New Member Recruitment Information

About Respect ... Standards of Conduct and Human Dignity

West Georgia's Hazing Policy

Any practices, ceremonies, behaviors, or rites of introduction which tend to occasion, require 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 emotional physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, the violation of university rules and regulations, the violation of the laws and policies of the parent organization and/or the violation of any local, state, and national laws. All rules and regulations of the State University of West Georgia as well as local, state and national laws shall supersede those policies of national or local organizations. All assessments as to the appropriateness of an action will be considered within the context of the standards of the total university community.

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 emotional discomfort in either the participants or 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."

Panhellenic Recruitment Rules

Potential Member Regulations

1. Participation in Recruitment and pledging is restricted to students who are currently enrolled as a full-time student in good academic standing at the State University of West Georgia.
2. To participate in Recruitment, the student must register with the Panhellenic Council and pay a registration fee of $60.00 to cover the cost of supportive material. Late registration fee (if paid after Friday, August 2nd) is $75.00.
3. It is strongly suggested that the Potential Member attend all Open Houses and Party Rounds. If she cannot attend, she must contact her Recruitment Counselor 24 hours prior to the event.
4. If a Potential Member wishes to become new member, she must sign a Preference Card in the Performing Arts Center after the Preference Night Party Round.
5. Any chapter that 'snaps' or open bids a women must bring the Potential Member in to the Student Activities Office, and have her sign a Preference Card. This must be done within 24 hours of the bid being extended. If the chapter fails to do so, they will be subject to sanctions deemed appropriate by the Assistant Director of Student Activities/Greek Affairs and Panhellenic Executive Council.
6. A Potential Member must consult her Recruitment Counselor before withdrawing from the recruitment program. In the event a Potential Member feels she must withdraw, she must complete an official withdrawal form with her Recruitment Counselor.
7. Any Potential Member signing a preferential card and receiving a bid at the end of Recruitment is bound by the agreement for one calendar year if she is at the same university or college.
8. If necessary, potential members and sorority women may live together during Recruitment if the living arrangement has already been planned for Fall Semester. Under NO circumstances are the roommates to go out together during the Recruitment process (from the time sorority women arrive on campus to the time bids are extended.) Absolutely no visitors (except parents) are permitted during the Recruitment process (this includes any sorority members, alumni, other potential members, non Greeks, and any men). The names, address, and phone number of the sorority women and potential members must be reported to the Panhellenic Recruitment Chair as soon as the arrangements have been made.
9. Potential Members found in violation of any of the Recruitment rules and procedures will be subject to dismissal from the Recruitment program.

Potential Member's 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 binding agreements implicit in preference card signing.
• 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 pledging experience.

Helpful Tips for Recruitment

• Organize your daily schedule and plan enough time for meals, sleep and the Recruitment parties.
• Become familiar with the Greek alphabet and Recruitment terms.
• Make sure you are familiar with the costs of membership when considering joining.
• Try to meet several members in each chapter to get a better perspective of the chapter.
• Try to think of a fraternity or sorority as a group of friends. After all, they will be a group with whom you will have a lot of close associations.
• Do not adopt a new personality for Recruitment. Each chapter is interested in you, being yourself.
• Communicate with your Recruitment Counselor if you have any problems during Recruitment, or if there is any difficulty attending any of your parties.
• Keep an open mind and find out what the Greek system has to offer you.
• Inform your parents of your involvement in Recruitment. Make sure they, too, understand what Greek life entails.

Questions to Ask During Recruitment

At a Recruitment Party

• What will it cost to be a new member this year?
• What types of social activities are planned for the upcoming semester?
• What are the different living arrangements in the house?
• Are there study hours for new members?
• What does your new member program entail and what is the length of your new member program? What activities do you do with other sororities and fraternities?
• If I join your chapter, will I be expected to participate in all the activities?
• Does a grade requirement exist for initiation eligibility?
• Why do you enjoy being in a sorority?
• What is your chapter's philanthropy?
• Am I required to live on the chapter hall? If so, for how long?
• Are the women of the chapter involved in other campus organizations? If so, which ones? What activities can I, and must I, participate in as a new member?

Of your Recruitment Counselor

• Why do you enjoy being in a sorority?
• What is a preference card?
• Why shouldn't I list only a single preference on my preference card?
• I know which sorority I want to join, so why should I go to the events of other sororities?
• What are recommendations or references and should I get one for each sorority?
• What is Panhellenic Council?

Suggestions for Recruitment

A new wardrobe is not necessary for Recruitment. It's what is on the inside that counts the most. Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable when worn for a long period of time. Dress to express your personality! Don't wear something that will make you feet uncomfortable or make you feel self-conscious. Don't carry around a lot of necessary accessories that you might misplace or lose. Most of all, relax, have a great time during Recruitment, and don't forget to wear your dazzling smile!

For more information, feel free to contact the Department of Student Activities (678) 839-6526.