Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from women who are interested in sororities and these are the answers we provide when asked.
Hope this helps explain some details that can make this process less confusing and more enjoyable for you!
Q. What are the qualifications of becoming a sorority member?
A. The Panhellenic Council requires that women participating in Formal Recruitment have a minimum GPA of a 2.5 and that they are matriculating students. Each chapter has its own standards of membership regarding academics and it is important that you ask each one what they are.z
Q. What kind of hazing will I be exposed to?
A. Drexel’s Fraternity & Sorority community adheres to a strict zero tolerance hazing policy. This policy is fully enforced by the University and many of our chapters have even stricter policies individually. If there is ever a time you feel forced to do something that makes you uncomfortable, you can always contact me (du.phc.president@gmail.com) or the Panhellenic Advisor, Katie Peoples (kep33@drexel.edu) confidentially.
Q. What fees are involved?
A. Each chapter has different amounts of membership dues, however they are similar sums usually paid either by terms or in monthly installments. The fees cover all of the programming and activities that members enjoy participating in the chapter. They also cover items that are necessary to function at a high level such as liability insurance, housing, and reserve accounts. Ask each chapter for details if you desire.
Q. How much time does it take to be involved with a sorority?
A. Generally, you will get out of a chapter what you put into it. I usually compare being in a sorority to being involved in various extracurricular activities in high school. Whether those activities ranged from philanthropic to academic, social to leadership, being in a sorority offers you outlets for all those types of activities.
All five chapters understand that you are a student first, sorority member second and will support you with your academic course load and encourage your scholastic development, not hinder it.
If you are excited and eager to get involved, you will have no trouble participating and attending events. However, there are circumstances when you may choose to take a less active role for a short time (co-op is a perfect example) and most chapters understand and allow for this flexibility when needed.
Q. How do I determine which sorority I want to join?
A. Listen to your intuition. You will know where you truly feel you “fit” the most. Avoid being influenced from friends and remember to ignore rumors and find out for yourself what each sorority is like. The goal for you as the potential new member is to determine where you personally feel the most comfortable and which chapter is the best match for you, and you are the only one who can make that decision.
Q. Am I guaranteed to get whichever sorority I want?
A. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. Formal Recruitment is based on a mutual selection process in which chapters issue invitations and potential members determine which chapters’ events they would like to attend. It is important to keep all of your options open and make decisions that work best for you!
Why are there so many rules?
Formal Recruitment Rules were established in order to provide you a fair and realistic view of each chapter while also learning about sorority life, as a whole. Most chapters are based on the same similar core values (scholarship, service, friendship, leadership, and personal growth) and each chapter is unique due to the personalities of their members. It is important that you are able to truly understand what each organization stands for, rather than be influenced by material possessions, entertainment, or false representations.
