How does Formal Recruitment work?

Formal Recruitment is a mutual selection process, designed to help each girl find her place in the chapter that is right for her. It Is hosted by the Panhellenic Council and gives every girl the opportunity to meet each of the eight Panhellenic sororities at UMass. Throughout the week of recruitment, by the process of mutual selection, both individuals and chapters will narrow their choices. You may not get the chapter you originally thought you wanted, but do not be discouraged! Keep an open mind and you will find that every single chapter has something unique and beautiful to offer. A chapter you may have not originally been interested in may actually be the right place for you, and you can only find out by giving it a chance.

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What should I talk about durning parties?

Each individual party is not very long, so don’t be afraid to talk about yourself and your interests. Be sure to ask any and all questions that you may have. is is your opportunity to find out anything you want to know about Greek Life! How much time will I participate in sorority activities? The amount of time you put into your sorority will depend on how big a part you wish it to play in your life. Each chapter has a different new member program, though most include weekly meetings and sisterhood bonding events. Many sisters have jobs or are involved in other organizations and are able to balance these commitments with their sorority and academics.

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What if all my friends want a different sorority than me?

There is a very likely chance that you will end up in a different sorority than the friends you make during recruitment, and that is okay! Don’t let yourself be influenced by others opinions or by rumors you might hear, whether good or bad. You have to experience each chapter for yourself and make your own decisions. It may sound cliché, but, in your heart you will know where you belong.

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Is joining a sorority expensive?

Like any other organization, joining a sorority comes with a financial commitment. The precise amount of dues varies from chapter to chapter, and most chapters have payment plans for those who need it. While chapters will work with you as best as they can, it is important to truly consider the financial responsibility you take on when joining a sorority. If you are concerned about this, talk with your Rho Gamma and with the chapters you are interested in. This is a big investment, and you are entitled to know where your money is going.

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Does everyone get a bid?

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The purpose of the recruitment process is to allow you and the chapters to decide on the best fit. The reality is not everyone who goes through recruitment finds a match, but every effort is made to provide opportunities for involvement to any young woman who is interested in the sorority experience.

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How can I prepare for recruitment?

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Do your research to know the sororities on your campus. Visit their chapters instagram and websites along with the websites of their inter/national organization. You can get a sense of their philanthropic and service events, scholarship requirements, requirements for letters of recommendations and opportunities for involvement the chapter has on campus. Ask questions. Consider the mutual selection process like an interview. Chapter members will be asking questions about you, but this is also your opportunity to get to know the chapters.

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What is the Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement?

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The Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) is a binding agreement that is signed between preference round and bid day when you give your final preferences for sorority membership. If you sign the MRABA and choose not to join or stay in the sorority from which you received a bid, you cannot join another chapter until the next primary member recruitment period.

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How will I know which group is right for me?

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In order to choose a chapter that is right for you, you should do some preliminary research about each organization before recruitment. Then you should participate in recruitment. The recruitment process will allow you and the chapters to decide on the best fit. As you go through the process, be sure to keep an open mind, take notes after each round to remember your conversations and be yourself!

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