What is the most important thing I need to know?
Get started on this process immediately. The Reference process should be complete before June 15! For UT Austin, you must be ready by May 15.All universities have a mid-summer deadline for receiving information on potential members; you need to allow time for the alumnae to write your References and the Chairs to prepare their part. If you are going through Deferred Recruitment, you still should complete the process by mid-summer because schools such as Baylor hold their Open Houses in the fall.
What are References and Letters?
A Reference (some sororities may use the term RIF, Recommendation or REC) is your introduction to the university chapter. However, it does not guarantee an invitation to membership in that sorority. It is written by an alumna (a person no longer in school) of that sorority. A Reference helps the sorority get to know you in advance by providing information on your activities in high school or college, your interests and your scholastics. An alumna that writes your Reference does not need to be a graduate of the university you will attend. You only need one Reference per sorority.A Letter (Letter of Support) is written by a person that knows you well; it gives the chapter more in-depth information about you. You may have several Letters per sorority or none. These are helpful, but not necessary.
Can I go through Recruitment without References?
Yes, but it is definitely not in your best interest to do so. You will be invited to every chapter on the campus if there is an Open House, but as the week progresses the sororities can invite fewer to their events. Those without References are often the first released. Most importantly, to our knowledge, every NPC sorority requires a Reference before it can extend an invitation (a Bid) to join the chapter.How do I find out the sororities on my campus?
Check your university Web site under Student Organizations or Greek Life. Once you know how many sororities on campus, you know how many packets you need.Should I have a Reference for every sorority on campus, even if I am not interested in some of those?
We strongly encourage a Reference for every National Panhellenic (NPC) sorority on your campus. Please don't prejudge a sorority or limit your options before Recruitment has begun. Also, realize your opinions can and will change through- out the week. Always maximize your opportunity during Recruitment by keeping an open mind and accepting the maximum number of invitations.What if a National Panhellenic (NPC) sorority at my university is not listed in Fort Bend Panhellenic?
Contact one of the people listed at the front of the book, and she will advise you on the best course. Also, as you deliver your packets to other alumnae, mention that you are looking for someone from a sorority that does not appear to be represented in Fort Bend.What about sororities and organizations I've heard of that are not listed anywhere as NPC members?
Every campus has a mix of other organizations that are religious-, ethnic- or interest-based. We can only describe and represent those organizations that make up the 26- member NPC. We encourage you to explore all groups on your campus, and look into the activities, traditions, history, requirements and hazing policies to find the right group.How do I ask someone to write a Reference or Letter?
After registering with Fort Bend Panhellenic, you will be mailed a list of local women who have volunteered to help and are just waiting for a call from you. You may email the person to arrange a meeting, but actual delivery of your packet must be in person. Hint: if you are short on time, make a call; not everyone checks their email daily.Can I ask someone not on this list to provide a Reference or Letter?
Absolutely. Tell friends, teachers and neighbors that you are going through Recruitment. You may be surprised how many women were in sororities and are happy to help. Give that person the address and phone number of the local Recruitment Chair so that she knows where to send your Reference once completed.What do I provide the alumnae for a Reference or Letter?
See "Your Packet," on this site, as different things are needed for a Reference and a Letter, plus you will have to send things to the college Panhellenic when you register.Where do I get the Reference forms the alumna uses?
The alumna should have the form for her particular sorority; it is not your responsibility.Should I arrange to meet the alumna writing the Reference or Letter, or can I just mail her my packet?
Plan to meet in person. Your intent is to have a Reference written that truly introduces you – that can’t happen if you drop off a packet and run, or if someone else does this for you.How do I get the completed Reference and Letters to the local Recruitment Chairperson?
It is the responsibility of the alumna to deliver these items to the local Recruitment Chair, who in turn sends the References to the collegiate chapters.My out of area contact says she usually sends References to a different place. What should I say?
Ask her to also send a copy of all the information to the local Chairperson. If the chapters have questions or lose information (it happens), they automatically call the hometown Chairperson.When I get information that conflicts with yours, what should I do?
Call an alumna you know well, or talk with someone who has been through Recruitment at the same college you are attending. We believe that we are on target with our advice, but there could be an exception.What did I forget?
Please thank the alumnae who have written your References and Letters. While it is our pleasure to support our hometown girls, it is always nice to hear "thank you."We want to know about your Recruitment experience!