of a sorority
Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) - This is a binding agreement signed by a potential new member following the final preference event she attends during fully structured or partially structured recruitment. A potential new member agrees to accept a bid from any chapter she lists on her MRABA. If she receives a bid to a chapter she lists and declines it, she is ineligible to join another organization on that campus until the beginning of the next primary membership recruitment period. If she does not receive a bid to membership, she is eligible for continuous open bidding.
New Member – A person who has accepted a bid, but has not yet been initiated
No-Frills Recruitment – Recruitment that focuses on the quality communication and values with potential new members as opposed to focusing on decorations and matching outfits
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) – The umbrella organization for 26 national/ international sororities
Philanthropy – Projects sponsored by fraternity/sorority chapters to raise money for an awareness about charitable causes and organizations
Potential New Member (PNM) – A full-time student interested in joining a Greek-letter organization
Preferential Bidding – A mutual selection process for chapters and potential new members
Recruitment – The mutually selective process by which potential new members and fraternity/sorority members get to know each other for the purpose of membership
Recruitment Counselor (Rho Gamma) – A sorority member who has disaffiliated from her sorority during recruitment so that she can assist PNM’s who are interested in joining a sorority
Strict Silence – The period of time after a potential new member has signed a MRABA to the announcement of final bid when there is to be no communication between potential new members and sorority women
Greak Alphabet
House Tours
Something that makes you comfy. (biker shorts, tennis skirt, athletic vibe)
Sisterhood Day
Sisterhood shirt with shorts and skirts! (skirt, shorts, jeans)
Philanthropy Day
Sunday brunch aesthetic. (long/short skirts, casual dresses)
Preference Day
Whatever makes you confident (sundresses, rompers, jumpsuits)
Shown here are our Rho Gammas modeling their style for each day of recruitment. Each day gets a little more dressy, and just like you, these women are unique and bring their own style and light. Don’t feel boxed in by exactly what they are wearing, but inspired to wear what makes you comfortable, happy, and confident! For more outfit help, look us up on instagram @npcpittstate
Important Notes: All fee totals include all mandatory fees that are assessed by a chaper PER SEMESTER. There may be other optional costs that come up throughout the semester like apparel or other items. All members have a chance to live in the chapter house after their first year at Pitt State. If the chapter house is not filled by volunteers, please be aware that you may be required to live in based on chapter expectation and bylaws.
If at any point during the recruitment process, beginning August 13th until when you sign your MRABA you feel it is time for you to withdraw from the recruitment process, you must meet with a Rho Gamma or a Panhellenic Execteam member to complete the withdrawal form. If you would like to withdrawal before August 13th, please email the recruitment team at fsl@pittstate.edu. Please remember registration fee funds will not be returned.
PNM Name:_______________
Date: _________________
Last Round Completed:
Reason(s) for withdrawal:
Did your Rho Gamma cover the following topics with you:
___ Reasons to stay in this process
___ Resources on campus
___ Discuss your concerns with recruitment
___ Provide any possible solutions for your concerns
I, __________________________, am withdrawing from the recruitment process on my own account.
I have discussed the above issues with a representative of the Pittsburg State University Panhellenic Council.
Signature of PNM: _________________________________
Signature of PSU Panhellenic Representative: ________________________________
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