GUIDEBOOK
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION
ABOUTUS
Welcome to the University of Kansas Panhellenic Association. We are so excited for all the Potential New Members (PNMs) to experience firsthand how the Panhellenic experience at KU exceeds expectations, smashes stereotypes, and provides a community unlike any other - one of support, opportunity, belonging, and personal development that continues well beyond the college experience.
The Panhellenic Association is just one of the four governing councils at the University of Kansas. The Panhellenic Association at KU governs 11 sororities which emphasize leadership, scholarship, friendship, and service. Founded in 1905, The Panhellenic Association promotes collaboration and positive experiences within the sorority community. We value inclusivity and ensure a welcoming environment for all.
The University of Kansas Panhellenic Association is an inclusive community that encourages diversity and inclusion of members from all types of backgrounds and beliefs As a new member, many will experience new things while getting acclimated with sorority life and KU. Each chapter has a different program specifically designed for new members to help transition them into sorority and college life. New members will learn about the history and traditions of their chapters, as well as gain skills that will make for an easy transition into college life.
COREVALUES SCHOLARSHIP
The Panhellenic Association was founded on the principle of exceptional scholarship. Each sorority at KU recognizes the importance of academic success and provides members with a network and services to help all members succeed.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership opportunities are endless in the Panhellenic community. Each sorority provides an opportunity for members to experience different leadership roles within the chapters and on campus through student organizations.
SERVICE
Service in the Panhellenic Association is demonstrated through our philanthropic efforts through different organizations. Once PNMs step foot on the KU campus, they get the privilege to serve national organizations and local communities
FRIENDSHIP
Joining the Panhellenic community offers members the opportunity to foster friendships throughout their years on campus. Through sisterhood events and bonding, the women many meet in the Panhellenic chapters will become friends that last a lifetime.
OUR TEAM
President VP of Recruitment Counselors
Personnel
VP of Accountability
VP of Recruitment Programming
OUR TEAM
Ch to VP of Public Relations
V q y Diversity, & Access
VP of Interfraternal Relations & Member Development Community Service Professional Development Safety
PANHELLENIC DICTIONARY
ACTIVE MEMBER
A sorority member currently in college who has been initiated by their chapter.
ALUMNA
A sorority member who is no longer a member of a collegiate chapter.
BID
A formal invitation to join a sorority.
CONTINUOUS OPEN RECRUITMENT (COR)
The period throughout the year where chapters that have additional membership spots available can recruit new members through a less structured process. Also called informal recruitment. More information can be found on page 38.
INTENTIONAL SINGLE PREFERENCE
When a PNM attends more than one event on Preference Day but limits her membership selections by not listing all of her options on the MRABA following preference round.
LEGACY
A daughter, sister or granddaughter of an initiated member of a sorority. Each NPC member organization has its own definition of and invitation policies regarding legacies.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
A form completed by a member of a sorority, recommending a potential new member for membership. It may also be referred to as sponsorship or reference.
PANHELLENIC DICTIONARY
MRABA (MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT ACCEPTANCE BINDING AGREEMENT)
A document each Potential New Member fills out and signs immediately following Preference Day stating their membering preferences. The Potential New Member lists the sororities they would accept a bid from in their order of preference This is a binding agreement stating that the PNM is willing to accept a bid from any sorority that they list.
PHILANTHROPY
A national and/or local charity that a sorority sponsors, donating time and money through service to promote human welfare.
POTENTIAL NEW MEMBER (PNM)
A PNM is anyone who is eligible to participate in Formal or Informal Panhellenic Recruitment.
PREFERENCING
The process at the end of each round when PNMS will list the chapters they wish to attend for the next round. They will "preference" the chapters they wish to return to and the ones they do not wish to re-attend This is a mutual selection process, meaning there is a chance that PNMs won’t be invited back to a chapter that they wanted to or that they will get invited back to chapters they didn’t preference.
QUOTA
The number of new members a sorority may pledge during Formal Recruitment.
SNAP BID
A procedure used at the close of bid matching for potential new members who withdrew from recruitment before signing the MRABA and/or were not matched in the bid-matching process
AmapofcampustohelpPNMsfindwheretheyneedtogo!
RECRUITMENT COUNSELORS
Recruitment is a special experience to build connections, meet new people, and find lifelong sisters. Although special, it can still be nerve-wracking, which is perfectly normal! Recruitment counselors, also known as rho gammas, will be there for PNMs during the ups and downs of recruitment. They are current members of our Panhellenic chapters who have disassociated themselves from their organization in order to remain unbiased, confidential, and a neutral resource during the recruitment process. The recruitment counselors have been thoroughly interviewed, selected, and trained to be a strong and unbiased support system for PNMs.
The Recruitment Counselors are so excited to meet our potential new members on move-in day. Once PNMs register for the recruitment process, they will be contacted via text by one of our recruitment counselors to answer any questions they have leading up to the week!
CREED
We, as Undergraduate Members of Panhellenic 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 fraternity activities.
We, as Fraternity Members, stand for service through the development of character, inspired by the close contact and deep friendship of individual 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.
BILLOFRIGHTS
All PNMs have the right to:
Be treated as an individual with the utmost respect.
Be fully informed about the Recruitment process as soon as all details are known.
Have inviolable confidentiality when sharing information with Recruitment Counselors
Make a decision and accept full responsibility for the results of the decision.
Ask questions and receive true and objective answers from Recruitment Counselors.
Be treated as a capable and mature person without being patronized.
Make informed choices without undue pressure from active members or anyone else involved in the recruitment process
Have a positive, safe and enriching recruitment and new member period
CODEOFCONDUCT
All individuals participating in Fall Formal Recruitment will be asked to electronically sign this form as they register for the recruitment process.
I, , a Potential New Member (PNM) participating in the University of Kansas Panhellenic Fall Formal Recruitment in the year 2024, hereby agree to abide by the following rules:
A PNM shall not give a promise, verbal or written, to join or enter into any sorority before bids are issued through Panhellenic at the end of Fall Formal Recruitment.
A PNM shall consult their Recruitment Counselor and a member of the Panhellenic Recruitment Team before withdrawing from Fall Formal Recruitment.
A PNM shall report any violation of the recruiting guidelines to a Recruitment Counselor or member of recruitment staff
All PNMs shall accept the maximum number of invitations that they receive after each invitational round of Formal Recruitment Intentionally not attending every event is an automatic removal from the process.
It is in accordance with the dignity and good standing of a PNM:
To avoid disparaging remarks about any chapter, sorority or non-sorority member, especially where such remarks can be overheard or observed by others
To not inquire about a recruitment counselors chapter affiliation.
To avoid any negative remarks to any chapter and/or chapter members either verbally or in writing.
To facilitate friendly relations between KU Jayhawks, sorority, and non-sorority members alike
To realize that Fall Formal Recruitment is not a competition and rather an opportunity to build community through mutual respect
To consider an organization carefully and fully with an open mind.
To be a positive representation of the KU Panhellenic community on social media
Throughout Formal Recruitment and for the 24 hours following Bid Day, a PNM shall not consume or be in the presence of alcohol or other substances
All first-year and transfer PNMs shall participate in ALL university sponsored activities throughout Hawk Week
All PNMs may not drive to recruitment events nor use cellular phones during the course of recruitment rounds, unless on a break.
No verbal, written, or digital communication may be exchanged between Sorority Members and PNMs during the Formal Recruitment Process, with the exception of Recruitment Events
CHAPTERS MEETTHE
ALPHACHI OMEGA
Instagram: @kansasalphachi
Nickname: AChiO, Alpha Chi
Chapter GPA: 3.376
Philanthropy: Domestic Violence
Awareness
Motto: "Together let us seek the heights"
ALPHA DELTAPI
Instagram: @kansasadpi
Nickname: ADPi
Chapter GPA: 3.342
Philanthropy: Ronald McDonald House
Charities
Motto: "We Live For Each Other"
CHI OMEGA
Instagram: @kansaschiomega
Nickname: Chi O
Chapter GPA: 3.650
Philanthropy: Make A Wish Foundation
Motto: "To be womanly always and discouraged never "
DELTADELTA DELTA
Instagram: @kutridelta
Nickname: Tri Delta
Chapter GPA: 3.242
Philanthropy: St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital
Motto: "Let us steadfastly love one another."
DELTA GAMMA
Instagram: @kudeltagamma
Nickname: DG
Chapter GPA: 3.416
Philanthropy: Service for Sight
Motto: "Do Good"
GAMMAPHI BETA
Instagram: @kansasgammaphi
Nickname: GPhi, Gamma Phi
Chapter GPA: 3.586
Philanthropy: Girls on the Run
Motto: "Founded on a Rock"
KAPPAALPHA THETA
Instagram: @kukappaalphatheta
Nickname: Theta
Chapter GPA: 3.685
Philanthropy: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Motto: "Leading Women"
KAPPA DELTA
Instagram: @kansaskd
Nickname: KD
Chapter GPA: 3.346
Philanthropy: Girl Scouts + Prevent Child
Abuse America
Motto: "Let us strive for that which is honorable, beautiful and highest."
KAPPAKAPPA GAMMA
Instagram: @kukkg
Nickname: Kappa
Chapter GPA: 3.467
Philanthropy: Mental Health America +
Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation
Motto: "Dream Boldly, Live Fully"
PIBETA PHI
Instagram: @kupiphi
Nickname: Pi Phi
Chapter GPA: 3.524
Philanthropy: Read, Lead, Achieve
Motto: "Friends and Leaders for Life"
SIGMA KAPPA
Instagram: @kusigmakappa
Nickname: Sig Kap
Chapter GPA: 3.346
Philanthropy: Alzheimer's Association
Motto: "One Heart, One Way"
GPAREQUIRMENTS
Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Delta Pi
Chi Omega
Delta Delta Delta
Delta Gamma
Gamma Phi Beta
Kappa Alpha Theta
Kappa Delta
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Pi Beta Phi
Sigma Kappa
*GPA required of active members to maintain a positive status in the organization
$3,032.00 $3,763.50 $2,972.00 $3,360.00 $3,192.00 $3,248.50 $2,906.00 $3,326.00 $3,692.00 $3,857.00 $3,234.00
LIVEINOBLIGATIONS
Live-in obligations are the chapter requirements for the length of time members are required to live in their chapter facility. Traditionally this requirement starts in their second year of membership. All Panhellenic chapters at KU have their own specific live-in requirements. Alpha Chi Omega
$9,740.00 $9,314.00 $9,875.00 $9,680.00 $9,597.00 $9,964.50 $8,216.00 $9,274.00 $8.333.00 $10,335.00 $9,656.00
LETTERSOF RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations are letters or statements from a sorority alumna recommending a Potential New Member for membership. The alumna member will provide a brief description of the prospective member and explain why that woman would be an asset to the specific chapter. It is also important to note that a recommendation does not guarantee a Potential New Member an invitation to events during recruitment week, nor does it guarantee membership in that sorority.
For more information regarding specific chapters head to our website.
LEGACIES
A legacy is typically a Potential New Member who is the sister, daughter, or granddaughter of an initiated member of a panhellenic sorority. Being a legacy does NOT guarantee membership into a sorority. Legacy status can be indicated when registering online. Please have the alumna member send a legacy introduction form and letter of recommendation directly to her sorority, as sororities will need to verify the information PNMs list.
For more information on chapters' legacy policies head to our website.
WWW.KUPANHELLENIC/LETTERSOFREC
THE SCHEDULE
MOVEIN ANDORIENTATION
AUGUST17TH
All Potential New Members will check in and move into their residence halls on this day. PNMs who live offcampus will still check in with Panhellenic at a designated location! Recruitment Counselors will meet with PNMs later in the day to introduce themselves and bring PNMs to orientation. During orientation, PNMs will hear from the Panhellenic President about expectations and recruitment week details.
WHATTOEXPECT?
This is going to be a busy day! PNMs should dress comfortably or in athleisure. Lots of information will be shared, so PNMs should come feeling their best and ready to pay attention!
OPENHOUSE
AUGUST18TH-19TH
These events are spread across two days. PNMs will meet with all 11 chapters during this round. This round is a meet and greet, with short 25 minute conversations with chapter members. Open House consists of a lot of "small talk.”
WHATTOEXPECT?
Today is the first day of recruitment! PNMs will travel to chapters with their recruitment counselor and their recruitment group for the week. This is the only round where you will travel with them so be sure to make note of where chapters are and how to navigate the bus system.
WHAT TO WEAR?
PNMs should wear their open house shirts today. They can have the option to cut it or dye the shirt. Many dress it up with pants, skirts, shorts etc.
PHILANTHROPY AUGUST2OTH-21ST
For this round, the maximum number of chapters that a PNM will have the chance to visit is eight. These 30minute events are based around values, service, and the chapter's philanthropy and volunteer opportunities!
WHATTOEXPECT?
On this day conversations get more detailed. PNMs should ask chapters about their philanthropy and try and find which one they connect the best with! PNMs can learn a lot about chapters and their mission this day.
WHAT
TO WEAR? The theme for philanthropy is GAME DAY! Wear your favorite KU gear and colors this day!
SISTERHOOD AUGUST22ND
For this round, the maximum number of chapters that a PNM will have the chance to visit is five. These 40 minute events will center around friendship and daily life as a chapter member. Chapters will also host house tours on this day and will be giving financial transparency presentations regarding their member dues.
WHATTOEXPECT?
Sisterhood is a longer event. PNMs should ask about social events, living in the chapter house, friendships and more. Anything they need to know before preferencing, make sure they ask!
WHAT TO WEAR? The attire for sisterhood is similar to SUNDAY BRUNCH. This could be nice shorts and a blouse, a dress, or a skirt set. Many PNMs choose to dress up this day!
PREFERENCE AUGUST23RD
The final event of the week, Preference, is the longest round with 60-minute events. On this day PNMs can visit up to two chapters. Preference round is very sentimental to chapters, especially the senior member classes. After their last Preference round, PNMs will make their final decision.
WHATTOEXPECT?
PNMs should ask questions and be ready to make a decision before going to preference. PNMs should take their time and utilize their recruitment counselors for someone to talk to!
WHAT TO WEAR? The attire for Preference is similar to a SUMMER WEDDING. This will be the dressiest outfit. This can be a dress, pantsuit, skirt set, etc.
BIDDAY AUGUST24TH
The last day of recruitment when potential new members receive invitations (bids) to join chapters. Recruitment Counselors will be ready for all PNMs and communicate next steps to the bid reveal.
WHATTOEXPECT?
Bid Day will start with recruitment counselors bringing PNMs to the bid reveal. PNMs then open the bid and run to their chapter group. They will then be driven to the chapter facilities for their celebration!
WHAT TO WEAR?
All chapters will provide their new members with shirts. Choose a neutral bottom, preferably shorts or a skirt. PNMs will be outside this day so dress for the weather!
CONTINUOUSOPEN RECRUITMENT
Continuous Open Recruitment, also known as COR, is an informal recruitment process that will begin immediately after Bid Day of Fall Formal Recruitment. Continuous Open Recruitment will end on stop day of the fall semester and resume on the first day of the spring semester. Anyone is eligible for COR if they are a current full time student at the University of Kansas and have not signed an MRABA and turned down a bid since the last formal recruitment.
If Fall Formal Recruitment does not work out, COR is another great option. During COR, both chapters and potential new members have the opportunity to reach out to each other. COR consists of informal “dates'' such as getting coffee. The Panhellenic Association also puts on tabling events called “Meet the Chapters”, where Potential New Members can come and meet chapters at a structured event and go from there! Not every chapter participates in COR. Chapters must be below campus
COMMITMENTTO EQUITY,INCLUSION, DIVERSITYANDACCESS
As a Panhellenic community, we work towards a constant goal of making recruitment and the sorority experience as equitable and accessible as possible. We know that barriers may be in the way of joining the Panhellenic community, and we are always looking for ways to go around them or break them down.
Diversity: The blending of different identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives within an organization/community, all of which impact the way a person is perceived and received by others, as well as how they perceive and receive the world around them
Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Inclusion: Creating an environment of open participation from all individuals with different ideas and perspectives where everyone feels they have a voice, are valued and feel validated.
EIDA RESOURCES: Office of Multicultural Affairs | Oma.ku.edu Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity | Sgd ku edu Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging | Diversity.ku.edu
MEETTHECOUNCILS
The SFL Community is made up of more than just our Panhellenic chapters. Below we have information on the three other councils that are in our community!
Interfraternity Council: The purpose of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) is to represent the various sentiments & concerns of the fraternity community while striving to promote a positive SFL image. The IFC executive board is the governing body for the 17 IFC men ’ s fraternities. The Interfraternity Council fraternities have promoted brotherhood, friendship, service, and academics for over 130 years.
Multicultural Greek Council: The KU Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is the governing body for six culturally-based fraternities and sororities on campus. MGC provides a safe space for underrepresented students, and intentional programming to its member organizations. These organizations all strive to benefit the KU community through philanthropy and community service, while celebrating the diverse identities of their members- striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups
National Pan-Hellenic Council: The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative organization composed of nine historically Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities. Commonly referred to as the "Divine Nine," these organizations were founded with the purpose of promoting leadership, scholarship, and service within the African American community. NPHC serves as an umbrella organization that brings together these distinct fraternities and sororities to work collectively on various initiatives and to uphold shared values and traditions.
LDST301COURSE
Consider enrolling in LDST 301 during orientation! Panhellenic new members are required to enroll in LDST 301, a class that will set them up for success in college during their first semester by teaching them the basics of bystander intervention. It is an expectation that new members take this course within the first year of their membership. PNMs have the option to take it for credit or no credit. The Panhellenic Association also offers LDST scholarships for members to apply for after they have completed the course! To enroll for this Fall, just speak with an academic advisor during New Student Orientation session to enroll.
The mission of the office of Sorority and Fraternity Life is to empower members of the fraternity and sorority community to express their respective organizations' values through the embodiment of our shared commitment to academic achievement, civic and community engagement, diversity and inclusivity, personal and professional development and holistic wellness.
THANKYOUTOOUR SPONSORS!
