UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
2013 It’s Finally Here!! Week at a Glance
10 Tips You Need to Know
Recruitment Fashion: The Do’s and Dont’s
Sorority An inside look:
Financial Obligations and What to Expect from Sorority
Spotlight
Life
Schedule at a Glance
Panhellenic Recruitment Saturday, August 17 Faculty Club Open House style event 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Parent/Daughter Welcome You will learn more about the recruitment process and Greek Life at South Alabama. This is not a mandatory Recruitment event. Family members are welcome to attend the event with you.
Wednesday, August 21 Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 5:30 p.m.
Panhellenic Orientation Orientation will provide you an opportunity to learn even more about the recruitment process. You will not visit chapters on this day, so come casual. You will meet your Pi Chi (Recruitment Counselor) and the rest of your group for the week.
Thursday, August 22 Sorority Commons 5:30 p.m.
During the first night of Recruitment, you will visit all 5 sororities for 25 minutes each. These events are intended to introduce you to every chapter.
Friday, August 23 Sorority Commons 5:30 p.m. Saturday, August 24 Sorority Commons 5:30 p.m. Sunday, August 25 Sorority Commons 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 26 Sorority Commons 5:30 p.m.
Ice Water Teas Night
Philanthropy Night This night will showcase the amazing philanthropies of each sorority. Each party will last 40 minutes and you will attend a maximum of four parties. Sisterhood Night Sisterhood Night is by far the most fun night of Recruitment for many women because of the entertainment atmosphere. Each sorority you visit will perform a skit that tells what makes them unique. Each party will last 45 minutes, and you will attend a maximum of three parties. Preference Night Preference parties are the most meaningful night of Recruitment. Each party will last 60 minutes and you will attend a maximum of two parties. Bid Day Bid Day marks the end of Recruitment but it is also the day that invitations to join a Panhellenic sorority are distributed. Once bids are received, you will join your new sisters and each sorority has a sisterhood event to welcome their new members.
See page 13 for a complete schedule and appropriate attire suggestions for events
cover stories Schedule at a Glance Inside Front Cover
10 Tips You Need to Know pg 18
Sorority
Spotlight pg 20
An inside look: Financial Obligations pg 16 What to Expect from
Sorority Life pg 5
contents Welcome Letters................................. 2 Panhellenic President............................................. 2 Vice-President of Recruitment................................ 2 Coordinator of Greek Life....................................... 3 Dean of Students.................................................... 3
Sorority Life................................... 4 What to Expect as a Sorority Member.................... 5
Panhellenic Council.................... 8 Panhellenic Creed.................................................. 8
Recruitment................................. 9 Recruitment Counselors......................................... 9 Recruitment Week................................................ 10 Recruitment Rules................................................ 11 Priority Preference: How it Works........................ 12 Recruitment Schedule and Details...................13-15 Need to Know...................................................... 16 Financial Obligations Potential New Member Bill of Rights Questions and Answers........................................ 17 What to Bring....................................................... 18 Ten Things You Should Know.............................. 18 Recommendation Letters...................................... 19
Sorority Spotlight........................ 20 Alpha Gamma Delta............................................. 20 Alpha Omicron Pi................................................ 21 Chi Omega........................................................... 22 Kappa Delta.......................................................... 23 Phi Mu................................................................. 24
It’s All GREEK to me!................................. 25 Greek Terms
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letter from the...
Panhellenic President On behalf of our Executive Board and the Panhellenic sororities at South, I’d like to welcome you to Greek Life at the University of South Alabama. Our Greek community prides itself on holding each other to higher standards through abiding by core values, such as leadership, academics, philanthropy, and sisterhood. By joining a sorority, you enter into a unique network of individual organizations that together create one unified community. The bond of sisterhood is a special relationship that all sorority women share in their individual sororities and together as a Panhellenic community. Getting involved with Greek Life will provide a college experience incomparable to any other! As the Panhellenic President, I have the honor of working with an Executive Board composed of outstanding leaders from different chapters of our community. We strive to strengthen bonds among chapters, as well as reach out to the student body. As Panhellenic leaders, we have been given an incredible opportunity to play an active role in bettering our community. I am thrilled each of you have registered for Sorority Recruitment and I look forward to introducing you to the Greek community this fall! Go Jags! Maci Hebert Panhellenic President
Vice-President of Recruitment On behalf of our Panhellenic Association, I would like to welcome you to the University of South Alabama. I am thrilled that you are participating in Sorority Recruitment!! I am sure you will find your time here at South Alabama fulfilling and remarkable. I am eager to meet all of you ladies during the week of recruitment. Just registering for Recruitment, I can tell you that you’ve opened yourself up to many wonderful possibilities in every aspect of your college career. I encourage you to make the most of your Recruitment experience. If you have an open mind and a positive attitude, you will truly enjoy the Recruitment process. I would also like to challenge you to understand the commitment of sorority membership and discover what you are looking to gain from going Greek! Like the decision of what university you would attend, participation in sorority recruitment will affect the next four years of your life. Keep in mind the more time and commitment you put into sorority life, the more benefits you will gain from being a member of the Greek community at South Alabama. Even though Sorority Recruitment will be the first thing you participate in at South Alabama, it will not be the last; Greek Life is merely a stepping stone to getting involved in other aspects of campus life. Greek men and women are involved in almost every organization on campus, so seeing a familiar face isn’t something to be anxious about. The University of South Alabama has five sorority chapters: Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Kappa Delta, and Phi Mu. It is a privilege to be a member in any of these incredible chapters. The leadership and tradition with pledging a sorority will promote individual growth, scholarship, service, character refinement, and long-lasting friendships. I am excited for you to experience everything that Greek Life at the University of South Alabama has to offer. I want to leave you with one last piece of advice, BE YOURSELF and have fun!! I wish you the very best in Recruitment and hope that it is a great start to your journey at South Alabama. Go Jags, Go Greek!! Brooke Riddle Vice President of Recruitment
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letter from the...
Coordinator of Greek Life Welcome to Greek Life at South Alabama! I am excited that you have chosen to become part of the Jaguar family and our Greek Life community! Being Greek is a truly great experience; it is certainly a source of pride on campus and every chapter has something unique to offer. Greek Life fosters lifelong friendship, academic excellence, service-minded activities, leadership opportunities, and social excellence. I encourage you to make the most out of your collegiate experience by studying hard, getting involved in your college community, and developing friendships that will last a lifetime. I look forward to working with you in the future and wish you the best of luck with your Recruitment experience. Go Greek and Go Jags! Brigette Soderlind Coordinator of Student Activities for Greek Life
Dean of Students Mike Mitchell Congratulations! It’s a great time to be here at the University of South Alabama, and I know that you are excited about what lies ahead. I’m excited to know that you have chosen sorority life as one of many ways to connect to your new home. We are certainly proud of the contributions and accomplishments of the South Alabama sorority system. You should know that by joining our community you have an opportunity to grow in service, build lasting friendships, and have access to academic encouragement and support. The next four years of your life will be filled with milestones and memories. I hope that your sorority and your experiences in Greek Life at South Alabama will be among your most cherished times. Please let us know if we might be of assistance to you in any way! Go Jags!!! Mike Mitchell, Ph.D. Dean of Students
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sorority life
Joining a sorority is the beginning of new experiences. You’ll make new friends and find a home away from home. Sisterhood represents bonds of friendships and unity that last a lifetime. These bonds are not only shared by individual chapter members, but also between chapters around the nation, due to the history and ideals upon which each chapter was founded. Not only will you learn to live with others, but through sharing the same experiences, environment and interests, you will develop a very special closeness to those around you. As friends, you will share your success, happiness, and occasional evenings just relaxing at the chapter houses. Sorority life is more than just wearing Greek letters, attending chapter meetings and other events. It is a sense of belonging. It is the feeling of being yourself and being respected for your individuality. Sorority life is the making of friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
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what to expect
as a sorority member
Study Hall Hours Each sorority chapter requires a certain amount of study hall hours per week during your first semester at South. After your Fall semester, study hours are determined by your GPA. Keeping your GPA up is a must, depending on your chapter’s rules it determines whether or not you get to attend swaps and formals with your sisters.
Panhellenic Meetings Panhellenic will be held every other Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in each of the chapter houses. This gives you the opportunity to meet other sorority members in each house and keeps you updated on what is going on in our Greek community and on campus.
Philanthropy Events Each chapter has its own national philanthropy and sorority members enjoy participating and giving back to the community through fun events that unite the chapter and the Greek community while helping a cause.
Recruitment Events Recruitment workshops are held in the Spring for the entire house. These will help you prepare for next year’s fall recruitment. You will learn the ins and outs of your chapter’s recruitment process and see how much hard work it takes to have a successful recruitment.
Active Participation You are provided a wonderful avenue to get involved in other University organizations and programs. As a new member, you will be required to attend new member as well as chapter meetings. You will also be encouraged to participate in Greek-wide events such as Greek Week and Homecoming activities. These events are not only fun, but will strengthen the bonds between you and your new sisters.
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Leadership College life offers many opportunities for participation in leadership roles, but none as beneficial as being involved with a Greek letter organization. Membership in a sorority is one of the most outstanding means of discovering and refining your leadership potential. Greek women at South Alabama are dedicated to building future leaders by offering a wide variety of leadership opportunities. Sorority membership allows you numerous elected offices, appointed positions, and committee participation in order to gain valuable leadership skills. Each individual chapter is self-governing and relies on the special talents of its members for successful management. The Greek system provides an outlet for exercising responsibility, creativity and leadership to prepare you for future careers. Through work within you own chapter or Panhellenic Council assuming a leadership position will help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the fast-paced job market of today.
Scholarship Academic achievement is a significant component of your future success. One primary purpose of the Greek community is to encourage and develop high scholastic performance among its members. Greek-letter organizations were founded on principles of successful scholarship. With academics as a primary, the Greek community recognizes the importance of directing students into special scholarship programs. Sororities offer many resources and educational opportunities to facilitate high-quality learning for their members. Greek life helps you meet the challenge of balancing academics, while gaining the most from your college experience. Additionally, each of the chapters on campus facilitates a scholarship program to assist both new and active members in achieving academic excellence. Numerous Greeks appear on the Dean’s and President’s Lists and belong to honor societies including Order of Omega and Mortar Board. Because academics are so heavily stressed within Panhellenic, most sororities on campus maintain grade requirements for selecting new members. Grade requirements are also used to maintain academic success among its members by requiring each member to maintain a certain grade point average throughout her academic career. In relation to the greater South Alabama community, the all-sorority grade point average is consistently higher than the undergraduate all-women’s average. Being a part of a group that strives for a common goal such as academic excellence provides the necessary motivation and environment that leads to a successful college experience. A high standard of scholarship is in harmony with the spirit of Greek membership. Greek Women GPA: 3.08
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All Women GPA: 2.91
Philanthropy One of the most rewarding aspects involved in South Alabama’s Greek system is the opportunity to take part in the community service and philanthropic events organized by individual chapters and the Greek community. Helping others will undoubtedly be one of the most gratifying experiences of your Greek Life. At the heart of every Greek organization is a unique and worthwhile philanthropy. Philanthropy may be an unfamiliar word for you now, but it will soon become a vital part of your college years, especially in a Greek letter organization. It is our special word meaning service to others. Each chapter has its own philanthropy and sponsors various annual events to fundraise for them. The dedication of time, money, and service to these philanthropies is an important facet to every Greek chapter. Every year, chapters look forward to Greek Week. Fraternities and Sororities pair up and compete against each other to see who can raise the most funds for local charities. Each year, the week kicks off with a two-day blood drive, followed by a penny drop, then a canned food drive. This year, we raised $8,000, 4,000 pounds of canned goods, and over 200 pints of blood. Greek Week is very fun and benefits not only people in need, but those participating as well.
Social As many students will agree, college life should extend beyond the classroom and include a balance between academics and social life. Greek organizations offer unique social opportunities and enriching experiences unmatched anywhere else. Activities range from Fraternity and Sorority swaps to date parties, and formals. Such events are not required, but they provide a stimulating atmosphere to balance their challenging scholastic curriculum. Diversified social programs allow students the opportunity to develop meaningful friendships among the members, within the Greek community, and on South Alabama’s campus. Even though Greek organizations are social organizations, social life is more than the stereotypical college parties. South Alabama Greeks maintain a responsible social policy that opposes the misuse of alcohol and maintains that all chapters and individual members must abide by State and local laws and University regulations. Alcohol is not permitted in any chapter house. The purpose of a social life is to create a stimulating environment in which you develop into a mature and responsible person. The social opportunities are varied and endless. There is always something to do when you are a Greek at South Alabama.
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Panhellenic Council The Panhellenic Council at the University of South Alabama is the unifying, coordinating, and governing body of the five sororities on campus that are associated with the National Panhellenic Conference. Every woman who joins a sorority becomes a member of Panhellenic. The main objective of the Panhellenic Council is to enhance the college experience. The Council is lead by eight elected executive officers that oversee all programs and activities. Each sorority has a delegate and assistant delegate on the Council. The Council also appoints cabinet members and committees whom are responsible for promoting scholarship, philanthropy, community service, campus involvement, risk management, friendships, and personal growth. The Panhellenic Council at South Alabama works together to make the Greek community a positive and active influence on campus. During the Fall and Spring semesters, Panhellenic meetings are held every other Tuesday evening at 7:00 in different sorority houses on campus. The meetings are open and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Panhellenic unites every sorority woman regardless of individual affiliation.
The Panhellenic Creed We, as undergraduate members of women’s fraternities, stand for scholarship, for the guarding of good health, for the 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.
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Recruitment Counselors
2013 Recruitment Counselors (Pi Chis)
Assistance during the Recruitment process is offered by a group of sorority women specifically selected from each chapter on campus. We call these women Pi Chis. They have been selected carefully and are trained for their role as your listener, role model, cheerleader, fashion coordinator, confidant, coach, and friend. They are able to give you advice in all aspects of sorority and campus life. These women are here for you! We encourage you to utilize them as your resource to Greek Life on campus. During the summer, Recruitment Counselors disaffiliate themselves from their own sorority, and work together from a Panhellenic perspective. They have no contact with their sorority affiliation during the week of recruitment and you will not learn of their affiliation until Bid Day. Each of you will be a part of a Pi Chi group led by a Recruitment Counselor. You will meet with this group throughout the week of Recruitment and this is a great way to start building friendships with the other girls in your Pi Chi group.
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Recruitment Week Recruitment week begins Wednesday, August 21st, and concludes with Bid Day on Monday, August 26th. For many of you, this will be your first impression of Greek Life at the University of South Alabama.
We hope that you enjoy all that we have planned for you! • The week consists of four rounds of events that will allow you to learn more about each sorority. The events will show you what life in a sorority is like and will give you the chance to meet sorority women in each house and ask any questions that you might have about activities, financial obligations, scholarship, new member programs, and campus life in general. It is so important to keep an open mind during this process and carefully decide where YOU feel YOU fit in to the Greek community at South. • Please recognize that Formal Recruitment is a mutual selection process. All potential new members will visit every sorority during the first round, but the remaining rounds are by invitation only. As the sororities are narrowing down the number of women attending each round of events, potential new members may only accept a certain number of invitations to each round. The Panhellenic Executive Council and Recruitment Counselors will explain this process in detail to you throughout the week. Each potential new member will be assigned recruitment counselors (Pi Chis) who will be available during the entire process to answer questions. These women are available to help you in any way you may need them. • Grade Requirements: The University of South Alabama’s Panhellenic Council and the Office of Greek Life does not set a GPA Requirement for participation in Recruitment. Each chapter has set their own standards for membership, which includes a minimum GPA for pledging. All female students enrolled at South Alabama are welcome to participate in Recruitment, but there is no guarantee that everyone will receive a bid or be invited back to houses after Round 1. Your membership options may be affected by your Grade Point Average, however don’t let this dissuade you from participating in Recruitment or take away from your Recruitment experience! Green Zone: (3.0 GPA or higher): Your membership options are not likely to be limited based on your GPA Yellow Zone: (2.6 – 2.9 GPA): Your membership options may be limited based on your GPA Red Zone: (2.5 GPA or below): Your membership options are likely to be limited based on your GPA • Participation in Formal Recruitment does not guarantee you an invitation to join a sorority, nor does it obligate a woman to join.
For a complete list of Recruitment Week events and their significance see page 13 for easy reference.
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Panhellenic Recruitment Rules • The Panhellenic President, Vice President of Recruitment, and the Recruitment counselors will be totally disaffiliated from their respective sorority chapters during the week of Recruitment and in all matters concerning Recruitment. They shall not disclose their sorority affiliation until after bids are issued. • Indirect recruitment is also prohibited. Fraternity men and non-sorority women cannot recruit for an individual sorority. • Potential New Members may not attend fraternity functions during Recruitment. Attendance is discouraged also during the summer before formal Recruitment. Any Potential New Member found at a fraternity party will be asked to leave. If she does not do so, she may be dropped from Recruitment. • Potential New Members must attend Panhellenic Orientation and all Ice Water Teas to be eligible to continue in Recruitment. The only exception is an academic class; the Office of Greek life is to be notified of this conflict prior to the first day of recruitment (see notification deadline and contact information below). All invitations to parties must be issued to Potential New Members through official Panhellenic channels. Acceptance of an invitation to a Philanthropy, Sisterhood, or Preference Party is binding and means that the Potential New Member is obligated to attend. Failure to attend a party for which an invitation has been accepted may result in the Potential New Member being dropped from Recruitment. • Academics are the top priority of Greeks at the University of South Alabama. All women participating in recruitment are expected to attend any and all classes that may be held during Recruitment events. A special schedule will be made for those women attending class during regularly scheduled Recruitment events.
It is your responsibility to notify the Office of Greek Life prior to Wednesday, August 21st at noon if you have a class scheduled during a Recruitment event (between 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21st - Monday, August 26th) and will be in need of a Special Recruitment Schedule. Email usagreeklife@southalabama.edu with the following information: 1. Your name 2. Jag Number (student number) 3. The name, time, and date of the class that is scheduled during a Recruitment event 4. Your contact information (phone number and email)
• If a Potential New Member wishes to drop from Recruitment or is unable to attend parties due to illness or emergency, she needs to contact her Recruitment Counselor, or the Greek Life Office at (251) 460-7003. • No Potential New Member may receive a bid, oral or written, from a sorority or in any way pledge herself to any group prior to the time that official bids are issued. • Once a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) is signed, it is binding and may not be changed. If a Potential New Member accepts a bid from one of her preferential sororities but does not wish to pledge, she is ineligible to pledge another sorority for one calendar year. • A woman who has had her pledge broken by a sorority, or who has broken her pledge to a sorority, may not be asked to join another sorority at South Alabama for one calendar year from the date she was originally pledged. However, the same sorority may re-pledge her at any time within the calendar year.
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Priority Preference how it works At the end of every night of Recruitment, Potential New Members (that’s you!) will select the sororities whose parties they have attended, in preferential order. At the same time, the sororities are submitting their selection of Potential New Members to invite back in preferential order. The preferences of each Potential New Member and the selections of each sorority are processed to generate invitations to the next round, or night, of Recruitment. After the end of each round, each Recruitment Counselor (Pi Chi) group will be called individually to visit a Voting Station, located in Sorority Commons. At the Voting Station, a Greek Life staff member or volunteer will be there to assist you in submitting your preferences. So how does it work… After the end of Ice Water Teas, each Potential New Member will have visited all five sororities that night. The maximum amount of sororities that a Potential New Member can attend during Philanthropy night is four. You will rank the sororities with which you attended (all five for Ice Water Teas) in order of your most favorite as #1, second favorite as #2, and so on with number 3, 4, and 5. This does NOT guarantee that a Potential New Member will receive invitations to her top four choices for Philanthropy parties. This process will continue for Philanthropy and Sisterhood nights. Potential New Members may only prioritize their choices each night, and may not “delete” or “drop” any sororities. Potential New Members may prioritize only the parties in which she attended for that round. In some cases, Potential New Members may not have attended the maximum amount of parties allowed; therefore, she will prioritize only those sororities which she attended that night.
Preference Night & Bids Following the conclusion of the last Preference party on a Potential New Member’s schedule, she will make her final selections by signing a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement, or MRABA. MRABA signing will take place at Sorority Commons. Once an MRABA has been submitted, it may not be altered or changed in any way.
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Panhellenic Recruitment schedule and details Saturday, August 17 Parent-Daughter Welcome
Thursday, August 22 Ice Water Teas Night
Faculty Club Open House style event 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Parent-Daughter Welcome is an Open House style event, so you may come and go as you please. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. Family members are welcome to attend the event with you. Alumnae members of each sorority, as well as parents of current sorority members will be present to answer your questions and ease your concerns, especially those of your parents’. Because the event takes place on the University’s Move-In Day, please feel free to attend in your Move-In Day clothing; there is no need to get dressed up for this event.
Meet with your Pi Chi in Sorority Commons 5:30 p.m. Ice Water Tea Parties will begin at 6:00 p.m. Ice Water Tea will give you the opportunity to visit all five houses and “meet and greet” the ladies. These events are intended to introduce you to every chapter. You will arrive at Sorority Commons at 5:30 to meet your Pi Chi and each party will last 25 minutes. These parties are fast paced and full of energy, but don’t feel intimidated. Expect lots of singing, clapping and smiling faces; it can be very loud, but don’t be afraid. You will spend the rest of the event being introduced to different sisters of the chapter. You may get tired of answering the same questions over and over, but remember each house is a new group that wants a chance to meet you.
Wednesday, August 21 Panhellenic Orientation Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 5:30 p.m. During the Panhellenic Orientation, you will meet your Recruitment Counselor (also known as a “Pi Chi”) and the other ladies in your group. This event is to get you better acquainted with the Recruitment process and prepare you for what to expect; you will not be visiting the chapters on this day.
What to Wear… These parties are pretty relaxed, so dress casually and comfortable. Make sure to wear clothing that is suitable for that hot South Alabama weather. Do Wear: Sundress, Capri pants or cute skirt with top, and sandals or wedges Don’t Wear: High heels, anything too revealing or formal
What to Wear… This session is very informal, so dress casually and be comfortable. Do Wear: A T-shirt and shorts or what you wore to class that day Don’t Wear: Anything dressy
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Friday, August 23 Philanthropy Night
Saturday, August 24 Sisterhood Night
Meet with your Pi Chi in Sorority Commons 5:30 pm. Philanthropy Parties will begin at 6:00 p.m. This night will showcase the amazing philanthropies of each sorority. These parties will let you experience first-hand the importance of service in Greek Life. During the parties, you will work side by side with the sorority ladies on creative philanthropy projects, which will be donated to their charities after recruitment. These parties give you a chance to learn about the sororities in a fun and interactive way; you will also be contributing to the community! Each party will last 40 minutes and you will attend a maximum of four parties. So get ready for some arts and crafts!
Meet with your Pi Chi in Sorority Commons 5:30 pm. Sisterhood Parties will begin at 6:00 p.m. Sisterhood Night is by far the most fun night of Recruitment! During each party, the sorority ladies will perform skits that tell what makes them unique. Each party will last 45 minutes, and you will attend a maximum of three parties. This night will help you better understand how the ladies feel about their sorority and what it can mean to you!
What to Wear… These parties are the most informal of all. Shorts or a skirt and a nice shirt would be great for crafting. Remember though, you are still impressing people, so dress appropriately. Do Wear: Skirts or shorts, a cute shirt, and sandals Don’t Wear: Too short shorts or anything too low cut, high heels
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What to Wear… Remember that these parties are performances, so dress as if you are going to a play. A dress suitable for church or a nice dinner is recommended. Most women dress up their look a little more this round, but keep in mind that this is not the most formal night. Save your best for Preference night. Do Wear: Cute dress or skirt and nice top Don’t Wear: Anything too revealing, cocktail dresses, anything heavily beaded or sequined
Sunday, August 25 Preference Night
Wednesday, August 15 Bid Day
Meet with your Pi Chi in Sorority Commons 5:30 pm. Preference Parties will begin at 6:00 p.m. Preference parties are the most meaningful night of Recruitment. These parties are a solemn and serious occasion where you will determine which sorority you would like to call your own. Each party will last 60 minutes and you will attend a maximum of two parties.
Bid Day Activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. The day we will all be waiting for!! Bid Day marks the end of Recruitment but it is also the day that invitations to join a Panhellenic sorority are distributed. Once bids are received, you will join your new sisters and each sorority has a sisterhood event to welcome their new members.
Listen carefully to the songs and words you hear. The sisters are trying to express to you what it is like to be a part of their sorority. This round can be the most emotional step of the Recruitment process. After the parties you will sign your MRABA. Think back on the previous parties and recall what you liked best about each house. This will help you decide where you feel most comfortable. The most important thing to remember is to be sure to base your decision on your own feelings.
What to Wear… Bid Day is very relaxed. Dress is casual. You may choose to wear your Recruitment shirt, but most sororities will give their new members a shirt to wear that night. Do Wear: Casual shorts or skirt, T-shirt, running shorts and tennis shoes Don’t Wear: Anything too formal or dressy
What to Wear… Preference parties are the most formal of all. Dress in your Sunday best, or even a nice cocktail dress. Do Wear: Nice cocktail dress or Sunday best Don’t Wear: Anything too formal or revealing, ball gowns or Mardi Gras-type dresses
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Need to Know... Financial Obligations Financial obligations differ among individual chapters. The new member semester is generally the most costly, as one-time fees are incurred, such as initiation and your membership badge. Semesterly dues may include national and chapter dues, social activity fees, insurance, parlor fees, and Panhellenic dues. Most chapters offer payment plans, which allow members to pay on a monthly basis. Sorority New Member Cost First Semester Average: $ 856.00 Sorority New Member Cost Second Semester Average: $526.00 16 | AGATHON 2013
Potential New Member’s Bill of Rights • 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. • 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 binding agreements implicit in the MRABA signing. • The right to make one’s own choice and decision and accept full responsibility for the results of that decision. • The right to have a positive, safe, and enriching recruitment and pledging experience.
Recruitment Questions and Answers What should I expect from recruitment week? Recruitment week is a very fun and upbeat. You will be assigned a recruitment counselor (Pi Chi) and group at the Panhellenic Orientation. It is your Pi Chi’s job to help guide you through the recruitment process. We also encourage you to get to know the other women in your group and attend our daily events! Do I need to go to all of the events listed in the recruitment schedule? Yes! The object of recruitment is for you to take in as much information as possible about the USA Greek community so that you can make the best decision possible. If you intentionally miss events you could be released from recruitment. What do sororities look for in new members? The membership process varies for each sorority. A sorority is not only choosing individual members, but an entire new member class! Each sorority is looking to gain a well-rounded new member class that includes leaders, scholars, athletes, artists, and more. The criteria sororities use for new member selection may include previous academic performance, activities and interests, and interaction with sorority members during recruitment. Differences in sororities are based on national policies and chapter bylaws. Panhellenic has no input in the member selection process or the qualification that each sorority considers for its members. Will all potential new members (PMN) receive a bid at the end of recruitment? Recruitment is a process of mutual selection by the potential new member and the sorority. There are many different outcomes to this process. Participation in recruitment does not guarantee that you will be asked to join a sorority and it does not obligate
you to join one. It is possible for you to go through recruitment and not sign an MRABA. If I go through recruitment, am I obligated to join? No. Recruitment week is the time for you to assess whether you wish to join a sorority or not. Many women wish to make friends, meet new people, and see what Greek Life is about prior to joining a sorority. This is your time to see if sorority life is right for you. Are the rumors and stereotypes of each house true? Sorority chapters are composed of many individuals, each with their own special qualities and talents, which contribute to the entire group. It is very important that you form your own personal opinion. If you allow someone else’s perception to influence you, you will not be satisfied with your choices in recruitment. Sorority chapters vary from campus to campus and from year to year. Most importantly remember you are choosing a sisterhood, not the letter or a label. I am a legacy to a sorority. Is there anything I should know? Each potential new member is considered on a individual basis. Legacies are not obliged to join the house their mother, sister, or grandmother joined any more than that sorority is required to pledge her. Both the potential new member and the chapters are looking for mutual compatibility, not a family connection to the group. What if I only want to be in a certain sorority? Potential new members often experience the greatest disappointment by beginning the recruitment process only wanting to be in one or a few specific sororities. Don’t make a decision based on stereotypes and
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others’ opinions. Keep an open mind and make a decision that is based on what is right for you. What if I am shy? It is most important to be yourself. Each sorority is looking for a variety of members with different personalities. Just keep in mind that it is up to you to present yourself to each sorority. Smile and feel free to ask questions. This is your time to relax and enjoy meeting new friends! Are recommendation letters required? Rec letters are recommended but not required to participate in recruitment. A rec letter introduces a woman to a sorority to help the sorority members become acquainted with her prior to recruitment. It is written on your behalf that speaks of your character, and verifies accomplishments, grades, and activities. Any sorority alumna can write a letter on your behalf to her respective sorority. She does not have to be a graduate from USA. See pg. 19 for more information.
Things to Bring... • • • • • • • • • •
Extra pony tail holder Bobby pins Hair brush Umbrella Oil blotting sheets A tote bag Water Deodorant Camera Chair
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Ten tips you should know 1. REMEMBER that sorority membership is for life and to make your own decision. It’s your choice. Don’t listen to your friend, your parents, your boyfriend, or other potential members who have stereotyped the sororities. It is an honor to be a part of South Alabama and each sorority requires high membership qualifications. Keep an open mind and be thankful for each invitation you receive. There are girls who are just like you in every sorority. 2. EAT DINNER and get a good night sleep. This will prevent you from fainting and having to miss a party. Bring extra snacks just in case you feel woozy or just hungry! 3. COMMENTS should be kept to yourself. If you don’t like a particular sorority, make sure that you’re not basing your view on one girl you met in the sorority or on someone else’s negative opinions. If you’re still unsure that a particular sorority is for you, do not share your opinion with others. It should be a private decision. You never know when your least favorite choice could be your friend’s favorite choice or last option. 4. RELIEVE YOURSELF. Don’t be afraid to use that bathroom before parties start. You will be offered beverages on certain nights during Recruitment. Girls know that you will have to use the bathroom. When you gotta go, you gotta go! 5. UNACCEPTABLE behavior includes going out during recruitment week. Sorority girls do have fun, but they don’t respect the idea of partying during one of the most important weeks for both you and the sorority members. 6. IGNORE the boys because boys will be boys. If you happen to get acknowledged by a fraternity man on the row, don’t be alarmed, embarrassed, or uncomfortable. Simply smile and go about your business. 7. TEMPERATURES are HOT!!! Don’t under estimate the heat when planning your outfits. Your makeup is going to melt off, so put it on conservatively and bring a powder case. Don’t wear too much body lotion; it will only make you perspire more. Bring oil blotting sheets, this will do wonders!! Also make sure to keep hydrated. 8. MAKEUP & ATTIRE should not be overdone. Keep your makeup simple and pretty. Recruitment is not meant for your “night out” clothes. Keep your jewelry simple and your clothes flattering for your body type. Do not wear clothes that show cleavage, midriff, too much leg, or simply if it is not your size. 9. BE SAFE by using the buddy system while on campus and around town. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you feel threatened or unsafe while on campus, call USAPD at 251-460-6312. 10. TIMELINESS is important. Be on time, 10 minutes early if possible. It is so crucial to attend parties and events on time. If you miss an event without a legitimate excuse, you will be dismissed from recruitment. Even with an excuse, you are missing out on opportunities to meet sorority women and other girls who are in recruitment!!
Recommendation Letters Recommendation letters are not required to participate in Recruitment, however if you would like to send one please see the addresses below. What is a recommendation letter (also known as a Rec)? A recommendation simply introduces a woman to a sorority to help the sorority members become acquainted with her prior to recruitment. It is written on your behalf and speaks of your character, and verifies accomplishments, grades, and activities. Who can write the Rec Letter? Any sorority alumna can write a letter on your behalf to her respective sorority. She does not have to be a graduate from USA. What should I include when sending information to alumna who is writing a recommendation letter? Once an alumna has agreed to write your recommendation letter, it is customary to send her things that would help her write your rec letter. • Résumé with personal information such as: ACT score, GPA, leadership activities, high school or community involvement, awards, community service, and interests. • Photographs (Headshot- senior portrait works great, no group shots with friends) • Addressed and stamped large envelope to the Chapter’s address below • A thank you note. It is nice to show the alumna that you appreciate the effort she is making to help you. • Transcripts aren’t necessary, but if you do choose to send one make sure to blackout your social security number How do I know a chapter got my recommendation? You will not. You have to trust the alumna who you have contacted to write your recommendation. Where do I send my letters? Alpha Gamma Delta PO Box U-2063 University of South Alabama Mobile, AL 36688
Chi Omega http://everyday.chiomega.com or 6903 Providence Estates Drive S. Mobile, AL 36695
Alpha Omicron Pi Please go to link below for Recommendation letter. http://www.alphaomicronpi.org/#_p.Alumnae%2F%1DMembership%20Information%20Form Kappa Delta PO Box U-1207 University of South Alabama Mobile, AL 36688
Phi Mu http://www.phimu.org/member
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Δ Γ Α Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Gamma Delta is an international women’s fraternity that promotes academic excellence, philanthropic giving, ongoing leadership and personal development and above all, a spirit of loving sisterhood. Guided by our Purpose, Alpha Gamma Deltas strive to attain a higher standard, thereby improving their lives, the lives of those around them and the communities in which they live. Together, we continually work to inspire the woman and impact the world. Our Vision: Inspire the Woman. Impact the World.
House: ΑΓΔ Nickname: Alpha Gam President: Kristina Gubbels Recruitment: Tiffany Chavers Founding Date: May 30, 1904 Location: Syracuse University Local Chapter: Theta Epsilon Local Establishment: 1984 Colors: Red, Buff, and Green Flower: Red and Buff Roses on Green Fern Mascot: Squirrel Motto: “Inspire the Woman. Impact the World.” Philanthropy: Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation benefiting Diabetes Research and Education. Philanthropic Events: Alpha Gam Jam, Spaghetti Dinner, AGD Kickball Tournament.
Our Mission: Alpha Gamma Delta is an international fraternity for women that exists to provide opportunities for personal development through the spirit of sisterhood. • We support lifelong learning as a means to gain understanding and wisdom. • We promote the value of fraternal membership and commitment to higher education. • We help prepare members to contribute to the world’s work. • We advocate lifetime involvement in Alpha Gamma Delta.
“Sisterhood is many things. It’s a warm smile on a cold rainy day, a friendly hug, a cheerful hello. It’s baking cookies together. It’s get better cards when you are sick. It’s ‘Just because I love you’ presents. It’s a phone call just to make you smile! It’s all that a good and lasting friendship is, only better! It’s treasured. It’s sacred. It’s knowing that there will always be someone there for you, no matter what. It’s dreams shared, and goals achieved. It’s counting on others, and being counted on! It’s Alpha Gamma Delta!” Website: http://websites.omegafi.com/omegaws/alphagammadeltasouthalabama/
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Π Ο Α Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Omicron Pi prides itself on recognizing the unique qualities each sister has to offer. Through friendship, the women of our sorority achieve the goals and aspirations of AOΠ.
Our mission is to promote lifelong friendships, to inspire academic excellence, and to develop leadership skills through service to the fraternity and community. The philanthropic focus of our fraternity is to help those suffering with arthritis. We raise money with our annual softball tournament, Strike Out Arthritis, as well as our all male beauty pageant, Alpha Male.
House: ΑΟΠ Nickname: AOPi President: Mandy Davis Recruitment: Claire Yoste Founding Date: January 2,1897 Location: Barnard College Local Chapter: Gamma Delta Local Establishment: 1969 Colors: Cardinal Red Flower: Jacqueminot Rose Mascot: Panda Bear Motto: Women enriched through lifelong friendship Philanthropy: Juvenile Arthritis Research Philanthropic Events: AOΠ “Strike Out Arthritis” Softball Tournament, Jingle Bell Run, Camp MASH, Alpha Male
AOΠ regularly participates in other campus organizations’ philanthropic events. Through dedication and hard work for these causes, we have been awarded first place for Derby Dance Competition, Overall Winners of Sigma Chi’s Derby Days, first place for PikeFest, first place for Stepshow and first place for Chi Omega’s Songfest. Website: http://southalabamaaopi.airset.com/#_p.Home
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Ω Χ Chi Omega
“To be womanly always; to be discouraged never” is one of the missions of the women in the Chi Omega Fraternity. In 1895, five individuals came together at the University of Arkansas to found a fraternity of women based on six purposes of friendship, scholarship, campus involvement, community service, high standards of personnel, and career and personal development. These six purposes would mold their members into women of high achievement and civic duty. Over the past 118 years, Chi Omega chapters across the nation have committed themselves to these found six purposes. In particular, the Beta Theta chapter at the University of South Alabama has a strong tradition of excellence in each of these areas, including scholarship and campus involvement.
Every fall, the Beta Theta chapter renews its commitment to community service by hosting its annual Songfest Dancing competition to benefit the Make A Wish foundation, raising over $34,000 in Fall 2012. Chi Omegas at South Alabama also wish to improve their campus and remain involved with campus activities outside of Chi Omega, averaging three campus involvements per member. The Beta Theta chapter has also been awarded the Dean Cup for 17 years in a row, honoring the organization with the best scholastics, campus involvements, community service, and intramurals. As one can see, Chi Omega is an organization that helps its members grow and flourish into success as a young woman, and hopes to continue this in future Chi Omegas. Website: http://chaptersites.chiomega.com/default.aspx?site=173
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House: ΧΩ Nickname: Chi O President: Tabitha Larkin Recruitment: Bethany Stone Founding Date: April 5, 1895 Location: University of Arkansas Local Chapter: Beta Theta Date Established: 1969 Colors: Cardinal and Straw Flower: White Carnation Mascot: Owl Motto: Hellenic Culture and Christian Ideals Philanthropy: Make-A-Wish Foundation Philanthropic Events: Walk for Wishes, Chi Omega Cookout, Songfest
Δ Κ Kappa Delta
The Delta Sigma chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority was founded on March 29, 1969. The founders of Kappa Delta envisioned sisterhood, leadership and philanthropy for all members.
The ladies of the Delta Sigma chapter volunteer their time with their four philanthropies Prevent Child Abuse America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, Virginia, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The girls specifically work with local Girl Scout troops and the Penelope House, a safe-home for battered women and children. Each year they hold Shamrock, a weekend fundraiser to help raise money for PCAA and the Penelope House. We encourage all of our members to not only be involved within the chapter but also in the South Alabama community to further enhance their collegiate experience. Kappa Deltas are consistently involved in Student Government Association, honor societies, religious organizations, and so many more prestigious on-campus organizations. We value each one of our sisters’ altruistic service to others and enjoy watching them grow from their experiences.
House: ΚΔ Nickname: Kay Dee President: Lenore Lahti Recruitment: Holley Cunningham Founding Date: October 23, 1897 Location: Longwood University Local Chapter: Delta Sigma Date Established: 1969 Colors: Olive Green and Pearl White Flower: White Rose Mascot: Teddy Bear and Katydid Motto: Ta Kala Diokomen: Let us strive for that which is honorable, beautiful and highest. Philanthropy: Prevent Child Abuse America, The Girl Scouts of America, and Orthopedic Research Awards Children’s Hospital in Richmond, VA Philanthropic Events: Shamrock Project, Adopt Girl Scout Troops, Volunteer with Greek Fest
Between football games, social functions, and sisterhood events the KD calendar is always full of exciting things to partake in. We are so thrilled you are taking the time to look into Delta Sigma. "Kappa Delta is committed to inspiring each and every member to lead a valuesbased life and become a woman of greatness." Website: http://usouthal.kappadelta.org/
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Μ Φ Phi Mu
Phi Mu was founded in 1852 at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia by Mary Ann (Dupont) Lines, Mary Elizabeth (Myrick) Daniel and Martha Bibb (Hardaway) Redding. It began as the Philomathean Society, a literary society, and is the second oldest secret society for women in the nation. The Philomathean Society became Phi Mu Fraternity in 1904. Phi Mu is a women’s organization which provides personal and academic development, service to others, commitment to excellence and lifelong friendships through a shared tradition. Phi Mu promotes vibrant living and encourages members to achieve their personal best. Our values are Love, Honor, and Truth.
The Kappa Omega Chapter was installed on the University of South Alabama’s campus in 1969. We are so excited to celebrate 44 years and many more to come!! Recently, the Kappa Omega chapter came in first for sorority grades on campus! Our annual philanthropy events are the Carnation Bowl and Hoop-A-Paluza and this year the chapter raised over $14,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals along with helping others in their philanthropic efforts. Along with excellence in academic and philanthropy, school involvement is key. Many Phi Mus are involved in Student Government Association, Mortar Board (Senior Honor Society), Athletics, Alpha Epsilon Delta (Pre- Medical Society), Southerners, Occupational Therapy Club, Student Nursing Association, and many more organizations. We are excited for this year’s recruitment and cannot wait to meet the fabulous young women of South Alabama and we truly believe there’s no place like HΦΜE! Website: http://usouthal.phimu.org/
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House: ΦΜ Nickname: Phi Mu President: Katie Clements Recruitment: Morgan White Founding Date: March 4, 1852 Location: Wesleyan College Local Chapter: Kappa Omega Date Established: 1969 Colors: Rose and White Flower: Pink Carnation Mascot: Lion Motto: Les Soeurs Fideles Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Philanthropic Events: Carnation Bowl and Hoop-a-Paluza
! e m o t Κ Σ Σ Ρ Γ ll a It’s Active – An undergraduate fraternity or sorority member who has been initiated by their chapter. Alum – A fraternity or sorority member who is no longer a member of a collegiate chapter. Bid – An invitation to join a Sorority or Fraternity. Chapter – A membership unit of a national or international Sorority or Fraternity. Formal Membership Recruitment – A designated membership recruitment period during which a series of organized events are held by each organization. Fraternity – Greek letter sisterhood or brotherhood. Greeks – Sorority or Fraternity members. Hazing – Any act that endangers the physical, mental or emotional well-being of a new member and/ or member; any act that requests, encourages or suggests violation of city, province or federal law. All Greek organizations have anti-hazing policies, as well as abide by the state laws of Alabama. Initiation – A formal ceremony during which new members receive life-long membership privileges. Interfraternity Council (IFC) – The IFC is the men’s counterpart to the College Panhellenic Council. Its membership is comprised of fraternities belonging to the (NIC) North American Interfraternity Conference. Legacy – A person whose father, mother, sister or brother (and in some cases grandmother, grandfather, uncle, aunt or cousin) is an alum or active member of an organization.
Membership Intake – The recruitment process used by NPHC fraternities and sororities. National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) – A Conference body, comprised of 26 national women’s fraternities, each of which is autonomous as a social, Greek letter society of college women, undergraduates and alumnae. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – The NPHC is comprised of nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities. New Member – A woman or man who has accepted a bid, but is not yet an initiated member. Panhellenic Council – The College Panhellenic Council is a cooperative campus organization of collegiate members of NPC sororities. Philanthropy – Community service or fundraising effort to promote human welfare. Potential New Member – Any person interested in becoming a fraternity or sorority member who is matriculated and eligible to join according to the Council’s requirements. Recruitment Counselor – A Panhellenic or IFC representative who has no contact with her or his own chapter during formal membership recruitment and is available to guide women through the recruitment process and answer questions. Recruitment – An organized activity to meet potential members. Sorority – Greek letter sisterhood.
Greek Alphabet Α - Alpha Β - Beta
Γ - Gamma Δ - Delta
Ε - Epsilon Ζ - Zeta Η - Eta
Θ - Theta Ι - Iota
Κ - Kappa
Λ - Lambda Μ - Mu Ν - Nu Ξ - Xi
Ο - Omicron Π - Pi
Ρ - Rho
Σ - Sigma Τ - Tau
Υ - Upsilon Φ - Phi
Χ - Chi Ψ - Psi
Ω - Omega AGATHON 2013 |25
TM
Office of Greek Life 111 Jaguar Dr., Ste. 1324 Mobile, AL 36688-0002
New Here? Got Questions?
Kickoff Cookout “where MEAT and GREET take on a whole new meaning!”
Tuesday, August 20th 4-7 p.m. Sorority Commons You are invited to join us...
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