Virginia Commonwealth University, CPC

The College Panhellenic Council Recruitment Process

Overview

Panhellenic Recruitment is an exciting opportunity enabling women to learn about the meaning and benefits of sorority life. Formal Recruitment, sponsored by the College Panhellenic Council each Fall, is organized, coordinated, and managed by the CPC Recruitment Committee. 2011 Formal Recruitment will take place September 14-18. Prospective members will attend events in order to meet and converse with current sorority women from each organization.

Registration

Registration for Formal Recruitment is conducted through an online process. Click here to register today!  Applications are due by 12:00 am on Septmber 15, 2011, and must include the online form and registration fee.  If you are unable to attend Recruitment Orientation, please come to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (Student Commons, Room 014) to submit your registration fee.

Requirements and Expectations on Membership

As stated in the Constitution of the Virginia Commonwealth University College Panhellenic Council, Article 15 Section 1: “A woman must be a regularly matriculated student to be eligible for recruitment and new membership. She must have a 2.75 cumulative high school GPA and/or 2.3 cumulative college GPA.”

Financial Information

All sororities entail financial obligations, though yearly fees vary among chapters.  It is necessary to consider these obligations before committing to an organization.

Sorority membership can be more expensive during the new member period as one time fees such as the purchase of a badge are incurred at this time. Though in no way mandatory, the cost of “extras” such as T-shirts, jewelry, and favors vary with each individual.  Many women may also want to purchase clothing or other items representing their chapter. This too, is in no way mandatory. 

If you have any questions regarding the cost of belonging to a sorority, please feel free to ask your Recruitment Counselor or a sorority member at any time during the recruitment process.

Academic Excellence

Click one of the links below to view the academic performance of College Panhellenic Chapters at VCU.

Academic Performance Fall 2008

Academic Performance Spring 2008

Schedule

Below is a description of each day. If you have any further questions, please contact the CPC Director of Recruitment.

Sorority Recruitment Orientation - Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Commonwealth Ballroom, 7:00pm

This first event is an orientation meeting in the University Student Commons. It will preview formal recruitment events, educate potential members on policies, and answer any questions regarding formal recruitment procedures. Each potential member will also meet her Recruitment Counselor at this time.

Philanthropy Round 1 - Thursday, September 15, 2011

Meet in the Commonwealth Ballroom, 7:00pm- 11:00pm

Potential new members will be introduced to member organizations who do not fully participate in the formal recruitment process.

What to expect: During this day, potential new members are introduced to two sororities. The events will each last 30 minutes and most will be spent being introduced to members. Some sororities show a video or do a craft to demonstrate their philanthropy. It is important to ask any questions that come to mind during these events-all sorority members are ready to answer! It is equally important to share information about yourself as the selection process is meant to be mutual.

What to wear: Potential new members should wear casual clothing. Jeans and t-shirt are appropriate for the philanthropy round. Casual shoes, such as flip flops or tennis shoes are acceptable. You will be working on philanthropy projects, so you may be sitting on the floor and moving around and should therefore wear something that will be comfortable.

Philanthropy Round 2 -Friday, September 16, 2011

Meet in Harris Hall Auditorium, 4:00pm-12:30 am

Potential new members will visit each of the six fully participating sororities. This round is meant to inform each potential new member of the various sororities’ philanthropy efforts. Potential members will participate in an activity similar to that of the first day.

What to expect: Events will last 40 minutes. You will be participating in a philanthropic project with the sisters at each event. These projects are examples of what chapters may do for their national philanthropy throughout the year. The final projects will be donated to the sororities' philanthropic cause. The atmosphere will be relaxed and casual, so potential members should feel free to ask questions about the philanthropy within the sorority as well as on campus. Also ask about activities the sorority provides such as academics, sisterhood events, and the new member program.

What to wear: Potential New Members should wear dress casually. Jeans and t-shirt are appropriate for the philanthropy round. Casual shoes, such as flip flops or tennis shoes are fine. You will be working on philanthropy projects, so you may be sitting on the floor and moving around, and should therefore wear something that will be comfortable.   

Sisterhood Round - Saturday, September 17, 2011

Harris Hall Auditorium, 1:00pm-7:00pm

Potential members will visit a maximum of 4 sororities. During this round, potential members will continue to meet women from each sorority and assess which may be the best fit.

What to expect: Each event will last 45 minutes.  Various displays will demonstrate the individual academic, social, philanthropic, and sisterhood values of each chapter.  Some chapters may also show a video.  Light refreshments will be served.

What to wear: Potential New Members should wear business casual attire.  Heels are appropriate for this round, but keep in mind that a great deal of time may be spent standing.

Preference Round- Sunday, September 18, 2011

Harris Hall Auditorium, 9:00am-12:00pm

Potential new members will attend a maximum of 2 sorority events. During this round, chapters invite potential members to take a closer look at their sisterhood and traditions. Preference round is a very special ceremony for each sorority and is meant to demonstrate to potential members the intimacy and priveleges of sisterhood and lifetime commitment.

What to expect: The final round will allow potential new members to decide which sorority they would "prefer."  This round can seem solemn and emotional, so it is important to bear in mind that each sister holds the preference ceremony to be very sacred.  It is also necessary to keep an open mind while reflecting on your recruitment experience as it draws to a close.  Take this time to ask final questions and get excited-these women will soon be your sisters!

What to wear: Potential new members should wear semi-formal attire. A Cocktail dresse or something you would wear to a wedding is appropriate. Prom dresses are too dressy. Heels are appropriate for this event, but again, keep in mind that you may be standing for some of the ceremony.

Bid Day- Sunday, September 18, 2011

Harris Hall Auditorium, 5:00pm

Potential members receive their membership invitations to a sorority, recruitment counselors are re-affiliated, and new members are welcomed to their new organizations.

What to wear: Potential members should wear black dress bottoms and a shirt they can put a bid day shirt over.

About Recruitment Counselors: 

Recruitment is an exciting time, but it can also be very emotional. At the beginning of Recruitment, you will be assigned a Panhellenic Recruitment Counselor.   She is prepared to help you in any way- even with seemingly irrelevant questions about campus and classes. Your Recruitment Counselor is a member of a sorority, but during Recruitment, she is working for CPC and for you. She has promised not to reveal her sorority affiliation in an effort to give you unbiased advice and to reduce the pressure you might feel if you knew which house was hers. Although it may be tempting to know what sorority your Recruitment Counselor belongs to, please do not make efforts to discover her affiliation. She will reveal her affiliation at Bid Day. She will explain the Recruitment process, answer any questions you may have and also help you with problems that may arise. You will meet with your Recruitment Counselor between each event to discuss what to expect each day, how each day went and to receive additional information as needed. She is a resource for you, but most importantly she is a listener. Never hesitate to ask your Recruitment Counselor anything.

Recruitment 101: 10 Tips for Possible New Members