Frequently Asked Questions about Sorority Life
How much time does a sorority take? Will I have time for school?
You can commit as much or as little time as you wish. As a general rule, most chapters have Monday night meetings and offer other optional sisterhood, scholarship, and philanthropy opportunities throughout the week. Your first semester will give you plenty of chances to meet other Greeks through social events and campus-wide activities. In the Greek system, there is always a wide variety of activities for you to take advantage of.
Does it cost a lot to be a sorority member?
Though financial commitment is necessary, that commitment comes with many benefits. Furthermore, sorority housing costs less than University housing or living in an apartment. Most of the sororities will offer payment plans, allowing you to spread payments throughout the semester.
Will I still be able to work while in a sorority?
In today’s world very few students can attend college without outside employment. Chapters recognize this and work with members to meet financial and attendance obligations. Many students find sorority membership an advantage in that networking with alumnae sometimes produces job possibilities.
Will a sorority cause me to lose touch with my other friends?
No, joining a sorority will allow you to expand your group of friends by meeting new people, but also provides activities that you may be able to invite your friends to attend with you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sorority Recruitment
What if I have questions during Recruitment?
Panhellenic Council trains a group of women, known as Recruitment Guides, for the purpose of providing a more enjoyable and less stressful atmosphere during recruitment week. All Recruitment Guides remain disaffiliated during Recruitment Week. Disaffiliation enables Recruitment Guides to answer questions and guide potential members without bias or preference to a particular chapter. Your Recruitment Guide will provide information about the week, accompany you to recruitment week functions, and provide a listening ear as you make decisions concerning sorority membership. Panhellenic Council chooses Recruitment Guides based on enthusiasm for NDSU and sorority life, objectivity, and dependability. Take advantage of your Recruitment Guide because she can offer valuable information regarding sorority life, academic classes, and other opportunities waiting for you at North Dakota State University. Her job during Recruitment Week is to help you and to make the week easier for you in whatever way she is able.
What if I have to miss one of the days during recruitment?
While it is recommended to attend all of the activities throughout recruitment, an individual can still participate even if they have to miss one of the days. By talking to your Recruitment Guide, she can accommodate you to ensure you get the best experience possible.
What is a legacy? Do I need to be one to join a sorority?
A legacy is a close relative of a member of a particular chapter (usually mothers, grandmothers, and sisters) but each chapter has a different policy on recruiting legacies. Legacies are not guaranteed a bid and all potential members are expected to consider all chapters equally. It is important that each potential member find a chapter with whom she shares values and feels comfortable.
What should I talk about at the recruitment parties?
It is important for you to be yourself during recruitment and let the conversation flow naturally. The sororities are presenting themselves to you just as you are presenting yourself to them. The conversation should go both ways. Asking questions is encouraged. As you go from one day to the next, conversations will become more in-depth and involved.
What if I have trouble choosing between certain chapters?
Difficult decisions are a common dilemma. Potential new members, however, shouldn’t look at this as a problem. Most women would probably be happy at several sororities on campus. Besides, keep in mind that sororities are having to make decisions too. Think carefully and look objectively at what each sorority has to offer. A sorority should be a second home, a place where you feel totally comfortable and welcome. Your intuition, experiences at each round, personal goals and desires should guide you to the group that is right for you.
What if during recruitment week I discover that I am not ready to commit to sorority life?
A potential new member is never obligated to join a sorority. For various reasons, if you would not like to continue with formal recruitment, you may choose to withdrawal. If you withdraw prior to signing a preference card on Preference Night, you are eligible to participate in continuous open bidding better known as Informal Recruitment. Informal Recruitment continues throughout the academic year. If during recruitment week, you decide that you no longer want to participate in formal recruitment, you should discuss these feelings with your Recruitment Guide who will help you through the process.
