Recruitment FAQ

How does the selection process work?

The selection process is mutual. You are able to choose which sororities you would like to return to and the sororities will choose who they would like to invite back. Most often, the chapters you feel most comfortable returning to will also feel the same way.

How do I know which chapter is for me?

Going through the recruitment process can be a challenging time because all 14 chapters are so incredible. It can be very tough to choose which chapter you would like to be a member of. To help choose a chapter, think about which place you feel most comfortable. Imagine yourself out of the recruitment process talking and hanging out with these women on a regular basis. Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and just try to think about a chapter that comes to mind. If you are having difficulty choosing, there are many people who are around to help with your decision.

What happens if I regret my decision after signing a bid?

After signing a bid, you are bound to that chapter for one year. This means you are not able to go through the recruitment process or sign a bid for another chapter until that year is over.

Should I block my profile on facebook?

It is not necessary to block your profile on facebook, but it is recommended. During the recruitment process, we encourage chapters to focus on discussions they have during the recruitment parties.

What happens when I sign my bid?

When you sign your bid, you accept the invitation to join that chapter. Once you have accepted this invitation, you will start your new member period with the chapter.

What are the GPA requirements for joining a sorority?

You must have a 2.5 GPA in order to participate in sorority recruitment. We still encourage those who do not have this GPA to attend fall open houses in order to better prepare for formal recruitment in the spring.

What happens if I have to miss a round during spring recruitment?

During spring recruitment, it is important to attend all rounds but there are circumstances in which you are excused. You will not be released from the recruitment process as long as you are excused. If you miss a round, the chapters you are scheduled to go to will be notified. Since you only attend each chapter once during a round, you will miss time with the chapters but they will not be removed from your list and you will not be removed from theirs. It will then be your decision whether or not you would like to return to those chapters in a later round.

Active – a member who has been initiated into lifelong Greek membership and is active at the collegiate level

Alumnae – a member of a chapter who has graduated

Bid - a formal invitation to join a particular sorority

Chapter - a local group at the university of the larger national organization designated by a special Greek name

Depledge - terminating one's Greek membership before initiation

Formal Recruitment - the mutual selection process for sororities to meet potential new members and for interested women to learn more about membership in a sorority. It is highly structured and women will have a chance to visit all PHA chapters. It takes place in the spring semester.

Informal Recruitment – the mutual selection process for sororities to meet potential new members and for interested women to learn more about membership in a sorority. It is not structured and women can visit whatever chapters they choose. It takes place in the fall semester.

Initiation - the formal ceremony with rituals that marks the beginning of the active membership

Interfraternity Council (IFC) - governing body of North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) fraternities at Maryland

Initiated Member - any member who has completed the new member process, has gone through the initiation ceremony, and is currently enrolled in college

Legacy - the sister, daughter, granddaughter of a sorority member. Each local chapter has its own policy regarding legacies. Being a legacy does NOT mean automatic membership into that chapter. Nonetheless, being a legacy does not hurt your chances at membership in any way.

New Member - a member of a sorority who has not been initiated

New Member Class – new members that will go through their new member period at the same time and will be initiated together

New Member Period - a period of learning about fraternity and sorority life prior to initiation. This period varies from each chapter, but is six weeks at the maximum.

Panhellenic Association (PHA) – governing body of National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities at Maryland

Pan-Hellenic Council (PHC) – governing body of the historically black and Latino fraternities and sororities on campus

Potential New Member (PNM) - a full time Maryland student interested in joining a Greek organization

Rho Gamma - a sorority member who has disaffiliated herself from her chapter during Formal Recruitment. She is specially trained to be unbiased and help answer any questions they may have about sorority membership.

United Greek Council (UGC) – governing body of a variety of culturally-based fraternities and sororities at Maryland and reflects a wide range of backgrounds and affiliations

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