PANHELLENIC COUNCIL
FORMAL RECRUITMENT
GUIDE 2017
ALPHA CHI OMEGA * ALPHA PHI * GAMMA PHI BE TA * PHI MU
A M ESSAG E FROM OU R R EC RU ITM EN T OFFIC ER Welcome, Star!
for everyone! Because each of our sisterhoods
Each of the four chapters is
On behalf of the Panhellenic
has something unique to
full of strong women that
Community, I would like
offer, every woman in
will encourage you in all of
to welcome you and let
our community has found a
your endeavors and enrich
you know how ecstatic we
house that they proudly call
your life every day. Formal
are that you have chosen
their home.
recruitment is an exciting
Oklahoma City University as
WEL COM E TO
Sorority Life
time to get to know your
your new home. I am even
When you take the first step
fellow freshman women and
more delighted that you are
toward joining a sorority by
more than forty percent of
considering joining one of our
going through recruitment,
the female population on
four amazing sisterhoods,
you are not just choosing
OKCU’s fantastic campus.
which make up the largest
which Greek letters you will
There is truly nothing to lose
student organization on
wear, you are becoming a
by going through Formal
you in achieving more than
part of something that is
recruitment, but so very
you ever thought possible.
far greater than yourself.
much to gain! Get ready
Joining a sorority will enrich
to meet new friends, make
Within our four Panhellenic
your college experience
memories, and have fun!
sororities, we have women
academically and socially,
represented from nearly
and will inspire you to grow
every field of study,
into the woman you hope to
athletic team, and student
become. The bonds you form
Erin McDermitt
organization on campus,
with your sisters are not ones
Panhellenic Council Vice
so there is a perfect fit
that last four years, but are
President of Recruitment.
campus. The OKCU sorority community is recognized as one of the finest in the country, with numerous chapters and individual members earning national awards in the areas of scholarship, community service, and leadership each year. Whether your passion is academia, performance, service, fellowship, leadership, or athletics, joining a sorority can assist
ones that will last for life.
Best Wishes,
OKCU Panhellenic Council NAT IONA L PA N H E L L E NIC CON F E R E NCE
A Message From Our President
including Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Pi Beta Phi, to
The National Panhellenic
discuss their similarities and the
Conference (NPC) is an
honor of belonging to a women’s
organization that oversees and
fraternity both for their time
supports the growth of twenty-
and still today. As time went on
six sororities and women’s
NPC began to organize, creating
fraternities both nationally and
councils at universities and
internationally. NPC holds
colleges where these women’s
these individual organizations
fraternities existed.
to high standards, and ensures that women are able to gain an enriching and rewarding
PANHE LLENIC AT OKCU
experience through women’s
We value scholarship because
Panhellenic to me means coming
college is a time to learn and
together with women that share
grow as students, and discover
the same love for sisterhood and
what it is we are meant to do.
believe in the power of belonging
We value leadership; through
to a women’s fraternity. Each
women’s Greek Life each woman
fraternity has a rich history full
is able to develop fully into the
of strong minded and courageous
best version of herself. Sisters
women. Women’s fraternities
are always there to encourage
choosing to join together and
each other to get involved and
create the NPC furthered the
become strong leaders. Lastly
growth and strength of the
we value service that above
fraternal bond. It has been such a
many things women’s Greek
privilege to serve on Panhellenic
representatives from each of
women’s Greek Life experience.
Life never hesitates to give
Council and to find women who
the sororities, and each woman
Without the existence of
back. Each sisterhood invests
are both mentors and friends
is chosen to be a voice and
the Panhellenic Council, our
time into raising money for their
throughout women’s Greek
embodiment of her own chapter
sororities would not be given the
philanthropy, and completing
Life. Being on the council has
on the council. The council
supportive environment needed
community service hours.
shown me, while we all have
discusses matters such as
to grow. The Panhellenic Council
Through these values women in
our strengths, together we are
recruitment, scholarship, social
at OKCU believes in all that it
OKCU Greek Life are all able to
able to become more; striving
events, and philanthropy, and is
means to be a part of a sorority
achieve more as individuals, and
to create a strong Panhellenic
then able to ensure all chapters
and works to continue to make
create an experience that lasts
community. We each have
are meeting the higher aims that
the opportunity available for
far beyond their four years at
found our own homes to grow
women for years to come.
OKCU.
as women and build lifelong
fraternities during their college
At Oklahoma City University the
all sororities wish to fulfill. At
years. Panhellenic focuses on
Panhellenic Council exists to
OKCU, the Panhellenic Council
what we all have in common.
oversee the four sororities on
supports all the sororities in their
At Oklahoma City University the
Panhellenic that each sisterhood
Historically NPC began when
campus: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha
individual goals and is always
Panhellenic Council and values
is able to remain strong.
Kappa Kappa Gamma invited
Phi, Gamma Phi Beta, and Phi
working to find innovative
sisterhood and the lifelong bond
six other women’s fraternities,
Mu. The council consists of three
ways to improve the quality of
and memories that come with it.
memories, but it is through
Isa Ramirez Panhellenic Council President
Welcome from Greek Life detail, as it will answer to many of the questions you will have regarding Greek Life. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact your Rho Gamma or the Panhellenic Council Advisor. Any women with special needs due to health or disability are
• Your student ID Number (B-Number). Your B-Number is a nine-digit number starting with the letter B. • Your high school information, including your GPA • Your t-shirt size • Your honors, activities, or service experience Plan to register for everything in one sitting; if you close your application it will not be saved and you will have to start from the beginning.
encouraged to contact the OKCU Panhellenic Council Your first week of college is one of the most exciting weeks you will have in your college career, and taking the leap to participate in Formal Recruitment may be where you meet your new best friend! Should you choose to accept a bid to one of our four amazing chapters, you will join the long legacy of OKCU Greek students who have focused their lives around the values of leadership, scholarship, service, and sisterhood. The Panhellenic Council at OKCU facilitates a fully structured recruitment process during Stars Week, the week before classes start in the Fall. Please take the time to review this guide in
at 405.208.6287. We want everyone to have an outstanding recruitment experience! The OKCU Panhellenic Council Advisor and Rho Gammas are here to assist you in the recruitment process and to help you get adjusted during your first few days at OKCU. Don’t
Contact Information 405.208.6287 ljharrel@okcu.edu Find us on Facebook at OKCU Sorority Recruitment 2017
be your new sisters soon!
recruitment is available online at okcu.edu/students/greeklife. Registration will open on April 10, 2017, and will close on August 15, 2017, at 11:59p.m. The following information will be required for registration:
FOR FOR M AL R E CRU I T M E N T
okcu.edu/students/greeklife
hesitate to say hello, we just may
Registration for Formal
Register
Once you have completed your registration application, a confirmation email will be sent to you over the summer. Remember to check your OKCU email regularly to see any updates or information you might need!
To register, visit: okcu.edu/students/greeklife/panhellenic > Click the “Online Registration” link > Fill in required information
Formal Recruitment
Schedule of Events
EV ERYTHING YOU NEED TO K NOW
AUG
15
PARENT & FAMILY INFORMATION SESSION: GREEK LIFE (parents & family only) 3:00-5:00 pm Meinders School of Business
G RE E K L IFE IN FORMATION MEETING (student event, parents & family welcome)
M U T UAL SEL ECTION PRO C E SS
many chapters as possible during
and during Formal Recruitment.
their recruitment experience.
Use this time to make new
7:00-8:00 pm Petree Recital Hall, Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center
AC ADEM IC STAN DAR D S
friends in all the organizations on Formal Recruitment is a mutual
There is no guarantee that a
selection process that balances
woman will receive a bid to any
the preferences of each potential
sorority. However, if a PNM
new member with those of our
attends all the events she is
sorority chapters. The OKCU
invited to and is invited to a party
Panhellenic Council attempts to
on Preference Night (Round
give each potential new member
three) and lists those chapters on
(PNM) the opportunity to find
her preference sheet that night,
the sorority that best suits her
she will receive a bid to one of
individual interests, personality,
those chapters.
and values, while providing an objective and organized
There is no specific formula or
membership selection process
reason to explain why a woman
for the chapters.
is released from a particular chapter, or why a woman prefers
Invitations are only guaranteed
one chapter to another. It is the
to potential new members for
goal of the OKCU Panhellenic
the first round, which begins on
Council to make every effort
Wednesday, August 15th. There
to provide the opportunity for
is no guarantee that a PNM will
each PNM to join her chapter
be invited to attend the second
of choice, but there are no
or third round. Invitations to
guarantees a young woman will
subsequent rounds are made
be placed within that specific
based entirely on both the
sorority. However, there are four
preferences of the PNMs and of
outstanding options at OKCU
the chapters. PNM schedules
and there is no bad choice. It is
will be maximized so they are
important to keep an open mind
able to able to get to know as
during your first week in college,
campus!
RE COMME N DATION LE TTERS A letter of recommendation is written by an alumna member of an organization for the purpose of introducing a woman to a chapter. If you have family members or friends who have told you that you need a recommendation letter to get into a sorority, no need to worry! Fortunately, recommendation letters do not play a large role in the recruitment process at OKCU. If someone is interested in providing you with a recommendation letter, they can be mailed directly to: [Organization Name] Attn: Recruitment Chair 2501 N Blackwelder Oklahoma City, OK 73106
The OKCU Panhellenic Council does not set any academic conditions for potential new
AUG
16
PNM ME ETING 5:30-6:30 pm Watson Lounge, Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel
OPE N HOUSE-ROUN D ON E 6:30-11:00 pm Panhellenic Quad
members to participate in our recruitment process. However, it is important to understand that each chapter has grade point average requirements set by its headquarters and local chapters. It is possible, but
AUG
18
extremely rare, for exceptions to
PNM ME ETING 3:30-4:10 pm Watson Lounge, Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel
PHI L ANTHROP Y N IGHT-ROUN D TWO 4:10-9:00 pm Panhellenic Quad
be made to these guidelines. If your high school or college GPA is below a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), you may have significantly fewer opportunities than participants with higher GPAs. Potential new
AUG
19
members who do not meet the
PNM ME ETING 4:30-5:10 pm Watson Lounge, Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel
PRE FE RENCE N IGHT-ROUN D THREE 5:10-10:00 pm Panhellenic Quad
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. The GPA requirements differ from chapter to chapter.
AUG
20
BI D DAY ! 10:00 am Great Hall
Sorority Life EV ERY THING YOU NE ED TO K NOW
S C HOL A R SHI P
SISTERHOOD
Scholarship is an important
How do they do this? Sororities
Joining the Greek system gives
aspect of any college
concentrate on creating
you the opportunity to create
organization, but OKCU
successful scholarship programs
a unique and special bond with
Panhellenic women have taken
that help each member reach her
women in your organization.
their commitment to scholarship
academic goals. Some of these
One of the greatest aspects
to the next level! Panhellenic
programs include study buddies
of joining a sorority is making
women have consistently
and academic tutors. Each
new friends that will last long
outperformed their all-women
chapter takes great pride in their
after you graduate from OKCU.
and all-campus counterparts,
academic accomplishments and
Sisterhood means more than
recording an average 3.52 GPA
makes a priority to encourage
wearing the same Greek letters,
over the course of the past 10
academic excellence in their
attending meetings and going
semesters.
members.
to socials. It is about developing the camaraderie and sense of belonging that will impact your college years and your life beyond. Sororities were founded as social
GPA
organizations, and learning to interact in these environments will help you in your professional and personal life outside of college. Our events support the important goal of bringing people together to develop bonds and friendship.
SEMESTER
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
expensive. However, rates are reduced significantly the second
The financial requirements of
year and beyond. Payment
joining a sorority vary from
options vary from chapter to
chapter to chapter. Dues
chapter also, but many of our
obligations associated with being
consist of expenses related
chapters offer payment plans.
in a sorority.
to membership fees and
All financial information for each
cost of maintaining meeting
chapter will be discussed during
house facilities. There are also
formal recruitment. Feel free to
occasional one-time fees to
ask any questions you have about
cover the cost of various things
the financial commitment to have
such as initiation badges, meals
a clear picture of the investment
and events. Typically, the first
you are making. It is important
year of membership is the most
to consider all of the financial
Sorority Life EV ERY THING YOU NE ED TO K NOW
SERVICE & PHILANTHROPY
L E A DE R S HI P Leadership is acquired through
all OKCU student athletes are
One of the most enriching
hands-on experience, and OKCU
members of Greek Life.
aspects of being involved in a
sororities offer just that to their
Each organization offers dozens
sorority is the unique opportunity
members. Chapters encourage
of opportunities for their
to work as a group to make the
their members to get involved
members to take on leadership
world a better place. All of the
and to maximize their potential
roles. Additionally, each chapter
sororities at OKCU make service
in their chapter and on campus.
offers programming targeted
a priority in their activities and
Almost forty percent of all OKCU
to leadership development and
for their members. Sorority
current student organization
cultivating the skills that will
women volunteer their time
presidents and thirty percent of
enable their members to excel.
and raise money for a number of important local and national causes. Our women donate hundreds of hours and thousands
Did You Know Did you know your experience in Greek Life can help you outside college too? A recent national Gallup-Purdue Index found a relationship between Greek Life and post-graduate
of dollars in an effort to improve
Homecoming is a competitive
their community. It is the ideal
time, it brings everyone together
of many of our organizations to
by uniting us as a student body
Spring Sing is a campus-wide
around the school so it feels nice
instill a sense of responsibility
that loves our university. Other
event where all the houses
to give back to our community.
in our members to enrich their
than showing campus pride,
compete in a friendly way as to
world.
Homecoming is fun! You learn
who can put on the best musical
things about your organization,
production. It is so refreshing
the university, your peers, and
to hear the talents of all the
yourself that you would not have
different houses on campus and
known otherwise and you create
the event draws each house
Homecoming is an amazing
bonds that will last your entire
closer. Judges select the best
time on campus. It’s really a
time on campus. Homecoming
Production as well as Blue Key
time when organizations work
is part of what makes being an
Honor Society, who produces the
together to show everyone what
OKCU star so spectacular!
event, selects the Best in Show
success. The study found that respondents who identified themselves as Greek scored better in overall well-being, workplace engagement, emotional support from their college, experiential learning experience as a student, and alumni attachment. For more information, click here.
HOME COMING
OKCU means to them. While
SPR ING SING
awards. The event is also a great way to help philanthropies all
N EW M EM B ER M EETING S
R EC RU ITM EN T TR AIN ING
SC HOL A R S H I P School always comes first
As a new member, you will
Throughout the year,
for Greek students. Our
be required to attend weekly
chapters host recruitment-
Greek population includes
new member meetings in
training programs to help
almost every major available
addition to weekly chapter
their new members prepare
on OKCU’s campus, and our
meetings. The goal of these
for Formal Recruitment in
results show that students
meetings is to teach new
the Fall. New members are
involved in Greek life excel
members about the values,
expected to be in attendance
academically. Sororities will
traditions and rituals of their
at these events.
give extra attention to new
sorority.
PH IL AN TH ROPY EV EN TS
members to ensure that
AC TIV E PARTIC IPATION
Expectations
Each of our Greek chapters
encouraged to participate in
devotes time and energy
campus-wide events, such
to supporting their own
as Homecoming, Spring Sing
local and/or national
and Relay for Life. These
philanthropies. Each chapter
events offer new members
will host events each
a chance to engage with the
semester to raise awareness
university and to get to know
and donations for the cause.
people outside of their Greek
New members are invited
membership.
to attend and participate in these events to socialize within the community and to promote a necessary cause.
position them for success in their first year with the organization.
New members are
NEW M EM BER
school is their focus and to
University Policies & Codes NAT IONA L H AZI NG PR E V E N T ION WEEK
DRUG S & AL C OHOL
policy concerning these actions will be subjected to University
Oklahoma City University is a “dry
sanctions, as well as possible civil
Greek Life supported National
campus” and the use, possession,
and criminal penalties.
Hazing Prevention this past year
manufacture, or distributions of
by raising awareness about the
tobacco, drugs, and/ or alcohol, is
contrary purpose hazing has on our
strictly prohibited. Furthermore,
Find more information on all
community. The OKCU Panhellenic
providing these substances on or
OKCU’s Policies and Codes by
Council started off the week by
off campus is strictly forbidden.
clicking here.
tabling outside the OKCU Cafeteria
If you sense a student is violating
and using a social media campaign to discuss what sisterhood and friendship meant to them. Using the hash tag "hazingendswithus" our Panhellenic women came out and explained what sisterhood really meant to them.
HAZ ING POLICY
this policy you should contact the Dean of Students Office.
Oklahoma City University has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing that is consistent with Oklahoma state law. Hazing is contrary to the purposes of the Greek community and the University. Hazing is not tolerated. If you sense a student may be participating in inappropriate activities as a result of membership in a sorority or fraternity, you should contact the Dean of Students Office. Calls will be handled in a discreet manner.
The Student Code of Conduct States: “Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical
DISC R IM INATION, H AR ASSM EN T, R ETAL IATION, & V IOL ENC E Oklahoma City University has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or violence. Allegations of such conduct will be investigated and anyone found to have violated the University’s
health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliations with, or as a condition of membership in, a group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim shall not be a defense. Neither apathy nor acquiescence in the presence of hazing is a neutral act; both are violations of this rule.”
Alpha Chi Omega "TOGETHER L ET US SEEK THE HE IGHTS"
Alpha Phi " U N ION H AN D IN H AN D "
NATIONA L F OUNDI NG
NATIONAL FOU N DING
October 15, 1885
October 10, 1872
DePauw University
Syracuse University
OKC U C H A P T ER
OKC U C H APTER
Gamma Tau
Delta Delta
Chartered in 1955
Chartered in 1961
C OL OR S
C OL OR S
Scarlet Red & Olive Green
Silver & Bordeaux
S Y M B OL S
SY M B OL
Lyre & Pearl
Ivy Leaf
FOU N DI NG VALUES
FOU N DING VALU ES
Wisdom, Devotion, Achievement
Sisterhood, Leadership, Service, Scholarship, Loyalty, Character
MOTT O
Development
"Together let us seek the heights."
PHIL A N T HROP Y Domestic Violence Awareness
MO TTO "Union hand in hand."
PH IL AN TH ROPY The Alpha Phi Foundation
ΑΧΩ
ΑΦ
Gamma Phi Beta " T O I N SPI RE THE HIG HEST TYPE OF WOMANHO OD "
PhiMUMu PHI " TH E FAITH FU L SISTER S"
NAT IONA L FOUNDI NG
NATIONAL FOU N DING
November 11, 1874
March 4, 1852
Syracuse University
Wesleyan College
OKC U C H A P TER
OKC U C H APTER
Beta Omicron
Epsilon Epsilon
Chartered in 1951
Chartered in 2013
C OL OR S
C OL OR S
Light & Dark Brown
Rose & White
S YM B OL
SY M B OL
Crescent Moon
Quatrefoil
FOUN DI NG VALUES
FOU N DING VALU ES
Love, Labor, Learning, Loyalty
Love, Honor, Truth
MOT T O
MO TTO
"To inspire the highest type of
"The faithful sisters."
womanhood."
PHI L A N T HROP Y
PH IL AN TH ROPY Children's Miracle Network
Building Strong Girls
ΓΦΒ
ΦΜ
Round One
Wear
W HAT TO
Here are some examples of what kind of attire you might see for each round of recruitment! However, feel free to wear what you feel comfortable in and what best reflects you. We will give you more examples on the OKCU Recruitment 2017 Facebook page and at the Greek Information Meeting during Stars Week.
Preference Night Round Two
Bid Day
Frequently Asked Questions
ALUMNAE Members of a sorority who have graduated.
chapter, as well as the chapters
BID
change at any time.
An invitation to membership
IFC
BID DAY
umbrella organization for the
The last day of recruitment that includes activities hosted by each
BIG SIS/SISTER The new member selects an active
Continuous Open Bidding (COB) is an informal recruitment process that takes place after fully structured recruitment in the fall and lasts throughout the school year. Please keep in mind that not all chapters can or will participate in Continuous Open Bidding. Please see more information about
can still be eligible to accept a bid. However, please keep in mind there is no guarantee that any chapter will be eligible to participate in COB.
I am a performance major, will I have time to be able to be in a sorority and keep up with my classes and rehearsals?
she is interested in COB, she
discuss how we can change your schedule so that you can still
herself how much she can manage
parties can affect the number of
with the time she has. However, it
houses you are invited back to.
major on campus, and many also
Panhellenic Council Advisor. If
Advisor, at 405.208.6287 to
note, failure to attend invited
What if I decide I don’t want to participate in sorority recruitment? Can I still join a sorority?
she must check out with the
J. Harrel, Panhellenic Council
Each woman needs to decide for
can be said that our sororities host
from Formal Recruitment,
It depends. Please contact Levi
participate in Recruitment. Please
COB in the “Greek Terms” section.
If a woman decides to withdraw
I have a scheduling conflict during recruitment rounds, can I still participate?
members from every performance hold leadership positions within their chapter. If this is something that concerns you and you want to know more about it, don’t hesitate to talk to your Rho Gamma, who can give you a clear picture of what it looks like to be a performer and a Greek woman on OKCU’s campus.
Is it better to sign up early or during Stars Week? The earlier your register for Formal Recruitment, the better. This gives Greek Life enough time to process your information and ensures that
participating in COB, is subject to
extended to a prospective member.
chapter.
What if I want to be in a sorority but I'm not interested in participating in Formal Recruitment?
The availability within each
member to serve as their Big Sister. This initiated member serves as a
Interfraternity Council. The fraternities at Oklahoma City University.
A new member of a fraternity/
INITIATION
sorority aspiring to become an
A spiritually based ritual which
initiated member.
marks the acceptance of a lifetime commitment to the sorority.
PANHELLENIC COUNCIL The governing body of the
LEGACY
National Panhellenic Conference
solver for the new member.
Someone whose mother or sister
sororities at Oklahoma City
are members of a particular
University.
CHAPTER
Greek-letter organization.
resource, role model, and problem
The local group of undergraduate
PNM MEETING HOUSE
A potential new member. This is
Houses where individual sororities
someone who is considering being
the inter/national organization.
meet for their weekly meetings
a part of Greek life or participating
and other functions.
in recruitment.
CONTINUOUS OPEN BIDDING (COB)
MRABA
RECRUITMENT
An informal recruitment process
Membership Recruitment
The organized period for the
that takes place after fully
Acceptance Binding Agreement.
recruitment of prospective
structured recruitment in the fall
It’s the dOKCUment a potential
new members. For Panhellenic
and lasts throughout the school
new member signs to make her
sororities, Formal Recruitment
year. Sororities may extend a bid
final selections during recruitment.
occurs during SRCS Week each
to a potential new member at any
This is a legal binding agreement
fall semester.
time if the chapter is eligible for
and details about this document
COB and chooses to participate.
can be found by clicking here.
students on a particular campus recognized by the university and
RHO GAMMA A Rho Gamma is a Recruitment
you will be able to get a t-shirt in the size you want.
NEW MEMBER
Guide. She is a neutral sorority
Greek Terms
member who is available for guidance through the Formal Recruitment process.