Arizona State University Sororities: A Comprehensive Guide
Greek life at Arizona State University (ASU) offers a vibrant and engaging experience for students seeking community, leadership opportunities, and personal growth. In 2022, over 5,500 undergraduate students, representing 6% of the student population, were members of Greek organizations. This guide provides essential information for prospective members interested in joining a Panhellenic sorority at ASU, covering recruitment processes, financial aspects, and tips for finding the right fit.
Joining a Panhellenic Sorority: Recruitment Processes
There are two primary pathways to become a member of a Panhellenic sorority at ASU: formal recruitment and continuous open bidding (COB).
Formal Recruitment
Formal recruitment is the most common method for joining a sorority. This structured process allows potential new members (PNMs) to meet directly with members of the 13 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities recognized at ASU within the Greek Leadership Village. Phi Sigma Rho and Delta Sigma are also recognized by Arizona State Panhellenic. Formal Recruitment registration is not required to pursue membership for these groups. Alpha Epsilon Phi, Delta Sigma, and Phi Sigma Rho will host recruitment events around the same time or after formal recruitment.
Rounds of Recruitment:
- Rounds One and Two (Open House and Philanthropy): These initial rounds provide PNMs with an opportunity to learn about each sorority through informational videos during the open house and to understand their philanthropic efforts. Open house is an online round where PNMs can watch informational videos made by each Panhellenic sorority. In 2023, these rounds took place August 24-25.
- Sisterhood and Preference Rounds: During the second weekend, PNMs participate in sisterhood and preference rounds, allowing for deeper connections with the sorority members. In 2023, these rounds took place September 1-4, concluding with Bid Day.
Each round of recruitment has a different suggested dress code, some call for a required T-shirt while others require semi-formal attire. Often, PNMs will have to wait outside before entering a sorority's house for a round. Basic necessities such as water and deodorant will be provided by Panhellenic.
Continuous Open Bidding (COB)
Continuous Open Bidding (COB) offers a more informal recruitment process. Not all sororities participate in COB, and it typically occurs after formal recruitment. COB provides an additional opportunity for PNMs to connect with sororities that have available spots.
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Financial Considerations: Dues and Fees
The financial commitment associated with sorority membership is an important factor to consider. Dues for Panhellenic sororities at ASU range from $320 to $1,343 for new members, depending on the chapter. These dues cover various expenses, including chapter operations, social events, and philanthropic activities.
Navigating the Recruitment Process: Tips for PNMs
To make the most of the recruitment experience, consider the following tips:
- Registration: In order to participate in Recruitment events, you must be an enrolled student at Arizona State University. DO NOT REGISTER FOR RECRUITMENT UNTIL YOU HAVE ENROLLED IN CLASSES. A digital photograph, preferably a headshot, is required as part of the online registration form. You cannot complete the online registration process without uploading a digital photograph, however, the photograph be changed at any time prior to close of recruitment at 11:59pm on August 19th. Approximately 30 minutes to complete the form. A credit or debit card to pay the Recruitment Registration Fee. Chapters can and will use your registration answers to determine their first-round invitations. Please take the necessary time to fill out this registration completely, accurately, and honestly. Lastly, please make note of the username and password you create during the registration process. If you do not have a copy of your transcript at the time of registration that is OKAY! Please log back in to your account at a later date, prior to registration closing, to add your transcript. You can also upload a partial transcript until your final transcript becomes available.
- Research: 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. Each sorority has a different mission, tradition and culture. Each group also has a philanthropy, which is a specific organization or cause that they raise money and awareness for over the year.
- Keep an Open Mind: Each sorority has a different mission, tradition and culture. Each group also has a philanthropy, which is a specific organization or cause that they raise money and awareness for over the year. Please do not choose a sorority based on stereotypes or others' opinion's. We encourage you to keep an open mind about the chapters and make a decision that is best for you. Take a deep breath and trust the process. Keep an open mind when visiting each sorority and speaking to each organization's members.
- Attend All Scheduled Events: Do I need to go to all of the events listed on my recruitment schedule? Yes! The objective of recruitment is for you to learn as much as you can about our Panhellenic community at ASU and each of our chapters. Going to all of your events will help you make a decision regarding membership. If you intentionally miss an event you were invited to, you are not maximizing your options and could be released from the recruitment process.
- Be Prepared: Make sure to have more than one preference and be familiar with different chapters.
- Trust the Process: Take a deep breath and trust the process.
Benefits of Sorority Membership
Joining a sorority offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the college years.
- Community and Sisterhood: Sororities provide a close-knit community of women who support and encourage one another.
- Leadership Opportunities: Members have opportunities to develop leadership skills through chapter positions and involvement in campus activities.
- Academic Support: Academic achievement is your primary responsibility while at ASU. In addition to minimum GPA requirements, most chapters have an academic officer and a faculty advisor whose responsibilities include assisting members in achieving their academic goals and monitoring their academic progress. If necessary, they also help connect members with academic resources such as tutoring or mentoring to help members who are not meeting expectations.
- Philanthropy: Sororities are actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, raising money and awareness for charitable causes.
- Networking: Student and alumni networking is one of the biggest reasons prospective sorority members decide to go through recruitment. Fraternity and sorority members are very involved in other clubs and organizations across campus and in the community. In fact, many chapters expect members to be involved in at least one organization outside of the fraternity or sorority.
- Social Opportunities: Sororities organize social events and activities that enhance the college experience.
Dispelling Common Misconceptions
It's crucial to address and dispel common misconceptions about sorority life:
- Exclusivity: While recruitment is a selective process, sororities seek members from diverse backgrounds and with varied interests. Potential New Members who choose to participate in recruitment are not obligated to join a sorority. Because recruitment is a mutual selection process, there are many different outcomes to this process. Participation in Primary Recruitment does NOT guarantee you an invitation to join a sorority, and it is possible to go through recruitment and not pledge a sorority. Only wanting to be a member of one specific sorority, or only considering a few sororities, can severely limit a PNM's options for membership and can lead to disappointment.
- Hazing: ASU has strict policies against hazing, and sororities are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for their members. The new member process, sometimes referred to as pledging or associate member process, consists of a defined period of time (typically between four-eight weeks) where new members meet brothers/sisters in the fraternity/sorority, learn about the history and values of the chapter and community, participate in service and philanthropy events, and social activities .
- Superficiality: Sororities prioritize character, leadership, and academic achievement, fostering well-rounded individuals.
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