FAQ’s For Parents & Caregivers

When your student is interested in joining a sorority there are a lot of questions about what that means. We know you are right a vital force in her decision and want to be just as educated to help her through this experience. Below are the most frequently asked questions by friends and family of potential members.

• How will joining a sorority benefit my student?

  Joining a sorority can enhance a students personal and professional development. Sorority provides students with skills such as: time management, study skills, leadership, teamwork, problem solving and conflict management. She will also gain rewarding relationships and be around women who support her in all her endeavors.

• How do I support my student if she joins a sorority?

  They best way to support your student is to learn about the experience she is going through. Ask her questions and show an interest as she goes through this new experience. You can learn more about how to support your student here. 

• Why can’t my daughter have her phone with her during recruitment?

  While not every university limit phone usage during recruitment, many do. College Panhellenics discourage phone usage, unless there is an emergency, so that women do not discuss the sorority preferences with their friends. This allows the woman to truly make membership decisions based on her preferences and not the opinions of her friends. It is also unlikely they will have time to use their phone during recruitment.

• How does recruitment work?

  Recruitment is the process all women interested in joining an NPC sorority must participate in. There are two different types of recruitment – primary and secondary. During primary recruitment, students will have the chance to meet all the organizations on  campus and decide which sorority is the best fit for her. Secondary recruitment is a little different because not every organization will always participate. When they do participate they will typically announce it on social media and the events are typically more informal.

• What are the requirements to join a sorority?

  Each sorority on each campus sets their own requirements to join their organization. However, there are requirements that all sororities have. For example, you must be an undergraduate student seeking a bachelor’s degree to participate in recruitment. Member organizations will set more specific requirements, such as GPA, though students can register for recruitment no matter their GPA.

• Will my students high school GPA affect her chances of joining a sorority?

  National Panhellenic Conference does not set a GPA requirement to participate in recruitment. However, member organizations do set GPA requirements for membership. Learn more about how GPA affects sorority recruitment.

• Will joining a sorority affect my student’s grades?

  Every sorority prioritizes the academic success of its members. All sororities have GPA requirements and incorporate study groups or other academic programs to ensure members are staying focused on coursework. Many sororities offer scholarships to support the academic success of their members as well.

• Will my daughter be supported?

  Each sorority chapter has alumnae advisors that oversee various parts of sorority operations. All chapter advisors are there to support chapter members and be a resource. In addition, many universities, though not all, will have a professional staff member that works on campus. They are trained in various areas to be a resource for the fraternal community. They provide guidance for chapter programming, personal development and more.

• Is it safe?

  NPC and its 26 member organizations have made safety a priority. Member organizations have committed to positively influencing the physical and mental health behaviors of sorority women. Sorority sisters strive to keep one another safe by hosting educational programs and supporting one another.

• How much does it cost?

  There is a cost associated with being in a sorority and members are held accountable for meeting their financial obligations. Though the costs will differ on each campus and each sorority dues are influenced by chapter size, housing, chapter activities, etc. Most costs are split up over an academic term and chapter treasurers will work to create payment plans if needed. The cost for each organization should be discussed during the recruitment process by the member organizations and the College Panhellenic on campus.

• What philanthropy work do women do?

  National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is the umbrella organization for 26 sororities. Each of those sororities have their own national philanthropic partners while each collegiate chapter participates or hosts different events that benefit the national partners. Many chapters will also donate their time or fund raise for local organizations as well.

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