Panhellenic Recruitment 2021

Brought to you by The Panhellenic Council of

Hello! Interested in Recruitment?

We are very excited that you, a Potential New Member (PNM), have shown an interest in sorority life here at Knox! We are providing this handbook to introduce you to our sisterhoods, their benefits, philanthropic associations, guidelines, histories and traditions. Additionally, this booklet will have general information about recruitment including expectations and guidelines.

Being part of a sorority has many benefits throughout your life. As a first year at Knox, being in a sorority may help with the transition from high school to college. Even if you are not a first year student, joining a sorority any time while at Knox is a fun and rewarding time. Throughout your college career, sorority membership can provide you with a wide network of friends, leadership opportunities, academic support, networking opportunities, and social and community involvement.

Sorority life presents opportunities to embrace your collegiate experience and help you gain skills in leadership, experience personal growth, and become better prepared for life after college. There are many opportunities offered through all sororities that are great to participate in.

Sorority recruitment is a fun time to meet new people and discover the uniqueness of each sorority at Knox College. The goal is to find a chapter that you feel most comfortable with so that you feel at home in our sorority community. Don’t hesitate to ask questions!!! We encourage you to find your best fit and gain a new pool of supporting friends!

We hope you enjoy recruitment!

With love, The Panhellenic Council

Knox College Panhellenic Council

The National Panhellenic Conference Creed: We, as undergraduate members, 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 life, in harmony with its best possibilities, is the ideal that shall guide our fraternity activities.

We, as fraternity [members], 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.

The Knox College Panhellenic Council meets weekly to discuss upcoming chapter events, programs, and community concerns. The council is made up of one delegate from each of our Panhellenic chapters. The council is responsible for the selection and training of our Recruitment Counselors, planning formal recruitment, and building a community among the four sororities on campus: , , , and . The main goal of the council is to promote the values of sorority membership, deepen the bonds and strengthen the community between sorority chapters, and assist with member development. Knox College Panhellenic Council partners with the Interfraternity Council to plan events that promote interfraternal unity.

Sorority Life Terms

Active: A member of a fraternity or sorority who has been initiated and is currently in ​ ​ college. Alumna/Alumnae: An initiated member of a sorority who has received their ​ ​ undergraduate degree. Bid: A formal invitation to join a sorority or fraternity, given at the end of recruitment ​ ​ week. Big: An older member assigned to assist a new member in his or her college transition. ​ ​ Chapter: A chartered undergraduate or alumni group that is recognized by the national ​ ​ and inter-fraternity or sorority. Formal Recruitment: A structured period in January where potential members and ​ ​ chapters participate in a mutual selection process to match potential members with IFC and Panhellenic chapters. Initiation: The formal ritual that brings new members into full membership of the ​ ​ sorority or fraternity. Through initiation, members learn and commit themselves to uphold the ideals of the sorority or fraternity. Legacy: A prospective member whose parent, sibling, or grandparent is an alumni or ​ ​ active of a sorority or fraternity. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC): The governing body of historically Black ​ ​ sororities and sometimes referred to as the Divine Nine, being derived from the nine organizations that make up the council. New Member: A potential new member who has accepted a sorority bid, but has not ​ ​ been initiated. New Member Education Period: The period of time before initiation when new members ​ ​ learn about their sorority. Panhellenic Council: The governing body for all National Panhellenic Conference ​ ​ sororities on a campus. Philanthropy: Fund-raising projects sponsored by fraternities or sororities supporting ​ ​ local and inter/national charitable organizations. Note: this is different from community service. Potential New Members (PNMs): A person participating in recruitment. ​ ​ Recruitment Counselors (RCs): RCs are experienced sorority members who choose to ​ ​ dedicate their time and talent to potential new members participating in the Recruitment process. They provide personal guidance to PNMs from registration to Bid Day, thus playing a fundamental role in educating Potential New Members about the Panhellenic community and cultivating their interest in sorority life. Well-trained RCs with sincere interest in the welfare of their PNMs enhance the entire collegiate Panhellenic Community and help ensure that the Recruitment process is a mutually satisfying experience for both sororities and PNMs. Sister: A term used within sororities when referring to other members. ​ ​

Meet Our Chapters!

The purpose of a chapter shall be: ● To unite students, through membership selection, in a close bond of friendship ● To empower one another to learn lifelong skills ● To select members of its choice ● To properly maintain the organization and operation of the chapter ● To cooperate with the host institution in advancing academic interest and promoting higher standards of social conduct ● To work as a group of individuals to intentionally engage with the local community where it is most necessary ● To cooperate with other campus organizations in solving mutual problems and building higher standards of womanhood

Here at Knox we have 4 wonderful sororities. Read all about them on the next pages!

Alpha Sigma Alpha The main focus of Alpha Sigma Alpha is to foster close friendships between members and to develop women of poise and purpose. We have eight core values: balance, generosity, growth, integrity, learning, relationships, responsibility, and enjoyment. We have 3 philanthropic partners: Special Olympics, Girls on the Run, and ​ The Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. The Theta Nu chapter of Alpha Sig here at Knox was established in 2010 and has been flourishing with women of Poise and Purpose ever since. In 2020, we won the chapter of the year award. You must maintain a 2.5 GPA every term to keep in good standing. On-campus you can also find our member’s on athletic teams, terpsichore dance collective, dance squad, best buddies, order of omega, dare to care, trio, the theatre advisory board, choir, educational studies club, anime club, food recovery network, and many more activities.

Social Media: ​ Instagram- @knoxalphasig Facebook- Alpha Sigma Alpha At Knox College

Finances: ● New Member Dues: o New membership fee: $95 o Initiation fee: $150 o Jewelry fee: $35 o Total: $280 ● Initiated Member Dues: o Pay $85 a month during the academic year until June

Delta Delta Delta

The purpose of Delta Delta Delta shall be to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to assist its members in every possible way. We hope to help each of our members develop into the best version of themselves through support and resources given by the chapter. We currently have 24 members that represent our chapter here at Knox. Our members are involved in a wide variety of clubs and activities on campus. These are just some examples of things our members are involved in: Basketball, Volleyball, Cross Country, Nature Club, Pre-Law Club, Ultimate Frisbee, Lo Nuestro, Choir, Vietnamese Club, ABLE, Food Recovery Network, and many others. Our chapter's official philanthropy is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, whose goal is to help find treatments for pediatric cancers. St. Jude also relieves the financial burden of families whom they treat and offers rooms for the families to stay in while at the hospital. Members of Tri Delta are required to attend all mandatory events set by the chapter, which includes a chapter meeting once a week for approximately an hour. We have a GPA requirement of 2.5 for all of our members. In Tri Delta, we seek to embody our core values of truth, self-sacrifice, and friendship.

Social Media: Instagram- @KnoxTriDelta Facebook- Knox College Delta Delta Delta

Finances: ● Active Member Fees: $300.00 o Local Chapter Dues: $225.00 o Capital Improvement Fee: $5.00 o Parlor Fee: $50.00 o Dining Fee: $20.00 ● New Member Fees (Winter 2021): $685.00 ​ o Local Chapter Dues: $225.00 o Capital Improvement Fee: $5.00 o Parlor Fee: $50.00 o Dining Fee: $20.00 o New Member Fee-Fraternity: $48.00 o Initiation Fee-Fraternity: $162.00 o Badge/Guard Fee: $178.00 ● Study Abroad: $120.00 Local Chapter Dues: $115.00 Capital Improvement: $5.00

Kappa Kappa Gamma In 1869 at , our six founders were dissatisfied with the lack of organizations on campus that supported women. They decided to change this and create the Sorority of Kappa Kappa Gamma, a sorority that aims for our members to develop skills in which they can use after college as well during their whole college career. Our core values are friendship, leadership, scholarship, and diversity. We strive and do our utter most to make all sisters feel included and loved within our chapter and we strive to support our members academically and socially throughout their college days as well as through our strong alumni network. Our GPA Requirement is a 2.5. Chapter times are ​ ​ typically 12:00pm on Sundays, however, that is subject to change on whatever works for the majority. Each member must participate in 10 hours of service. Members complete their hours in endless ways as well as go outside in the Galesburg community. Our main philanthropy is Reading is Fundamental, which is donating books to young children in order to give them something to read outside of school. We also make bookmarks, read, and get to know the children. Our next philanthropy is the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This a donation to support our sisters and to give back to our organization so we can help sisters that are in need of support. Our last philanthropy event was Mac-and-Keys where we made and sold mac and cheese to the whole campus. Lastly, we pick a philanthropy that is important to one of our sisters. In the past we have done the MS foundation as well as many more. We currently have a total of 16 members right now. We have members involved on multiple sports teams, Pre-med clubs, the frisbee team, athletic trainers, student-workers, as well as members involved in multiple other clubs around campus.

Social Media: ​ Instagram- knoxkappa Snapchat- eta_kappakkg Facebook- [email protected] ​ Twitter- eta_kappa_kkg

Finances: ● Winter 2021 o HB House corporation fees = $50 o HB House maintenance fees = $50 o Chapter dues = $260 o Total = $360 ● Spring 2021 o HB House maintenance fees = $50 o Chapter dues = $210 o Total = $260

Pi Beta Phi Hello from the sisters of the IL Beta-Delta chapter of Pi Beta Phi. Joining Pi Phi was one of the best decisions we could have made in college and we sincerely hope you are able to find a house that makes you feel as at home as Pi Phi does for all of us. There is no such thing as a typical Pi Phi. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our members when it comes to our backgrounds, academic interests, and campus involvements. We have members who are Student Leaders, Peer Educators, Student-Athletes on the Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, and Softball teams, Red Room Tutors, involved in theater, members of Improv, Terp, and more. However, amidst all our differences, what brings all members of Pi Beta Phi together is our core values. The 6 core values of Pi Beta Phi are integrity, lifelong commitment, honor and respect, personal and intellectual growth, philanthropic service to others, and sincere friendship. To ensure these values are being upheld by all members, we do have a few requirements of membership. There is a minimum GPA requirement of 2.6, and all members must complete a certain amount of service hours each term. New members are required to complete 3 hours, with at least 1 of those hours coming from a Pi Phi philanthropy event, and active members must complete 5 hours, with at least 2 from Pi Phi philanthropy events. We also meet weekly as a chapter and have several additional exciting events each month. We are so excited to get to know all of you better and tell you more about our incredible sisterhood. Good luck with recruitment!

Social Media: Instagram- @knox.pibetaphi Facebook- Pi Beta Phi: IL Beta-Delta Chapter Website- https://knox.pibetaphi.org/About-Our-Chapter.html ​

Finances: ● New Member Dues (Winter 2021) o Total = $331 ▪ This includes the initiation fee and gold arrow pin. ● Initiated Member Dues (Spring 2021) o Total = $271 ▪ These are initiated member dues.

Sorority Values

Academic Excellence Philanthropy Career & Leadership Lifelong Friendship Being Involved Opportunities Lifelong Sisterhood Networking Supporting Community Personal Development Social Activities Constant Support

Interesting Facts About Sorority Life

● Fraternity and sorority members are more likely than all other college graduates to be thriving in each of the five elements of well-being (purpose, social, financial, community and physical). ● More fraternity and sorority members (37%) strongly agree that their institutions prepared them for life after college than all other college graduates (27%). ● 22% of college graduates who are members of a fraternity or sorority are emotionally attached to their alma maters. College graduates who were not members of a national fraternity or sorority are slightly less likely to be attached (17%). ● Knox sorority members have a higher GPA on average than female-identifying Knox students. ● There are approximately nine million fraternity/sorority members in America (both students and alumni)—that’s 3% of the population. Roughly 750,000 of those are current undergraduate students. 800 campuses in the and Canada have fraternity or sorority chapters. ● The fraternity and sorority system is the largest network of volunteers in the US, with members donating over 10 million hours of volunteer service annually. Furthermore, over $7 million is raised by fraternities and sororities nationally each year. ● There’s a correlation between fraternity and sorority membership and success later. Out of the 50 largest corporations in the world, 43 are headed by fraternity or sorority alums. ● A 2014 Gallup poll of university alumni showed a link between personal fulfillment and fraternity and sorority membership. Those who had been members of a fraternity or a sorority during their time as undergraduates reported a greater sense of purpose and better social and physical well-being than those who did not join a chapter.

Gallup-Purdue Index, 2014; https://www.factinate.com/things/45-wild-facts-fraternities-sororities/

Formal Recruitment Expectations and Rules:

1. Formal recruitment is meant to be a time where PNMs learn about the values and culture of each chapter in a friendly and no-pressure way, so if at any time you are made to feel uncomfortable or feel pressured please let your RC know. 2. Reading, understanding and signing our Attendance Agreement is mandatory. 3. In order to be eligible to have an opportunity to receive an invitation to Preference Round and a bid, you must attend the Panhellenic Fair and House Tour portion of recruitment and at least 1 event for each chapter. You are welcome to attend more than one event if you’d like! You must also attend Preference Round if invited in order to receive a bid. 4. If you cannot attend an event for each chapter or must miss Preference Round, talk to your RC as soon as you can so that the Panhellenic Council Executive Board may determine if the absence is excused so that you remain eligible to participate in Preference Round and Bid Matching. 5. The use of alcohol is prohibited in recruitment and bid day activities. 6. Dress code for formal recruitment is casual for all events except the Preference Round. For Preference Round, please “dress up” – this means to wear clothing that makes you feel dressed up, as we want you to be comfortable not simply dress to impress! 7. A PNM must contact their Recruitment Counselor and/or College Panhellenic if they desire to withdraw from the membership recruitment process. 8. From the beginning of orientation through the end of membership recruitment, no PNM may meet with a sorority chapter except to attend invitational or open recruitment events. 9. No sorority member may buy anything for a potential new member. 10. A PNM will not give a promise, either verbal or written, to join a certain sorority before bids are distributed by Panhellenic. 11. A PNM will complete the membership recruitment acceptance binding agreement (MRABA) after attending Preference Round. It is a binding contract and once it has been signed, no changes may be made. 12. Strict silence is the period during which there is no conversation or contact between sorority members and potential new members. This includes all references to sororities (verbal, written, typed or printed). Strict silence is the period from the end of someone’s last recruitment event until they report to the sorority from which they accepted a bid.

Things You Need to Know About Recruitment

● The College Panhellenic has information available that tells you what to expect during recruitment (schedule, what to wear, etc.). ● You should ask questions when you do not understand. ● Some events will have more potential new members in attendance than others, and this is no reflection on a chapter. ● You must attend all events during Preference Round for which you receive an invitation. Failure to attend an event may jeopardize your ability to receive invitations. Failure to attend an event(s) that you receive an invitation to may jeopardize your continued participation in recruitment. If any time conflicts arise, you must inform your Recruitment Counselor or the Panhellenic Council as far in advance as possible. ● Being a legacy of an organization does not ensure membership in that chapter. ● Panhellenic sororities recognize the importance of scholarship, and therefore each have a minimum GPA requirement to be a member of the chapter. ● All NPC organizations have policies against . ● No chapter member may promise or imply the promise of a bid. ● You are expected to act politely and respectfully when attending recruitment events. ● You should expect to be treated politely and with respect. ● Every individual attending a preference event must appear on a sorority’s bid list, but this does not ensure an invitation to join that particular sorority, because recruitment is a mutual selection process. ● You must be certain you understand the membership recruitment acceptance binding agreement (MRABA) that you will be expected to sign immediately after attending the last preference event. ● You may choose not to join an organization and therefore not sign the MRABA, but you must notify the fraternity/sorority advisor of this decision in writing. ● You may choose to limit or list only one choice on your MRABA or may list all the chapters where you attended preference events. ● You must understand that if you list an organization on your MRABA, are matched to that chapter and receive an invitation to membership, you are bound to that organization until the beginning of the next primary membership recruitment period. ● Men and alcohol are not permitted during recruitment or Bid Day activities.

Inclusivity and Stigma

We are actively striving to gain an understanding of how we can support potential new members of varying backgrounds and identities.

Our goal is to build an equitable environment that is diverse and inclusive for all. Currently, we are working towards our goal through our value-based recruitment process, which allows potential new members to connect with current members sharing core values and genuine conversations. We understand that historically sorority life has been extremely exclusionary. Therefore, we are committed to dismantling the systems that perpetuate those beliefs. For example, we do not favor participants with sorority alumnae connections and don’t require or seek recommendations for recruitment.

We understand that this process is not simple and we are consistently learning how to better our strategies and processes.

Recruitment during COVID-19

Although recruitment will be virtual, we are very excited about meeting and chatting with PNMs comfortably and safely, while also giving even more flexibility (since it will be from home). We are expecting all participants to sign a norm agreement to ensure that we all respect each other and maintain good attendance and communication during our virtual meetings. However, we understand that some may be less comfortable online and we aren’t putting pressure on members to speak to large groups of people they may not know. For this reason, groups will be as small as 3-4 students and will not need preparation on the PNMs part.

The opportunities that a sisterhood brings aren’t limited or reduced due to COVID. Bonding, fundraising, professional/personal development remain, they just look different to keep everyone safe and a lifetime membership is still what every current member carries!

PNMs 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 straight 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 NPC Unanimous Agreements implicit in the membership recruitment acceptance binding agreement (MRABA) signing process ● The right to make one’s own choice and decision and accept full responsibility for the results of that decision ● The right to have a positive, safe and enriching recruitment and new member experience

Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) and Preference Lists

The MRABA is the agreement which a PNM signs indicating that they agree to the following statements: ● You are willing to accept a bid from any sorority you list on the agreement. ● You will list the sorority or sororities in order of your preference for receiving a bid, putting your first choice first. ● You do not have to list all the sororities that are your remaining choices. ● If you are certain you will not accept a bid from any of your remaining choices and you do not see yourself as a member of that sorority, you may choose to limit your choices. ● You must understand that if you choose to limit your choices, you might not receive a bid through this recruitment process. ● If you do not receive a bid from any sorority or sororities you have listed, you are eligible to join a sorority through continuous open bidding (COB) if there is an opportunity. ● Not all sororities will have available spaces or participate in COB. ● If you do receive a bid from a sorority you listed, and choose not to accept it, you are NOT eligible to join a sorority on this campus until the start of the next primary recruitment period. You will not be eligible to participate in COB if this opportunity is available. ● You should only list the sororities for which you will accept a bid.

Campus Director Prior to Preference Round, PNMs will electronically submit their chapter preferences in rank order on Campus Director. To do this, log on to Campus Director and click on the Preference tab underneath “Rounds” on the left hand side, then click “Enter Priorities”. There will be a screen that looks like the image below. On this screen, PNMs will rank in order the four chapters and then submit their preference list. After the Preference Round is completed, PNMs will again electronically submit the MRABA and a list of up to two chapters in rank order for which they would be willing to accept a bid. The “Bid Matching” tab on the left hand side will be used to submit their final ranked preferences and the MRABA.