REcruitment 101

WPA

PROPERTY OF:

In November of 1841, the first Greek letter society established a chapter at Ohio University, making Ohio University the home of the 12th oldest Greek community in North America. That heritage has become an integral part of campus life at Ohio University and you are invited to become a part of the tradition. This membership informational booklet is your guide to Ohio’s Panhellenic sorority community, and it details the chapters and Greek community in general. You are encouraged to read about what sororities have to offer and how you can strengthen their future by building on tradition. Feel free to print this booklet out to carry with you on your recruitment adventure!

Women’s Panhellenic AssociationBaker University Center1 Park Place – Room 330

Athens, Ohio 45701740.593.4065

www.ouwpa.com

Panhellenic CreedWe, as Undergraduate members of women’s

fraternities, stand for good scholarship, for guarding ofgood health, for maintenance of fine standards, and

for serving, to the best of our ability,our college community.

Cooperation for furthering fraternity life, inharmony with its best possibilities, is the ideal that

shall guide our fraternity activities.

We, as Fraternity Women, stand for service through thedevelopment of character inspired by the close contact

and deep friendship of individual fraternity andPanhellenic life.

The opportunity for wide and wise human service,through mutual respect and helpfulness, is the tenet

by which we strive to live.

Women’s panhellenic association The Women’s Panhellenic Association (WPA) is the coordinating and governing council for Ohio University’s nine sororities that are members of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC). The Executive Board governs the Women’s Panhellenic Association. WPA is composed of executive officers and delegates from all of Ohio University’s NPC sororities. They meet regularly to decide major policies and to implement programs for the Association. WPA works to promote unity and to increase awareness of issues through organized all-sorority functions and programs. One of WPA’s major responsibilities is coordinating the Fall Formal Recruitment program. Panhellenic unites all chapters so that they can work together toward common goals. As soon as a woman joins a sorority, she is a member of the Women’s Panhellenic Association at Ohio University. The Panhellenic Council works closely with its counterparts, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) to promote the Greek community at Ohio University.

Dear Potential New Members,

On behalf of the Women’s Panhellenic Association and the Campus Involvement Center, thank you for taking the time to visit our website. My name is Mackenzie Smith, and I am the president of WPA at Ohio University.

WPA is the governing body of the nine National Panhellenic Conference sororities on our campus. The women in these chapters focus on making scholarship, philanthropy, leadership, and sisterhood a part of their daily lives.

About 1,200 women from all grade levels and majors comprise OU’s Panhellenic community, and each individual woman is an asset. It is an understatement to say that I am extremely honored to represent such an incredible group of successful women.

Women in sororities strive to perform better academically than the overall student body. We consistently have higher GPAs than the all-female and all-undergraduate average.

We also place a strong emphasis on philanthropy and community service. Each chapter has a specific non-profit organization that they support. Furthermore, WPA sponsors events throughout the year to benefit local organizations.

Leadership is another founding ideal of sorority life, and Panhellenic women are faced with numerous opportunities to grow as leaders. Women have the option to pursue leadership roles within their individual chapters. We also encourage our members to join organizations such as WPA, Rho Lambda, Order of Omega, and other university groups. Panhellenic women also focus on sisterhood and the relationships formed within each individual chapter, as well as the Panhellenic community. These close bonds will remain with us well after we graduate from Ohio University.

This may all seem overwhelming at first, but it is possible to take advantage of the variety of opportunities that OU and being Greek have to offer. I truly hope that you will become a part of our wonderful Panhellenic community.

Joining a sorority transforms this large campus of 20,000 students into a small family of 1,200 women. I would love to see you make one of our chapters your home away from home.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 330-414-3346 or ms148406@ohio.edu.

Thank you for your time and best of luck at Ohio University!

Sincerely,

Mackenzie SmithPresident, Women’s Panhellenic Association

rho gammas

Rho Gammas are members of OU’s Women’s Panhellenic Association Greek chapters and have disaffiliated in order to assist the women going through Recruitment (Potential New Members, PNM’s). They have made a commitment to be unbiased and impartial representatives of the Greek community in order to make themselves available for assistance during Recruitment. They act “big sisters” for the PNMs and should be trusted as friends. Look to them for support and feel free to contact them with any questions or concerns. They have been trained for their positions and are very dedicated to making recruitment a great experience for you.

disaffiliation & silence

Todisaffiliatemeanstosetoneselfapartfromagroupinordertoremainimpartial.RecruitmentcounselorsandWPAExecutiveBoardMembersdisaffiliatefromtheirchapterduringRecruitment.Thismeanstheyarenolongerassociatedwiththeirparticularchapter.TheybecomerepresentativeoftheentireGreekcommunityinordertoprovideanunbiasedopinion. SilenceisacrucialpartofdisaffiliationandtheRecruitmentprocess.Duringsilence,theRhoGammasandWPAmemberscannotcommunicatewithaffiliatedsororitywomen,orviceversa.CommunicationbetweenPNMsandaffiliatedmemberscanonlytakeplaceduringaround.ThisisdonetoavoiduncomfortablesituationsandtoensureafairandpleasantRecruitmentforeveryone.

sorority finances

It is important for students and parents to be as informed as possible regarding the costs associated with obtaining a college education. Understanding the financial obligations associated with sorority membership is just as important. Each woman joining a sorority should be aware of the dues, fees, and other expenses that are involved and should consider these when making financial plans to attend college. During Fall Formal Recruitment, a PNM should ask her Rho Gamma about financial obligations and payment options associated with each chapter. Each sorority sets its own fees and housing costs as well as payment schedule. Your Rho Gamma will have detailed information regarding financial commitments for each individual chapter. Your Rho Gamma will be able to share the costs associated with first year membership, living in the chapter house, and living out of the chapter house, as well as other expenses. The first year has a higher level of costs due to one-time expenses and fees. However, the cost of membership and housing in the years to follow is comparable to other housing options.

potential members’ bill of rights

The Potential New Members’ Bill of Rights was adopted unanimously at the 1989 National Panhellenic Conference Biennial Conference.

Potential New Members have the right to:*Be treated as an individual.

*Be fully informed about the recruitment process.*Ask questions and receive true and objective answers

from recruitment guides and members.*Be treated with respect.

*Be treated as a capable and mature person without being patronized.

*Ask how and why and receive straight answers.*Have and express opinions to recruitment guides.

*Have inviolable confidentiality when sharing information with recruitment guides.

*Make informed choices without undue pressure from others.

* Be fully informed about the binding agreements implicit in preference card signing.

*Make ones own choice and decision and to accept full responsibility for the results of that decision.

*Have a positive, safe, and enriching recruitment and membership experience.

sisterhood

One of the most enjoyable parts of joining a sorority involves making new friends and forming bonds that will last long after college. You not only will learn to live with others, but through sharing the same experiences, environ-ment, and interests, you will develop a very special closeness to those around you. As friends, they will share your anguish, success, happiness, and occasional evenings just relaxing together. Sisterhood means more than just wearing Greek letters, attending meetings, and going to parties. It is a feeling of being yourself and being respected for your individuality. Sisterhood is by no means synonymous with conformity – no sorority is made up of members who are exactly alike. This diversity is what makes a sorority experience so valuable. By interacting with people from various backgrounds and cultures, sorority members prepare themselves for the diverse world after graduation. The Greek community teaches you about human relationships and how to make them work.

Scholarship

Scholarship, academics, and grades are the mainstays of college life, and the Greek community at Ohio University recognizes the importance of directing students into spe-cial scholarship programs. Sororities provide the opportunity to earn academic awards, recognition, and scholarships. Support and help are always forthcoming from sisters through formal study hours, study skill workshops, tutoring group, study buddies, and other informal programs.

Greek letter organizations were founded on the prin-ciple of success in scholarship. The academic performance of each chapter is tabulated every quarter to determine over-all chapter rankings.

philanthropy & Community service

Greek interests and concerns go beyond the confines of campus life. Greeks sponsor many activities each year to support the

local community and raise money for special philanthropies or identified causes. Each chapter donates time to a particu-lar project either locally or nationally. Many individual Greek women volunteer in local programs to benefit the Athens community. The ability to give of yourself is one of the most important qualities you will cultivate while being part of a sorority.

leadership

Membership in Greek life provides numerous opportunities for you to be involved in leadership roles. As a chapter officer, coordinator of a chapter event, or community service project, you can furtherdevelop your leadership skills. Each chapter has committee structures that allow you to be involved in all operational aspects of the chapter. Chapters traditionally provide educational programming in areas such as time management, leadership, and communication. Greeks also participate in campus-wide leadership activities. Being Greek also provides a resource network when seeking employment. Greek alumnae understand the Greek experience of being both a team player and an individual; the desire to excel, both in and out of the classroom; and the community.

benefits of involvement

Greeks often hire Greeks in this changing world, it is important to establish relationships with others beyond the boundaries of the university. Through interaction with alumnae, you can begin building bridges. You will be encouraged by your chapter to become involved in campus-wide activities. Greek life is a great springboard to campus involvement such as student gov-ernment, special-interest clubs and organizations, intra-mural sports, and many others. Striking a balance between academic and social activities is an important part of col-lege life. Involvement in both areas provides a well-rounded college experience, which is an appealing asset to potential employers

homecoming

This year, Ohio University’s Homecoming will take place October 16th-18th, but for the Greek community the fun lasts all week long. Fraternities and sororities are paired together and will be involved in activities such as philanthropy events and float building. Following the parade is the Homecoming football game, and at the close of the week is the annual Omega Mouth lip sync competition to raise funds for Athens County Big Brothers/Big Sisters. The winning homecoming team will be announced at the Omega Mouth event.

Greek week

Greek Week began over 70 years ago at Ohio University. It is a week where fraternities and sororities pair up to compete in sports, aquatics, and philanthropy activities. Greeks come together each spring to participate in penny wars to raise money for philanthropy and showcase talents with the Greek God and Goddess event. The week ends with the annual Airbands competition where Greeks lip sync and dance to their favorite songs. Each year the competition gets tougher and more exciting!

2009 Recruitment attire

Welcome Day – SaturdaySeptember 19th, 2009

During round one, you will visit all nine chapters with your recruitment group. Spending 30 minutes in each chapter house will give you the opportunity to meet as many women as possible. Attire is jeans and a simple white top.

Philanthropy Day – SundaySeptember 20th, 2009

This day, you will visit a maximum of seven chapters, on your own, at your scheduled time. Don’t worry – Rho Gammas will be around to help you! You will spend 45 minutes at each chapter, allowing you to talk to more of the members. You will also be able to understand the different sorority philanthropies. The attire is business casual.

Skit Night – FridaySeptember 25th, 2009

Again, you will receive your schedule in the morning. You will visit a maximum number of five chapters, spending

forty minutes in the chapter houses. You will meet even more members and each chapter will perform a skit. The attire is more formal, dress pants or a tastefull skirt and nice top or a casual dress.

Preference Night - Saturday,

September 26th, 2009

In the late afternoon, you willreceive yourschedule. Today, you will visit a maximum of three

chapters, spending an hour is each house will allow you to get even closer to the women. Really think about the chapter in which you would be happiest with. The commitment is for a lifetime! Attire is a cocktail dress.

Bid Day - Sunday, September 27th, 2009Congratulations! Today, you will receive your bid to join your new chapter! Attire is jeans and a comfortable top.

alpha delta pi

Chapter Name: Alpha Delta PiChapter Letters: AΔΠMascot: Alphie the LionColors: Azure Blue and WhiteNickname: ADeePiSymbol: DiamondFlower: Woodland VioletMotto: “We Live for Each Other”National Philanthropy: Ronald McDonald HouseNational Founding: Wesleyan Female College – Macon, GAOriginal Charter at OU: 1914

Founded in 1851 Alpha Delta Pi holds the distinction of being the first sorority. Since our founding at Ohio University in 1914 we have created much to be proud of - on campus, community wide, and internationally. We are committed to sisterhood, leadership, community service, and scholarship. Alpha Delta Pi is a group of unique women and we encourage our members’ individuality. There is a place for everyone to call home in A Dee Pi. College days will come and go, but Alpha Delta Pi will last forever.

NOTES

alpha gamma delta

Chapter Name: Alpha Gamma DeltaChapter Letters: AΓΔMascot: SquirrelColors: Red, Buff and GreenNickname: Alpha GamFlower: Red and Buff RoseMotto: “Surrounded by Sisterhood”National Philanthropy: Alpha Gamma Delta FoundationNational Founding: Syracuse University - Syracuse, NYOriginal Charter at OU: 1908

Collegeisatimeoflifethatisfilledwithbeginnings.Itisatimetolearn,grow,andexplore.AlphaGammaDeltacanstartyouonapathwaytorealizingyourpotential,notjustfortoday,butfortherestofyourlife.Youareanindividualandwedon’twanttochangethat.ThroughAlphaGammaDeltayourindividualitywillbeenhanced.Wechallengeyoutostriveforexcellenceinallaspectsofyourlife.Wewanttohelpyoureachyourgoals,discovertalents,andexerciseyourabilities.Thebenefits,friendships,andopportunitiesfoundinAlphaGammaDeltawilllastalifetime.

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alpha omicron pi

Chapter Name: Alpha Omicron PiChapter Letters: AOΠMascot: Panda BearColors: Cardinal RedNickname: AOPiSymbol: Sheaf of WheatFlower: Jacqueminot RoseMotto: “Individual but United”National Philanthropy: Arthritis Research FoundationNational Founding: Barnard College of Columbia UniversityOriginal Charter at OU: 1988

The women of Alpha Omicron Pi are truly unique individuals who come together to create a very strong bond. We focus on individual growth as well as developing our strong sisterhood. This idea is clearly demonstrated through our motto, “Individual but united.” Our emphasis on scholarship, leadership, philanthropy, and sisterhood allows all of our members to become mature, well-rounded women. The great memories and friendships you will gain as a member of AOPi will last far beyond your years at Ohio University - they will last a lifetime.

NOTES

alpha xi delta

Chapter Name: Alpha Xi DeltaChapter Letters: AΞΔMascot: BetXi BearColors: Double blue and goldNickname: FuzzieSymbol: The QuillFlower: Pink RoseMotto: “A friend may not always be a sister, but a sister a friend”National Philanthropy: Alpha Xi Delta Chooses ChildrenNational Founding: Lombard CollegeOriginal Charter at OU: 1911

Alpha Xi Delta is a lifetime of experience that will provide an enhancement to your college years. Alpha Xi Delta prides itself on being a very diverse group that excels in many areas. Our fraternity will provide you with a continuing opportunity for personal and social development, leadership, service, and sisterhood. Building on past years of experience Alpha Xi Delta’s Pi Chapter looks to continue our strong sisterhood and diverse individuality here at Ohio University.

NOTES

Chi omega

Chapter Name: Chi OmegaChapter Letters: XΩMascot: OwlColors: Cardinal (red) and Straw (yellow)Nickname: Chi-OSymbol: Pearls and DiamondsFlower: White CarnationMotto: “Scholastic Achievement and Lifelong Friends”National Philanthropy: Make-A-Wish FoundationNational Founding: University of ArkansasOriginal Charter at OU: 1913

Chi Omega maintains a standard of excellence at Ohio University, stemming from our dedication to sisterhood, scholarship, philanthropy, and social responsibility. Diversity and understanding secure our bonds of friendship, while opening doors to new opportunities. This is Chi Omega - enthusiastic, successful women, working together to fulfill goals, and aspirations while creating great memories, a ton of laughter and friendships you can be certain of.

NOTES

Delta Gamma

Chapter Name: Delta GammaChapter Letters: ΔΓMascot: Hanna DollColors: Bronze, Pink and BlueNickname: DeeGeeSymbol: AnchorFlower: Cream colored RoseMotto: “Do Good”National Philanthropy: Service for SightNational Founding: Lewis SchoolOriginal Charter at OU: 1992

The women of Delta Gamma strive for excellence. This shines through our high academic performance, community and university involvement, and strong friendships. Delta Gamma is a “home away from home” for our members. It is a place where you can be comfortable and most importantly where you can be yourself. Delta Gamma represents what sisterhood really is - strong friendships, memories that last a lifetime, and a forever promise to always have a sister by your side.

NOTES

Delta zeta

Chapter Name: Delta ZetaChapter Letters: ΔZMascot: TurtleColors: Pink and GreenNickname: DeeZeeSymbol: Roman LampFlower: RoseMotto: “You only live once, but when you live like us, once is enough”National Philanthropy: The Delta Zeta Foundation benefiting Hearing and SpeechNational Founding: Miami University, Oxford, OhioOriginal Charter at OU: 1990

The women of Delta Zeta come from all different backgrounds, and from all over the United States. Despite our differences, we love each other like sisters, and embrace the different qualities and quirks that make us individuals. We pride ourselves on our on-campus involvement, academic excellence, leadership development, services we provide to others, and we tresure the sisterood that we have built. We started out as strangers, became friends during our pledging period, and then sisters during our time as active members. We’ve created a sisterhood that we know will last far into our time as proud alumnae of the Delta Zeta sorority.

NOTES

pi beta phi

Chapter Name: Pi Beta PhiChapter Letters: ΠBΦMascot: AngelsColors: Wine and Silver BlueNickname: Pi PhiSymbol: ArrowFlower: Wine CarnationMotto: “Promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives through community service”National Philanthropy: Literacy Promotion: First Book, Read Across America, Champions are ReadersNational Founding: Monmouth College in Monmouth, ILOriginal Charter at OU: 1889

PiBetaPhiwasthefirstnationalsecretsocietyforwomen,moldedaftermen’sfraternities.PiPhiwasalsothefirstsororityfoundedatOhioUniversityandhasbeenastrongpartofthecampusfor120years.Moral,mental,andsocialadvancementsaregoalsPiBetaPhistrivestoachieve.Weareadiversegroupofwomen,unitedbythecommonbondofsisterhood.ItisparticipationingroupactivitiesthatallowsPiPhisisterstodevelopskillstheywillusefortherestoftheirlives.PiBetaPhiisnotjustacollegeexperience-itisalifetimecommitment.

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sigma kappa

Chapter Name: Sigma KappaChapter Letters: ΣKMascot: DoveColors: Violet and MaroonNickname: Sig KapSymbol: Heart and DoveFlower: VioletMotto: “One heart one way”National Philanthropy: Alzheimer’s Disease ResearchNational Founding: Colby College, MaineOriginal Charter at OU: 1949

Sigma Kappa is committed to promoting scholarship and social growth among our members. Since 1949 we have upheld these ideals at Ohio University and our chapter has repeatedly earned the Three Star Award, the highest honor awarded by our national organization. Sigma Kappa is a group of individuals united by sisterhood. The memories and friendships created at Sigma Kappa will last a lifetime. Sigma Kappa sisters will forever have one heart and one way.

NOTES

Alpha Delta Pi101 S. Court Street

Alpha Gamma Delta14 University Terrace

Alpha Omicron Pi8 Church Street

Alpha Xi Delta16 S. College Street

Chi Omega10 S. College Street

Delta Gamma40 N. College Street

Delta Zeta55 Mill Street

Pi Beta Phi6 S. College Street

Sigma Kappa22 N. College Street

Dear Potential Members and Family Members, My name is Carol Preston and I have the pleasure of serving as Advisor to the Ohio University Women’s Panhellenic Association. The WPA members, officers, and I are excited that you are interested in joining a sorority and hope that you will make the best of the recruitment process. Joining a sorority is not just an extracurricular activity to keep you busy while you are at Ohio University; when you join a sorority, you are making a lifetime commitment. The years you spend as a collegiate member are just the beginning- sororities provide educational opportunities you can’t always find in the academic classroom: academic support, leadership development, social outlets, service and philanthropy opportunities, and networking skills are all benefits to joining a sorority. Being a member of a sorority is not a decision to take lightly, and you should never jump to conclusions without learning all the facts. Go through the recruitment process with an open mind, get to know people, and let the women of WPA get to know you as well. Even if you choose not to join a fraternity after recruitment ends, you will at least have afforded yourself the opportunity to meet more people on campus. Good luck and if I can be of any assistance before, during, or after recruitment, please let me know. I can be reached at (740) 593-4065 or prestoc2@ohio.edu and my office is located on campus in the Campus Involvement Center (355 Baker University Center). Interfraternally, Carol PrestonAdvisor, Women’s Panhellenic Association