What is a sorority?
A sorority is a social organization of women bound together by sisterhood and common goals and aspirations. Common experiences build ties that last a lifetime. Sororities endeavor to enhance your educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal and social development. The ideals of lifelong friendship, sound education, campus and community service, and social interaction are what sorority members strive to live by every day.

What is the purpose of Fort Bend Panhellenic?
Fort Bend Panhellenic works as the hometown support team for young women participating in sorority Recruitment at universities. We are dedicated to helping you have the best possible Recruitment experience through sponsoring workshops, publishing this book, offering to write References or Letters of Support and maintaining our Web site at: www.fortbendpanhellenic.org

We introduce you to our collegiate chapters by sending in References and Letters of Support. We also conduct fund-raising activities and give multiple scholarships each year to area women who have participated in Recruitment.

What is National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)?
NPC is the governing body for 26 inter/national women's sororities, including active university chapters and alumnae organizations, such as ours.

What is Sorority Recruitment?
Sorority Recruitment, formerly known as “Rush,” is a formal process for potential members to meet women of the sororities and for the sorority women to meet the potential members. This is the time to learn about the values, traditions and programming of the individual sororities. During Recruitment the emphasis is on conversation and getting to know each other, and ultimately deciding if you are a good fit for one another.

Recruitment will vary among campuses; number of sororities and number of participants are the biggest differences. Most universities hold Recruitment the week before classes begin for the Fall Semester, but some have Deferred Recruitment after classes begin or at the start of the Second Semester. Your university will provide specific information after you register.

Who is eligible for Recruitment?
You can participate in Recruitment and join a sorority if you are enrolled as a full-time student with freshman or higher class standing. You must not be a new member or initiated member of any NPC sorority.

How do I begin the process of Recruitment?
First, register with Fort Bend Panhellenic by using the form provided at the Workshop or do so online at our Web site: www.fortbendpanhellenic.org

Second, assemble your packets and obtain References and Letters of Support.

Third, register with the Panhellenic of the university you will be attending. Be aware that the university asks for similar information to what we want, but they need it for other purposes.

At all times, follow the checklist to make certain you make all deadlines.

Why and how do I register with the university Panhellenic?
Registration with the university Panhellenic is required to participate in Recruitment, otherwise they do not know you are coming. There usually is a nominal fee. Most universities have the Recruitment information online. If you don't readily find it, do a search under terms such as "Greek Life," "Student Activities" or "Sororities." After registering, you will be sent details such as the dates, schedule and clothing. Also, attend any Recruitment information sessions at Orientation.

When do I need to do all this registering?
Now is the time to start. Register with Fort Bend Panhellenic immediately so that you can get the list of References and begin that critical part. As soon as your university opens their Recruitment registration, register with them.

What If I live in a county that adjoins Fort Bend, but doesn't have a Panhellenic?
You are welcome to register with Fort Bend Panhellenic and receive our support.

I attend high school in Houston, but live in Fort Bend County; which Panhellenic do I register with?
Either or both, although we suggest that if you pick one, choose the area where you are likely to receive the most support in terms of References.

I am not sure where I am going to college. How do I complete that question when registering with you?
Sign up as "undecided" and list all the universities you are considering. When you know your decision, update your information on our Web site or email us at fortbendrush@hotmail.com.

What if I am going to a school with Deferred or Second Semester Recruitment?
You still need to complete your References in the summer. Deferred Recruitment needs the information in the summer, and those that have a Second Semester program have a fall event for which they need your information.

How much does sorority membership cost?
Costs vary among sororities on each campus and among universities. Costs are more the first year due to initiation fees. Fees can cover anything from only dues to several meals per week, philanthropic activities and social activities.
A first year average is usually $1,200 and the second year average is $850. Your university Panhellenic should provide this data.

What about grades?
Most sororities have GPA requirements, and while these can differ from one sorority to another a high school GPA of 2.5/4.0 is the usual minimum, and often higher.

Sororities enforce GPA requirements and offer study sessions, tutoring and other programs. Students who take advantage of the academic opportunities available and properly balance between academic and extra-curricular pursuits will find that Greek membership will enhance their academic performance.

How much time does a sorority require?
On average, expect to contribute two to four hours per week for meetings and mandatory activities. Optional activities such as holding an office, attending social events, playing on an intramural sports team, or helping out with various projects will take additional time.

What about hazing?
All National Panhellenic members have "No Hazing" policies and take strict actions against any chapter that participates in any hazing activity. The charge is taken very seriously and not tolerated. Local alumnae serve as advisors to the active chapters and oversee the program known as Risk Management.

Aren't sorority members very cliquish?
No sorority asks you to limit your friendships or activities to within its doors. Your involvement in a wide range of interests contributes to the overall diversity of the sorority, and it will be encouraged. You will find the same mixture of people and the same breakdowns in a sorority as you have found all through your life. Students of all majors, interests and backgrounds are affiliated with a sorority.

What about waiting until I am a sophmore to participate in Recruitment?
If you are truly interested in being in a sorority, we encourage you to participate as a freshman. Sophomores are considered under a different quota. For example purposes only: if quota is set by Panhellenic at 50 new members for each sorority, sophomore quota may be 2. If a campus has 10 sororities, 480 freshmen will receive bids; 20 sophomores will -- if that many, because sororities are not required to extend bids to sophomores.

We wish this situation did not exist, but it does, and we want you to know in advance before you make a decision to wait. However, if you are waiting, we will do our best to help you have a positive outcome.