RECRUITMENT
Potential New Members (PNM) join sororities by going through recruitment! UChicago Panhellenic hosts Primary Recruitment every Autumn quarter, and individual chapters may host continuous recruitment (or COB- continuous open bidding) throughout the year. Chapters are not guaranteed to conduct continuous recruitment during a given academic year. See the 2023 Recruitment Handbook & FAQs below for more info!
2023 Primary Recruitment registration has now closed.
Stay tuned for potential COB opportunities and more information on 2024 Primary Recruitment!
FAQS
Have other questions or concerns? Please reach out to us via our contact form or on social media!
WHAT IS PRIMARY RECRUITMENT?
Primary Recruitment is the process through which potential new members (PNMs) meet affiliated women from each Panhellenic chapter in order to find a fit for a sorority. PNMs are guided through the process by counselors called Rho Gammas, who te
Primary Recruitment consists of three rounds: Philanthropy, Values, and Preference. Each day, PNMs attend organized events to learn about each sorority. The process culminates in Bid Day, where PNMs are officially invited to join a chapter!
WHEN IS PRIMARY RECRUITMENT?
Primary Recruitment typically occurs every Autumn Quarter during the first few weeks of school. For the 2023-2024 school year, Panhellenic Primary Recruitment will be held October 4-8, 2023 in person.
There are also various events leading up to recruitment such as Meet the Greeks and Pre-Recruitment Info Sessions, where PNMs can learn more about sorority life and the recruitment process. Follow us on social media for information on when these events will be held.
WHERE WILL RECRUITMENT BE LOCATED?
Recruitment is held at various locations around the Hyde Park neighborhood. For 2023 Primary Recruitment, PNMs will be expected to report to University Church at the start of each day.
CAN I GO THROUGH RECRUITMENT IF I’M NOT A FIRST YEAR?
Of course! Women of every year are encouraged to go through recruitment if it’s something they’re interested in. Being a year or two older should not discourage you from giving recruitment a try. That being said, the majority of PNMs are first and second years.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE REGISTRATION FORM?
Panhellenic wants to give sororities the most information possible about potential new members before the start of recruitment. For that reason, the registration form asks for a picture (preferably a headshot, professional, or identification photo) in addition to the typical questions about your interests and involvements.
WHAT’S THE COST OF PRIMARY RECRUITMENT?
There is a $20 registration fee for recruitment. However, PNMs can apply to get this fee waived. Check out the fee waiver tab if you’re interested.
WHAT'S THE TIMELINE FOR THE FEE WAIVER APPLICATION?
Applications open August 1, 2023, at 9AM (same as registration on CampusDirector), and they will close the same day as registration on September 30, 2023. All decisions will be announced by October 2, 2023. Applicants who receive a waiver won't receive an invoice for the outstanding registration fee.
WHAT IF I ONLY WANT ONE SORORITY?
It’s very possible that you’ll click with a chapter on the first day and you will go on to receive a bid from them on Bid Day! However, the purpose of recruitment is to allow PNMs to interact with women from every chapter so they can see what each has to offer. It’s possible that the chapter you thought you loved isn’t actually the best fit for you. The best course of action is to enter recruitment with an open mind, ready to see the positives in each chapter. (Please note that skipping recruitment events with sororities you do not wish to meet is not allowed).
WHAT DO I WEAR TO RECRUITMENT?
UChicago conducts Values-Based Recruitment, which aims to focus more on conversations between individuals rather than performances, decorations, or costumes. We suggest that you wear clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in, avoiding sweatpants and pajamas. Come to the info sessions if you have more questions or ask a Rho Gamma!
WHAT IS A RHO GAMMA?
A Rho Gamma is a recruitment counselor. These are women who have temporarily disaffiliated from their chapters in order to be unbiased guides to help you through recruitment. They will make sure you’re at the correct events & locations, and they'll support you through every step of the process! The official list of Rho Gammas will be posted on social media pages towards the start of Autumn Quarter, and you’ll meet them at the information sessions.
IF I GO THROUGH RECRUITMENT, DO I HAVE TO JOIN A CHAPTER?
You absolutely do not. This will be discussed in further detail at the information sessions, but you always have the option to withdraw from recruitment, or to decline a bid that is offered to you. We do encourage you to at least complete all recruitment events before making a decision, including Bid Day - despite initial thoughts or disappointments, you may end up with a perfect fit! It’s always worth giving it a try.
DO I NEED TO SUBMIT LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?
No, it is not a requirement at the University of Chicago that you submit letters of recommendation.
IS THERE A GPA REQUIREMENT?
There is no Panhellenic GPA requirement. Each chapter may have its own individual requirements according to national guidelines, but no one is restricted from going through recruitment on the basis of GPA.
For Potential New Members who would like to report recruitment-related violations, please complete this form and a Panhellenic member will follow up with you.