SDSU Panhellenic Recruitment Guidebook

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PANHELLENIC

The SDSU greek community includes four different councils, the College Panhellenic Association, the Interfraternity Council, the United Sorority and Fraternity Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Fraternal organizations have been a core component of the San Diego State community since 1899

Currently, there are 44 recognized sororities and fraternities totaling to over 4,000 members.

College Panhellenic Association (CPA)

Social Sororities

8 Chapters

Average Chapter Size: 224

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

Social Fraternities

14 Chapters

Average Chapter Size: 105

United Sorority and Fraternity Council (USFC)

Culturally Based Fraternities & Sororities

14 Sorority & Fraternity Chapters

Average Chapter Size: 18

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

Historically African-American Fraternities & Sororities

4 Sorority Chapters & 4 Fraternity Chapters

Average Chapter Size: 8

The National Panhellenic Conference, one of the largest organizations advocating for women, is the umbrella group for 26 national and international sororities that are autonomous social organizations. NPC sororities are located on more than 670 campuses with 380,565 undergraduate members in 3,234 chapters. Alumni are represented in 3,889 associations throughout the world.

Sororities are values-based organizations. This means that their purposes and missions are rooted in a set of core values. Values are the core beliefs or desires that guide or motivate attitudes and actions and also are central beliefs that determine how we will behave in certain situations.

We, as Undergraduate Members of women’s fraternities, stand for good scholarship, for guarding of good health, for maintenance of fine standards, and for serving, to the best of our ability, our college community.

Cooperation for furthering fraternity life, in harmony with its best possibilities, is the ideal that shall guide our fraternity activities. We, as Fraternity Women, stand for service through the development of character inspired by the close contact and deep friendship of individual fraternity and Panhellenic life. The opportunity for wide and wise human service, through mutual respect and helpfulness, is the tenet by which we strive.

SDSU has 8 panhellenic chapters including: Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Gamma

Gamma Phi Beta

Kappa Alpha Theta

Kappa Delta

Pi Beta Phi

Founded: 1885

Philanthropy: Becky’s House

Motto: “Together let us seek the heights”

SDSU Founding: November 18,

1950

Colors: Scarlet Red & Olive Green

Symbol: Lyre

Fun Fact: Alpha Chi Omega is a musical sorority.

Founded: 1904

Philanthropy: Alpha Gamma

Foundation Focusing on Fighting Hunger

Motto: “Loving, leading, lasting”

SDSU Founding: February 1, 2014

Colors: Red, Buff, Green

Symbol: Squirrel

Fun Fact: They have chapters in Canada, making them an international fraternity.

ounded: 1872

hilanthropy: Alpha Phi

oundation in support of Women’s Heart Health

otto: “Union hand in hand”

DSU Founding: 1949

olors: Silver & Bordeaux

ymbol: Ivy Leaf

un Fact: Every Alpha Phi

ouse has a grand piano and a ffany & Co lamp.

Founded: 1873

Philanthropy: Service For Sight

Motto: “Do Good”

SDSU Founding: October

1984

Colors: Bronze, Pink, Blue

Symbol: Anchor

Fun Fact: They were founded as a fraternity because the word sorority hadn’t been invented yet.

Founded: 1874

Philanthropy: Building Strong Girls & Girls on the Run

Motto: “Founded on a rock”

SDSU Founding: October 15, 1949

Colors: Brown & Mode

Symbol: Crescent Moon

Fun Fact: Their chapter color

brown pays homage to a professor that allowed the sorority to meet in secrecy in his classroom before they were founded.

Founded: 1870

Philanthropy: Court Appointed

Special Advocates & Kappa

Alpha Theta Foundation

Motto: “Leading Women”

SDSU Founding: Fall 2016

Colors: Black & Gold

Symbol: Kite & Twin Stars

Fun Fact: They are the first Greek-letter fraternity known among women.

Founded: 1897

Philanthropy: Girl Scouts of the USA & The Olive Crest Foundation

Motto: “Let us strive for that which is honorable, beautiful, and highest”

SDSU Founding: May 28, 1949

Colors: Olive Green & Pearl White

S b l N til Sh ll D

Founded: 1867

Philanthropy: Read > Lead > Achieve

Motto: “Cultivating Sincere Friendship”

SDSU Founding: 1949

Colors: Wine & Silver Blue

Symbol: Arrow

Fun Fact: They were the first to start a chapter on another college campus.

The College Panhellenic Association Executive Board is the governing body that links the eight chapters to the SDSU Greek community.

The thirteen members work year round with chapter leaders and the university to foster the best experience for every Panhellenic woman. Eight of those members make up the Panhellenic recruitment team.

On behalf of the Panhellenic Executive Board and the National Panhellenic Conference Sororities that we have represented on our campus, I would like to welcome you to San Diego State University! We, the College Panhellenic Association, are the governing body of the NPC sororities on campus. The amazing women that reside on our board represent over 1500 individuals from all different backgrounds, and majors here at SDSU.

Entering college is an exciting time and there is no better way to elevate your experience by going Greek! Joining a Greek Organization was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It gave me a place to call my home away from home and friends that will last a lifetime. The Greek community has given me so many amazing opportunities that I would most likely have not gotten anywhere else.

Being a part of a sorority provides women with opportunities for involvement in community service, campus activities, leadership experience, and sisterhood all while still maintaining high academic standards. Each sorority at SDSU offers something unique to just its members. Panhellenic women are well-rounded individuals who support one another and work towards building a diverse and inclusive community. We hope that you consider becoming a part of this wonderful SDSU community!

If you have any questions about recruitment or fraternity and sorority life in general, please feel free to contact me at my email or our office in the Greek Life Center.

Sincerely,

SophieRokaw

Panhellenic President, president.cpa.sdsu@gmail.com

Advisor

Alumnus member who serves as a resource to chapters and acts as a liaison between alumnae and collegiate members.

Alumni/Alumnae

Initiated member of a fraternity/sorority who has graduated from college.

Badge/Pin

Given and worn over the heart at all official functions with at least business attire by initiated members of the organization.

Bid

A formal membership invitation to join a particular IFC fraternity/CPA sorority extended by a chapter.

Bid Day

The last day of recruitment in which new members receive bids to join a particular IFC fraternity/CPA sorority.

Big/Little

Terms used for mentors assigned between new members and active members. The active members are typically charged with guiding new members through their new member period and initiation

Chapter

A small group of a larger organization, regional or Inter/National headquarters, typically designated by a specific Greek name established at a University or college.

Dues

Monetary cost of membership in a fraternity/sorority; fees are used to cover the costs of operation, formal events, social activities, and other events, depending on the organization.

Extension

Process of an organization beginning a new chapter of the organization at a college or university.

Greek

Applied to students who are members affiliated with Greek organizations.

HQ/Headquarters

The central office of the Regional/Inter/National Greek organization of a particular fraternity/sorority. These offices are responsible for making policies for the organization that are meant to be implemented through all of its collegiate chapters. It is most accurate to use the term “headquarters” as opposed to “nationals” as many organizations are international with chapters in the U.S.A. and Canada.

House Director

A person hired to live in the chapter house. Responsibilities vary per chapter

Initiate

An undergraduate who has been initiated into life-long membership.

Initiation Ceremony

A process during which new members receive lifelong membership privileges into the organization they have chosen to be a part of. This is typically a formal, ceremonial type event where active members of the group are also present. Events are private and different for all organizations.

Legacy

A potential new member who is the son/daughter/brother/sister of an active/alumnae member of the organization. Each organization has its own definition of a “legacy” and some organizations also include grandchildren or stepchildren. However, legacies are not guaranteed a bid from the organization they are a legacy to, nor are they required to select the organization as one of their choices during the recruitment process. An in-house legacy is a potential new member who has a sibling who is currently a collegian in the organization

Live-Out/Live-In

A live-out is someone who does not live within their chapter facility, a live-in is a sorority woman who resides in her chapter facility.

New Member

Student who has accepted the bid or invitation for membership of a Greek organization but has not yet been initiated.

NPC

The National Panhellenic Conference.

Philanthropy

Refers to either a community service and/or fundraising project sponsored by a chapter or the non-profit organization in which an organization has specified as its official “philanthropy” signifying a special relationship and desire to give (time/money) to the organization, sometimes officially named by the national organization.

Prospective/Potential New Member

A college student not affiliated with a fraternity/sorority who is eligible and shows interest in joining by attending recruitment/intake activities The term is often abbreviated to PNM.

Recruitment

Organized effort to meet potential new members to join a chapter.

Recruitment Guide (Rho Gamma)

Active SDSU sorority member who serves on the other side of recruitment in order to guide Potential New Members during the process of formal recruitment.

Ritual

A secret ceremony of a Greek organization performed by active fraternity/sorority members that is prescribed and endorsed by the chapters’ headquarters. The document containing the rituals and elements therein are sacred to each fraternity/sorority Only initiated members may be privy to rituals.

Allyship

Refers to individuals actively supporting and advocating for marginalized or underrepresented groups Allies understand their privilege and use it to challenge systematic barriers and advocate for equity and inclusion.

"IDEA" stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access.

San Diego State University’s College Panhellenic Association's goal is to create a diverse, inclusive, accessible, equal, and safe community for all members.

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. It is the recognition and celebration of the richness that arises from the mosaic of individual perspectives, experiences, values, beliefs, abilities, and identities. It encompasses various dimensions, including but not limited to:

Cognitive Diversity: This dimension refers to the diverse way individuals perceive, think, and problem solve. It recognizes that people have different learning styles, intellectual capacities, and approaches to creativity and innovation.

Demographic Diversity: This dimension encompasses visible and immutable characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic background It acknowledges barriers and historical injustices that certain groups have faced and seeks to address them through equitable opportunities and representation

Experiential Diversity: This dimension embraces the wide range of personal experiences and cultural backgrounds that individuals bring to any given context. It encompasses diversity of nationality, language, religion, immigration status, geographic origin, and socio-cultural upbringing

Diversity of Thought: This dimension recognizes the importance of embracing diverse viewpoints, beliefs, and ideologies It encourages open dialogue, critical thinking, and constructive dissent.

Equity/Access

The fair treatment, access, justice, opportunity and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of minority groups.

Inclusion

The deliberate and proactive practice of creating environments that value and embrace diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and equal participation for all individuals. Inclusion goes beyond mere representation or presence and seeks to create spaces where everyone’s unique perspectives, identities, and contributions are respected, valued, and integrated.

Intent versus Impact

A concept applied typically when there is a negative outcome or experience. Intent is a crucial aspect of our actions, and it does not negate the impact to ourselves or another whether intentional or unintentional.

Identity

The collective aspect of the set of characteristics by which a person is definitively recognized or known The set of behavioral or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable as a member of a group.

Microaggression

Term used for brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative prejudicial slights and insults toward any group, particularly culturallly marginalized groups

Belonging

Desire to form and maintain at least a minimum quantity of lasting, positive and significant interpersonal relationships where one can be authentic and a part of something bigger than themselves.

Implicit Bias (Unconscious Bias)

A bias that happens automatically and unintentionally. It affects judgements, decisions, and behaviors. Another way to explain this is… various social stereotypes and judgements assigned to people based on age, race, socioeconomic status, weight, gender, race, or sexual orientation.

Stereotype

A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. (that can also be an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment)

Allyship

Refers to individuals actively supporting and advocating for marginalized or underrepresented groups. Allies understand their privilege and use it to challenge systematic barriers and advocate for equity and inclusion

Use Inclusive Language

In a sorority- when we say we care about people and truly empowering women (this means all women). The language we use in speaking to others and PNMs reveals and represents values held in the Panhellenic Community Our language can show what biases we hold and is framed by our knowledge and experiences. Inclusive language is essential and will allow us to include all women and their intersectional identities that are different from our own. We must work to not make assumptions about anyone and demonstrate transparency with those around us to foster connections. Our words are meaningful and impact our ability to maintain relevance and increase the diversity of representation in our Panhellenic community We cannot say that we value mental health and not recognize that our words can cause harm by creating anxiety or additional stress for PNMs The language our College Panhellenic officers and recruitment counselors use in conversations with PNMs, with each other and in social media posts, speaks to our commitment to making women from all backgrounds and experiences feel welcome.

Embrace Authentic Conversations

Authentic conversations are genuine and serve as a bridge to the concepts of understanding, belonging and inclusion Sometimes, in recruitment, recruiters and PNMs conversations steer clear of certain topics and can often feel surface level that may promote a façade that can lead to temporary belonging. Our goal in the Panhellenic community is to promote opening recruitment conversations to topics that can be considered “off limits.” This can be exploring one's passions along with sharing how a chapter’s actions align with the organization’s values, and can lead to a greater realism Centering the PNM in the conversation allows for us to truly get to know that person for who the PNM is, their interests are what makes them unique This genuineness leads members to further understand the PNM and themselves, or vice versa. This level of understanding allows for the PNM to feel welcomed.

College Panhellenic officers and recruitment counselors should speak transparently about the costs of membership and disclose the time commitments involved When PNMs inquire about the costs of membership, they can be labeled in the membership selection process as questionable because of a worry about whether they can afford membership This can come from a place of care, because we do not want to place the individual in a potentially challenging situation. However, College Panhellenic officers need to challenge chapters on campus to question those assumptions when this occurs With the increased number of first-generation students coming to college, these questions are likely to present more often.

Checking Ourselves

Make sure you are continuously checking ourselves. When working in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion make sure we don’t make it about us. If we find that we are making it about us we should take a step back and recheck ourselves. We should continue to surround ourselves with those who have different perspectives than we do to allow for us to create a more inclusion-focused environment for those around us.

Learn our own Biases and Fears & Be Vigilant

We should learn what our own biases are and what our fears are We all have them Ways that we can help improve these areas is to expand our knowledge. We should continue to learn about any implicit biases or stereotypes and correct our knowledge. We can also journal, practice selfreflections, engage in educational dialogue, and continue growing.

Taking tests like these help to unmask our individual areas of implicit biases

The Harvard Implicit Association Test or IAT

Implicit Bias Race Test

Speak Up

Don’t be silent in instances where inappropriate jokes or actions are being displayed Be prepared to name the action, identify why it’s problematic, and be willing to have conversations about those actions or your own. If you are the one that is displaying these inappropriate actions then engage in conversations and listen to how your actions have impacted and harmed others Learn and Grow

Raise Awareness and Educate:

Individual chapters are encouraged to host various IDEA workshops, training sessions, and motivate members to attend events hosted by cultural organizations on campus. As well as IDEA Panhellenic community events being held to learn more about the differences within our own community, the broader community of SDSU, and beyond.

June 1st: Recruitment Registration Opens

Tuesday, Aug. 22nd: Go Greek! Expo

Panhellenic Primary Recruitment Orientation (Mandatory)

Thursday, Aug. 24th: PNM Orientation

*All women attending must be registered prior to attending.

*All women participating in Primary Recruitment MUST attend Orientation in order to participate in Primary Recruitment!

We'll go over all the information you need to know to prepare for Primary Recruitment - from outlines, to events you'll attend, to how to avoid unexcused absences, to questions you should ask chapters, to meeting your Recruitment Guide (Rho Gamma)!

Panhellenic Primary Recruitment Rounds (Mandatory)

Friday, Aug. 25th: Leadership Day Round 1 (virtual)

Saturday, Aug. 26th: Leadership Day Round 2 (virtual)

Sunday, Aug. 27th: Philanthropy Day Round 1 (virtual)

Friday, Sep. 1st: Sisterhood Day Round 1 (in-person)

Saturday, Sep. 2nd: Sisterhood Day Round 2 (in-person)

Sunday, Sep. 3rd: Preference Round (in-person)

CPA Bid Day (Mandatory)

Monday, September 4th

Bid Day is when invitations are formally extended by chapters to Potential New Members!

Days 1 & 2

Leadership Days (virtual)

Day 3

Philanthropy Day Round (virtual)

Days 4 & 5

Sisterhood Day Rounds (in-person)

Day 6

Preference Round (in-person)

Day 7

Bid Day (in-person)

Purpose

Focus on leadership and development

Schedule

Potential New Members will attend all 8 chapters

At the end of the round the Potential New Member will make their chapter selections/preferences.

Types of Questions Active Members Could Ask Potential New Members

Why did you decide to go through recruitment?

What were you involved in throughout high school?

Do you have any questions about any student organizations on campus other than the greek community?

Do you aspire to have any leadership positions in college? If, so what areas are you interested in?

Types of Questions Potential New Members Could Ask Active Members

What leadership opportunities does your chapter have to offer?

What student organizations are your active members involved in outside of Greek Life?

What are you planning on taking away after your 4 years at SDSU?

What have you gained through leadership opportunities?

Purpose

Focus on philanthropy and service

Schedule

Potential New Members will attend up to 6 chapters

Types of Questions Active Members Could Ask Potential New Members

Are you passionate about any particular types of community service such as specific organizations or causes?

What is your community service involvement history?

Why are you passionate about community service?

How often do you see yourself doing community service during your time at SDSU?

Types of Questions Potential New Members Could Ask Active Members

What is your chapter’s philanthropy and how did your chapter come to adopt it?

What is your involvement specifically in your chapter’s philanthropy?

What has been your favorite community service/philanthropy event so far at SDSU?

Have you been involved in other chapter’s philanthropies?

Purpose

Focus on friendship and shared experiences

Schedule

Potential New Members will attend up to 4 chapters

Types of Questions Active Members Could Ask Potential New Members

Tell me about your friends/family from your hometown.

What are you looking for in a sisterhood?

Have you ever been in an organization that had a strong bond similar to a sorority? Tell me about it.

Types of Questions You Could Ask Active Members

What’s your favorite thing about your sisterhood?

What sisterhood events have really connected you to your chapter?

What is your favorite memory with your sisters?

Tell me about a time that you really felt the bond of your chapter’s sisterhood

Tell me about a time that your sisters were there for you in a time of need

Purpose

Focus on meaning of sorority Schedule

Potential New Members will attend up to 2 chapters

Types of Questions Active Members Could Ask Potential New Members

Could you see yourself in this chapter? If so, why?

What about this chapter makes you feel like you are at home?

How would you feel calling yourself a X chapter member?

Types of Questions Potential New Members Could Ask Active Members

When did you know that you chose the right chapter?

How did you know that you wanted to be in X chapter?

How did you feel on your preference night?

What do you wish you would have known about your chapter that you do now on preference night?

What advice can you give me about making a decision on preference night?

Potential New Members will meet at Hepner Hall.

After PNM’s open their bid cards they will be released to their individual chapters to participate in Bid Day activities where end times will vary based on chapter.

Tips:

Check out our Pinterest for inspiration!

@sdsupanhellenic

Wear what you are COMFORTABLE in!!

Be mindful you may be walking a lot during inperson rounds when you’re picking shoes!

In general, days get more formal as recruitment goes on, with preference being the most formal! For zoom rounds you will only be seen from the waist up so a fun top and comfy bottoms!

For in-person rounds you could wear a dress, jumpsuit, romper!

Chapter fees are utilized differently in every chapter; however, most sororities use the funds for their chapter facility, sisterhood events, meals, sorority apparel, etc. If you have any specific questions regarding the financial obligations of being in a sorority please ask your Rho Gamma as they are subject to change!

Typically on the 3rd round of Recruitment, Sisterhood Day, Potential New Members will receive a financial transparency sheet from the chapters they attend. The College Panhellenic Association also provides local and national scholarship opportunities for active chapter members to apply for as well.

What is a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a note typically written by an alumni or active member of a chapter (this varies by chapter) that introduces a Potential New Member to a chapter.

What does a letter of recommendation do?

Letters of recommendation are typically used as an introduction or insight into a PNM’s hobbies or background prior to going through recruitment. They are not commonly used to increase a Potential New Member’s chances of receiving a bid.

Do I need a letter of recommendation to go through recruitment?

No! A large majority of women who have gone through recruitment at San Diego State previously have not had a letter of recommendation for any of the chapters on campus. A small percentage (typically less than 5%) of women submit letters of recommendation.

Alpha Chi Omega

In order to submit a letter of recommendation for Alpha Chi Omega, the alumni member must submit the PNM’s recommendation through Lyre Links If you have any questions, you may contact us at axorecruitmentsdsu@gmail.com.

Alpha Gamma Delta

Letters of recommendation for Alpha Gamma Delta must be submitted by an active member or alumni of Alpha Gamma Delta. Letters may be sent to agdmembershipsdsu@gmail.com.

Alpha Phi

Letters of recommendation for Alpha Phi must be submitted by an active member or alumni of Alpha Phi. Letters may be sent to alphaphivprsdsu@gmailcom

Delta Gamma

Letters of recommendation for Delta Gamma may be submitted via Delta Gamma's website

Gamma Phi Beta

Letters of recommendation for Gamma Phi Beta may be submitted by an alumni or active member to sdsugammaphibetavpm@gmail.com.

Kappa Delta

Letters of recommendation must be submitted by a Kappa Delta alumna or collegian in good standing electronically via Member Portal OR hard copy via snail mail to the chapter mailing address at 5066 College Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115.

Kappa Alpha Theta

Letters of recommendation for Kappa Alpha Theta must be submitted by an active member or alumni of Kappa Alpha Theta Letters may be sent to vpm.theta.sdsu@gmail.com.

Pi Beta Phi

Recruitment Information Forms for Pi Beta Phi must be submitted by an alumni member via Pi Beta Phi's International Headquarters.

The MRABA is a binding agreement that is effective for one calendar year. By signing this document, you as a potential new member agree that you are willing to accept a bid for membership from any sorority that you rank on the MRABA. More information will be given to you on this subject during Potential New Member orientation.

Your options when considering your agreement are:

You may choose not to complete an agreement at this time. You may choose to list any sorority whose preference (last) event you attended and from which you are willing to accept an invitation to membership (a bid) You may choose to limit your choices to just one or list any sorority whose preference round (last) event you attended and are willing to accept membership Please note that by not listing the maximum number of events you attended you will be limiting your potential to join any other NPC organization during this recruitment should you not be placed with your choice(s).

When you sign this binding agreement, you are agreeing to accept an invitation to membership (bid) from any NPC sorority that you have listed.

Once the acceptance agreement has been turned into the representative of the College Panhellenic Association, it cannot be altered or changed.

If you receive an invitation to membership (a bid) from any NPC organization that you listed and do not accept it, you will be ineligible to be pledged by any other NPC organization on the campus until the beginning of the next primary membership recruitment period (Fall 2024)

This statement is from a Unanimous Agreement, which all organizations and members of NPC agree to uphold The Unanimous Agreement III The Panhellenic Compact specifically states in point 5: If through the primary membership recruitment process, a potential new member receives a bid and declines it, then she is ineligible to be pledged to another NPC sorority on the same campus until the beginning of the next year’s primary membership recruitment period.

If you do not receive an invitation to membership (a bid) from any NPC organization you have listed, you will be eligible for continuous open bidding (COB) if/when space allows. You must understand that not all NPC organizations will have available spaces for new members for the academic year.

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