2024 SFASU Panhellenic Recruitment Booklet

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Dear PNMS,

Letter from the VICE PRESIDENT OF RECRUITMENT

My name is Abby Davis and I am the Panhellenic Vice President of Recruitment. I would like to welcome you to the Lumberjack community for those of you that are just arriving at SFA. I would also like to welcome back our returning Lumberjacks. The next few years of college will be some of the most memorable. Take every opportunity you get and make the most of it during your time here!

I am so excited that you are interested in joining the Panhellenic community. I have worked tirelessly to ensure that your recruitment experience will be your own. This is an exciting time when you will be introduced to so many individuals with their own unique personalities and traits.

Advice I can give to you is to remain true to yourself and follow what your heart wants. Trust this process and give your all; you will end up where you should be. Go into every house with an open mind and positive attitude. Remember that every chapter is a part of Panhellenic and we all support one another in all that we do here at SFA. I am so excited to see you at recruitment and become one step closer to joining the Greek community!

With Panhellenic Love,

Abby Davis

College Panhellenic Association Vice President of Recruitment

Dear PNMS,

Letter from the PANHELLNIC PRESIDENT

My name is Sydney Blanchard and I am the President of the Panhellenic Council. Whether you are about to step onto SFA’s campus for the first time or are already a student at SFA, going through formal recruitment is one of the most beneficial experiences in adding friendship, leadership, and service to your college journey!

The week of formal recruitment is designed to allow you to experience every sorority! Although recruitment may bring nerves and excited anticipation, my biggest piece of advice is to remain true to who you are and take into consideration who you want to be. I encourage you to be receptive to everything the Greek community has to offer here at SFA! Every chapter is amazing and is so excited to meet you.

Know that you are loved, and your voice is heard. Our team of recruitment counselors is so excited to get to know you and aide in your journey of becoming a Panhellenic woman!

With Panhellenic Love,

Sydney Blanchard

College Panhellenic Association Panhellenic President

Letter from the ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND ADVISOR,

To families and potential new members,

We, who make up the faculty and staff, hope that your lumberjack will enjoy being a part of our campus. You will find that SFASU has many varied activities and organizations, and our Fraternity and Sorority Life make up a large portion. Many family members ask me what sororities are like and how their lumberjack go about becoming a part of a sorority.

Sororities at SFASU are made up of women with varying backgrounds and interests. Sororities provide structures and planned activities to enhance their members’ college years. For example, if there is a campus event or athletic event, the members participate in them together. A sorority may have a speaker address them on the topic of successful job interviewing techniques, mental health education and awareness, and leadership skills to name a few. Perhaps your lumberjack loves to play sports, the sororities have intramural teams in which she can participate. Our sorority women also believe in helping others, you can find them tutoring other students, serving the Nacogdoches and SFA community, and many other philanthropic things to give back. Sororities encourage their members to participate in all aspects of campus life and support their efforts when it comes to student engagement.

I want to point out that our sororities understand their members' first priority is their academics. I am proud to say that the all-sorority grade point average is consistently higher than the all-women’s grade point average for the university. The women take the value of academics very seriously at SFA. Women in sororities come from all majors including nursing, STEM, pre-law, and countless others. It is possible to do it all!

Sorority life has brought much happiness to the women who have been a part of it. The decision of whether to participate in membership recruitment is a difficult but an important one. We hope this booklet and our website will help your lumberjack become familiar with sorority life and help her make that decision. We always encourage women to trust the process and go in with an open mind. A house you thought was meant for you, may not be the one you see yourself in after day 1. That is okay. Trust the process, because you truly will find your perfect match here at SFA. Whichever decision your lumberjack makes, we hope that your family will love being a part of the Lumberjack family.

Great women GO GREEK!

Axe ‘em Jacks!

MorganPulliam

Assistant Director of Student Engagement- Fraternity and Sorority Life Panhellenic Advisor

Fraternity and Sorority LIfe

Fraternities and sororities are the largest and most visible values-based organizations on campus. With more than 1,200 students that make-up 12% of the student body, Fraternity, and Sorority Life organizations are committed to health & wellness, community, personal growth, and civic engagement. Involvement on campus and in the Nacogdoches community, leadership development opportunities, and life-long friendships make Fraternity and Sorority Life one of the most memorable aspects of a student's experience at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Our Mission

SFA’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life strives to create transformative leadership opportunities in a learner-centered environment that promotes academic excellence, service to others, and promotes building lasting relationships with the university, other fraternal organizations, alumni, and the surrounding community.

Why We Exist

To serve as a liaison amongst collegiate chapters, parents, supporters, alumni, organizations, and Stephen F. Austin State University.

To provide guidance, resources and advocacy for all Stephen F. Austin State University Fraternity and Sorority Life Students.

To empower Fraternity and Sorority Life members to create change for the common good.

To support the university’s mission, purpose, and strategic plan.

Commitments

The Stephen F. Austin State University Office and Staff are committed to promoting student success through the following:

Assessment and data-informed decision-making

Innovation, adaptability, and challenging conventional thinking

Engaging key stakeholders both internal and external through communication, relationships, and partnerships

Fostering a safe, healthy, and responsible community through proactive advising, support, resources, and student-centered training and education

Upholding the Stephen F. Austin State University values of people first, integrity, community, respect, and exemplary service.

Community Values

Member Development

Brotherhood & Sisterhood

Community & Belonging

Leadership Development

Civic Engagement

Health & Wellness

Fraternity and Sorority Councils

Stephen F. Austin State University is home to four Greek councils, each offering a unique experience in fraternity and sorority life. From socialinterest organizations, to organizations centered around religion, culture, and even academic programs, there is a Greek experience for all students at SFASU. Learn more on this page about all the options for joining the fraternity and sorority community. Visit our website to learn more about our Greek councils.

Multicultural Greek Council

The Multicultural Greek Council comprises 5 culturally-based organizations - 3 sororities and 2 fraternities. MGC is home to over 120 members. To learn more, visit the FSL website or follow their instagram.

Interfraternity Council

The Interfraternity Council is home to 12 fraternities. It is the second-largest council (by member numbers) on campus, with over 450 members, and comprises social-interest organizations. To learn more about this council, visit our FSL website or follow them on Instagram.

National Pan-Hellenic Council

The National Pan-Hellenic Council is home to the “Divine Nine” historically Black fraternities and sororities. With nearly 50 members, NPHC is quickly growing. SFA is proud to have seven out of the nine D9 organizations. To learn more about this council, visit our FSL website.

College Panhellenic Association

The College Panhellenic Association is the largest Greek council on campus, with over 500 members, in 5 chapters. Comprised of social-interest organizations affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference, CPH is the largest women’s organization on campus.

Order of Omega

MGC IFC NPHC

Order of Omega is a national leadership honor society for members of fraternity and sorority organizations. The society recognizes sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have exemplified high standards in areas of scholarship, leadership, and involvement within their respective organizations, campus, and local community. Order of Omega is for the top 5% of Greek men and women at SFA.

By the Numbers

Greeks Made the SFASU Dean’s List. (3.5 GPA or Higher)

Greeks made the SFASU President’s Honor Roll (4.0 GPA).

Panhellenic Women have a 4.0 GPA

SFA Students are First-Generation College Students

SFASU Student Population is Greek

Living SFA Alumni are Greek

The biggest donors to SFA, totaling 20 Million Dollars, are Greek Alumni

Philanthropy & Service

Over $300,000 in philanthropy funds were raised by the FSL community in 2023 and OVER 150,000 service hors are completed each year across the community

Greek Life Glossary

ActiveMember (oftenreferredtoasbrother,sister,orsiblings):Referstoamemberwhohas gonethroughanew-memberprocessandhasbeeninitiated,througharitual,intothechapter.

Alumni(orGraduateMember):Aninitiatedmemberwhohasgraduated.Someorganizations conferalumnistatusafteraninitiatehasbeenanactivememberforfourormoreyears.

Aspirant/NewMember(Otherterms-pledge,associate,candidate,orlinebrother/sister):One whohasbeenacceptedasaprobationarymemberofasororityorfraternitybuthasnotyet beeninitiated.Collectively,thenewmemberswhojointhesamesemesterarecalledthe“new memberclass”orthesame“line.”

Bid:Aformalinvitationfromachaptertojointheirorganization.

BidMatching:AfterthefallrecruitmentprocessforthePanhellenicCouncilconcludes,each potentialnewmembersubmitsaprioritizedchoiceofsororitiestheywouldliketojoinandeach sororitysubmitsaprioritizedlistofwomentowhomtheyareinterestedinofferingabid.A computerizedmatchingprocessisusedtodeterminewhichsororityeachparticipantwillbe invitedtojoin.Everypotentialnewmembermaynotreceiveabidforherfavoritechaptersince thisisamutualselectionprocess.

BigSister/Big Brother:Anactivememberassignedtobethepersonalmentorforanew member.

Chapter:Acampus-specificgroupofaregional/national/internationalorganization.

ChapterAdvisor:Analumnus/alumnaeorfaculty/staffmemberwhoservesinanadvisoryrole toprovideguidancetotheorganization.ThispersondoesnotworkforFraternityandSorority LifeortheOfficeofStudentEngagement.

Charter: The official document recognizing a chapter's status by their inter/national organization.

Chapter House: Some fraternities and sororities at SFA operate facilities near campus that provide residential space for members to live and facilities for chapter meetings and activities.

Continuous Open Bidding (COB or Informal Recruitment): After the fall recruitment process for the Panhellenic Council sororities concludes, those chapters with membership sizes less than a specified number (total) can continue to give out bids via an informal recruitment process. This process also occurs during the spring semester, when formal recruitment does not take place. Chapters are not guaranteed an opportunity to participate in COB.

Dues: Fees paid to the chapter each semester, which cover the costs of operation, formal events, activities, and other items specific to the organization.

Fraternity: A Greek-letter social or honorary organization (informally applied to men’s groups).

Greek: An informal name for a member of a fraternity or sorority.

Greek Week: A week of activities involving all SFA fraternities and sororities, hosted by Order of Omega each year, to promote Greek unity and raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network (a charitable beneficiary).

GREEK ALPHABET

Hazing: Mentalorphysicalabuseorharassmentofamember.

Hazingisprohibitedbyuniversitypolicy,Statelaw,andthepoliciesof inter/nationalfraternitiesandsororities.Formorespecific information,visitthehazingpageattheendofthisdocument,orthe FraternityandSororityLifewebsite.

HousingCorporation:Alumniorganizationthatownsand/or managesachapterhouse.

HouseDirectororHouse“Mom”:Alive-inemployeeofaresidential sororityhiredtomanagethechapterhouse.

Initiation:Ritualisticceremonyduringwhichnewmembersreceive lifelongmembershipprivileges.Theseceremoniesaresecretand sacredtoallfraternitiesandsororities.

Intake:Themembershiprecruitmentandinductionprocessforthe NationalPan-HellenicCouncil(NPHC,historicallyAfrican-American fraternitiesandsororities)andtheMulticulturalGreekCouncil(MGC, historicallyLatin-basedfraternitiesandsororities).

InterfraternityCouncil(IFC):Thegoverning/coordinatingstudent councilforsomemen’sfraternities.MostIFCmemberorganizations arechaptersofafraternityaffiliatedwiththeNorthAmerican InterfraternityConference(NIC).

Line:Atermsometimesusedbyvariousculturally-basedGreek organizationstorefertothememberswhojointhesamequarter.

Legacy:Astudentwhohasasibling,parent,grandparent,orfamilymemberwhoisamemberofa particularfraternityorsorority.Legaciesaresometimesgrantedspecialconsiderationinthe membershiprecruitmentprocessbutneverguaranteedmembership.

MulticulturalGreekCouncil(MGC):Thegoverning/coordinatingcouncilformanyoftheculturallybasedfraternitiesandsororities,whichcurrentlyincludeschaptersthataremulticulturalinfocus.

NationalPan-HellenicCouncil(NPHC):Thegoverning/coordinatingcouncilforthehistorically African-Americanfraternitiesandsororities.Sometimesreferredtoasthe“Divine9"or“D9".

OSE:AcronymfortheOfficeofStudentEngagement

OFSL:AcronymfortheOfficeofFraternityandSororityLife

OrderofOmega:Anationalhonorsocietyrecognizingfraternityandsororitymemberswhoexcel inacademicachievement,Greekleadership,andcampusinvolvement.OrderofOmegaisforthe top5%ofGreeks.

PanhellenicCouncil(CPH):Thegoverning/coordinatingcouncilforsomeall-women’ssororitiesat SFA.AllPanhellenicCouncilmembersororitiesareaffiliatedwiththeNationalPanhellenic Conference(NPC).

Philanthropy:Achapter'sspecificcharitableorganizationtowhichtheydonatemoneyand volunteerservicehours.

Pin:Sometimesreferredtoasa“badge.”Thisisafraternityorsorority'sofficialmembershipitem.

PotentialNewMember:Astudentinterestedinjoiningafraternityorsorority-anyunaffiliated studentatSFA.

Recruitment:Sometimescalledrush.ThisisthemembershiprecruitmentprocessforIFCandCPH organizations.PotentialNewMembersaresometimesreferredtoasRusheesduringthisprocess.

Ritual:Secret,Inspirationalceremoniesspecifictoeachchapter.

RhoGamma:Awomanwhowillserveasaguide,mentor,andfriendtoPNMsgoingthroughthe formalrecruitmentprocess.

Sorority:Asocialfraternityforwomenonly.

StrictSilence:ThetimewhenPNMsandactivemembersofasororityarenotallowedto communicateverbally,electronically,etc.outsideofrecruitmentevents.Strictsilencebeginsafter thefirstpreferenceroundconcludes,andendsafterbidsaredistributedonbidday.

Meet me at sorority row....

SFA SORORITIES

Stephen F Austin State University’s Office of Student Engagement - Fraternity and Sorority Life, is home to four councils. The College Panhellenic Association (CPH), the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC). Three of these councils have sororities. Below you can find more information about these three councils and the sororities that fall into them. For more specific information, visit the Fraternity and Sorority Life website.

National Pan-Hellenic Council

National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as the “Divine 9” or “D9” is made up of 4 sororities and 5 fraternities. SFA is home to 7 of the 9 Divine 9, with 3 sororities and 4 fraternities. This council is historically African-American, but membership is open to all students.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Nickname: A-K-A, or the K’s)

Founded: January 15, 1908 at Howard University / Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green

Symbol: Ivy Leaf / Chapter Name: Eta Epsilon / SFA Charter Date: November 19, 1972

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Nickname: Zetas)

Founded: January 16, 1920 at Howard University / Colors: Royal Blue & Pure White

Symbol: Dove / Chapter Name: Psi Delta / SFA Charter Date: January 19, 1973

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (Nickname: S-G-Rho)

Founded: November 12, 1922 at Butler University / Colors: Royal Blue and Gold

Symbol: Poodle / Chapter Name: Lambda Nu / SFA Charter Date: March 9, 1991

Multicultural Greek Council

Multicultural Greek Council is home to five of our multicultural-based fraternities and sororities. This council has 3 sororities and 2 fraternities. Although these organizations have multicultural heritage and have Latino/a based values, membership is open to all students.

Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. (Nickname: L-T-A)

Founded: December 1, 1975 at Kean University / Colors: Burgundy and Gray

Symbol: Pearl, Shell, Moon, & Palm Tree / Chapter Name: Eta Zeta

Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. (Nickname: K-D-Chi)

Founded: April 6, 1987 at Texas Tech University / Colors: Pink and Maroon

Mascot: Penguin / Chapter Name: Phi / SFA Charter Date: October 23, 2010

Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc. (Nickname: Gammas)

Founded: April 9, 1990 at the University of Iowa / Colors: Shocking Pink & Majestic Purple

Symbol: Purple Panther / Chapter Name: Theta Beta

What is the COLLEGE PANHELLENIC COUNCIL?

The College Panhellenic Council (CPH) at SFA is comprised of five inter/national sororities on campus, that are affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC). CPH is comprised of six executive board members who are elected each year by the Panhellenic chapter delegates. CPH strives to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation among the sororities on campus as well as promote high scholastic and social standards. Throughout the year, Panhellenic provides opportunities for sorority women in the aspect of Fraternity and Sorority Life as well as sponsoring events that benefit the entire Greek community. The College Panhellenic Council sets up and organizes the rules and regulations regarding formal recruitment. Panhellenic also aids in guiding potential members through the recruitment process. Throughout the year, the College Panhellenic Council builds relationships with each organization as well as with other councils.

Panhellenic Creed

We, as undergraduate members of women’s fraternities, stand for good scholarship, for guarding of good health, for maintenance of fine standards, and for serving, to the best of our ability, our college community. Cooperation for furthering fraternity life, in harmony with its best possibilities, is the ideal that shall guide our fraternity activities.

We, as fraternity women, stand for service through the development of character inspired by the close contact and deep friendship of individual fraternity and Panhellenic life. The opportunity for wide and wise human service, through mutual respect and helpfulness, is the tenet by which we strive to live.

Panhellenic EXECUTIVE BOARD

VP Administration

VP Peer Accountability

VP Programming

VP Recruitment

VP PR & Marketing

MedinaKhoury

SydneyBlanchard President

AbbyDavis

DaisyeRay

AbbyDewey

CaymanKeeling

Panhellenic

About the Panhellenic Delegates

The Panhellenic Delegates serve as liaisons between their individual chapters and the Panhellenic Executive Council. By attending biweekly meetings, serving on committees, and volunteering where needed, these women help direct their sororities in working together as a Panhellenic community.

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is the umbrella organization for the 26 international women’s fraternities and sororities. NPC provides support and guidance for College Panhellenics and serves as the national voice on the contemporary issues of sorority life. For more information about NPC, please visit www.npcwomen.org.

Panhellenic

Sorority chapter presidents are integral to the success of our community at SFA. Working with members of their chapters, members of other Greek organizations on campus, and alumnae, these women strive to make the Greek community even stronger here at Stephen F. Austin State University.

A sorority president must be a strong leader and hold herself to the highest standards. Each of the women serving the Panhellenic community this year reflects excellent character and class. We hope the legacy set by the 2024 Chapter Presidents will continue with your incoming class of Potential New Members.

Meet the RHO GAMMAS

A Rho Gamma is an upper-class woman from one of our 5 Panhellenic chapters on campus who has decided to put their chapter affiliation aside to assist potential new members throughout the primary recruitment process. Their job is to assist you in finding YOUR perfect chapter. The goal of this position is to provide mental and emotional support, ensure the recruitment process is fair for all PNMs and chapters, act as a “big sister” figure to PNMs, as well as help them navigate through each recruitment experience and build friendships. Women who are returning as a Rho Gamma are noted with *

Cayman Keeling

Lola Clark

Elizabeth Conner

Medina Khoury

Sarah Grace Hill

Zoe Parks

Avery Nichols

Avery LeBlanc Savannah Lindsey Kently Northcutt*

Meet me in the afterglow...

NicoleWernet PaisleyWilliam Britelyn Zelesky

EmmaStelling

BILL OF RIGHTS Potential New Member

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 counselors 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 counselors.

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 membership recruitment acceptance binding agreement (MRABA) signing process.

The right to make ones own choice and decision and accept full responsibility for the results in that decision.

The right to have a positive, safe and enriching recruitment and new member process.

CODE OF ETHICS Panhellenic

We, the members of sororities at Stephen F. Austin State University, agree to promote honesty, respect, sisterhood, and cooperation within the College Panhellenic, our respective chapters, and in our daily lives. This code of ethics is designed to inspire our members, reinforce exemplary conduct and values-based leadership, and perpetuate lifelong membership to enrich the sorority and Panhellenic experience.

We, as College Panhellenic members of Stephen F. Austin State University, agree on and commit to: Uphold and demonstrate the Panhellenic spirit in thought, word, and action, through our chapters as well as individual members.

Demonstrate ethical behavior and conduct ourselves, in a manner consistent with the mission and values of the College Panhellenic, each inter/national organization, and the institution

Respectfully adhere to the Unanimous Agreements and all policies established by the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).

Avoid disparaging remarks about any sorority or collegiate woman and refrain from discussing Panhellenic matters with nonmembers.

Provide an equitable and inclusive sorority experience for all women who are interested at the institution.

Recognize friendly relations with all collegiate women, both sorority members and nonmembers, realizing the importance of creating and building friendships.

Plan recruitment events that provide opportunities for the greatest possible number of women to become sorority members while protecting the rights and privileges of individuals and chapters.

Provide a safe, positive, and enriching recruitment experience, understanding that membership is a social experience arrived at by mutual selection.

Strive to be truthful, honorable, open and friendly to all potential new members during all recruitment events

Be respectful of the rights of every potential new member to make a personal choice, including but not limited to: not joining the sorority community at a specific time, intentional single preference, or preference of all sorority chapters.

We, as College Panhellenic members of Stephen F. Austin State University, also agree on and commit to:

Respectfully adhere to the bylaws and recruitment rules of the College Panhellenic Association (CPH)

Abide by all local and federal laws and NPC inter/national Unanimous Agreements, policies, and best practices.

Hold one another accountable to this code of ethics, remembering at all times that we represent not only our individual chapters but also the Panhellenic and Stephen F. Austin State University community as a whole

As Panhellenic women of Stephen F. Austin State University, these are the tenets by which we strive to live.

Rules & Policies

SFA Panhellenic Council Membership Recruitment Guidelines are intended to help guide Panhellenic women and potential new members through the membership selection process and primary recruitment week. The guidelines incorporate many of the procedures recommended and/or required by the National Panhellenic Conference.

To be eligible to participate in formal recruitment, a woman must be enrolled full-time (12 hours or more) and an undergraduate student at SFA

Potential new members must register with the SFA College Panhellenic Association and pay the $90 non-refundable registration fee to participate in formal recruitment.

An additional (optional and non-refundable) fee of $120 can be paid for meals to be included during the week of formal recruitment. If they purchase this option, PNMs will receive a meal swipe card during move-in and will have three swipes a day for the week of recruitment.

If you opt out of this fee, PNMs will need to find their own meals, and SFA CPH will not be required to provide meal options

A potential new member should not be in contact with a chapter member, alumna member, or anyone acting on the sorority’s behalf beginning after the first preference round begins until bids are distributed This includes social media communication

Potential new members found with alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia will be immediately removed from formal recruitment and reported to the Dean of Students Office for violating the Student Code of Conduct.

PNMs must abide by the SFA CPH Recruitment Rules and the NPC Unanimous Agreements, which can be found on the NPC website, npcwomen org

PNMs participating in formal recruitment must wear the nametags provided by Panhellenic during all primary recruitment events.

If a nametag is lost or misplaced, a temporary one will be given - as long as enough advance notice is given.

A PNM participating in formal recruitment shall not be, nor ever have been, an initiated member of a National Panhellenic Conference organization, according to NPC Unanimous Agreement III: The Panhellenic Compact

A woman shall complete the “Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement” card, often called MRABA, immediately following the last preference event she attends. Once a MRABA has been signed and submitted, no changes can be made, no matter the circumstances

A woman signing the MRABA and receiving a bid at the end of formal recruitment shall be bound to that chapter by the agreement for one calendar year at SFA or until the next formal recruitment process.

Failure to follow any of these rules could result in dismissal from the formal recruitment process.

SHOULD KNOW What Potential New Members

Ask questions when you do not understand.

Some events will have more PNMs in attendance than others, and this is not a reflection of a chapter.

You must attend all events for which you receive an invitation.

Failure to attend an event may jeopardize your ability to receive information.

Being a groups legacy does not ensure membership in that group.

Good scholarship is valued by all groups.

All NPC member organizations have policies against hazing.

No chapter member may promise or or imply the promise of a bid.

You are expected to act politely and respectfully when attending an event.

You should expect to be treated politley and with respect.

Every woman attending a preference event must appear on that sorority’s bid list, but this does not ensure an invitation to join that particular sorority, because recruitment is a mutual selection process

You must be certain you understand the membership recruitment acceptance binding agreement (MRABA) that you will be expected to sign immediately after attending the last preference event.

You may choose not to join a chapter therfore not fully complete the MRABA.

You may choose to limit or list only one choice on your MRABA, or you may list all the chapaters where you atteneded prefrence events.

You must understand if you list a chapter on your MRABA, are matched to that chapter and receive an invitation to membership, you are bound to that chapter until the next primary recruitment.

Men and alcohol are not permitted during recrutiment or Bid Day.

Before Making Your Decision

ASK YOURSELF:

How did you feel attending this chapter’s event? Excited? Welcomed?

1. Do your values align well with the values of the chapter?

2. What is your first impression of the chapter? Has your initial opinion changed throughout your experience?

3. How was your experience in the chapter similar or different from what you previously envisioned?

4. How can you be an asset to this chapter? How can this chapter be an asset to you?

6.

5. What do you think you will gain from this chapter?

KEEP IN MIND:

Do not set your heart on one sorority at any time throughout the week. Being open-minded will help you be more successful throughout the process.

Take notes throughout the recruitment week; they will be helpful in preference. Keep an open mind and get to know each sorority beneath their appearances (i.e. material aspects such as furniture, decor, or apparel)

Do not let others' decisions influence your own. The sorority that was right for your mother, sister, or best friend may not be right for you. Do not listen to rumors. Do not be afraid to let financial considerations be your final deciding factor. There are scholarships that many organizations provide for financial assistance.

Potential New Member Checklist

We recommend having the following items with you in your Panhellenic recruitment tote, from round to round! Here are some ideas of what to include:

Walking shoes

Hand-held fan

Notepad & Pen

Water bottle

Mints/Gum

Snacks

Hand sanitizer

Bandaids

Make-Up Mirror

Perfume/Body

Spray

Deodorant

Hair Brush

Oil Blotting Pads

Sunglasses

Umbrella

Personal Medications

Open mind & a positive attitude!

Recruitment Do ’ s

Attend all Rho Gamma meetings as they contain important information. Attend all events you are invited to each day. Any unexcused absence will cause you to be removed from the recruitment process.

Wear your name tag at all times when attending recruitment events. Inform your Rho Gamma or recruitment staff if an emergency arises and report any scheduling conflicts to your Rho Gamma or recruitment staff in advance of an anticipated absence.

Ask questions! Make sure to ask questions when you do not understand. Rho Gammas and recruitment staff are happy to help you through the process. Be polite and respectful when attending events.

Be honest! Tell the sororities about your interests, hobbies, or accomplishments. The sorority members are excited about meeting you and getting to know you and are just as nervous as you are.

Make sure you tell the chapter members if you are genuinely enjoying being there or really feel that you fit in, they want to hear this positive reaction from you.

Recruitment Dont ’ s

Stay glued to your phone. You will be busy enough making new friends and moving from event to event.

Be late! We do our best to keep a strict schedule; please do the same!

Go in with your heart set on one sorority. Keep an open mind! You may not be familiar with all sororities, so take time to consider membership in each group. Every sorority offers something different and unique. Also consider that being a legacy of a group does not ensure membership into that group. Participate in unsanctioned events during recruitment that include men, drugs, and/or alcohol. Participating in such events will cause you to be removed from the recruitment process.

Communicate with or accept gifts from current or alumnae sorority members. Strict Silence is in effect and they should not pressure or influence you during this time. If someone does contact you through any media, or buys you anything (including meals) please let your Rho Gamma know. Talk about other houses. You never know who has friends where, or where other PNMs are considering going.

Be disrespectful! Not following this could result in being removed from the recruitment process.

Mutual Selection

Formal recruitment is structured around a mutual selection process. During the first round of formal recruitment, Philanthropy, you will attend a brief party held by each chapter. At the end of this round, you will rank the chapters you visited. Keep in mind how you felt at each sorority’s party and look through any notes taken that day. Notes are extremely helpful throughout the recruitment process. Think about which chapters would be the best fit with your values and interests.

When you meet with your Rho Gamma for the next day’s events, you will receive a schedule of parties you will attend. Unless extenuating circumstances arise, you must attend every party on your schedule.

Just as you must choose which chapters you prefer the most, the sororities must also limit the number of women they invite for the next day’s events. Therefore, sometimes a potential new member may not be selected for the next day’s round.

After preference night you will be given the opportunity to indicate the sororities from which you would accept an invitation to join and give your first and second preference between those sororities. Your preference will be compared to the sororities preferences.

Questions to Ask During Parties

in the chapter facility?

Be Confident!

“THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING YOU CAN WEAR IS CONFIDENCE.”

What to Expect as a New Member

As a new member of a Panhellenic sorority, your first semester acclimates you to sorority life and Stephen F. Austin State University. After Bid Day as a new member, you are required to attend regular new member meetings until initiation. Each chapter has a different program designed explicitly for new members. These programs educate you about the history, traditions, and rituals of your chapter and teach you how to live out chapter values in your everyday life. New Member educators are women elected by the chapter whose responsibility is to guide you through new member education and initiation.

Your chapter may host a new member retreat, allowing you to bond with your new member class. Some chapters will encourage active members to invite you to eat with them for meals throughout the week so you can get to know current members of the chapter. Active members often invite you to attend regular events such as socials, philanthropies, Panhellenic-sponsored activities, and community engagement opportunities.

Remember, at the heart of our organizations is academic excellence. Many organizations offer study hours and opportunities for scholarship. Chapters may also offer tutoring services. As a new member, make sure to take advantage of the academic opportunities your chapter offers you. It can be easy to get caught up in the social environment of your chapter, but as a new member, it should be one of your top priorities to contribute to your chapter’s academic success

Recruitment Schedule

We host a mandatory informational session before recruitment. This year, we will host the PNM convocation on the day recruitment begins. This is called PNM orientation/convocation and will be held on August 20. The session will go over pertinent recruitment information to help you throughout the week

20& 21

Round 1 & 2: Philanthropy

Potential new members will visit all five sororities for 45 minutes. You will learn more about the chapter and its philanthropy.

Attire

You will wear an SFA or purple shirt and cute bottoms It is recommended that comfortable shoes are worn. An example is a cute pair of sandals or sneakers.

23

Round 3: Preference

Potential new members will visit up to two sororities for one hour. This round focuses on sisterhood, friendship, ritual, and the chapter's core values.

Attire

This will be the dressiest evening. So dress to the occasion in what makes you the most comfortable.

Round 2: Sisterhood

Potential new members will visit up to four sororities for 50 minutes. You will be able to see the individuality and spirit of each chapter as well as experience the special bond of sisterhood.

Attire

We recommend a “dressy casual” outfit: a nice top with jeans and flats or sandals. Wear whatever you are most comfortable in.

Bid Day!

This is the day that you will receive an invitation for membership or “bid” from one of the sororities! After receiving your bid, the sorority you have joined has a fun day planned with exciting activities for you! (Families are allowed to join!)

Attire:

You will wear the shirt you receive from Panhellenic on bid day. The chapter from which you accept a bid will also have a shirt for you.

Summer Contact

The National Panhellenic Conference has amended the summer contact policies. Chapters may contact PNMs to promote the overall sorority experience— not recruit their own organization.

This contact should be in the Panhellenic spirit.

Should a PNM not feel comfortable with this contact, please reach out to Fraternity & Sorority LIfe at greeklife@sfasu.edu.

This year, a few of the Rho Gammas have offered to be a point of contact for PNMs if they have any questions for them. We will email those students and their contact information later this summer.

No student is eligible to join a sorority in the summer months or anytime when school is not in session with the exception of the end of Formal Recruitment.

What to Wear During Recruitment

Day 1 & 2: Philanthropy Round

Wear an SFA tshirt or a purple shirt! Anything you are comfortable in.

What to Wear During Recruitment

Day 3: Sisterhood Round

Dressy

Brunch

- But whatever you are confident in. Your outfit does not define who you are.

What to Wear During Recruitment

Day 4: Preference Round Business

Professional - But whatever you are comfortable in. Does not have to be a dress.

What to Wear During Recruitment

Day 5: Bid Day

The recruitment shirt design will be announced on our Instagram on June 15th!!

Panhellenic

Recruitment shirt and shorts/jeans that you feel comfortable in.

Letters of RECOMMENDATION

RecommendationlettersarenotarequirementtoparticipateinrecruitmentatSFA RecommendationlettersserveasanintroductionofaPNMtoasorority Ifyouchooseto submitone,weaskthatitbeprovideddirectlytothechapter(s)beforeAug 10,toensure thattheyhavebeenreceivedbeforethestartofprimaryrecruitment

Eachsororitymanagesitsrecommendation/referencelettersdifferently Forquestionsaboutrecommendationorlegacyintroductionforms,wehighly recommendthatyoureviewthechapter’swebsiteorcontactthenationalofficeofthat particularsorority

Alpha Chi Omega

Preferred format: Online through the membersonly portal found at alphachiomega.org

Who Can Submit a Rec: Collegiate and alumnae members in good standing Legacy Information: Can be provided in the online recommendation form

Chi Omega

Preferred format: Online through the membersonly portal found at chiomega.com

Who Can Submit a Rec: Alumnae members in good standing Legacy Information: Can be provided in the online recommendation form

Delta Delta Delta

Preferred format: Online through the membersonly portal found at tridelta.org

Who Can Submit a Rec: Collegiate and alumnae members in good standing Legacy Information: Can be provided in the online recommendation form

Delta Zeta

Preferred format: Online through the membersonly portal found at deltazeta org

Who Can Submit a Rec: Collegiate and alumnae members in good standing Legacy Information: Can be provided in the online recommendation form

Zeta Tau Alpha

Preferred format: Online through the membersonly portal found at zetataualpha.org

Who Can Submit a Rec: Alumnae members in good standing

Legacy Information: Can be provided in the online recommendation form

LEGACY STATEMENT

A legacy is defined differently by each sorority.

Within the last decade, many sororities’ legacy policies have changed. We highly recommend that you reach out to each respective sorority’s national office to determine whether you or a loved one are defined as a legacy.

It is important to note that being a legacy does not guarantee you a bid into any of the chapters on SFA’s campus.

The sorority is not obligated to offer a bid to a legacy, and a PNM is not obligated by anyone to commit to a chapter where she is a legacy.

It should be the PNM’s choice and her choice alone as to where she feels comfortable.

All you had to do was GO GREEK!

Academics

Any person interested in joining the SFA Student Engagement - Fraternity and Sorority Life community, including women participating in formal recruitment, must be in good standing and registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours for the fall semester at SFA. This equates to registering for at least four courses during the Fall 2024 semester.

Each chapter has a different GPA requirement or preference, and as a result, it may be over the university minimum. If your GPA is below the minimums listed below, there is a possibility that you will have fewer opportunities throughout the recruitment process. However do no let this deter you. Many chapters have polices and procedures to overlook the GPA requirement if they are interested in you. If you are worried, please reach out to the Assistant Director of Student Engagement - Morgan Pulliam: morgan.pulliam@sfasu.edu

High School GPA

College GPA

All Panhellenic GPA: Women with a 4.0 Women with a 3.5 or above 109 3.034 63

Financial Breakdown COMMITIMENTS TERMS

MEMBER ORGANIZATION FEES

Badge Fee: Each member organization has a badge/pin. Some organizations require a member to purchase a badge and others include it in the initiation fee Badges may be very simple or jeweled If a member is purchasing her badge, she determines how much or how little she would like to spend

Per Capita Fee: Fee paid to inter/national organization per member to support overall sorority operations.

Technology Fee: These funds support the member organization database, social media and other technologies.

CHAPTER FEES

Assessment: A chapter may vote to support an activity/event/cause that is not included in the chapter budget and the expense would be assessed per member Campus Obligation: These funds are used when a chapter is asked to donate funds to other organizations and/or fundraising opportunities on campus.

Chapter Dues: These monies fund member activities including programming, recruitment, chapter supplies and chapter operations

Composite: An annual photograph is taken of each chapter’s membership This expense can be included in chapter dues or billed separately

Initiation Fee: Fee paid to establish membership in the organization.

Liability/Risk Management Insurance: This fee covers insurance-related costs for the safety of members, their guests and sorority property Funds may also be used for special programming relating to risk management concerns on campus or within the chapter

New Member Fee: Fee paid to establish membership in the organization

Panhellenic Dues: These funds are used to support Panhellenic operations Examples of items that may be included in the Panhellenic budget are attending conferences, office operations, marketing and electronic media.

Parking Permit: Parking is typically limited at chapter houses Spaces are allocated by each chapter to members based on criteria set by the leadership and/or chapter corporation

Philanthropy Fee: Each chapter has a philanthropy and some have local causes they support. This fee can be included in chapter dues or billed separately.

Purchase Fund: This fund is set up at the beginning of each term to pay for things not included in chapter dues It may be used to purchase T-shirts, sorority paraphernalia or attend optional social functions

Social Fee: Social functions not included in chapter dues are billed out individually based upon the cost of event(s)

FACILITY FEES

House Corporation Fee: These funds are used to support chapter property and physical plant Often this is a one-time fee paid prior to initiation.

Parlor/House Usage Fee: The entire membership has access to the house and thus the property is subject to a great deal of wear and tear This fee is used primarily for care and maintenance of the property and furnishings in the common areas of the chapter facility.

Security Fee: Special security staff may be employed to protect chapter property, members and guests Typically, all members, not just those living in the house, would be asked to help cover this expense.

Housing Commitment Info

Financial requirements are an important consideration for anyone interested in joining the Greek community, so it is important for you to be as informed as possible regarding the costs associated with SFA’s Panhellenic chapters.

If you accept an invitation to join a sorority, you will enter into a financial agreement and contract for housing and dues during your time as a collegiate member. On this page and the next page you will find detailed financial information for each chapter.

Your chapter dues cover fees required by the National Panhellenic Conference, the sorority’s headquarters, SFA’s Panhellenic Council, chapter officers’ budgets, and chapter maintenance. As a new member, your first semester’s dues will be the most expensive, as it covers one-time fees associated with your sorority.

We strongly encourage you to ask the chapters’ financial officer specific questions about the potential costs of membership so that you can be best informed.

Financial & Housing Commitments Alpha Chi Omega

First Semester New Member Dues: $1,509

Second Semester Member Dues:

Living In-House

Fall: $5,825 Spring: $5,935

New Member Dues Breakdown Fall: $1,295 Spring: $1,185

Inter/National Fee: $130

Sisterhood Events: $25

Badge or One-Time Initiation Fee: $85

T-Shirts/Apparel: $60

New Member Fees/Dues: $429

Dues to Support Facility Ops: $780

Amount due within 24 hours of Bid Acceptance: $0

Amount due by Initation: 1/3 of Total Bill

Every member is required to take advantage of the opportunity to live in the house once eligible to live off campus for a minimum of two academic years. The president and vice president of operations must live in for the duration of their term.

Financial & Housing Commitments

First Semester New Member Dues: $1,415

Second Semester Member Dues:

Living In-House

Fall: $4,900

Spring: $4,725

Living Out-of-House

Fall: $1,220

Spring: $1,045

New Member Dues Breakdown

Inter/National Fee: $75

Philanthropy Fee: $50

Badge/One-Time Initiation Fee: $125

T-Shirts/Apparel: $75

Risk Management: $100

Building Fund: $300

Chapter Dues: $300

Parlor Fees: $390

Amount due within 24 hours of Bid Day: $0

Amount due within 52 Days of Pledging: $630

Financial & Housing Commitments

Delta Delta Delta

First Semester New Member Dues: $1,996

Second Semester Member Dues:

Living In-House

Fall & Spring: $5,211

Living Out-of-House

Fall & Spring: $1,758

New Member Dues Breakdown

Inter/National Fee: $500

Badge or One-Time Initiation Fee: $110*

Meal Plan: $160

Parlor Fee: $788

Capital Improvement Fee: $230

Initiation Fee: $160

New Member Fee: $48

*Multiple Badge Options - $110 is the minimum

Amount due within 24 hours of Bid Acceptance: $0

Amount due within 8 weeks of Pledging: $1,996

Every member is required to take advantage of the opportunity to live in the house once eligible to live off campus.

Financial & Housing Commitments Delta Zeta

First Semester New Member Dues: $1,311

Second Semester Member Dues:

Living In-House

Fall & Spring: $4,950

Living Out-of-House Fall & Spring: $1,098

New Member Dues Breakdown

Inter/National Fee: $64

Sisterhood Events: Included in Dues

Social/Special Events: Included in Dues

Philanthropy: Included in Dues

Badge and Initiation Fees: $287

T-Shirts/Apparel: Ala Carte

Parlor Fee: $240

New Member Fees: $240

Chapter Dues and Fees: $400

Amount due within 24 hours of Bid Acceptance: $80

Membersarerequiredtoliveinthesororityhouseonceeligibletoliveoffcampusuntilthehouseisatcapacity.

Memberswhohave60+credithoursor21yearsoldareeligibletoliveinthe house.Signedhousingcontractsarerequiredandarebindingfortheentire termofthecontract.

Financial & Housing Commitments Zeta Tau Alpha

First Semester New Member Dues: $1,760

On Campus: $1,903 In-House: $4,450

Second Semester Member Dues:

Living In-House

Fall: $4,450

Spring: $4,462

Living Out-of-House

Fall: $1,903

Spring: $1,895

New Member Dues Breakdown

Inter/National Fee: $208

Sisterhood Events (Chapter Dues): $488

Badge or One-Time Initiation Fee: $268

Meal Plan (Out of House Dorm - Formal Dinner): $350

Parlor Fee: $259

Technology: $20

New Member Fee: $125

Composite & Panhellenic Dues: $42

Amount due within 24 hours of Bid Acceptance: $0

Amount due by September 15, 2024: 1st Installment

Every member is required to take advantage of the opportunity to live in the house once eligible to live off campus for a minimum of one academic year. Executive officer board members must live in-house.

New Member Fees (Chapter Breakdown)

*Badgefeesforsomeorganizationsrangedependingonwhattypeofbadgeyouchoose(metaltype,jeweltype,witha guardornot,etc.)

**Technologyfeesandnewmemberfeescoverthecostofonlineeducationfromtheinter/nationalorganization.

Active Member Fees - Living in the House (Chapter Breakdown)

Active Member Fees - Not Living in the House (Chapter

Meet the Chapters

Alpha Chi Omega

REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.

The sisters of Alpha Chi Omega are empowered to become leaders who work together to positively impact the community. We wear our pins proudly and take pride in the chapter we represent.

SISTERHOOD PHILANTHROPY

Alpha Chi Omega commits to nurturing the growth of every member, guiding her towards her fullest potential. Every authentic and resilient member will be your steadfast companion, offering encouragement and guiding you toward a lifetime filled with purpose, leadership and motivation. Alpha Chi Omega provides a second home, where lifelong friendships flourish,academic achievements soar, leadership roles await, community service thrives and everlasting memories are created.

ABOUT ALPHA CHI

Founded: October 15th, 1885

Philanthropy: Domestic Violence Education and Awareness; the Alpha Chi Foundation

Symbol: The Musical Lyre

Open Motto: "Together let us seek the heights"

Together, the members o dedicated to making a me of others by supporting o philanthropic mission: rai domestic violence The w chapter of Alpha Chi Om the East Texas Family Cr to support and aid in dom violence survivors and ed and awareness. Every m required to volunteer at le hours per semester at the women’s shelter Addition provide monthly drive-by more hands-on service.

Tagline: Real. Strong. Women.

New member first semester dues: $1,509

Lifetime member dues per semester (not in-house): $1,295

Dues are all-inclusive and include all events. Additional shirts may be charged, but not required

Chi Omega

SISTERS ON PURPOSE

Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success.

Throughout her life, Chi Omega will inspire her to pursue her purpose, in whatever way she defines it.

SISTERHOOD PHILANTHROPY

Sisterhood is the central principle of Chi Omega, upon which all others are built. It is the spirit of love, fun, and family; the security that comes from knowing there will be sisters who accept you as you are while pushing you to become an even better version of yourself! Chi Omega means so much more than dinner dates and socials. Its sisterhood provides a safe space where each members truest self can shine. Through sisterhood, we are able to make deep, and lasting connections. At it's most basic level, it’s the emotional support we all need. Through that, we know we are being seen, being heard, being understood.

ABOUT CHI OMEGA

Founded: April 5th, 1895

Philanthropy: Make-A-Wish Foundation

Symbol: Owl

Open Motto: “Sisters on purpose”

Stone/Jewel: Pearl

Since its founding in 1895, Chi Omega members have given their time and talent to provide service to others. In 2002, Chi Omega announced its alliance with The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since then, they have raised more than 35 million dollars and volunteered over 1 4 million hours for Make-AWish. Locally, our chapter has raised over $200,000 and given over 3500 hours of time, granting many wishes to children in the East Texas area We love getting to know and be a part of our Wish Kid’s lives!

New member first semester dues: $1,415

Lifetime member dues per semester: $1,220

Dues are all-inclusive and include all events. Additional shirts may be offered, but not required.

DELTA DELTA DELTA

Tri Delta is an assembly of women with shared values where you can be yourself and belong to something bigger. We are brave, bold and kind. We are passionate about serving others, committed to becoming the best version of ourselves and dedicated to helping women live, learn and lead with Purpose for a lifetime.

SISTERHOOD PHILANTHROPY

Tri Delta’s membership is made up of women who have different experiences and backgrounds but who all share a common bond through upholding our ideals of truth, self-sacrifice and friendship. This connection provides members with meaningful and lasting friendships and support th major transitions. Although sisterhood looks different in every chapter, and each member has their own unique perception, it is one of the most rewarding aspects of membership

Founded as a society that would be kind alike to all, Tri Deltas are passionate about serving others

Nowhere is this more evident than in our commitment to philanthropy As Tri Deltas, we remain dedicated to three aspects of philanthropy: sisters helping sisters through Tri Delta’s Foundation, our commitment to changing the way the world treats and defeats childhood cancer through our work with local and regional children’s hospitals and pediatric cancer initiative and through our national partnership with St Jude Children’s Research Hospita

ABOUT DELTA DELTA DELTA

Founded: November 27th, 1888

Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Symbol: Stars and Crescent

Open Motto: “Let us steadfastly love one another”

New member first semester dues: $1,996

Lifetime member dues per semester: $1,758

Dues are all-inclusive and include all events

DELTA ZETA

Love that is ever steadfast

Delta Zeta’s mission is to be a lifelong, values-based membership experience for women.

SISTERHOOD PHILANTHROPY

Delta Zeta’s vision is to be a global women’s organization whose shared values truly inspire action and impact lives The purpose of this sorority shall be to unite its members in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate one another in the pursuit of knowledge promote the moral and social culture of its members Our six shared values of Friendship Curiosity,Generosity, Empowerment, Citizenship and Belonging, shape our membership experience.

ABOUT DELTA ZETA

Founded: October 24th, 1902

Philanthropy: The Support of Hearing and Speech

Symbol: Roman Lamp

Open Motto: “Love that is ever steadfast”

Delta Zeta is partnered with Starkey Hearing Foundation and the American Society for Deaf Children in efforts to not only educate people on the gift of hearing but also support parents with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Locally, the Zeta Psi chapter supports Harvest House.

New member first semester dues: $2,272

Lifetime member dues per semester: $1,098

Dues are all-inclusive and include all events. Additional shirts may be charged, but not required.

ZETA TAU ALPHA

SEEK THE NOBLEST SISTERHOOD

The object of ZTA shall be to intensify friendship, promote happiness among its members, and in every way to create such sentiments to perform such deeds and mold such opinions that are conducive to building up a nobler and purer sisterhood in the world.

PHILANTHROPY

Zeta Tau Alpha is a sisterhood made of over 200,000 individual women and it celebrates the uniqueness each sister brings. We respect and support each member's personal identity, and we seek to provide an accepting environment within every chapter. We strive to create a space of belonging for every member.

ABOUT ZETA TAU ALPHA

Founded: October 15th, 1898

Philanthropy: Breast Cancer Education and Awareness

Symbol: Five pointed crown

Open Motto: “Seek the Noblest”

Zeta Tau Alpha’s national philanthropy is breast cancer education and awareness. One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, so this cause is personal. Breast cancer touches many lives Through local and national partnerships, campus and communit initiatives, and the distribution of millions of pink ribbons since 1992, ZTA collegiate and alumnae members are dedicated to our philanthropy. By spreading the message of breast cancer education and awareness, ZTA sisters are determined to diminish this disease.

New member first semester dues: $1,760

Lifetime member dues per semester: $1,903

Dues are all-inclusive and include all events. Additional shirts may be charged, but not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I only want to be in a certain sorority?

Panhellenic discourages single-intentional preference when it comes to formal recruitment because it limits a PNMs options when making a final decision. CPH encourages you to keep an open mind when going into formal recruitment and keeping an open mind. However, only wanting to be a member of one specific sorority over another is allowed, just not recommended. Single intentional preferencing can limit a PNMs options, and risk a PNM receiving a bid.

Do I need to attend every party I am invited to?

Yes! The purpose of recruitment is for PNMs to gather as much information as possible about the various sororities, so they can make the best decision possible when choosing which chapter to join. If PNMs intentionally miss parties, they risk being released from the formal recruitment process altogether. Please notify your Rho Gamma if there are any conflicts you may have with party schedules and rounds.

What if I don’t have a recommendation letter?

Recommendation letters are not a requirement to participate in formal recruitment at SFA. These letters do not guarantee any woman to receive a bid from a specific chapter.

When can I live in the sorority house?

Women are eligible to move off the SFA campus before moving into a sorority house if they meet the following requirements: women elected to executive officer position(s), complete 50-60 credit hours, hold at least a 2.5 GPA, and/or turn 21, before Oct. 15 in the fall and March 15th in the spring.

What is formal recruitment?

The recruitment process includes a number of rounds, and each round includes a number of events. Rounds are identified by the theme of the round, i.e. philanthropy, and by the number of events for the round, i.e. six- event round. Each chapter you visit during a round is an event. After each day of recruitment, you will meet with your recruitment counselor to decide how you liked the chapters. You will narrow down the list of chapters you are interested in at the end of each day.

What are the benefits of joining a sorority? You will gain supportive friends, opportunities to hold leadership positions and get involved with community service and philanthropic events. It will also connect you with a nationwide network of fellow sisters!

Does Greek Life take up a lot of time?

Greek membership takes up as much time as you are willing to invest. You will have the choice as to what to participate in outside of mandatory chapter events. Greek women have perfected the art of time management between jobs, academics and sorority life.

What is Continuous Open Bidding or Informal Recruitment?

Continuous Open Bidding (COB) begins as soon as Formal Recruitment ends. In the fall and spring, eligible chapters are able to extend bids to women interested in joining their chapters. It is important to know that only chapters that fall under chapter total are eligible to COB; therefore, not every chapter might be eligible.

What if I don’t get invited to attend the maximum amount of chapters during each round?

During the recruitment process, the number of chapters a PNM will visit each day will vary from one woman to the next. The number of events is not important; it is the conversations and people you are interacting with that are important.

What is Greek Week?

Greek Week is all about coming together as a Greek community to support one another. During Greek Week, all Panhellenic chapters along with other Greek organizations participate in sports, stroll-offs and much more! This is the perfect time to deck out in Greek apparel and show off your Greek pride.

Is joining a sorority really “for life?”

Yes! Not only are there opportunities for involvement and close friendships as a collegiate member, but there are for alumnae members as well! You can join an alumnae chapter, serve as a chapter advisor, volunteer at a national level or even work for your sorority’s national office.

If I decide not to participate in recruitment, is my registration fee refundable?

No. All registration fees are nonrefundable, no exceptions. This is clearly stated on the recruitment registration disclaimer, so before you register for recruitment, please take this into consideration.

If I am going through recruitment as a sophomore or going through again, am I at a disadvantage?

Many women choose to go through recruitment as a sophomore or junior for various reasons. As long as you have the required GPA you should not have a problem. For those going through recruitment a second time, there is a chance that chapters that released you the first time might release you again. You should keep an open mind and discuss all the activities in which you have been involved over the past year as well as let the sororities know why you are going through a second time.

What if I discover the sorority I’ve selected is not the right one for me?

Once you’ve accepted a bid to a sorority, the new member process is designed to make sure you are ready to make a lifelong commitment to an organization. This period normally lasts 6-8 weeks but depends on your organization. If before initiation you decide you are not ready for the commitment, you can break your pledge from the organization. If you would like to participate in recruitment again, you can do so at the time of the next primary recruitment period. Once you have accepted a bid from an NPC organization, you must wait until the next primary recruitment period to be eligible to receive another bid from an NPC organization.

If you truly think the sorority to which you received a bid is the wrong group for you, you should make that decision before you are initiated. Once you are initiated into an NPC organization, you are ineligible for membership in any other NPC organization for the rest of your life. Going through initiation is a way to show you are ready for a lifelong commitment to your group.

Hazing Statement

The Panhellenic Council does not tolerate the use of illegal substances and expects all associated to abide by city, state, and federal laws.

Hazing is defined in the Texas Penal Code as, “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University. Be one person alone or acting with others directed against a student that endangers a student's mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization.

All inter/national fraternities and sororities on this campus recognize and adhere to the Anti-hazing legislation and policies set forth by the State of Texas, SFASU, and the individual inter/national fraternities and sororities.

We support a zero-tolerance for hazing. Under state law, individuals or organizations engaging in hazing could be subject to fines and charged with a criminal offense.

Should you need to report anything, please email greeklife@sfasu.edu