As you read the following pages, please remember that this flip book was designed with YOU in mind. There is valuable information on each page intentionally written to help you prepare for this incredible experience. In addition, there is information on our website about how to register, information much more!
On behalf of the Panhellenic community, I want to thank you for your interest in joining one of our exceptional chapters! This is your opportunity to engage with the largest women’s organization on Penn’s campus, and participate in sisterhood, philanthropy, social justice, and leadership development with women who will become your lifelong friends. I’m really proud to be a part of this community, and am so glad that you are considering joining as well. My hope is that you will embrace the recruitment process with energy and confidence, be yourself, and have fun! This flip book has been designed to inform you about sorority membership here at Penn, and can serve as a guide for the formal recruitment process. If you have any questions, I am always happy to answer them, and I look forward to meeting you all soon!
As the Panhellenic Council advisor, I have the pleasure of working with such confident, inspirational, and empowered women. The Panhellenic community is a network both at Penn and internationally. With 26 National Panhellenic Conference member groups, 8 on Penn's campus, everywhere you go you'll meet an active or alumnae member of a sorority. My experience as a sorority woman was enhanced through the relationships built with fellow Panhellenic women. My purpose has strengthened through work and volunteering with collegiate and alumnae members. This experience can be so much more than four years and one chapter if you let it be. Recruitment is just the start.
It starts somewhere, It starts with you.
"The women of the Panhellenic community are some of the most impressive women I have ever met. I am constantly inspired by how passionately they work towards their goals and their dedication to the causes close to their hearts. When I joined a sorority, I found a group of women who support me unconditionally and who inspire me to be the best version of myself. Being a part of the Panhellenic community has been an incredibly empowering experience and is one of the best decisions I have made while at Penn."
- Claire Canestrino, Panhellenic President
Collectively, our values are scholarship, leadership, service to others, and friendship. Feel free to ask each chapter about the additional values that are important to their sisterhood.
Penn’s eight Panhellenic groups have houses that you will visit throughout the recruitment process. One of the expectations of membership is to live in the sorority house, if space permits. Each chapter is expected to fill its house with at least 40% upperclassmen and many of the other residence are sophomores. Sisters often describe the experience of living in the house as strengthening their sense of sisterhood with other members.
Panhellenic sororities value scholarship. One of the obligations of membership is to uphold the academic standard. In addition to the minimum CU and GPA set by the university, each sorority has a minimum GPA requirement to join and maintain membership. The minimum to join ranges up to a 2.75 GPA.
Being a member also requires a financial commitment. Chapter dues pay for a number of different things, including sisterhood events, social functions, programming, and inter/national fees. The dues for a semester average around ~595 across the 8 chapters. In addition, OFSL requires a $91 annual Programming Fee and Out of Housing Fee ranging between $175-$350 a semester for members living out of the house. Be sure to ask each chapter about payment plans, dues structure, and scholarship opportunities during Sisterhood Round!
Penn has a plethora of resources that are here to support your health, wellness, and academic needs. Visit their website for links to their resources and more.
CAPS offers free and confidential services to all Penn undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
The Reach-A-Peer Helpline is a peer help line that provides confidential peer support, information, and referrals to any and all students of Penn. The service is open to all students who wish to share a problem, are in need of information, or just want to talk to someone about anything on their mind.
Penn Benjamins is an organization run by students, for students. They offer short-term, confidential peer listening and referral services to any member of the Penn undergraduate community
Panhellenic welcome students with disabilities and we are committed to providing the same exceptional opportunities to all students. If you would like to request accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Office of Disabilities Services at 215-573-9235 or through their website. Please contact the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life if you would like to request access to an event by calling 215-898-5264.
In joining a sorority, you are committing yourself to fulfilling the obligations of membership. Among these obligations is committing to the values of the sorority.
Recruitment can be stressful and you may have a lot of questions, the following are valuable resources.
The fall semester has many opportunities for you to learn more about the Panhellenic Community at Penn.
Panhellenic Council Open House
Saturday, November 16th from 1pm - 5pm
Check out our facebook event - click here!
"Is Greek Life Right For Me?"
Thursday, November 21st from 7pm-9pm
JMHH 240
Check out our facebook event - click here!
Meet your Rho Gamma
Saturday, November 23rd from 4pm-5pm
Check out Insta for upcoming details - click here!
Sisters Speed Date!
Tuesday, December 3rd from 5pm-7pm
Check out Insta for upcoming details - click here!
Registration for Primary Recruitment closes on New Years Day.
CONVOCATION
Monday, January 13th at 7pm
OPEN HOUSE ROUND
Tuesday, January 14th at 9:45am
SISTERHOOD ROUND
Wednesday, January 15th at 4:30pm & Thursday, January 16th at 5pm
PHILANTHROPY ROUND
Friday, January 17th at 12:45pm
PREFERENCE ROUND
Saturday, January 18th at 3pm
BID DAY
Sunday, January 20th at 1pm
Registration is discounted the earlier you register. Early registration is $25 (before 11/30), registration is $35 (before 12/19) and late registration is $45 until the deadline to register on 1/1.
1. 2. 4.This schedule details the times and locations for each round of recruitment, and should give you an idea of what to expect during each round. It also provides examples of what you can wear each day. There is no a dress code for recruitment, so take these as suggestions and wear whatever you feel comfortable and happy in. Remember it will be winter, and you will want to dress warmly.
Monday, January 13th
7pm
Meet your Recruitment Guide (Rho Gamma) at Annenberg Center (3680 Walnut Street) in the Main Theater for a presentation from the Panhellenic Recruitment Team about all the details of recruitment week.
Please arrive between 6:45pm and 7pm to check-in and find your seat. This day is casual and you will not be visiting any houses, but is required for all Potential New Member (PNMs).
Tuesday, January 14th
9:45am
Meet your Rho Gam at Annenberg Center at 9:45am sharp. Each group is scheduled to visit each house for 30 minutes from 10:45am-10:15pm, with several breaks during the day. Free lunch will be provided during the mid-day break. During this round, houses will be decorated according to the colors, symbols, and traditions for their chapter. Use these details to help you remember which sorority is which. When you walk into the houses, sisters will welcome you with open arms and may be cheering to greet you. At the end of the night, all PNMs must submit their preferences (which chapters you would like to visit again), this day will end around 11pm.
Dress as if you are going to a nice dinner with your family - you will want to make a good first impression on each house!
Warmth is key, because you will spend a few minutes waiting outside each house before before you meet the chapter. Warm dress pants, a skirt or dress with tights, or sweaters are all good options. There will be a place to hang your coat and bag at each house. Don't forget gloves, scarves, and hats, all of which can be stored in your bag during the round. It is best to wear warm comfortable shoes, there may be ice on sidewalks and you will be walking a lot.
MUTUAL SELECTION: The primary recruitment process is a mutual selection process. After each round, PNMs will submit their preferences on which sororities they want to continue to see. Sororities submit their preferences as well. Each round, PNMs and chapters continue narrowing down their lists, until each PNM receives one bid, and each sorority has different women in their new member classes.
Wed., January 15th at 4:30pm
Thur., January 16th at 5pm
Houston Hall
Meet your Rho Gamma at Houston Hall Wednesday at 4:30pm to receive your personal schedule for Sisterhood Round. These events are 45 minutes, at the house you will talk to sisters and watch a short video about sisterhood. Chapters will also be prepared to talk about financial obligations and GPA requirements, so make sure to ask! When you leave an event, go directly to the next event on your schedule. If you have a break, stay warm in rooms on campus, and arrive at your next scheduled house 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the event. This round is split over two days, Wed. and Thur. Upon completion of your last event, you will go to Houston Hall to submit your preferences.
Friday, January 17th 12:45pm
Houston Hall
Meet your Rho Gamma at Houston Hall at 12:45pm to receive your personal schedule for the day. These events are one hour, and you will be learning about each sorority's philanthropic efforts. Sisters will be excited to talk about the service initiatives and philanthropy events they host throughout the year. When you leave an event, go directly to the next event on your schedule. If you have a break, go stay warm in rooms on campus, and arrive at your next scheduled house 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the event. Upon completion of your event schedule, please go to Houston Hall to submit your preferences for the next round of recruitment.
Feel free to wear jeans and comfortable shoes! You will likely be sitting on the floor for the video during sisterhood round, so dress accordingly.Sisterhood & Philanthropy
These rounds are more casual, and you may dress as if you were going to lunch downtown with friends.
SCHEDULE CONFLICTS: Please adjust your schedule so that you can attend all events for the full duration of recruitment. If this is not possible due to a class, religious observance, athletics, or other extenuating circumstance, complete the google form (page 23) with your conflict as soon as you are aware of it. If you find out about a conflict less than 24 hours before a round, notify your Rho Gamma AND fill out the form. Submitting your conflict will help us customize your schedule to maximize your attendance but does not guarantee you will not miss events.
Saturday, January 18th 3pm
Houston Hall
Meet your Rho Gamma at Houston Hall at 3pm to receive your personal schedule for the night. These events are one hour long, and are a beautiful ceremonial experience. Because of the nature of the event and the important decision you will make at the end of the round, this day is more formal. We ask that you do not talk to other PNMs or outside sources, and make your decision based off of how you feel. After your last event, you will go directly to Houston Hall to meet with your Rho Gamma and sign the MRABA (described on PAGE 11). Please do not stop anywhere along the way or use your phone until your MRABA is submitted. This day is all about reflecting and making your own opinions and choices.
Sunday, January 19th 1pm
Irvine Auditorium
All PNMs must meet their Rho Gamma at Irvine Auditorium at 1pm for PHC new member orientation.
Following this orientation is Bid Day! This day of celebration is when the official invitation ("bid") to join one of the Panhellenic organizations are given out. Your bid will only be from one of the chapters you visited on the day prior (Preference Round). After the official invitation, PNMs will join their new sorority for a sisterhood event.
Not all women who register for recruitment receive bids. However, PNMs who keep an open mind about all 8 PHC sororities, fully participate in recruitment, and maximize their options by attending all events they are invited to have a very high bid matching rate at Penn.
For more ideas check out Pinterest Page @pennpanhellenic
Bid Day is casual. Wear comfortable shoes. The chapters may have a t shirt for you to wear for their event after the bid distribution.Preference & Bid Day
Because of the nature of the event, dress is more formal. A nice cocktail dress or skirt and blouse are appropriate. Make sure to dress warmly! Tights and sleeves are encouraged.
Rho Gammas go through many hours of training to be the best resource for PNMs during recruitment. They have chosen to take on this role to get to know you and support you in your decision, so utilize them as you go through recruitment! Learn more about their role below.
Recruitment is an exciting and memorable experience, but it can be an overwhelming and emotional time as well.
Recruitment Guides, referred to as Rho Gammas, are undergraduate women from various sororities at Penn, who represent the Panhellenic community during recruitment. This means that from the time of her selection until Bid Day, she is not allowed to talk to any sorority sisters about the recruitment process. They do this to fully focus on the PNMS and keep PNM personal information confidential. You should feel comfortable talking to her about the decisions you are making, and how you are feeling about the process. She is there to help you!
Your Recruitment Guide is your resource for all information about recruitment. She is there to answer your questions, refer you to helpful resources, and to guide you in your decisions when you submit preferences. An event called Meet you Rho Gamma allows you to get to know your assigned Rho Gamma before recruitment begins. During recruitment, they are for you from Convocation until Bid Day.
All meetings with your Recruitment Guide are required, as she is there to provide you with essential information about the process. Please be sure to stay in touch with her often. She will give you her cell phone number and email address. All questions that the Rho Gamma cannot answer should be directed to the Panhellenic VPs of Recruitment.
RECRUITMENT GUIDE SOMETHING?
You should always feel free to talk to another Recruitment Guide or a member of Panhellenic Executive Board, or email the AVP of Recruitment at pennpanhellenic.avprecruitment@gmail.com.
Penn Panhellenic values each individual. Panhellenic holds all members accountable for following recruitment rules and upholds these PNM Bill of Rights during the Recruitment Process, to ensure that each PNM has the best recruitment experience.
The right to be treated as an individual
The right to be fully informed about the recruitment process
The right to ask questions and receive true and objective answers from recruitment guides and members
The right to be treated with respect
The right to be treated as a capable and mature person without being patronized
The right to ask how and why and receive straight answers
The right to have and express opinions to recruitment guides
The right to have inviolable confidentiality when sharing information with recruitment counselors
The right to make informed choices without undue pressure from others
The right to be fully informed about the NPC Unanimous Agreements implicit in the MRABA signing process
The right to make one’s own choice and decision and accept full responsibility for the results of that decision
The right to have a positive, safe and enriching recruitment and new member experience
NPC member organizations want every potential new member (PNM) to be informed about her options for joining a sorority. At the completion of the primary recruitment period, all women are given the option to sign a membership recruitment acceptance binding agreement (MRABA). In order to receive a bid from a sorority on campus, the MRABA must be signed. The MRABA is used on every campus that has NPC member organizations.
All PNMs are given final instruction during the time of signing about the MRABA and what they are agreeing to abide by. The MRABA consists of six sections. The sections include:
1.
2.
Completing contact information
Checking off a statement to withdraw or continue: The PNM has the choice to submit an MRABA, make her sorority ranking selection and receive a bid. She also has the option to not submit an MRABA and remove herself from the recruitment process. She will still be eligible as a snap bid and for continuous open bidding (COB) should she choose not to submit an MRABA.
The MRABA is signed after your last Preference Event the day before Bid Day.
By signing and initialing seven statements by the PNM as acknowledgement she has read and understands each point
The PNM only lists the sororities in which she attended preference events. She should only list the sororities from which she will accept a bid of membership.
She has the option to not list a sorority if she is certain she will not accept a bid. While maximizing options will increase a chance of a PNM receiving a bid, she should never be forced to write down all her options. Maximizing her options does not increase the likelihood of receiving a bid to her first choice.
The PNM acknowledges, should she choose to limit her options and not write all the sororities whose preference round she attended, she may not receive a bid at the end of this recruitment process.
After signing...
Once the MRABA is signed and submitted, a PNM cannot change her selections. This includes adding, subtracting and changing the rank order.
If a PNM does not receive a bid at the end of this process, the PNM is eligible for COB. Not all sororities may be open or participate in COB, so a PNM will need to be aware of her options.
If a PNM declines a bid after receiving it, she will be ineligible to join any sorority on this campus until the next primary recruitment period. The PNM did acknowledge she would only list the sororities that she would accept a bid of membership. By declining the bid, she is bound by the agreement to wait until the next primary recruitment on this campus.
The PNM will list in rank order of her preference the sororities from which she is willing to join and accept a bid.
Signing the binding agreement, clicking submit on an electronic version denotes a signature and agreement to the terms listed.
3. 4. 5."Your conversations with sisters can be about anything you want, from both classes and clubs at Penn, to your favorite TV shows, to your hometown. Just talk about whatever you’re comfortable with, and don’t be afraid to go with the flow of the conversation. You can also ask women about their own sorority experiences. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous at first, I know I was when I went through sorority recruitment. However, you’ll feel much more comfortable as you go through the rounds, and houses start feeling more familiar for you.
- Elena Hoffman, VP of RecruitmentUse the provided hand sanitizer between events.
Dress warmly for each day. You will be waiting outside each house for at least 8-10 minutes before going inside. Wash your hands often and take vitamins. Many people find that colds circulate during recruitment - don't let yourself get sick!
Get plenty of sleep. Use your evenings and free time to rest and stay on top of your classes.
Be kind to others in your group. Everyone has a different experience during recruitment, and it is important to respect your fellow PNM's feelings and support each other throughout the process.
Ask questions during the rounds! It helps the conversation and is a sign of your interest in the organization.
Be respectful in the conversations, regardless of whether or not you think you like the sorority. Your opinion may change with each person you meet, and you may decide that you like a chapter that you thought you weren't interested in.
If you do not think you are interested in a certain house, you should still be courteous to the women hosting you. When you join any sorority, you are also joining Panhellenic, and those women are part of that larger community.
Do not interpret any remark made at an event as assurance of a bid. An individual member has no way of deciding on their own or knowing if you will receive a bid.
Look at each sorority as a whole. Sororities are made up of many individuals - don't judge it by just one woman that you met.
Be mature in your decision making. Do not be influenced by others' opinions. This organization will be with you for the rest of your life, and is bigger than one year, person, or your time at Penn.
In 1851, six students established Alpha Delta Pi as the first secret society for women and consequently changed the college experience for generations to follow. Continuing the legacy of the founding women by pursuing opportunities to lead and grow in unchartered territory, Alpha Delta Pi seeks to enhance every member’s college experience while instilling values that remain relevant long after graduation. Joining Alpha Delta Pi means investing in a bond that has formed influential leaders on Penn’s campus and across the world.
The Alpha Delta Pi experience cultivates well-balanced leaders that continually affect positive change within the sorority as well as across Penn’s campus. Sisters are able to contribute and develop their skills and talents by becoming an officer or a committee member, while also finding opportunities for campus involvement through the extensive network within the chapter. Highly involved in organizations such as MERT, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kite and Key, Varsity Athletics, and Wharton Women, the sisters of ADPi encourage each other to pursue meaningful involvement and excellence in whatever they undertake. Surrounded by innovative women and working towards a shared vision, Alpha Delta Pi women are leaders set apart by their values and wellrounded skill set.
Alpha Delta Pi's active relationship with the Ronald McDonald House Charities demonstrate sisters' desire to positively contribute to their surrounding community. Providing a home away from home for families with children undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House’s mission and vision holds great importance for Alpha Delta Pi sisters. Located a few blocks away from the very first Ronald McDonald House, members regularly cook dinner for the families staying at the facility. We are able to do so much for our philanthropy because it is so close to home. Through Alpha Delta Pi’s signature philanthropy event, Pie A President, sisters also raise significant funds to support the life-changing work carried out by the Ronald McDonald House. There is nothing more satisfying than pieing someone in the face for a good cause!
Alpha Delta Pi can’t wait to meet you during recruitment!
Colors: Azure Blue and White
May 15, 1851 at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia chartered at Penn in 2014
Symbols
Flower: Woodland Violet
Symbol: 4-Pointed Diamond
Mascot: Lion, nicknamed "Alphie"
International
160 International Chapters
www.alphadeltapi.org
Philanthropy
Ronald McDonald House Charities
3906 Spruce Street
17 Beds Total in House Capacity
Penn Chapter
Theta Tau Chapter
upenn.alphadeltapi.org
“In Alpha Delta Pi, we strive to become a well-balanced person by following the dictates of the four points symbolized by our diamondshaped badge: first, strengthening my own character and personality; second, watching my attitudes toward my fellow beings; third, recognizing the value of high educational standards; and fourth, developing faith and loyalty"
Alpha Phi at Penn is a close-knit sorority full of friends and fun! With over two decades on Penn’s campus, we are proud to carry on the traditions of our international sorority that date back to its founding in 1872. As one of the first sororities in the nation, Alpha Phi is called a fraternity because we were founded before the word sorority was even invented!
Our sisters can be found leading activities throughout campus: athletic teams, honor societies, dance and acapella groups, as well as community service organizations. In addition to contributing to life at Penn, Alpha Phis love to spend time with our sisters. We have great traditions within the sorority to celebrate Penn’s unique traditions such as Spring Fling, Homecoming, and Hey Day. Alpha Phi also plans many exciting sisterhood events; trips to six flags, SkyZone, apple and pumpkin picking in the fall, brunches, and numerous catered study breaks.
In addition to our fantastic social and sisterhood events, philanthropy is extremely important to every Alpha Phi. The Alpha Phi Foundation supports women’s cardiac care and research. Alpha Phi raises thousands of dollars at our Annual Red Dress Gala- a tradition of many Alpha Phi chapters across the nation. Family, friends, and alumni are invited to raise money for women’s heart health in a night out on the town filled with good food, silent auctions, raffles, and prizes. Other philanthropy events include our Mac ‘n Phis late night, where guests raise money for the Alpha Phi Foundation while enjoying all you can eat mac ‘n cheese, and our Spring soccer tournament- Alpha Phifa.
In addition to being passionate about women’s cardiac care, Alpha Phi loves to participate in Panhellenic and Penn fundraisers like the Rena Rowan Ribbon Run and Relay for Life. We also strive to make an impact in Philadelphia by partnering with community service organizations like the Transplant House and Operation Santa.
In Alpha Phi, sisters find rewarding experiences both inside and outside of our sisterhood. Most importantly, the sisters will be forever connected through amazing memories and lifelong friendships. The Eta Iota chapter of Alpha Phi welcomes you to Recruitment 2020. We can’t wait to get to know you!
Colors: Silver and Bordeaux
Symbols
Flower: Lilly of the Valley and Forget-me-not Symbol: Ivy Leaf
Mascot: Phi Bear
International 170 International Chapters
www.alphaphi.org
Philanthropy
Alpha Phi Foundation which supports Women's Heart Health
4045 Walnut Street
21 Beds Total in House Capacity
Penn Chapter
Eta Iota Chapter www.upennalphaphi.com
Alpha Phi International fraternity is a membership organization dedicated to promoting sisterhood, cultivating leadership, encouraging intellectual curiosity and advocating service. Alpha Phi develops character for a lifetime."1872 at Syracuse University chartered at Penn in 1988
The Beta Alpha chapter of Chi Omega is proud to be a diverse sisterhood of women from all sectors of the Penn community Chi Omegas are not nly very involved in the sorority, but they also hold leadership positions organizations like student government, varsity sports, performing arts oups, student publications, social justice, among many more We value omen who are passionate about their unique interests and provide a ommunity where each person’s perspective is appreciated
e are strong women who realize that balance is the key to success, and ve the way Chi Omega helps us be enthusiastic about sisterhood, hilanthropy, and social events. Our packed calendar includes apple cking excursions, movie nights at the house, alumni trips to Manhattan, ass dinners, date and crush parties, formals, and multiple philanthropy vents throughout the semester.
hi Omega supports the Make- A-Wish Foundation with its fall Chi O Late ight at Wishbone and spring Best of the Nest event, as well other tivities throughout the year The Beta Alpha chapter was able to grant a 6-year old lymphoma patient at the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania her wish to go to Disney World and threw a send-off party in her honor in the theme of her favorite princess--Elsa from Frozen
As the largest women’s fraternal organization in the world, with over 350,000 initiates, the Chi Omega network extends well beyond Penn Our extensive alumnae network offers scholarships for graduate education, professional networking, social get-togethers, leadership training, and more. You may be a collegiate sister for just a few years, but you will truly be a Chi Omega for a lifetime!
Whether you’re hoping to find a new group of friends, a place you can call home, a new set of inspirations and values, or a vast community of successful and genuine women and sisters, Chi Omega has something to offer. Each member is able to contribute her special qualities, interests, and capabilities to an organization that represents the ideal blend of individuality, companionship, and teamwork We are so excited to welcome the newest class to Chi Omega – good luck with Recruitment!
1895 at University of Arkansas chartered at Penn in 1919
Colors: Cardinal and Straw
"Throughout Chi Omega’s long history, six purposes have guided the direction of every chapter and provided members unequaled opportunities for personal growth and development. Those purposes are Friendship, High Standards of Personnel, Sincere Learning and Creditable Scholarship, Participation in Campus Activities, Career Development and Community Service."
TriDelta is the oldest sorority on Penn's campus. In it's 112 years at Penn, the Psi chapter has attracted a dynamic and diverse group of women who are active in all facets of campus life, including Varsity Lacrosse, Penn Dance, Wharton Women, Mortar Board, the Daily Pennsylvanian, Best Buddies, Penn Environmental Group, Undergraduate Advisory Boards, and Kite and Key
In addition to being leaders on campus, we also strive as a chapter to make significant strides beyond Locust Walk. Every fall, TriDelta holds a Pancake Breakfast with live musical entertainment, helping to raise millions of dollars for our national philanthropy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In fact, TriDelta chapters nationwide are working to fulfill their pledge to raise $15 million in five years for a new clinic at St. Jude.
Since our founding in 1888, TriDelta’s traditions, rituals, and sisterhood have become well-established nationwide, helping to create a large social network that extends far beyond Penn. In addition to our philanthropic and social activities, the most rewarding aspects of TriDelta are the bonds of friendship – we’re not only sisters, but best friends. We are an extremely close chapter and always have fun together, whether we’re dancing at our annual Woodser, dining downtown with Bigs and Littles, or de-stressing during study breaks.
Our chapter house is an important part of our chapter, as 34 sisters livein and all sisters are welcome. Sisters can congregate at the chapter house for meals, Deltas Only events, and to use our gym equipment and comfortable common spaces! At TriDelta, you will meet an ambitious group of fun and intelligent women. The Psi chapter looks forward to meeting you and wishes you the best in Recruitment!
Colors: Silver, Gold and Blue
Founding
1888 at Boston University
chartered at Penn in 1904
Symbols
Flower: Pansy
Symbol: Trident
Mascot: Dolphin
National
137 International Chapters www.tridelta.org
Philanthropy
St. Jude Children's Cancer Research
Housing
4044 Spruce Street 34 Beds Total in House Capacity
Penn Chapter Psi Chapter
http://upenn.tridelta.org/
"The purpose of Delta Delta Delta shall be to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, to assist its members in every possible way."
Kappa Alpha Theta was originally chartered at Penn in 1919 and recolonized in 1988, when the members of the Nu Delta Society were initiated into Kappa Alpha Theta. As Thetas, we are devoted to scholarship, community service and friendship. Theta prides itself on the diversity of the sisterhood. Coming from all different backgrounds, Thetas are involved in a wide variety of campus activities including class boards, varsity sports, dance and a cappella groups, the Panhellenic Council, the Kite and Key Society, Friars and Mortar Board Senior Honor Societies, and many more.
Our international philanthropy is CASA, Court Appointed Special dvocates – an agency providing trained volunteers who speak on behalf of abused and neglected children in court. The information provided by CASA volunteers enables judges to make informed and timely decisions about what is in the best interest of the child, thereby allowing these children to have the best chance at childhood. We have many fundraisers throughout the year to raise money and awareness for CASA. As a women’s organization, we are also committed to awareness of issues that affect us as women, such as self-defense and body image.
Of course, being a part of Theta is also having fun. We have theme parties, date parties, formals, and brunches with our family and alumnae at our house. In addition, we place an emphasis on sisterhood activities within the chapter, such as movie nights, chapter dinners, and trips around Philadelphia to promote unity among our diverse and active membership.
We are a motivated group of women and we are proud of the fact that we have been able to pursue our own activities as individuals, while still coming together to make the Beta Eta chapter of Theta strong. We welcome you to Recruitment and look forward to meeting you!
Colors: Black and Gold
1870 DePauw University chartered at Penn in 1919
Symbols
Flower: Black and Gold Pansy
Symbol: Kite and Twin Stars
International
130 International Chapters
www.kappaalphatheta.org
Philanthropy
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
130 S 39th Street
22 Beds Total in House Capacity
Penn Chapter
Beta Eta Chapter
penn.kappaalphatheta.org
"Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Kappa Alpha Theta exists to nurture each member throughout her college and alumnae experience and to offer a lifelong opportunity for social, intellectual, and moral growth as she meets the higher and broader demands of mature life."
The University of Pennsylvania welcomed the Beta chapter of Sigma Delta Tau to its campus on June 20, 1920. Since then, the sisters of SDT have been extremely active members of the Penn community. We have been recognized for exhibiting outstanding scholarship, holding the title of highest average GPA of the chapters of the Panhellenic Association. In recent years, SDT has organized many events to raise awareness for and benefit our national philanthropy, Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA). Our annual late-night fundraising event at Greek Lady is not only always a great time, but it is also successful in raising an impressive amount of money for PCAA; this year we raised almost $10,000. Additionally, throughout the year, our chapter hosts many community service events such as bake sales and trunk shows that also benefit PCAA.
As leading women in the community, we are constantly working to further our philanthropy and are committed to having a positive impact in and outside of Penn. The sisters of SDT are proud to be extremely involved on Penn’s campus. Members are leaders in a variety of campus organizations, like Kite & Key Society, Wharton Women, varsity sports teams, and performing arts groups. In addition to our work with PCAA, members also value giving back to the Philadelphia community. In their free time, many sisters volunteer at CHOP and participate in the West Philadelphia Tutoring Project. Our close-knit sorority promotes a strong bond of friendship and sisterhood. This sense of community is continually fostered through the numerous events hosted for the chapter such as movie nights, yoga classes during finals, and a Thanksgiving Potluck.
Each semester we have a number of formal social events like date parties, crush parties, and formals that further bring our chapter together. Even on a day-to-day basis, there is opportunity for us to spend time together as sisters of all years are welcome to eat dinner at the chapter house. The women of the Beta chapter of Sigma Delta Tau are true friends at heart. Our sisterhood wishes you well in Recruitment and we look forward to meeting you soon!
Colors: Cafe Au Lait and Old Blue
Symbols
Flower: Golden Tea Rose
Symbol: Torch
Mascot: Teddy Bear
National 64 National Chapters www.sigmadeltatau.com
Philanthropy
Prevent Child Abuse America and Jewish Women International
3833 Walnut Street 35 Beds Total in House Capacity
Penn Chapter
Beta Chapter www.sdtbeta.com
to form a close social and fraternal union of those of similar ideals and to foster, maintain, and instill such ideals in the hearts of its members as will result in actions worthy of the highest precepts of true womanhood, democracy, and humanity.”1917 at Cornell University chartered at Penn in 1920
As the Kappa Iota Chapter of Sigma Kappa, we pride ourselves on our diversity and close-knit sisterhood. We believe that each member of the chapter is unique in her own way and has the ability to pursue talents and passions individually. However, together, we are able to create invaluable friendships, support systems, and relationships that last beyond our four years here at Penn.
Our sisters are involved in a wide range of activities and often take on positions that enable them to drive innovation and positive change across campus. Some of these activities include Penn Democrats, Wharton Women, Kite and Key Society, Women’s Sailing Team, V-Day Campaign, and Women’s Varsity Squash. ou can also always count on sisters to be in the audience cheering at the Off the Beat, Penny Loafers, and Arts House performances!
The strength of our sisterhood can be seen in every aspect of life. You can always find sisters gathered in the Sigma Kappa house watching movies on the weekends or studying together for exams during midterm season. Some of our bigger events include trips into Center City to go ice skating, apple picking at Linvilla Orchards, manicures and pedicures at local salons on campus, and baseball games at Citizen’s Bank Park. We especially look forward to our date parties and formals each semester!
Sigma Kappa is dedicated to giving back to the community and creating meaning beyond just our chapter. Every year, we host various philanthropy events in the fall and spring to raise money for our national philanthropy, Alzheimer’s Research. Our most recent event was called “Pearl Jam” and consisted of a lip sync battle between different groups on campus. In the past we have also hosted Sigma Kappa Quizzo, Sigma Kappa Carnival, and a Chicken and Waffles late night. Thanks to the support from the members of the chapter and community, we’ve been able to donate over $25,000 to the Sigma Kappa Ultraviolet Campaign and Alzheimer’s Research! During the year, we are also involved in many smaller projects, such as hosting blood drives for the Red Cross, collecting products for the Penn Period Project, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, and participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Service is one of our main four values, and we find it incredibly rewarding to be able to give back while also strengthening our sisterhood!
The sisters of the Kappa Iota chapter of Sigma Kappa wish you all the best with recruitment this year and hope you are able to find your home like we did. We’re so excited to meet you and welcome you into the Panhellenic community!
Colors: Lavender and Maroon
1874 at Colby College in Waterville, Maine chartered at Penn in 2002
Symbols
Flower: Wild Purple Violet
Symbol: Dove and Heart
National 124 National Chapters
https://www.sigmakappa.org/
Philanthropy Alzheimer's Disease Research
3928 Spruce Street
18 Beds Total in House Capacity
"The Purpose of Sigma Kappa Sorority is to provide women with lifelong opportunities and support for the social, intellectual, and spiritual development by bringing women together to positively impact our community."
The Alpha Beta Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha was proudly reestablished at Penn in 2011. Zeta Tau Alpha is a fun and diverse group of women involved in all aspects of campus life, including varsity athletics, performance groups, student government, Wharton Women, Penn ashion Collective, ROTC, Penn Alternative Breaks, and many more. While we do have a wide range of interests, one thing is constant - our sisterhood. From monthly large sisterhood events to date nights and weekly house activities, our social calendar is always packed with fun and unique events. Our past sisterhood events include: our annual sisterhood retreat, visiting Linvilla Orchards for apple picking, Painting with a Twist, Laser Tag, Karaoke, Philadelphia restaurant week for sisterhood dining, and much more! In addition to all of these exciting events, we also love cozy activity nights at our chapter house, like our diversity movie nights and cooking classes. Our beautiful house is a home for all ZTA sisters, and you can always find people there to make your night more fun, no matter if you are looking for someone to hang out with or a place to do work. No matter what we’re doing, we always have a good time!
In addition to social events, our chapter also understands the importance of philanthropy and service. Our national philanthropy is breast cancer education and awareness, and we work to connect this cause to our sisters, Penn's campus, and the community of West Philadelphia. During the month of October, Zeta sisters come together to host awareness and education pop-ups on Locust Walk, by handing out pink ribbons and free treats with educational facts on them, and giving people the opportunity to honor those in their lives who have battled breast cancer. We also have our biggest fundraising event in October, Pink, Pups & Pizza, which raises money both for our national organization, and for the local Linda Creed Foundation that provides mammograms for uninsured women in West Philly. We have monthly service events to help further give back to our community, and in the past have done things such as Boo at the Zoo, Books Behind Bars, and making food for a Connect by Night shelter. Aside froom Zeta service events, our sisters are also involved in other philanthropic or service oriented organizations such as Relay for Life, Penn Period Project, West Philly Tutoring Program, and Project Heal.
College may only last for four years, but Zeta lasts forever - really! ZTA has one of the strongest alumni networks in the country. As an international organization, Zetas all over the world can assist in job placement, career advancement and relocation assistance. Our sisters of the Alpha Beta chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha wish you good luck during recruitment - we can’t wait to meet you!
Symbols
Flower: White Violet
Symbol: Five-Pointed Crown Strawberry
International
169 International Chapters
www.zetataualpha.org
Housing
4027 Walnut Street
“To intensify friendship, to promote happiness among its members, and in every way to create such sentiments, perform such deeds and to mold such opinions as will conduce to the building up of a nobler and purer womanhood in the world.”1989 at Longwood Univeristy chartered at Penn in 1918, recolonized in 2011
Penn students can join more than 600 clubs and organizations, most of which register with the Office of Student Affairs. The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL) oversees three governing councils affiliated with International/National Fraternities and Sororities: Panhellenic Council (PHC), Intercultural Greek Council (IGC), & Interfraternity Council (IFC).
Penn’s 47 recognized Greek chapters are defined by the fraternity’s or sorority’s stated values, purpose, and ceremonies. OFSL requires that recognized Greek organizations meet accreditation standards and expectations for academic excellence, chapter operations, member development, leadership development, and experiential learning, as well as accountability for university and national policies around risk reduction and management. Students and chapters are expected to follow Penn policies and local, state, and federal laws.
IGC is comprised of 3 fraternities and 7 sororities. Each of those 10 chapters are a member of one of the national umbrella groups: National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO), National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association (NAPA), and National PanHellenic Council (NPHC).
IGC conducts intake/ recruitment processes which may include interest meetings and/or chapter-specific events where candidates can learn about the organization. All second-semester freshmen, as well as sophomores, juniors, and seniors, are eligible to participate in intake/ recruitment if they meet the eligibility requirements for OFSL and the member organization.
IFC is comprised of 26 organizations (24 men's and 2 co-ed groups). There are two major periods in which IFC recruits new members, Informal Recruitment in the Fall, and Formal Recruitment in the Spring. Informal Recruitment is only for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, while Formal Recruitment is also open to freshmen. For either joining period, the process begins by signing up on Campus Director (CD), in which prospective students fill out an e-application that helps OFSL determine academic eligibility for joining. All interested students must register on CD in order to be able to participate in any recruitment-related events, if you are pursuing a co-ed group and PHC register in PHC CD and email the IFC Advisor at jonjbell@upenn.edu.
At Penn, some registered student organizations function as academic or thematic co-ed fraternities. Examples include a business fraternity or engineering fraternity like Theta Tau, which is a national co-ed engineering fraternity that has a chapter at Penn. These organizations are based in schools, not OFSL, and typically have staff or faculty advisors.
Penn is home to several identified off-campus organizations which operate independently of the University, without advising or regulation. These groups may have formed after a national fraternity or sorority closed its Penn chapter due to policy sanctions or other reasons. Some of these groups may utilize Greek letters or even refer to themselves as fraternities; they recruit members and host social events in private off-campus residences. These groups receive no University funding. They may or may not follow risk management protocols. Identified offcampus groups are expected to notify the Office of Student Affairs of their leadership and member rosters, and are expected to register any events they host with alcohol. Students who join these organizations, and the groups themselves, are expected to follow Penn policies and local, state, and federal laws.
Accepting an initiation "bid" for membership into a Panhellenic organization means that you are wishing to seek membership into the sorority and will participate in their new member education process. During this time, if you choose to no longer pursue membership into the particular sorority, you may withdraw from the process. If you choose to withdraw you must wait until the following primary recruitment to go through recruitment again. If you complete the new member program and are initiated you are bound to that organization as a lifetime member.
The New Member Education (NME) Process, which by University policy is a maximum of 6 weeks (though some chapters will have a shorter process), is a structured national program that all new members complete. The NME Process is structured like a class: when you receive your schedule, you will see a mixture of sisterhood-building activities, ceremonies, and meetings to learn about the chapter's history, traditions, and values. The NME Process concludes with a ceremonial ritual called initiation. Following initiation, students are lifetime members of their Panhellenic organization! All organizations must initiate their new members before Thanksgiving Break (for Fall COB) or Spring Break (for primary formal recruitment).
Penn, OFSL, and PHC all prohibit hazing and enforce the Antihazing Policies of both our campus and national sororities.
The Anti-Hazing Law of Pennsylvania, hazing means any action or situation (1) which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or (2) which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, an organization operating under the sanction of, or recognized as an organization by, the University including, without limitation, fraternities and sororities (an “Organization”). For purposes of these regulations, any activity as described herein upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.
Active: Alumna(e):
a fully initiated member of a sorority
an initiated member of a sorority that has left the collegiate Greek system
Bid:
Chapter:
a formal invitation to become a New Member of a sorority refers to an individual sorority house; chapter names are different on all college campus
COB (ContinuousOpenBidding):
the informal process of recruitment, only chapters under total can participate in COB
Greek: Initiation:
a member of a fraternity or sorority
the traditional Ritual the brings a New Member into full membership
Legacy:
a potential member of a sorority who is a daughter, granddaughter, or sister of a member of a Greek organization (applied and defined differently by each sorority
Mutual Selection:
the process of selection by both PNMs and Chapters in narrowing down choices during Recruitment
National:
NPC(National Panhellenic Conference):
New Member:
a term referring to the central organization of a given sorority a conference comprised of 26 national sororities a member of a sorority who has not yet been initiated
PHC(PanhellenicCouncil):
PNM(Potential New Member):
the coordinating body of sororities on a college campus a person participating in Recruitment or interested in becoming part of the Greek community
the maximum number of New Members that a sorority can take during Primary Formal Recruitment
Recommendation: a written letter for a PNM from an alumna of a chapter
Quota: Recruitment:
a mutual selection process where chapters seek New Members and PNMs seek membership
Social: a planned social gathering of the membership or Greek organizations
Total: a total number, based on median chapter size, that sororities may reach during COB
Registration: https://upenn.mycampusdirector2.com/ Schedule Conflict Form: https://forms.gle/5EzHJTki2daXK4wo6
Recruitment Registration Fee Waiver: https://forms.gle/iNuwhE5z18wxXDtP6
Joining a Panhellenic Sorority at Penn does have a financial cost. Each sorority has dues for membership to pay for the experience that comes with being part of the organization. (More information about these costs can be found on Page 4 and during Philanthropy Round of Primary Recruitment) However, if you are looking to see if a sorority is something you want to make work financially and are unsure if you are able to go through Primary Recruitment due to the registration costs this waiver may be right for you.
"Recruitment is one of the best ways on campus to allow yourself the chance to get to know a strong group of diverse, empowered women both within chapters and other potential new members. All we ask is that you come in with an open mind, and get excited to meet some of the most driven women and leaders around!
-Jenny Chang, AVP of Recruitment
