Table of Contents

Greek Life at GCSU.................................................

Why Go Greek?.......................................................

General Information...............................................

Panhellenic Council Welcomes You!......................

Panhellenic Creed...................................................

Panhellenic Council ............................................

Recruitment Counselors ........................................

Panhellenic Life at GCSU .......................................

Cost of Membership ...............................................

Recruitment Information .....................................

Registration ..........................................................

Accommodations ..................................................

Recruitment Parties ..............................................

Helpful Hints ........................................................

It’s all Greek to Me: Common Greek Terms.........

FAQ’s ................................................................

Recruitment Guidelines ........................................

PNM Bill of Rights ................................................

The Anti-Hazing Policy of GCSU...........................

Letter from Housing .............................................

Greek Alphabet .....................................................

Alpha Delta Pi ......................................................

Delta Zeta ..............................................................

Kappa Delta ..........................................................

Phi Mu ..................................................................

Zeta Tau Alpha .....................................................

My Recruitment Journal ................................

2

3

4

5

5

6-7

8

9

9

10

10

10

11

12

13

14-15

16

17

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25-30

The Greek Life Office, a unit of the Department of Campus Life, is located in the Student Activities Center. The Greek Life Office is responsible for: facilitating educational programs for social Greek Letter organizations; coordinating multi-chapter events; communicating with Chapter National Organizations, university administrators, students, and parents; and establishing/enforcing GCSU expectations for Fraternities & Sororities.

Reese Cohn, MPAAssistant Director for Greek LifeReese.cohn@gcsu.edu

Tiffany CannonCoordinator of Educational Programs Tiffany_cannon@bobcat.gcsu.edu

The Office of Greek Life GCSU Campus Box 02/Milledgeville, GA 31061

Phone: 478-445-4027Fax: 478-445-1472

Greek Life at GCSU

MissionThe purpose of Greek Life at GCSU is to contribute to the transition of college students into social, philanthropic, and engaged members of the global community.

VisionGreek Life is dedicated to promoting the Liberal Arts mission of GCSU by cultivating a holistic program committed to the growth of students as well rounded and engaged individuals. We seek to enhance this charge by empowering Greek students to become active citizens inside and out of the university community. We strive to achieve this goal by emphasizing four pillars of distinction: leadership, friendship, scholarship, and philanthropy.

Why Go Greek?

Fraternities and Sororities offer the opportunity to cultivate strong friendships with peers who share common values and ideals. Greek organizations have a lasting impact on member’s lives in many ways, offering character building experiences through community service, friendship, leadership, sportsmanship and social activities. Although Greek Life is not for everyone, those who choose to become involved typically find a home away from home through college years.

Top 5 Reasons to be Greek: 1. Life Long Bonds – Lifelong friendships are developed between peers within the Greek Community and with alumni members. Once you become a member, you build bonds with a group of individuals who have all come together for a common purpose; a friend to spend time with, a shoulder to cry on, someone to sit next to on the first day of class, and a group of people to experience life with- throughout college, and beyond!

2. Leadership – Many of the greatest leaders on university campuses, and across our nation are members of Greek organizations. The skills learned in Greek Life may be applied to leadership opportunities long after college has ended.

3. Social Interaction – Greek Life promotes social events, communication and personal interaction. Between meeting countless potential new members during recruitment, completing a community service project with your fraternity/sorority, and team building skills learned through many Greek wide competitions; social interaction is a tremendous aspect of Greek Life.

4. Community Involvement – Every year fraternities and sororities raise millions of dollars and contribute countless hours of service for philanthropic efforts around the nation. Fostering the spirit of community service throughout the fraternity/sorority experience has created a legacy of giving throughout the lifetime of Greek Alumni.

5. College is More Fun! – It’s easy get lost in the crowd when you leave home for college; going Greek allows you to become part of a close knit community. Greek students at GCSU are well known for making good grades, getting involved on campus, competing on the intramural field, giving back to their community, and having a great time!

General Information

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)Our 6 NPHC Organizations currently encompass two dozen collegiate members at GCSU. Formal recruitment for NPHC groups takes place during the spring semester, and informational sessions for each organization are advertised throughout campus before the recruitment period. All students who wish to affiliate with an NPHC organization are required to attend a Non-Hazing workshop with the Office of Greek Life. Non-Hazing workshops are typically held twice each semester and last approximately 60 minutes. If you are interested in attending a Non-Hazing workshop, please call 478-445-4027 to get workshop dates and times.

College Panhellenic Council (CPH)Our 5 Panhellenic Organizations currently encompass approximately 750 collegiate members at GCSU. Formal recruitment for CPH groups takes place prior to the Week of Welcome, and recruitment registration is available online between June 1 and August 1. The formal recruitment period typically lasts 4 days, and events are scheduled in 4 hour rounds each day. Alcohol is strictly prohibited during all recruitment events. Any female student who wishes to participate in sorority recruitment must have at least a 2.5 grade point average and must be registered for at least 12 university credit hours.

Interfraternity Council (IFC)Our 5 IFC Organizations currently encompass over 250 collegiate members at GCSU. Formal Recruitment for IFC groups takes place at the beginning of Spring Semester, and registration begins in November and ends on the first day of recruitment events. The formal recruitment period typically lasts 4 days, and events are scheduled between 6pm and 11pm each night. Alcohol is strictly prohibited during all recruitment events. Any male who wishes to participate in fraternity recruitment must have completed at least 12 university credit hours, and must have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.3.

Panhellenic Council Welcomes you!

The Panhellenic CreedWe, as Undergraduate Members of women’s fraternities, stand for good scholarship, for guarding of good health, for maintenance of fine standards, and for serving, to the best of our ability, our college community. Cooperation for furthering fraternity life, in harmony with its best possibilities, is the ideal that shall guide our fraternity activities. We, as Fraternity Women, stand for service through the development of character inspired by the close contact and deep friendship of individual fraternity and Panhellenic life. The opportunity for wide and wise human service, through mutual respect and helpfulness, is the tenet by which we strive to live.

Ladies,

On behalf of the Panhellenic Council, I would like to congratulate you on your acceptance, and welcome you to Georgia College & State University. This is a wonderful school, with so much to offer and we are very excited that you’re interested in learning more about sorority life. Sorority recruitment is a great way to learn about Greek Life and make new friends, and… it’s a one-of-a-kind experience! Each sorority at GCSU shares Panhellenic values of scholarship, leadership, friendship and philanthropy, but every group is unique in many ways. Recruitment is the best way to see for yourself what

sets each of our sororities apart, and what binds us all together as Panhellenic sisters. If you feel that sorority life is right for you, we know you will find a home away from home here at GCSU, with many so opportunities to learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships.You’ve taken the first step by signing up. Now all you need to do is come with an open mind, be yourself, and get excited- We can’t wait to see you in just a few short weeks!

Sincerely,Alana Israel, Panhellenic President

Executive Council

Kristen LothspeichVP-Recruitment

Lindsey BrownVP-Judicial

Christine TroutTreasurer

Heather KingsleySecretary

Junior Council

Kaity VandenbergEducation Chair

Lindsey GriffithPhilanthropy Chair

Sydney McReeSocial Chair

Katie AllenCorresponding Secretary

Meghan WheelerCorresponding Secretary

Recruitment Counselors

Every Potential New Member is assigned to a group, which is lead by a team of recruitment counselors, or ‘Pi Chi’s’. Recruitment counselors escort their groups to each party, and offer advice and guidance as GCSU sorority women who have chosen to disaffiliate from their chapters for the duration of the summer. A recruitment counselor is committed to offering her talents and service to the Potential New Members, and strive to make the recruitment experience informative, memorable, and fun!

Panhellenic Life at GCSU

Benefits of membershipMembers of GCSU Sororities can proudly say that the average Greek Woman’s GPA is higher than that of the average non-Greek woman! With an overall average of 3.2, it’s clear that sorority women worked hard to make academics a top priority.GCSU Sorority Women also contributed hours to philanthropic endeavors in the Baldwin County Community, and nationwide. This doesn’t include various other items that were donated; like prom dresses for local high school girls, letters to the troops, and yogurt lids for Breast Cancer Awareness.With everything else they do, it’s hard to believe these women have time left over for events like the Big Greek Give Tailgate Party, Panhellenic Semi-Formal, and the Annual Greek Show- not to mention the individual socials and formal every sorority hosts each year!

Cost of membershipJust like the many things that make each sorority unique, the cost of membership is different for every group. Although some chapters charge monthly dues, others charge a semester fee. And where a chapter may appear to charge slightly more or less than another chapter, each organization sets an individual budget, which may include more or less of the year’s activity fees based on the rate of dues. (A chapter with higher monthly dues may not assess members for attending chapter retreats or formals, etc.) To give potential new members an idea of the cost of membership, we provide an average of the costs of common fees assessed by every sorority. *Although individual fees differ between each sorority, the average cost over 4 years of membership will be similar.

Sorority HousesAlthough GCSU does not recognize official sorority houses, many chapters own or rent homes in the Milledgeville Historic district, where they host some events, gather for occasional meals, or spend time between classes.

Recruitment Information

Dates & TimesSaturday, August 7 Check-in to residence halls: 12 Noon-3pm Recruitment Orientation: 7pm-8:30pm

Sunday, August 8 Iced Tea Parties Group 1: 10am-1:30pm Group 2: 2pm-5:30pm

Monday, August 9 Philanthropy Parties Group 1: 10am-1:30pm Group 2: 2pm-5:30pm

Tuesday, August 10 (Invitational Round) Theme Parties: 10am-6pm

Wednesday, August 11 (Invitational Round) Preference Parties: 11am-7:30pm

Thursday, August 12 Bid Day 10:00am

Registration for Panhellenic Recruitment begins June 1, 2010 and will remain open until August 1, 2010. The registration process can be begun by visiting the GCSU Greek Life web site and following the link to the ICS Recruiter registration form. http://www.gcsu.edu/studentlife/greeklife.htm E-mail address: gcpanhellenic@gmail.com

AccommodationsIncoming freshman will move into their regularly assigned residence halls a few days early in order to participate in recruitment. This is the room assignment the student will maintain throughout the semester, and the cost for early-move in is included in the registration fee. Please see page 18 for a detailed letter from the Department of University Housing.Students living off campus pay a discounted registration fee, and should make arrangements to be back on campus in time for the Recruitment Orientation session.Panhellenic will provide lunch for potential new members on the first day of parties, and light snacks throughout the week. Limited campus dining may be available, and there are a variety of restaurants within walking distance of the residence halls.

Recruitment Parties

Each recruitment event, or “party”, is like an open house, only GCSU so-rorities host these events in campus facilities. The purpose of these parties is for the sororities and the potential new members to try to get to know each other in a very short week. (This is why Formal Recruitment is often called “RUSH”.) Each day has a different theme, and throughout the week you will meet as many members of each sorority as possible. You will learn about each chapter’s history, sisterhood, and values in a very short amount of time, which should help you decide which groups you feel most com-fortable with. The sororities are interested in learning as much as they can about you, too, so don’t be afraid to talk about yourself!

Iced Tea Parties (30 mins.)Iced Tea parties are the most casual of the recruitment events. These parties are short and sweet, and are designed to serve as a meet and greet opportunity for the potential new members and the sorority women.

Philanthropy Parties (30 mins.)The purpose of the philanthropy round is to give the potential new members a more detailed view of each sorority as a whole. During these parties, the sorority women will discuss the beliefs, values, and ideals of their organization, as well as the national philanthropy and local community service efforts of each chapter.

Theme Parties (45 mins.)Theme parties are often the most exciting events of formal recruitment! During this round, each sorority will put on a skit that they have prepared over the summer for the potential new members. Skits might be very funny or very serious, but presenting these skits gives each sorority the opportunity to express what membership in their chapter means to them.

Preference (60 mins.)The preferential parties are the most serious and informative of the rounds. These parties offer one last opportunity for each sorority to tell the potential new members what it means to be a member of their organization. Attire for Preferential parties is Sunday Best

Helpful Hints

Making ConversationDespite the beautiful room decorations and colorful sundresses, the most meaningful aspect of sorority recruitment is conversation. In recruiting new members, sorority women want to identify women with similar interests and values to be a part of their organizations, and the best way to do so is through conversation! Be prepared to talk about yourself, but remember to ask questions of them too. Always be yourself, and conversations tend to flow naturally, but you may want to consider some of the qualities you hope to find in a sorority so you can be prepared to ask about them.

Here are some examples of questions you might want to ask: • What do you enjoy most about being in a sorority? • What is your favorite thing about sisterhood? • Does your sorority have GPA and/or study hour requirements? • What do you like best about being a member of your chapter? • What helped you decide how to choose? • What are your favorite sorority functions?

It’s All Greek to Me...

General Terms:Alumna (feminine) – a sorority member who is no longer a member of a collegiate chapterAlumnus (masculine) – a fraternity member who is no longer a member of a collegiate chapterBid- an invitation to join a sorority or fraternity Chapter – a membership unit of a national or international sorority or fraternity Fraternity – a Greek Letter sisterhood or brotherhoodFormal Recruitment- (aka:“rush”) Typically 3-5 days of events hosted by each sorority for the purpose of selecting new members; organized and implemented by the College Panhellenic CouncilGreek life – Campus membership in a sorority or fraternityInitiation – ritual ceremony during which new members receive lifelong membership privilegesNew or Associate Member (aka:“pledge”) – who has accepted a sorority or fraternity bid but is not yet an initiated memberPanhellenic – a Greek word meaning “All-Greek.” Philanthropy – a charitable project sponsored by a fraternity, sorority, or the Greek communitySorority – a Greek letter sisterhood

Greek Delegations:College Panhellenic Council (CPH) – the cooperative organization of NPC sororities on a campusInterfraternity Council (IFC)- The governing body of NIC fraternities on a campusNorth-American Interfraternal Conference (NIC)- Trade association representing 73 International and National Men’s Fraternities National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) – The national central governing body of delegates from 26 recognized women’s social fraternitiesNational Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – Composed of nine national, historically African-American sororities and fraternities

In Sorority Recruitment:Continuous Open Bidding (COB) – Informal membership recruitment process when bids may be extended and accepted at any time during the school year to maintain chapter totalIntentional Single Preference-(aka:“suiciding”) listing only one sorority on a Membership Recruitment Acceptance AgreementInformal Recruitment - New member selection events sponsored by a sorority independent of the formal recruitment processPi Chi– Greek letters for “Panhellenic Counselor”; these representatives act as unbiased mentors/guides during Panhellenic recruitment Potential New Member (PNM) – Any woman interested in becoming a sorority member who is matriculated and eligible according to College Panhellenic Association requirements Preferential Bidding – Formal recruitment methodology intended to match potential new member and sorority preferences in a mutual selection processQuota – The minimum number of potential new members a sorority may invite to membership Strict Silence – The period of time after the close of recruitment events and prior to the distribution of bids when there is no communication allowed between potential members and sorority members. Total Chapter Size – The maximum number of members permitted in each sorority on a campus, determined by the College Panhellenic as the most desirable chapter size

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the registration fee, and what does it include?Every student wishing to participate in Panhellenic Recruitment is charged a registration fee of $175 ($75 for non-residential students). This fee covers the cost of room and board (if applicable) as well as some food and drinks, a recruitment t-shirt, and administrative fees. A $2 donation is also made on behalf of every student participating in recruitment to the Milledgeville-Baldwin Jr. Miss Scholarship program, the local philanthropy of GCSU’s Panhellenic Council.

What is Sorority Recruitment Orientation?This 90 minute session is intended to provide as much recruitment-related information as possible prior to the start of events. Orientation will be an opportunity for PNM’s to meet the Panhellenic Council as well as their Recruitment Counselors. This event is entirely informal, recommended attire is: casual.

What should I wear to the Recruitment Parties?Sundresses and skirts are the recommended attire for Iced Tea, Philanthropy, and Theme parties. Preference parties on the final day are the most formal events, so we recommend “Sunday Best.” Tip: Recruitment counselors are great fashion consultants, too!

If I go through Panhellenic Recruitment, am I obligated to join?No, many women choose to participate in order to meet people and make friends before school starts. Recruitment is an opportunity for you to visit the sororities, have a glimpse of Greek Life, and assess whether or not you would like to be a part of the GCSU Greek experience. If you participate in the week’s events and have no intention of joining a sorority , you should NOT sign the membership acceptance agreement after the final events (preference round). Signing this agreement indicates that you will accept a bid to join, and will prohibit you from joining a sorority for a calendar year.

What should I talk about during the recruitment parties?It’s important for you to be yourself during recruitment, and the let conversation flow naturally. The sorority women have a small amount of time to get to know you, and vice versa, so use this time to introduce yourself, and ask as much as possible about who they are and what they stand for.

What if I have trouble choosing between sororities?Depending on the individual women you meet in each party, you may find yourself torn equally between 2 or 5 chapters. Think carefully and look objectively at what each sorority stands for, but know that you can’t make a bad choice on our campus! Remember that the friends you make during recruitment want you to choose the place where you feel totally comfortable, and will continue to be your friend no matter what you decide. Your conversations and experience at each part should help you decide, and every day you are likely to have a different experience than the day before.

If I am a legacy to a sorority, am I guaranteed a bid?A legacy is no more obliged to join a particular sorority than the sorority is obligated to pledge her. Remember that sororities are different on every campus, and evolve with each group of new members. It’s important to keep an open mind, and make choices based on your personal experiences.

I have heard that sororities have various stereotypes- is this true? The only opinion of a sorority that should matter is yours. Each chapter is different from campus to campus and from year to year, so stereotypes are irrelevant. Remember that each chapter is made up of many different women with different talents and qualities which define the group, so it wouldn’t be possible for one word or phrase to describe them all.

What if I already know which sorority is right for me?Some PNM’s begin the recruitment process with an idea of which chapter they want to join before they attend their first Iced Tea party. Whether these ideas are based on friends in that chapter, stereo-types from another campus, or favorite colors; opinions formed prior to recruitment make it difficult to enjoy the process with an open mind. By attending every party with a positive attitude and open mind, you will best be able to decide which sorority is right for you.

What if I choose not to accept the bid I’m offered?If you are offered a bid and choose not to accept it, you will not be able to participate in either formal or informal recruitment for one calendar year. For this reason, we urge you to think carefully before making a decision to turn down a bid; as emotions can temporarily cloud your thinking and judgment. *If a PNM attends a preference party for a chapter from which she does not wish to receive a bid, she should inform her Pi Chi, or a member of the Panhellenic team.

Recruitment Guidelines

1. A woman is eligible to participate in membership recruitment if she is a regularly

matriculated student on campus.

2. A woman shall not be, or have ever been, an initiated member of an NPC group or join

another NPC group.

3. A woman is ineligible for membership recruitment if she has been a new member of an NPC

fraternity on this campus within the calendar year.

4. A woman shall register for membership recruitment and pay a $175 registration fee.

a. For women living off campus during the recruitment process pay a $75 registration fee.

5. A woman shall attend orientation and all parties to which she has accepted invitations. In

the event of illness or emergency, she should notify Panhellenic and/or her recruitment

counselor is she cannot attend.

6. A woman should contact her recruitment counselor and/or College Panhellenic if she

desires to withdraw from the membership recruitment process.

7. Panhellenic name tags will be provided to the Potential New Members.

8. From the beginning of orientation through the end of membership recruitment, no

Potential New Member may visit a women’s fraternity chapter except to attend invitational

or open recruitment events.

9. No women’s fraternity member may buy anything for a Potential New Member.

10. A woman shall not give a promise, either verbal or written, to join a certain fraternity before

bids are issued through Panhellenic.

11. A woman will complete the Membership Recruitment Acceptance Agreement after the last

event she attends. It is a binding contract and once has been signed, no changes may be

made.

12. Any woman signing a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Agreement and receiving a bid

at the end of the membership recruitment will be bound by the agreement for one calendar

year at the same college or university.

13. Strict silence is the time during which there is no conversation or contact between women’s

fraternity members and prospective members. This includes all references to fraternities,

verbal, written, typed, or printed. Strict silence is the period from the end of the woman’s

last event until she reports to the fraternity from which she accepts a bid.

14. A list of all membership financial responsibilities will be given to each Potential New

Member by Panhellenic or each member fraternity during membership recruitment.

Panhellenic may give a range of fees as general information.

Pnm Bill of Rights

• The right to be treated as an individual.• The right to be fully informed about the recruitment process.• The right to ask questions and receive true and objective answers from recruitment counselors and members.• The right to be treated with respect.• The right to be treated as a capable and mature person without being patronized.• The right to ask how and why and receive answers.• The right to have and express opinions to recruitment counselors.• The right to have inviolable confidentiality when sharing information with recruitment counselors.• The right to make informed choices without undue pressure from others.• The right to be fully informed about the binding agreement implicit in the preference card signing.• The right to make ones own choice and decision and accept full responsibility for the results of that decision.• The right to have a positive, safe and enriching recruitment experience.

Anti-Hazing Policy of GCSU

The University deplores hazing and other inappropriate and dangerous behavior or related activities. The University prohibits this type of practice. If a campus organization is found in violation of the college, the Interfraternity Council, the College Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and/or the affiliated national or international organization, disciplinary sanctions will be implemented.Any rites of induction, practice, ceremonies, or behaviors, which requires or allow mental or physical suffering, are prohibited. Specifically, hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, on or off campus, which could be reasonably expected to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, violation of college rules and regulations, violations of the laws or policies of the parent organizations, and/or violation of any local, state, or national laws. Activities considered to be hazing shall include one or both of the following elements: (1) coercion, either overt or covert, and (2) production of physical or mental discomfort in either the participants or the spectators. Such activities suggested by a group or a member of a group to new or trial members will be considered covert coercion even if the activity is said to be “voluntary”.

From the Georgia College & State University Student Handbook: Hazing policy.

Letter from University Housing

Dear Residents,

As a participant in the Sorority Recruitment process at GCSU, you are able to move into your assigned residence hall or apartment on Saturday, August 7 between 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. Unfortunately we are unable to extend this time frame, so please make arrangements accordingly.

Please remember to bring the following items to check in: • Bobcat Card – serves as your access card to your building • Medical Information Card • All personal items that you will need until the start of classes on (see a list of suggested items at www.gcsu.edu/housing/fallopening.htm)

We recommend you bring a hand truck or cart to help move items in and a plastic tarp to cover your belongings in case of rain. You will be able to unload your car in front of your building however you will only have up to 20 minutes until you will need to move your vehicle to a parking lot. Vehicles left on the street may be subject to ticket or tow.

More details regarding the move-in process are available at www.gcsu.edu/housing by clicking on Opening Details and additional move in information will be provided in a mailing that will arrive mid-July. Though your official move in date will be different than what is listed in this mailing, the overall procedure will remain the same. Should you have questions please contact our office.

Due to staff training and opening preparation, staff assistance between August 7 and 12 will be limited; don’t worry, you will be too busy with recruitment to notice. Should you need assistance, please contact your recruitment counselors.

We are looking forward to your arrival and wish you the best during recruitment.

University HousingGeorgia College & State University

Alpha Delta Pi

Fast FactsColors: Azure Blue & White

Flower: Woodland Violet

Philanthropy: Ronald

McDonald House

Mascot: Lion

Delta Zeta

Fast FactsColors: Rose & Green

Flower: Killarney Rose

Philanthropy: Aid to the

Speech and Hearing Impaired

Mascot: Turtle

Kappa Delta

Fast FactsColors: Green & White

Flower: White Rose

Philanthropy: Girl Scouts of

America, Dove Campaign for

Real Beauty

Mascot: Nautilus Shell

Phi Mu

Fast FactsColors: Rose & White

Flower: Enchantress Carnation

Philanthropy: Children’s

Miracle Network

Mascot: Ladybug

Zeta Tau Alpha

Fast FactsColors: Steel Gray & Turquoise Blue

Flower: White Violet

Philanthropy: Breast Cancer

Awareness

Mascot: Strawberry & Crown

My

Recruitment

Journal

Day 1 - Ice Tea

Party 1:

Party 2:

Party 3:

Party 4:

Party 5:

Overall Thoughts from today:

Day 2 - Philanthropy

Which Parties did you visit today?

Thoughts on the Parties:

Day 3 - Skit Day

Which Parties did you visit today?

Thoughts on the Parties:

Day 4 - Preference Day

Which Parties did you visit today?

Thoughts on the Parties: