2023 UMD Panhellenic's PNM Handbook

P N M H A N D B O O K P R I M A R Y R E C R U I T M E N T

ALetterfromthe Panhellenic VPofRecruitment:

Dear Potential New Member,

First, let me be the first to welcome you to the Panhellenic Association's recruitment process and to say we are so glad you have stumbled upon the PNM handbook. We hope this handbook will be a guide to help and support you through the primary recruitment process, but more importantly, to prepare you for what to expect.

Joining The Panhellenic Association was one of the best decisions I could’ve made for myself and my future and I hope one day you can say the same! My involvement in this community isn’t just something that bettered my college experience, but rather my entire life (as dramatic as that may seem).

PHA is a community that brings people together. People from all different backgrounds with varying majors, interests, extracurriculars, and goals. But there’s one thing that brings us altogether and that is: community. Being a part of PHA means you want to see change in the world around you, you want to give back to those who are less fortunate, you want to further your education, and overall, you want to better yourself. You want to become the best version of yourself possible and you’re ready to begin that journey.

We hope that you go through this process feeling empowered and confident, ready to find a place that you can call home here at UMD. The best advice I can give you to do that is to be yourself, embrace your differences, and remain open-minded.

This process can be extremely daunting and as it begins, extremely exhausting, but finding a sorority that aligns with your values and that can provide you with endless opportunities is so rewarding. Our process is created to provide you with the knowledge on our community and chapters, so you can "trust the process" and make the decision that will give you a lifetime of memories starting with your time here at the University of Maryland.

I am so excited to meet you so soon!

KyleeMills Vice President of Recruitment

WhatandWhen isPrimary Recruitment2023?

Primary Recruitment occurs during the spring semester and is a structured form of recruitment. Interested potential new members (PNMs) must register for primary recruitment prior to the kick-off date. All interested PNMs will be placed in groups and given Rho Gammas (recruitment guides), who will support and guide PNMs throughout the recruitment process.

Formal recruitment has four rounds and lasts for two consecutive weekends. After each round, PNMs that are going through recruitment will be able to rank a certain number of sororities they are interested in returning to in future rounds.

Primary Recruitment will take place the second and third weekends of the Spring 2023 semester.

WHAT IS PHA?

The University of Maryland Panhellenic Association is the governing body for the 16 National Panhellenic Conference sororities on campus. Our mission is to unite the Panhellenic community and build better women through women's leadership, service, and character development as guided by the values of Fraternity.

Each sorority elects a delegate to represent their chapter during the school year, sharing information, discussing issues of concern and interest, and voting on policies and procedures.

Nine women are elected to serve on the Executive Board, and a staff advisor from the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life works closely with them.

PanhellenicCreed

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 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.

CONTACT US

We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to follow Panhellenic on social media to learn more about our chapters and what to expect during recruitment.

U M D P H A

U M D P H A

M D R E C R U I T M E N T @ G M A I L . C O M

W W . U M D P H A . C O M

MEET THE PANHELLENIC EXECUTIVE BOARD

Lindsay Lotter

PHA President

Kylee Mills VP Recruitment

Avery Anderson VP Administrative Affairs

Ariana Angradi VP Public Relations

Avery Lawless VP Risk Management VP Accountability

Megan Condon

VP Community Affairs

Mary Atkisson VP Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Emmy Hudak VP Membership Development

Jenny Kong

Caity Ferguson VP of Recruitment Assistant

Lauren Wong Rho Gamma Coordinator

MaddieMartinucci

2023RhoGammas

Alex Truszkowska ~ Alexa Bornstein ~ Amanda Pscherer ~ Amaya Wolpert ~ Andrea Jaffe ~ Anna Johnson ~ Anna Kuhn ~ Anna Rose Barrack ~ Arielle Ashkenase ~ Ashton labarta ~ Ava Jahnsen ~ Bridget Woodrow ~ Caitlin Rinaldi ~ Caroline Tumulty ~ Claudia Boehringer ~ Colleen Whelan ~ Dani Maron ~ Emily Feigenbaum ~ Emily Jackson ~ Emily Wilson ~ Emma Rubino ~ Erica Jacobson ~ Erin Greenstein ~ Eva Tell ~ Fatima Deen ~ Gabrielle Goldman ~ Grace McCord ~ Hailey McNinch ~ Hailey Wechsler ~ Hannah Badro ~ Isabella Salafia ~ Jax Maloney ~ Jenna Huie ~ Jenna Zilberzweig ~ Jordan Cooper ~ Julia Baumel ~ Julia Ethan ~ Kaelyn Betterton ~ Karissa Smith ~ Katerina Kremer ~ Katherine Anderson ~ Kayla Dines Keira Fredlund ~ Kelsey Crane ~ Kiersten Straley ~ Kimi Hsiao ~ Kristina Diaz ~ Laine Napoli ~ Laura Sneller ~ Lauren Macek ~ Lauren Spector ~ Lindsay Harrison ~ Lydia FitzPatrick ~ Lydia Hurley ~ Maddie Mininno ~ Madi Repass ~ Madi Willoughby ~ Maeve McGinley ~ Maia Jerchower ~ Maya Rothenberg ~ Molly Visco ~ Natalie Sharbin ~ Nicole Carney ~ Nicole Ostria ~ Olivia Poirier ~ Orly Strauss ~ Paige Maizes ~ Raeann Carpenter ~ Sam Carey ~ Sarah Cwerner ~ Sarah Epstein ~ Sarah Levy ~ Shannon Rose ~ Shannon Sweeney ~ Sophia Bierstein ~ Sophia Muroff ~ Sophie Hale ~ Sunny Muthuswami ~ Sydney Arlen ~ Sydney Klapman ~ Sydney Sobkowiak ~ Taylor Hilderbrand ~ Tiffany Tran-Nguyen ~ Valerie Fortescue ~ Valerie Markel ~ Zoe Weisberg

BASICS Recruitment

If you're interested in participating in Panhellenic primary recruitment, you need to register online at maryland.mycampusdirector2.com and pay the registration fee. The registration form asks important questions, including activities, interests, academic achievements, and more.

The $25 registration fee covers the cost of your participation in recruitment including a

values round t-shirt, four meals and the programming provided by the Panhellenic Association. Registration closes January 26th at 11:59 pm.

Howtoregister RhoGammas

Panhellenic trains a group of current members, known as Rho Gammas, for the purpose of providing a more enjoyable and less stressful atmosphere to potential new members during primary recruitment. All Rho Gammas remain disassociated from their own chapters during recruitment until they reveal their chapters on Bid Day. Disassociation enables them to be able to answer questions and to guide potential new members without bias or preference to a particular chapter. Please do not ask your Rho Gamma their affiliation, nor share her affiliation with other PNMs if known.

Your Rho Gamma will provide information about the process, accompany you to primary recruitment functions and provide a listening ear as you make decisions concerning sorority membership. Panhellenic chooses Rho Gammas based on enthusiasm for UMD and sorority life, as well as objectivity and dependability.

PNMKick-off

PNM Kick-off is designed to give you all of the information you need to be successful during primary recruitment. There will be two kick-off sessions that will take place on Wednesday, February 1st at Ritchie Coliseum, where we will also meet every day before the rounds begin during Primary Recruitment. Kick-off will include a presentation highlighting each round, discussing outfits, how you will be supported and what you can expect.

After the presentation from the VP of Recruitment, you will be able to break off into your Rho Gamma groups to officially meet your Rho Gammas. In your Rho Gamma groups, you will learn from them more about the process, participate in ice breakers to meet other PNMs and get to ask more questions about recruitment.

RECRUITMENT dICTIONARY

PHA = Panhellenic Association

DFSL = Department of Fraternity & Sorority Life

PNM = Potential New Member

MC = Member Class

Graham Cracker = A block in College Park where sorority houses are located

Events = A period in which you visit a specific chapter and speak with sisters of that chapter. There are multiple Events in each round with breaks built in for you to relax.

Bid = An invitation to join a sorority. You are given a bid on Bid Day.

Rounds = Sections of recruitment that focus on different topics (ex: Values, Philanthropy...). Each round can last either 1 or 2 days

Philanthropy = Each chapter has its own unique philanthropic cause(s) it supports through its membership and fundraising events

RhoGamma = A sorority member who disassociates from her sorority during recruitment to guide PNMs through the recruitment process, answer questions and provide unbiased advice. Each PNM is assigned a group which is headed by 2 Rho Gamma

RECRUITMENT dICTIONARY

ChapterHouse= Each chapter has its own house on campus, either on Fraternity Row or around the Graham Cracker. Members can live in their chapter house and chapters often conduct chapter events in their house

Bigsister/Littlesister=

Each new member is matched with a big during the new member process in their new chapter. Their big is someone who is already initiated and will show them the ropes, mentor them and bring them closer in the sisterhood.

Bid Promising = The intentional or unintentional acts of a chapter member that lead a PNM to perceive that they will receive a bid to a particular chapter. This act is prohibited and should be told to your Rho Gamma immediately.

NPC(NationalPanhellenic Conference)= The governing body for all 26 international women's fraternities and sororities Legacy MRABA(Membership RecruitmentAcceptance

BindingAgreement)= A PNM signs her MRABA after her last event on Preference Round. It is a binding agreement that says that a PNM agrees to accept a bid from any chapter she lists on her MRABA. If she declines the bid she may not go through recruitment again until next year.

Bid Matching = The system by which a PNM is matched with a chapter of their choice between Preference Round and Bid Day.

EXPECTATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

Financial

Joining a Panhellenic chapter carries a financial commitment that is expected to be fulfilled throughout chapter membership. The financial obligations of membership are often met by the members themselves through a job or customized payment plans. The cost of dues differs between chapters, so it is important to ask questions about finances during recruitment! On average, new members can expect to pay around $1,500 for the first semester of membership. However, new member dues can range from $1,000 to $2,500 This amount includes several one-time costs such as national fees and a membership pin

Dues also vary semester to semester depending on if a member lives in the chapter house or not. If a member does live in the house then dues also include rent and a meal plan for the chapter house. Some chapters also offer or require meal plans for out-of-house members. However, again, this all varies chapter to chapter. PHA, DFSL, and each chapter provides a variety of scholarships to help with the costs of going Greek. Chapters are also often able to work out payment plans with members to make payments much easier to achieve throughout the year.

More information will be presented during Philanthropy round where all chapters present a financial and housing transparency presentation.

Housing

Living in a sorority house is a great transition from living in the residence halls because it has many of the same benefits as on-campus housing plus the opportunity to live with other members in the chapter. Great advantages of living in a sorority house include being in the central location of all chapter activities, having meals served Monday through Friday and often rooming with at least one other member.

All chapters have different expectations and requirements for living in the chapter house Some may have one or two semester requirements and some may give priority to sophomores while others prioritize their junior members. All sorority housing and housing requirements are different, so this is another great conversation topic during recruitment. You can also expect to see a presentation during Philanthropy round where all chapters present a financial and housing transparency presentation.

TimeCommitment

The Panhellenic community prides itself on high levels of participation in university and council events that occur throughout the school year. While there are many optional events provided within each chapter, members should expect their attendance to be required at chapter meetings, philanthropy events and any other mandatory programming included in the cost of dues

The specific requirements are covered by each chapter during Community round where you will be again provided with a presentation that shows what the chapter's expectations are for involvement within the chapter. In general, the sorority experience is what you make of it and there are opportunities to be involved as much or as little as you'd like.

PNM CODE OF ETHICS

As a PNM, you should understand the expectations of your actions and behaviors during Primary Recruitment. Please review the following and make sure you understand what is expected of you!

A PNM shall attend recruitment orientation and all membership recruitment events for which they receive invitations

Respect for the membership recruitment process is expected at all times. This includes towards chapter members, Rho Gammas, Panhellenic Officers, Faculty and Staff and other PNMS

A PNM should never be rude towards any of the above listed parties

A PNM should never make disparaging remarks about any sorority or sorority member unless stated in a formal complaint

Participating in recruitment means that PNMs are attentive and excited to learn about each and every chapter.

A PNM should understand that if she is found responsible for disrespectful behavior or action, she can be removed from the recruitment process

A PNM has a right to a positive process and has the right to report biased/discriminatory/unjust actions or words to the PHA VP of Recruitment

CHAPTER CODE OF ETHICS

We also have a system in which to hold sorority chapters responsible. If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable or compromising situation, you have the right to report chapter or chapter member behavior.

During the 2 weeks of Primary Recruitment, chapters and chapter members should not have private contact with PNMS outside of an event (ex: snapchatting or texting a PNM)

All conversations should be values based and not mention illegal or illicit activities

Under no circumstance should a chapter or chapter member allude, explicitly or implicitly, that a PNM is guaranteed membership- AKA Bid Promising

All chapters should be respectful and accommodating to all PNMs. Any chapter found responsible for biased/discriminatory behavior will be punished.

Chapters have the right for PNMs to act with respect and dignity and have the right to report any behavior they deem unacceptable by a PNM to the PHA VP of Recruitment

Chapters are expected to promoted Panhellenic unity and should never speak ill of another chapter on campus.

VALUES ROUND

During round one, you will visit each of the 16 sororities for 25 minutes at a time. These 16 events will be spread out over the course of two days, so you will visit eight chapters one day and eight chapters the other day. The purpose of this round is to introduce potential new members to all of the Panhellenic sororities in our community. Values round is the least formal round.

Typesofconversations: You will be having get-to-know-you conversations in this round including what you did over winter break, what hobbies and interests you have, where you live on campus, where you call home and much more.

Wearthis:providedrecruitment t-shirt, jeans or leather pants, comfortable shoes (tennis shoes or booties), and a jacket

Notthat: suits, dresses, dress heels, rompers

PHILANTHROPY ROUND

Sunday,February5th

This round allows you to visit up to 12 sororities to learn about their philanthropic organizations and other community service projects they participate in throughout the school year. At each of the events you attend, you will view a short video that pertains to that sorority’s specific philanthropy. Our chapters are very involved in their philanthropies on campus and nationwide which brings our community together in a unique way. This round will give you the opportunity to gain insight into what we are most passionate about.

Typesofconversations: You should expect to talk about how you have been f

COMMUNITY ROUND

Friday,February10th

During round three you may visit up to seven sororities for 45 minutes each. At each of the events, you will get to see how each sorority values their chapter. This round will give you a deeper look at the personalities of the sorority's members as well as the sorority as a whole.

Typesofconversations: During this round, you will be talking about what

PREFERENCE ROUND

Saturday,February11th

Preference round gives you the opportunity to visit up to two sororities for an hour each. This round of recruitment is the most special as you are invited to be a part of an intimate chapter ceremony. Generally, you will be hosted by a member of the sorority whom you have already met and might have gotten along with especially well. This is the most formal round, and a nice skirt or dress is appropriate to wear to Preference.

Typesofconversations: This day you should be having deeper conversations about how you could fit into the chapter. You will be talking to the members about why they chose their organization and how you could contribute to that bond. Focus on what group is going to make you the best version of yourself and where you feel the most comfortable.

Wearthis: reception dress attire, comfortable heels or dress shoes

Notthat: suits, prom-style or sequined dresses, uncomfortable shoes

*These are only suggestions. What is most important is that you are comfortable and able to express yourself Please don't feel like you need to purchase any clothing to participate in primary recruitment

Sunday,February12th BID DAY!

Congratulations! You've made it! Bid Day is the last day of the recruitment period. This is the day that invitations to join sororities are extended. Your Rho Gamma will inform you of the time and place to meet and you will receive your invitation. After a small Bid Day celebration with your Rho Gamma and group, you will meet your new member class. You will go to your sorority's house with your new member class, where everyone will welcome you. There are usually activities planned for you to get acquainted with your member class. You will be given a t-shirt by your new sorority, so wear something that is easy to layer over top of, but dress warm it will be the middle of February.

Diversity,Equity&Inclusion

The Panhellenic Community at the University of Maryland is committed to upholding the values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion throughout recruitment. We have implemented policies and programs to uphold these values to tie our community together. Over the course of the past semester, the DE&I chairs have worked with their chapters to spread awareness about the history of Greek Life. Exploring topics such as intersecting social identities, unconscious biases, tokenism and so much more. Acknowledging the privilege required to participate in primary recruitment can be the first step in your journey as a member of the Panhellenic community.

To prepare for 2023 recruitment, the Vice President of Recruitment and Vice President of DE&I collaborated with the Parallel Agency to lead a recruitment bias training with Rho Gammas and chapter's DE&I chairs and Vice President's of Recruitment. The agency works with Fraternity & Sorority life organizations to inspire their values of equal access and inclusion into action steps. Meeting with Lashatá, the Executive Director of Parallel, provided our DEI team with actionable ways to increase engagement in such initiatives important to our chapters. We worked on how to change language around recruitment, spark meaningful connections during rounds, and increase accessibility to prepare our members for this upcoming recruitment season. We hope that our efforts in promoting an accepting community show throughout your experience.

These next few weeks will help you learn about yourselves and we hope you enjoy learning about our chapters and the community we have created. Our goal is that everyone finds their home in Maryland Panhellenic. The Panhellenic Executive Board wishes you the best experience throughout the entirety of recruitment.

-EmmyHudak

Panhellenic's Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

F r a t e r n i t y & S o r o r i t y l i f e a t U M D c o n s i s t s o f f o u r t o t a l c o u n c i l s , i n c l u d i n g P H A . T h e o t h e r t h r e e a r e a s f o l l o w s :

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL (IFC)

Comprised of 25 men’s fraternities recognized by this governing entity, and an executive board of 11 officers

Purpose: to provide for the general welfare, and social, scholastic, and recreational activities of the members of the fraternities at the university; and to instill in them the highest regard for the traditions and institutions of the University of Maryland.

NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL (NPHC)

Comprised of four historically Black Greek-letter organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Purpose: to ensure unity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek-letter collegiate fraternities and sororities and to engage with causes of mutual interest to its member organizations

MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL (MGC)

Home to 12 dynamic Greek-letter organizations whose core values include scholarship, leadership, fellowship, philanthropy, and cultural awareness. Purpose: to effectively represent the organizations in the council, to promote cultural awareness to the campus population, to serve and engage with the local community, and to promote unification and support of all fraternities and sororities at the University of Maryland.

FrequentlyAs

DoIneedalumnaereferences?

Alumnae references, or recommendation letters, are not required to participate in primary recruitment at UMD. Potential new members are not required to secure recommendations in order to receive bids.

Whatisalegacy?DoIneedonetojoinasorority?

A legacy is a close relative of a member of a sorority. Legacies are not guaranteed a bid and all PNMs are expected to consider all chapters equally. It is important that each PNM finds a chapter with whom she shares values and feels comfortable.

Doeseveryonereceiveabid?

The purpose of the recruitment process is to allow you and the chapters to decide on the best fit. The reality is that not everyone who goes through recruitment finds a match. However, as long as a PNM maximizes their options every round until they end through Preference round then they are more than likely going to receive a bid.

WhatisCOB?

Continuous Open Bidding (COB) begins after the conclusion of primary recruitment and continues for a period throughout the academic year. You are only eligible to participate in COB if you have not matched to a chapter during primary recruitment. COB events are usually very relaxed and include informal activities amongst an individual chapter. Participating sororities will contact you to invite you to attend their membership activities or may host open events that anyone can attend. Some chapters fill their total during the fall recruitment process and are not eligible to participate in COB, so you will not hear from all sororities.

WillIbehazeduponjoiningachapter?

Hazing is strictly prohibited on the University of Maryland campus and is considered a fundamental violation of human dignity. All forms of hazing, new member day, and/or pre-initiation activities, which would reflect unfavorably on the fraternity system shall be banned.

CanIgothroughrecruitmentasanupperclassmen?

Yes! Anyone involved in our UMD community is encouraged to register and go through the process!

kedQuestions

WhatdoIdoifIhavetomissaround?

As soon as you know that you will be unable to attend a round, communicate that with your Rho Gammas, so the recruitment team can work to make your schedule accommodate this. However, if we are unable to do so, you will unfortunately have to miss the events, but you would still have the opportunity to rank chapters you miss and they will still be able to include you on their list if they decide to do so.

DoIneedtogotoalleventslistedonmyrecruitmentschedule?

Yes! Primary recruitment is structured, so you have the opportunity to meet every unique chapter in our community and so you can continue to develop relationships with different chapters throughout the process. If you miss an event to which you were invited to, you are not maximizing your options, and you could be released from the recruitment process.

Howdomembersbalancesororitylifeandacademics?

Time management is key and your sorority experience is what you make of it. Many sorority members are able to manage sorority responsibilities, jobs or internships, academics, and involvement in other campus organizations. If you are interested in joining a sorority, but have concerns about the time commitment, feel free to ask active members how they balance their time during recruitment!

WhatshouldIbringwithmetorecruitment?

Bring what you think are necessities to you. Often times, PNMs bring a bag with them that has water, mints, a hair brush, an umbrella, feminine hygiene products, band aids, snacks, hair ties, powder, mini mirrors, and more. However, only bring what you think you will need and what will make you feel the most prepared during the process.

IfIgothroughrecruitment,doIhavetojoinasorority?

PNMs who choose to participate in recruitment are not obligated to join a sorority. The recruitment process is structured to allow PNMs interested in sorority membership the opportunity to explore Panhellenic sororities and to see if it is the right fit.