University of Central FloridaPanhellenic Sorority Recruitment 2013

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Welcome to the University of Central Florida! We are so excited for you to set sail with our UCF Panhellenic Community and find your own personal paradise! This booklet will serve as your guide for everything that you will need to know about sorority recruitment 2013.

Our Panhellenic community is comprised of 12 individual chapters. Each chapter is unique and diverse, offering a different experience for everyone, all the while knowing that all chapters are united in a larger community. Joining one of these chapters offers you membership in the largest women’s organization on our campus and will let you be a part of a national organization that has over a century worth of history and thousands of members world wide.

What do you want out of your college experience? Deciding to partake in formal recruit-ment will immediately help you find your place here at UCF. Over the past 43 years, sorority involvement has continued to shape women and create strong female leaders on this campus. What you get out of membership in this community will be different for every individual, but undoubtedly you will be presented with opportunity, relationships and unforgettable experiences. The life skills learned through membership in our community prepare our women to balance campus involvement, community service, scholarship, sisterhood and achieve leadership positions on and off campus. Upon graduation, our women are equipped with everything that one would need to successfully take on the world.

We invite you to take a closer look at each sorority that comprises our Panhellenic Council here at UCF. Our formal recruitment process will allow you to see deeper into each chapter and see their missions and the values that they hold. We encourage you to keep an open mind and find what best suites you and your values. Trust your instincts and follow your heart; disregard any stereotypes or rumors that you may hear. The result of formal recruitment will impact the rest of your life, and can guide you in becoming the woman that you have always wanted to be. The sisterhood within each organization and our Panhellenic Community are bonds that will last a lifetime.

On behalf of the Panhellenic Community, we are proud to present our Greek Community to you. We are here to help you throughout the recruitment process, so do not hesitate to contact us. You can call the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at (407) 823-2072 or email us at panrecruitment@ucf.edu. Thank you again for your interest in the Panhellenic Community at the University of Central Florida and we look forward to meeting you in August.

Pan Love,

Princess Peach Panhellenic President University of Central Florida

Panhellenic Association

When you join one of the twelve National Panhellenic Conference sororities at UCF, you also become a member of the Panhellenic Council. The UCF Panhellenic Council is the umbrella organization for the twelve NPC sororities at UCF, and is responsible for organizing activities of mutual interest to all sororities on campus.

The National Panhellenic Conference was founded in 1902. There are currently 26 women’s fraternities/sororities both national and international. Each of these 26 organizations is a different social, Greek-letter society of college women and alumnae. Members are represented on more than 600 college and university campuses in the United States and Canada. There are currently more than 5,300 alumnae associations, making up more than 3 million sorority women in the world!

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What To Expect WhenJoining A Sorority

Friendship and Sisterhood

When you join a sorority you will not just be making new friends but you will also find your home away from home. Sisterhood is more than wearing Greek letters and attending events. Sisterhood is a feeling and a sense of belonging. It is the feeling of being yourself and being respected for you individuality. Sisterhood is making friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Campus Involvement

Each year, Greeks participate in a variety of university organizations and events. The Panhellenic Council and your chapter will encourage you to become involved in campus wide activities. Greeks are currently involved on campus in organizations such as the Student Government Association, honor societies, special interest clubs, intramural sports, Orientation Team(O-Team), Resident Assistants and campus tour guides. Because UCF greatly supports the Greek community, it is important that we, as Greek women, give back to our campus by being involved in all that it has to offer.

ScholarshipAcademic achievement is a significant component of your future success. The primary purpose of the Greek community is to encourage and develop high scholastic performance among its members. Sororities offer many resources and educational opportunities to facilitate high quality learning for their members. In relation to the greater UCF community the All-Sorority average GPA is consistently higher than the undergraduate All-Women’s average GPA. Many Panhellenic members appear on the Dean’s list, Presidents list and belong to honor societies such as: Order of Omega, Golden Key, and Rho Lambda.

LeadershipOne of the significant opportunities afforded by Greek membership is leadership development. Chapters provide educational programs in areas such as time management, leadership and communication. Leadership is not only attainable through Greek life but on campus as well. Greek women currently hold leadership positions in the Student Government Association, President’s Leadership Council, Order of Pegasus, Orientation Team, Homecoming Executive Board, KnightThon Executive Board, along with countless other organizations and honor societies.

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Service & Philanthropy

Greek women’s interest and concerns go far beyond the confines of campus life. Sororities sponsor a multitude of activities each year to impact the local community and earn money for special philanthropies or identified projects. Each chapter also donates its time and efforts to a particular project, either locally or nationally.

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How Does Recruitment Work?

August 11th: Greek Forum &Parent’s ForumThe first night of recruitment is to provide you with an overview of the week, meet your Rho Gammas, and meet with the other women who will be in your group. If your parents are unfamiliar with sororities or want more information pertaining to recruitment or Greek life in general they can attend our Parent’s Forum.

August 12th & 13th: UCF DayThis is a casual way for you to meet members from each of our 12 chapters. On these days, you will spend 25 minutes with each sorority. The emphasis for these 2 days is to get to know a little bit about each chapter.

August 14th: Philanthropy Day On this day you will have the opportunity to visit up to 8 chapters for 30 minutes each. You will learn about the many different philanthropies each Panhellenic organization supports.

August 15th: Video DayThis day you will visit up to 6 chapters for 45 minutes each. During this time, each sorority will show a 10 minute video that will give you more insight into their particular organization. Each video will include photos and video clips of moments that are special to each chapter.

August 16th: Preference KnightThis is a very special night, you will have a chance to visit up to 3 chapters. Each chapter will hold a ceremony that will give you a glimpse into their sisterhood. This night will be your last chance to decide where you see yourself fitting in for the rest of you life.

August 17th: Bid DayThis is the most exciting and memorable day of recruitment! You will meet up with your Rho Gamma group one last time, find out which chapter the Rho Gamma’s and Exec Board are members of, receive your bid card, and finally run home to your new sorority.

Formal recruitment is a mutual selection process that is designed to help place interested collegiate females into the sorority they are most compatible with; one that best suits their needs and encourages them to continually flourish throughout their years at UCF. This style of recruitment greatly increases the chances of every individual being placed in a sorority as long as each of the following events are attended:

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We Are Here To Help You!

Rho Gamma

A Rho Gamma is another name for “recruitment guide”. Your Rho Gamma will be one of the first people you meet during recruitment week (at Greek Forum). Her overall goal is to make your recruitment experience the best it can be. She is not affiliated with her sorority nor does she have contact with any sorority so you can be sure any questions or concerns you might have will stay confidential. Remember she is there for you, so don’t be afraid to ask her anything! If she can’t answer your questions she’ll certainly know where to find it.

Each Rho Gamma will have a group of potential new members during recruitment that she oversees and helps through the process. You will meet your Rho Gamma group at Greek Forum as well. Get to know these girls, soon you will all be members of the Panhellenic Community together!

Panhellenic & Recruitment Executive Boards

The Panhellenic and Recruitment Executive boards are also disaffiliated sorority members. Each of these ladies has a different job and play a very important role in the recruitment process. If you have any recruitment questions please do not hesitate to ask them!

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Going Through Recruitment

Recruitment is a very exciting time for current and potential chapter members alike. We want to make your experience as fun and carefree as possible by letting you know what to expect, and preparing for any weather conditions you may face.

The recruitment process is held in our campus greek housing which is on or just off our Greek Park Drive. These events or “parties” that youwill be attending will be inside the chapter houses, but you will be meeting and gathering between parties outside. We have come up with a suggested packing list to help make your life a little easier:

Small Umbrella or Poncho: For the unpredictable Florida hurricane season! Band-Aids/Blister Blockers: If you are wearing heels you can prevent blisters from forming. Flip-Flops: You can slip them on between parities if your heels are bothering you. Small Snack: The days can get a little long, a small snack will help you stay energized. Advil/Tylenol: The heat and long hours can cause headaches. Pack medicine if you are prone to them. Hairbrush/Make-up: If you’re worried about the August humidity ruining your looks, you can always bring something to touch-up with. Mints: Your Rho Gammas will supply them, but it never hurts to have them in case they run out.

Philanthropy day

Video Day Preference Knight

UCF DayGreek Forum

What To Wear

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Sororities

ADP

AEF

Alpha Delta PiNickname: ADPi Colors: Azure Blue and White Symbol: Lion, Diamond Flower: Woodland Violet Philanthropy: The Ronald McDonald House Motto: “We live for each other”

www.adpiucf.com

Alpha Epsilon PhiNickname: AEPhi Colors: Green and White Symbol: Giraffe, Heart Flower: Lilly of the Valley Philanthropy: Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids Foundation; Sharsherel Breast Cancer NetworkMotto: “Many hearts one purpose”

www.aephiucf.com

AXD

CW

Sororities

Alpha Xi DeltaNickname: Alpha Xi Colors: Double Blue and Gold Symbol: Quill, Betxi Bear (Teddy Bear) Flower: Pink Killarney Rose Philanthropy: Autism SpeaksMotto: “Inspiring Women to realize their potential”

www.ucf.alphaxidelta.org

Chi OmegaNickname: Chi O Colors: Cardinal Red & Straw Yellow Symbol: Skull and Crossbones, Owl Flower: White CarnationPhilanthropy: The Make-A-Wish Foundation Motto: “Hellenic Culture and Christian Ideals”

www.chiomegaucf.com

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Sororities

DDD

DZ

Delta Delta Delta Nickname: Tri Delta Colors: Silver, Gold and Blue Symbol: Dolphin, Pearl, Pine Tree and Trident Flower: Pansy Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Motto: “Let us steadfastly love one another”

www.trideltaucf.com

Delta Zeta Nickname: Dee Zee Colors: Rose and Green Symbol: The Roman Lamp and Turtle Flower: Pink Killarney Rose Philanthropy: Speech & Hearing, The Pained Turtle Camp Motto: “Enriching lives that challenge the world”

www.deltazetaucf.com

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Sororities

GFB

KAQ

Gamma Phi Beta Nickname: Gamma Phi Colors: Light Brown and Dark BrownSymbol: Crescent MoonFlower: Pink CarnationPhilanthropy: Building Strong Girls/Supporting Girls on the run, Camp Fire and Girl Guides of CanadaMotto: “Founded upon a Rock”

www.GammaPhiBetaUCF.com

Kappa Alpha ThetaNickname: Theta Colors: Black and Gold Symbol: Kite, Twin Stars Flower: Black and Gold Pansy Philanthropy: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Motto: “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Kappa Alpha Theta”

https://etatheta.kappaalphatheta.org

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Sororities

KD

KKG

Kappa Delta Nickname: Kay-Dee Colors: Olive Green & Pearl White Symbol: Nautilus Shell, Dagger, Teddy Bear, Katydid Flower: White Rose Philanthropy: Prevent Child Abuse America, Girl scouts of America Motto: “Let us strive for that which is honorable, beautiful and highest”

www.kducf.com

Kappa Kappa Gamma Nickname: Kappa Colors: Light Blue & Dark Blue Symbol: Key, Owl, Fleur-de-lis Flower: Iris Philanthropy: Reading is Fundamental, Kappa Kappa Gamma Founda-tion, Cystic Fibrosis FoundationMotto: “Aspire to be”

www.kappaucf.net

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Sororities

PBF

ZTA

Pi Beta PhiNickname: Pi Phi Colors: Wine and Silver Blue Symbol: Arrow, Angel Flower: Wine Carnation Philanthropy: First Book & Pi Beta Phi FoundationMotto: “Live it, Love it, Gotta be”

www.pibetaphi.org/pibetaphi/ucf/

Zeta Tau AlphaNickname: Zeta Colors: Turquoise Blue and Steel Grey Symbol: Five pointed crown, Strawberry Flower: White Violet Philanthropy: Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Motto: “Seek the Noblest”

ucf.zetataualpha.org

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FAQWhat should students know before joining a sorority on the Panhellenic council? A sorority is a fraternal organization of women. These groups of women are bonded together by their ritual, which contains the founding principles, ideals and aspiration of each organization. As a lifetime member of a Greek organization, students are offered the chance to develop as leaders, serve the local community, and focus on their academic and career preparation while being surrounded by a caring supportive network of peers and alumnae. With all of these advantages, also come expectations of membership. Sorority women are expected to commit to academic excellence, community service work, and character development.

How much does it cost to join a Panhellenic sorority at UCF?Like most organizations, joining a sorority requires a financial commitment. Withthat being said, the cost of joining a sorority will be different for each organization. However, think of your sorority dues as more of an investment. You are investing in lifelong friendships and an amazing college experience. Futhermore, most sororities have payment plans that are available if needed. If you are worried about the financial commitment, be open and honest with the sorority you are interested in. Make sure to ask questions during recruitment. As with any purchase, you want to make sure you know where your money is going and this is no different when joining a sorority. Ask good questions and make sure the sororities are providing you the

information you need to make an informed decision. Individual chapter costs can also be found at our website under individual chapter costs, and can also be found at our website under the recruitment tab.

How many hours a week will I spend participating in sorority activities? What’s important to understand about a sorority is that you will get out of it whatever you are willing to put into it. During your new member period, you will have new member meetings with your sorority weekly, special programs to attend, and chapter activities to enjoy. As an initiated member, the majority of your time will be spent in chapter meetings, studying, attending social activities, playing intramural sports, participating in philanthropy events, and doing community service. What is important to understand about a sorority is that you will get out of it whatever you are willing to put into it.

Which sorority is the best to join?All of the sororities offer different incentives and opportunities though their membership. It really depends on what you are looking for in a sorority and what each one has to offer for your needs. The best way to find out which sorority is right for you is to go through recruitment.

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FAQWhat is formal recruitment? At UCF, formal recruitment is a process that allows interested women to get toknow each sorority chapter before deciding which organization is best for her. If you decide to go through formal recruit, you (and over 700 other women) will come to UCF and move-in a week before school starts in the fall. To make the process easier, you will be assigned a group of Recruitment Guides (Rho Gammas), who are sorority women that are disaffiliated from their chapters during the entire summer and recruitment week. These women will be with you throughout the week, and they can answer any questions you may have about recruitment or Greek life. During recruitment week, you will visit all of the chapters on campus and get to know women in each chapter. Each round of recruitment consists of planned social events: for example, video day allows the sorority women to showcase their creativity and humor with a video, while philanthropy day focuses on each chapter’s community service work. This day will help you figure out the goals, values, and personality of each chapter on campus, and help you decide which chapter is best for you. Keep in mind that recruitment is a mutual selection process, so while you are deciding which chapters you feel most comfortable with, the women in each chapter are also trying to figure out who would fit best into their sorority.

I am involved in another organiza-tion that conflicts with the formal recruitment dates. I want to do for-mal recruitment, what should I do?We understand that students involved in LEAD scholars, the UCF marching band, Orientation Team, UCF Athletics, and

Resident Assistants (RAs) have a lot going on the week before school which may conflict with the formal recruitment schedule. To accommodate those students who are participating in the activities we listed, we have a special event just for you! It is called Greek Knight Line-Up, for more information on this event please check out the recruitment tab of our website.

Can women who are not freshmen go through recruitment? Yes! Sororities accept women of all class levels as long as you are an undergraduate, full-time student on the UCF campus; you are eligible to join a sorority! Sorority life has many wonderful opportunities to offer to all college women. There is no reason for you to miss out on the experience because you are not a freshman. All undergraduate college women are encouraged to participate in recruitment regardless of their year in college.

How long does the new memberperiod last? The length of new member periods, like many other things, differs from chapter to chapter. The new member period can last anywhere from four weeks to an entire semester because each chapter has a different new member program. This is one of the questions you’ll have to be sure to ask while going through the recruitment process!

FAQWhat is a recommendation letter and are they necessary? Letters of recommendation are letters written by sorority alumna recommending you to her sorority. While recommendations are definitely appreciated by a chapter, you are not responsible for securing them. It is actually a chapter’s responsibility to obtain one if they need information. However, if you know an alumna, it is not uncommon to ask her if she would be willing to write a letter of recommendation to her sorority. Each chapter’s national organization has their own protocol for recommendation letters, so if you have any questions, encourage her to contact them for more information.

How long is each day of recruitment? Recruitment days can be long because this is an investment in your future. However, we do our best to keep you only for as long as needed. Although we have a schedule, sometimes weather and other things can cause conflict. In the end, each day gets a little shorter so come ready and think about how great it will be the last day when you finally get to run to your letters!

All my friends want the same sorority, but I do not feel like I would fit in there. What should I do?Go with your gut instinct! Recruitment is a time for you to reflect on what is best for you. Choosing your sorority is a life-long decision and you should want to be where you fit in best. Remember that picking a sorority is an intensely personal decision, and should be made by you and you alone! Try not to let your friends, mom, dad, sister, aunt or another sorority woman, ect. try to influence you one way or another. Your true friends will still be your friends even if you are in another sorority! Try to keep your opinions of

different sororities to yourself during the recruitment week because just as you want to make the decision for yourself, you do not want your opinion to influence others.

If I get sick during a recruitment event will I be removed from the sororities invite list? No, no one can blame you for getting sick! Find your Rho Gamma, and inform her of your situation. She will be happy to offer you a seat, water, and a break from those shoes!

Can I withdraw from recruitment? Yes, you may. We encourage you stay through the week because you will be surprised how happy you are in the end. The women are looking for the future leaders of their sororities, and often you may not know your best fit until you are in the chapter. As soon as you start to feel uncomfortable or uneasy about recruitment you should talk to your Rho Gamma, that’s why she’s there! She has already gone through this experience and may be able to give you advice that will ease your concerns. Our best advice is to stick it out, you may be surprised.

Are there any scholarships or financial aid to help pay for sorority fees? A student’s financial aid is first used to pay for tuition and residence hall contracts. If a student has money left over, the university writes a refund check in the student’s name. That money can be used to pay for sorority fees or any other financial obligations. If a student moves into her chapter house, she may receive a larger refund check because she is no longer paying for dorm housing. In that case the extra money could be used to pay housing expenses to the sorority. In addition, many chapters have local and national scholarship programs exclusively for members; you can ask each chapter for more information.

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Greek ParkMap!

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KAQ

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Gemini Blvd

Greek Park Dr.

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New MemberBill of Rights

As you go through the recruitment process, it is important to understand how much we respect you and your decision to go through recruitment. It is our goal to make sure all potential new members feel comfortable and excited about going through recruitment and have fun throughout the entire week. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or feel that something just is not supposed to be a certain way please let us know and the Recruitment Team and your Rho Gamma will do all we can to accommodate you. The following statements break down the rights potential new members have as they go through the process.

-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 the chapter members, recruitment team and rho gammas -The right to be treated as a capable and mature person without being patronized -The right to ask how and why and receive straight answers -The right to have and express opinions to rho gammas and the recruitment team -The right to have confidentiality when sharing information with recruitment guides and the recruitment team. -The right to make informed choices without pressure from others. -The right to be fully informed about the binding agreements implicit in the preference card signing. -The right to make ones own choice and decision and accept full responsibility for the results of the decision.

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Pan Love

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Sponsors

If you have any questions about recruitment don’t hesitate to contact us.

We will be happy to assist you.

E-Mail: panrecruitment@ucf.eduPhone: (407) 823-2072

Office: Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Union 154Facebook: UCF Panhellenic Council

Twitter: @UCFPanhellenic