University of Wyoming Sorority Recruitment Guide

UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

Sorority Recruitment Guide LEAD • GROW • ELEVATE

FALL 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS PG. 1: Table of Content PG. 2: What is Panhellenic?

PG. 3: The Panhellenic Creed PG. 4: Meet the Exec Team PG. 5: Fraternity & Sorority Life Core Values PG. 6-7: Fraternity & Sorority Traditions PG. 8-9: Important Terminology PG. 10: Potential New Member Bill of Rights PG. 11: Potential New Member Responsibilities PG. 12: Recruitment Tips for Success PG.13: Chi Omega PG. 14: Delta Delta Delta PG. 15: Kappa Kappa Gamma PG. 16: Housing PG. 17: Finance PG. 18-19: Frequently Asked Questions PG. 20: Tough Questions PG. 21: Recruitment Schedule PG. 22: Recruitment General Info PG. 23-24: What Are My Other Options?

PG 25: Panhellenic Social Media

WHAT IS PANHELLENIC? The University of Wyoming Panhellenic Council is the governing body for three National Panhellenic Council (NPC) recognized chapters on campus and two local sororities. NPC is the premier advocacy and support organization for the advancement of the sorority experience.

Founded in 1902, NPC is one of the oldest and largest women's membership organizations representing more than 4 million women at 655 college/university campuses and 4,500 local alumnae chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Â The Wyoming Panhellenic Council consists of members of the community elected into various positions, and two delegates from each chapter. These women come together to govern the community and provide opportunities to build connections, lead with integrity, give back, and grow and develop throughout it all. They help plan and host many events such as Panhellenic sisterhoods and events, Greek Week, Homecoming Sing, and many more. Â

THE PANHELLENIC CREED A creed is a motto that the guides the Panhellenic Council and all of our activities in the community.

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.

MEET YOUR PANHELLENIC EXECUTIVE TEAM

Pictured from left to right: Amanda Hartman: Vice President of Education Morgan Cloud: Executive Vice President Brooke Meyers: Vice President of Communications Lauren Koehler: Vice President of Finance Mackenzie Sewell: Panhellenic President Savannah Rutsch: Vice President of Programming Courtney Fuller: Vice President of Standards Shelby Bell: ASUW Liaison (former) Alissa Strohmeier: Vice President of Recruitment Nicole Bonnar: current ASUW Liaison) - not pictured

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE CORE VALUES Build Connections Education and personal development are paramount.

While enrolled at UW, students will be challenged and grow due to experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. A sorority experience provides practical application to classroom knowledge and conversation.

Give Back Our chapters, Panhellenic community, and greater FSL community give their time to local and national agencies by using their talents to help or teach others in need and raise money for important causes, which make a profound impact on UW, Laramie, and greater Wyoming community.

Grow & Develop Humans are social creatures. To be most successful while at the University and feel connected, relationships must be built. Relationships are at the core of the Panhellenic community because of the support and friendships offered day-to-day and the larger networks that develop and last a lifetime.

Lead with Integrity A Fraternal experience is about developing deeper understanding of oneself. With a greater understanding of oneself, personal values align with actions and others want to follow. The group then becomes a model for others and positive change is created.

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE TRADITIONS

 Greek Week A week where chapters team up with each other and compete against other teams in fun athletic competitions, trivia, and a talent competition all to raise money for a philanthropy chosen by the community.

Homecoming For Homecoming, chapter may pair up or participate by themselves in various events put on by the university as well as have fun bonding socials such as building a float for the homecoming parade. Chapters also participate in "Homecoming Sing" where the UW community comes together to show off their talent and school spirit.

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE TRADITIONS

 FSL Awards The FSL Awards are put on by the Panhellenic and IFC councils in the spring to celebrate and recognize the amazing accomplishments and hard work of individual members and chapters throughout the scholastic year. Everyone dresses up and awards are presented, there's yummy food and a photo booth!

 FSL BBQ The FSL BBQ occurs the end of the spring semester and is held outside on Fraternity and Sorority Mall with lots of food, yard games, and music. This event celebrated the end of another school year, and gives the whole community a chance to come together, catch up, and spend some time together before everyone parts ways for summer vacation.

TERMINOLOGY Active: An initiated collegiate member who is currently paying dues to an undergraduate chapter.

Alumna (plural: alumnae): A sorority member who is a graduated member of a collegiate chapter.

Bid: A formal invitation extended to a prospective member to join a chapter.

Chapter: A membership unit of a/an (inter)national sorority.

Continuous Open Bidding (COB):Â Ongoing recruitment outside of the formal recruitment period.

Fraternity: Greek letter sisterhood or brotherhood.

Sorority: A society for women students through a university or college.

Initiation: A ceremony unique to each organization in which members receive lifelong membership privileges.

Legacy: A woman whose mother, sister, or in some cases, grandmother is an alumna or active member of a sorority.

National Panhellenic Conference (NPC): NPC is a conference body composed of 26 national women’s sororities, each of which is autonomous as a social, Greek-letter society of college women undergraduates and alumna.

TERMINOLOGY New Member: A person who has accepted an invitation to join a chapter and has not yet been initiated.

Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPH): The Panhellenic Council is a cooperative campus organization of representatives from each chapter (both NPC and Associate) elected by the community to govern the community. Â Potential (or Prospective) New Member: A person interested in joining a Panhellenic sorority.

Preferential Bidding: A system used at the conclusion of Recruitment to match sorority and Potential New Member preferences.

Recruitment: A designated membership recruitment period during which a series of organized events are held by each NPC sorority, organized by the Panhellenic Counci.

Recruitment Counselor (RC): A Panhellenic sorority member who has stepped aside from her own chapter during Formal Recruitment, selected by the Panhellenic Council. She is specially trained to help potential new members and answer any questions they may have about sorority membership.

Recognized Student Organization (RSO): An organization of students that have come together for a specific purpose that is recognized by the University.

POTENTIAL NEW MEMBERÂ BILL OF RIGHTS The Right To...

Be treated as an individual.

Be fully informed about the recruitment process.

Ask questions and receive true and objective answers from recruitment counselors and members.

Be treated with respect.

Be treated as a capable and mature person without being patronized.

Ask how and why and receive straight answers.

Have and express opinions to recruitment counselors.

Have inviolable confidentiality when sharing information with recruitment counselors.

Make informed choices without undue pressure from others.

Be fully informed about the NPC Unanimous Agreements implicit in the Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) signing process.

Make one’s own choice and decision and accept full responsibility for the results of that decision.

Have a positive, safe and enriching recruitment and new member experience.

POTENTIAL NEW MEMBER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Potential new members are expected to uphold the same values and expectations as our current members. Panhellenic has created the Code of Ethics for Potential New Members to help you understand these expectations.

AS A PARTICIPANT IN PRIMARY RECRUITMENT, I WILL: Behave respectfully towards myself, other potential new members, chapter members, recruitment counselors and university staff at all times.

Act politely and respectfully when attending recruitment events.

Attend all recruitment events including recruitment rounds and events organized by the Panhellenic Council.

Not discuss my opinion of any sorority participating in recruitment with other potential new members.

Communicate regularly with my recruitment counselor, including if I choose to withdraw from primary recruitment.

Follow all expectations and policies the University of Wyoming, the Panhellenic Council and the National Panhellenic Conference shared with me by my recruitment counselor and recruitment staff.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS DURING RECRUITMENT 1. Be yourself - Each chapter has it's own unique personality, and you're here to find your home. Be who you really are so you can find connections and give yourself the chance to find where you really belong.

2. Dress comfortably - It can be easy to feel pressured to dress up or present yourself a certain way, but this process is a values-based recruitment and you will not be judged off of your appearance.

Wear something you feel confident and happy in!

3. Ask questions - Recruitment can feel like an interview sometimes, but you're choosing your home just as much as the active members are choosing you, so don't be afraid to find out the things you really want to know!

4. Use your Recruitment Counselor as a Resource These women are here to help you through this process. They've been in your shoes before and they have been trained to answer all your questions. If you need help, ask for it!

5. Make your own decision - It can feel really tempting to just choose the same house as your roommate or best friend, but this is where you will be for the next 4 years, so make the decision for yourself! These women will welcome you home with open arms wherever you go, even if it isn't the same chapter as your best friend.

CHI OMEGA

NICKNAME: Chi O VALUES: Sisterhood, Scholarship, Community Service PHILANTHROPY: Make-a-Wish Foundation COLORS: Cardinal, Straw SYMBOLS: Carnation, Pearl, Skull & Crossbones, Owl @wyo_chio

www.facebook.com/UWyoChiOmega/

ABOUT: The Psi Delta chapter of Chi Omega was established in 1933 at the University of Wyoming. Throughout Chi Omega's long and proud history, their Fraternity provides members unequaled opportunities for personal growth, development, and friendship. Chi Omega at UW is recognized locally and nationally as a chapter of excellence. Chi Omegas are known on campus as women who are genuine, sincere, and true to themselves. They also strive to promote involvement through their local community service endeavors and with their national philanthropy, the Make- A- Wish Foundation. Each year they host several different events benefiting Make-A-Wish, providing the campus and community fun and unifying ways to give back.

DELTA DELTA DELTA

NICKNAME: Delta or Tri Delt VALUES: Live, Learn, Lead PHILANTHROPY: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital COLORS: Silver, Gold, Cerulean Blue SYMBOLS: Trident, Pansy, Pearl, Pine, Dolphin @uwyotridelta

www.facebook.com/UwyoTriDeltaThetaEtaChapter

ABOUT: The Theta Eta chapter of Delta Delta Delta has called the University of Wyoming home for over 100 years. They strive to promote steadfast love and friendship in all they do within their sisterhood and the UW community.

Their members enjoy the many academic, philanthropic, and leadership opportunities that Tri Delta offers and are just as active in several RSOs and programs across campus. With the support of their sisters, there are infinite ways in which their members enable one another to learn and grow during their college years and beyond. They are passionate about raising money and awareness for their national philanthropy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Their annual 24- hour pancake breakfast is one of the many ways they raise money for the children of St. Jude.

KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA

NICKNAME: Kappa VALUES: Individuality, Education, Merit PHILANTHROPY: Reading is FUNdamental, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation COLORS: Dark Blue and Light Blue SYMBOLS: Key, Fleur-de-lis, Owl, Sapphire @uwyo_kkg

www.facebook.com/uwyo.kkg

ABOUT: Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded in 1870 and is one of the oldest women's fraternities. Their core values are based on friendship, leadership, and scholarship. While the times have changed since 1870, their values stay the same and are what keeps the women of this fraternity motivated and wellrounded. Kappa promotes a broad college experience based on intellectual development and self- growth, as well as involvement within the chapter and around UW's campus. The chapter’s members annually assist the Salvation Army, the Slade Carnival, the American Red Cross, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Rose McGill Fund philanthropy. For their main philanthropy, they host a mock male talent show to raise money for the Reading is Fundamental organization.

HOUSING Kappa Kappa Gamma Delta Delta Delta Chi Omega In our community, the 3 NPC Chapters (Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, and Kappa Kappa Gamma) are the 3 sororities that have chapter facilities.

Pictured above, each of the chapter facilities are unique and beautiful in their own ways. Different chapters have different policies regarding living in the chapter facility, but we highly recommend it, it's such a fun way to get involved in the chapter you join and get to know your sisters!

FINANCES New Member Dues

Active Member Dues

Each chapter has their own methods of breaking down finances and dues, how much they are, and what they're for, which will be discussed at each house during recruitment.

Your Recruitment Counselors will be able to help you with any further questions you may have regarding finances.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. What sororities are here at UW? There are 5 sororities on our campus. The three NPC chapters include Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, and Kappa Kappa Gamma. Our 2 associate chapters (see more on these below) are Sigma Alpha and Phi Sigma Rho. 2. How and when do I join a sorority?

Our formal recruitment process for the three Nationally Panhellenic chapters will take place September 5th-10th. It is the second week of school and a great time to get involved on campus right off the bat. The associate chapters do not participate in the formal recruitment process but will hold a variety of recruitment events during the semester. The Panhellenic Council will provide updates about when these events will occur.

3. What chapters have chapter facilities, and do I have to live in?

Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, and Kappa Kappa Gamma have chapter facilities. The live-in policies vary per chapter, and each chapter will work with you to accommodate your needs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How much does it cost to join a sorority?

The cost of sorority membership varies from organization to organization. After the first semesters of membership, dues will then depend on whether you live in the chapter facility or not.

5. I’m not sure if it’s for me…

Try it out! If you are even a little bit interested in sorority life, we encourage you to go through the recruitment process, so you can see what the Panhellenic community has to offer. If the formal recruitment process seems overwhelming to you, most chapters will participate in a spring recruitment, which is a bit more relaxed and casual. If you go through the process and decide it might not be the best fit for you, you still probably met some amazing women and possibly even developed some lifelong friendships.

TOUGH QUESTIONS "I'VE HEARD THAT SORORITIES HAZE. IS THAT SOMETHING I SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT?" No, you don't have to worry about hazing at all here.

The University of Wyoming, the Collegiate Panhellenic Council, and each individual chapter in the community all have strict anti-hazing policies. We love our sisters and the goal of being involved in a sorority is to empower and support, not to degrade or embarrass.

"I'VE SEEN SO MANY NEGATIVE THINGS IN THE MEDIA LATELY ABOUT SORORITY AND FRATERNITY LIFE. IS IT DIFFERENT HERE?" Yes, it's much different here! We have a smaller, more tight knit community that is driven by our values and holding each other to a higher standard. At a time when many FSL communities are struggling or losing chapters, our community is growing every year, and that speaks volumes.

"I DON'T THINK I'M REALLY THE 'SORORITY TYPE', AM I GOING TO BE JUDGED FOR NOT LOOKING A CERTAIN WAY?" Not at all! This recruitment is values-based meaning we want to get to know you as a person. You won't be judged off your appearance and we believe there is no "type" to be in a sorority, everyone can benefit from being a part of these organizations so just be yourself!

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE Wednesday, September 5th: Orientation When? 6 PM Where? Yellowstone Ballroom, Union 220 Dress Code: Casual Friday, September 7th: Philanthropy Night When? 4:30 PM Where? TBD by your Recruitment Counselor Dress code: Casual Saturday, September 8th: Scholarship Day When? 10:30 AM Where? TBD by your Recruitment Counselor Dress code: Casual Sunday, September 9th: Preference Day When? 10:30 AM (Invite Only) Where? TBD by your Recruitment Counselor Dress code: Business Casual Monday, September 1oth: Bid Day When? 4:30 PM (Invite Only) Where? Fraternity Mall Dress code: Shorts or jeans and a tank top

RECRUITMENT GENERAL INFO What should I wear?

The dress code for each night except for Preference Night (the last night) is casual! Wear what you feel comfortable and confident in.

Whether that's jeans and a comfy shirt, a dress in sandals, or whatever else your heart desires!

The dress code for Preference Night is business casual. This is a little dressier than casual, but still not formal. A dress and sandals is fine for this! if you have any questions about what this consists of, your RC can answer any questions you may have.

What will we learn about?

There are nights set aside for scholarship and philanthropy. At the different chapters you will hear about their GPA requirements, study hours and academic programs one night, and their national philanthropies the next night. There will also be tours of each of the chapter facilities.

What should I bring?

Your lovely self! Your recruitment counselor will have a bag you can leave your phone in, and they will also have snacks and water!

WHAT ARE THE OTHER OPTIONS?

You didn't feel at home with any of the NPC Chapters?

You can still be a part of the community!

Here at UW we are lucky enough to have 2 AMAZING Associate chapters. What is an associate chapter? Sigma Alpha (left) and Phi Sigma Rho (right) are different than the NPC chapters because they are interest-based.

Sigma Alpha is a women's agricultural sorority based on interest!

You don't have to be an Ag major to join, but if you're interested in learning more about agriculture and meeting some amazing women, they're the chapter for you! Phi Sigma Rho is a new colony at UW (just came to campus last year) and they are a major-specific group of women who all study engineering!

ASSOCIATE CHAPTERSHOW TO GET INVOLVED! Sigma Alpha (Agriculture, Interest-based)

Phi Sigma Rho (Engineering, major-specific) Will be holding recruitment events September 11th-15th.

For more info, visit facebook.com/ UWyoPhiSigmaRho Or contact Paige Hardt at phardt@uwyo.edu

Will be holding recruitment events the evenings of September 10th-13th and Bid Day will be September 14th! If interested, contact Mikael Ann Loiland at mloiland@uwyo.edu

Follow us on social media for updates on recruitment, fun facts, recruitment tips, and more! @UWYO_PANHELLENIC

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/UWYOFSL

We are so excited to meet you, good luck on recruitment and most importantly, HAVE FUN!