The University of Texas Panhellenic Council

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Panhellenic Recruitment schedule?
  Wednesday, August 19-Opening Convocation, 7:00 p.m.
  Thursday, August 20-Open House, 9:30 a.m.
  Friday, August 21-Philanthropy (Period I), 3:00 p.m.
  Saturday, August 22-Philanthropy (Period I), 9:00 a.m.
  Sunday, August 23-Skit Night (Period II), 3:00 p.m.
  Monday, August 24-Preference (Period III), 5:00 p.m.
  Tuesday, August 25-Bid Day, 2:00 p.m.
  Wednesday, August 26-Fall semester classes start
  
  
• Who participates in Panhellenic Formal Recruitment in the Fall?
  While UPC represents 14 NPC organizations, Sigma Delta Tau (ΣΔΤ) does not currently participate in formal recruitment events. The ladies of ΣΔΤ will have a chance to talk about their process during Opening convocation and they will host COB events at the conclusion of formal recruitment. The organizations that participate in formal recruitment are as follows:
  
  Alpha Chi Omega (ΑΧΩ)
  Alpha Delta Pi (ΑΔΠ)
  Alpha Epsilon Phi (ΑΕΦ)
  Alpha Phi (ΑΦ)
  Alpha Xi Delta (ΑΞΔ)
  Chi Omega (ΧΩ)
  Delta Delta Delta (ΔΔΔ)
  Delta Gamma (ΔΓ)
  Kappa Alpha Theta (ΚΑΘ)
  Kappa Delta (KΔ)
  Kappa Kappa Gamma (ΚΚΓ)
  Pi Beta Phi (ΠΒΦ)
  Zeta Tau Alpha (ΖΤΑ)
  
  
• Who is eligible for Recruitment? 

  A woman is eligible to participate in recruitment and join a sorority if she is enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin as a full-time student. A full-time student is defined as taking twelve credit hours per semester, excluding correspondence courses and courses at other universities. She must not be a new member or initiated member of any National Panhellenic Conference sorority.
  
  
• What are reference or recommendation letters? 

  Reference and recommendation letters are written by sorority alumnae members and introduce a potential new member to the chapter and describe more about the potential new member?s activities. You may choose to have reference or recommendation letters sent on your behalf to all sororities participating in formal recruitment.
  
  Two ways to obtain a reference or recommendation:
  
  1. Register with your local Alumnae Panhellenic - This will provide you with an opportunity to gain assistance in getting reference letters, possibly meet sorority alumnae in your area, and attend a recruitment information session. The registration form that you will complete for your local alumnae Panhellenic will be very similar to the form you will complete for the University Panhellenic Council. If you need the name of the local alumnae Panhellenic representative nearest you, visit the Web at www.texasgreeks.com or please call the Greek Life and Intercultural Education office at 512-471-9700. Most Alumnae Panhellenic Associations start collecting registration forms in early spring, therefore it is best to take care of that as soon as possible.
  
  2. You may seek out and obtain sorority alumnae to write letters on your behalf - Once an alumna has offered or been asked to write a reference, she may request some information from you. The alumna writing the reference is solely responsible for obtaining the appropriate form from her national organization, completing the form, and mailing it to the correct destination. You should not be involved in that process. Panhellenic does not have reference forms available nor can it obtain them for potential new members. If you encounter a sorority alumna with questions, please have her call Greek Life and Intercultural Education at (512) 471-9700.
  
  
  
• Reference and recommendation letters do not guarantee the potential new member a bid. Many of our sororities require a reference from an alumna member of their sorority before a woman can join, however they are not essential for every sorority. All letters may be sent directly to the chapter house address. If you have questions regarding references, please contact your local Alumnae Panhellenic or the University Panhellenic Council.
  
  
  • Should I attend The University of Texas at Austin?s summer orientation? 

    Yes! Orientation allows you to take placement tests, to earn college credit, pre-register for classes and become acquainted with the campus. It is wise to take placement tests in the summer, or you may have to take them during Recruitment Week and be unable to attend recruitment events. A session on Greek Life will be presented as a program during Orientation. Please come to meet representatives of the Greek community and to ask any questions you may have.
    
    Where do I live during Recruitment Week? 

    You will live where you plan to reside during the school year. You will need to contact your residence hall to find out what the move-in date is and to make the appropriate arrangements, as there may be a prorated cost associated with early move-in.
    
    Should I bring a car for Recruitment Week? 

    No. The chapter houses are within walking distance of the residence halls. The University Panhellenic Council encourages you to take safety precautions such as going in groups and crossing streets carefully. Because parking will be COMPLETELY UNAVAILABLE, potential new members cannot drive or be driven. Privately chartered buses will be provided by the University Panhellenic Council each day to help potential new members get between the furthest distances in a timely manner to or from any recruitment event or convocation.
    
    How much time does a sorority take? 

    There is a required meeting once a week where you will exchange information on chapter events and fraternity education. Weekly chapter study sessions are a programming option for all members, in addition to events like sisterhood activities, community service projects, and social events. Remember, the more you put into the sorority, the more you will get out of it.
    
    How long will it take to be initiated? 

    Most chapters have moved to a period which ranges from four to twelve weeks. The new-member period affords opportunities to meet other members, learn fraternity history and feel at home in the chapter. Each chapter establishes its own new-member program and initiation dates. This is a great question to ask the active members as you meet them during recruitment.
    
    What is Spring Recruitment? 

    The University of Texas University Panhellenic Council does not sponsor or organize a formal spring recruitment. Some chapters continue to recruit and pledge women throughout the school year. Events are organized and scheduled at each chapter's convenience. If you want the opportunity to interact with all fourteen of our sororities before making your sorority choice, then you should participate in fall formal recruitment.
    
    
    

• Where do I send letters of recommendation for Recruitment?
  
  Letters of recommendation are to be sent to the chapter house of that particular sorority. Because of the high volume of mail received, it is helpful to note on the outside of the envelope who the recommendation is for and where that new member is from.
  
  The addresses for each of the chapter houses can be found by clicking here.