1

Potential New Member Handbook

General Information, Policies, Procedures and Rules






































Columbia University Formal Recruitment 2014



2
Table of Contents


Contact Information 3
Panhellenic Creed 4
Fraternity & Sorority Statement of Shared Values 4
Anti-Hazing Policy 4
Non-Discrimination Policy 5
Potential New Members Bill of Rights 5
Potential New Member Rules 6
Formal Recruitment 2014 An Overview 7
Formal Recruitment 2014 - Schedule 9
Round 1: Philanthropy 9
Round 2: Development 10
Round 3: Preference Night 11
Bid Night 12
Inside the Recruitment Room: Conversation Topics 13
Tips for an Enjoyable Recruitment 14
Membership Recruitment Counselors 15
Our Chapters 16
Frequently Asked Questions 18
Greek Vocabulary 19























3
Contact Information

Panhellenic Association Executive Board:
Amelia Kudenholdt, Outgoing President
Jessica Chi, Incoming President
Eileen Voges, Outgoing VP Recruitment
Sienna Walker, Incoming VP Recruitment
Skylar Dabbar, Outgoing VP Communications
Elina Bystritskaya, Incoming VP Communications
Hannah Gutenplan, Outgoing VP Finance
Veronica Zhai, Incoming VP Finance
Sofia Vassilieva, Outgoing VP Membership Programming
Mara Schwartz, Incoming VP Membership Programming
Stephanie Hanchuk, Outgoing VP Public Relations
Rachel Schlosser, Incoming VP Public Relations

Graduate Assistants for Fraternities and Sororities:
Yvonne Pitts
Ali Mailman

Associate Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life:
Brad Badgley

Email: panhellexec@columbia.edu

Social networking:
Follow us on Twitter: @ColumbiaPanhell
Follow us on Instagram: @CUpanhellenic
Find us on Facebook: Columbia University Fraternity and Sorority Life

















4
Panhellenic Creed

We, as undergraduate members of women's fraternities, stand for good scholarship, for
guarding of good health, for maintenance of fine standards, and for serving, to the best of
our ability, our college community. Cooperation for furthering fraternity life, in harmony
with its best possibilities, is the ideal that shall guide our fraternity activities. We, as
fraternity women, stand for service through the development of character inspired by the
close contact and deep friendship of individual fraternity and Panhellenic life. The
opportunity for wide and wise human service, through mutual respect and helpfulness, is
the tenet by which we strive to live.

Fraternity & Sorority Statement of Shared Values

The fraternity and sorority community at Columbia University strives to foster a holistic
collegiate experience that will strengthen a commitment to life-long membership and our
alma mater. We believe that through our dedication and promotion of social
consciousness we greatly contribute to the creation of a vibrant cultural community that
emphasizes diversity, inclusiveness, and mutual respect. We are values based
organizations and, through our actions, we embody these ideals and inspire others.
Leadership. Scholarship. Empowerment.

Anti-Hazing Policy

In compliance with state law and Columbia University procedures, the Panhellenic
Association of Columbia University does not tolerate hazing in any form. Hazing is
hereby defined as any planned action, situation, or obligation forced on an individual that
causes mental or physical distress or that recklessly endangers the health or safety of that
person. Furthermore, student organizations will be held responsible for the actions of
their individual members.

Any student organization found in violation of the Non-Hazing Policy will be brought
before the Columbia University Judicial Board and may be subject to suspension or lose
recognition by the University. Under no circumstances should a woman be placed in a
situation that is potentially detrimental to her wellbeing. In the event of a hazing
violation, please inform a Membership Recruitment Counselor (MRC) or a member of
the Panhellenic Executive Board immediately.






5
Non-Discrimination Policy


The Panhellenic Association of Columbia University does not discriminate on the basis
of color, race, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation or nationality.


Potential New Members Bill of Rights

The right to be fully informed about the Formal Recruitment process.
The right to be fully informed about the binding agreements contingent upon
acceptance immediately following the Formal Recruitment process.
The right to be treated with respect as an individual.
The right to ask questions and receive objective and veritable answers from
Membership Recruitment Counselors (MRCs) and the Panhellenic Executive
Board.
The right to have and express opinions to MRCs and the Panhellenic Executive
Board.
The right to inviolable confidentiality when speaking with MRCs and the
Panhellenic Executive Board.
The right to make informed choices without external pressure from other
individuals or organizations.
The right to a safe, positive and enriching recruitment and new membership
experience.




















Potential New Member Rules
6

A woman must maximize her options in order to be guaranteed a bid from a
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organization at the conclusion of Formal
Recruitment.
A woman must be a full-time undergraduate student at Columbia University in
order to be eligible to participate in Formal Recruitment.
A woman shall not be, or ever have been, an initiated member of a National
Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organization.
A woman is required to attend Potential New Member Orientation and all parties
to which she has been invited.
In the event a woman feels she must withdraw from Formal Recruitment, she
must sign an official Recruitment Release Form (ROF) and notify her MRC and
the Panhellenic Executive Board.
A woman shall not communicate in any way with affiliated members of Greek
organizations outside of the recruitment rooms.
A woman is required to wear her provided nametag while attending all events and
parties during the Formal Recruitment process.
A woman is not permitted to visit a sorority or fraternity housing facility during
the Formal Recruitment period.
A woman is not permitted to buy anything for a sorority member nor is she
permitted to accept anything, outside of the recruitment room, from a sorority
member during the Formal Recruitment period.
A woman shall not participate in Bid Promising. Bid Promising is hereby defined
as any statement that suggests a woman will accept or be extended a bid to a
sorority. She must notify her MRC or the Panhellenic Council in the event that
this happens.
A woman is prohibited from conversing with a fellow Potential New Member
between parties.
A woman is prohibited from discussing the following topics with initiated sorority
members during Formal Recruitment: Fraternity Men, Alcohol, Bars / Clubs and
Chapter Housing.
A woman shall complete a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding
Agreement (MRABA) immediately after her last event. Once a MRABA has been
signed, no changes may be made to the MRABA. Any woman who signs a
MRABA and receives an invitation to membership shall be bound by the
agreement for one calendar year.
A woman is not permitted to communicate with any other Potential New
Members or initiated sorority members during Strict Silence, which is the period
between signing the preference card on Preference Night and receiving a bid on
Bid Day.
The Panhellenic Executive Board and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life
reserve the right to release any Potential New Member found in violation of any
of the above rules.



7
Formal Recruitment 2014 An Overview


Mutual Selection Process
Formal Recruitment is the four-day period in which you are invited to attend
parties hosted by Columbia Universitys Panhellenic organizations to determine which
would be a good fit for you. Each party has a different theme, is meant to be fun, and
serves to inform you about the host sororitys values and individual qualities. Formal
Recruitment at Columbia University operates under the Mutual Selection Process. This
means that you have the right to select the organizations that interest you, and at the same
time, those organizations have the same right to select Potential New Members who they
see as a good fit with their chapter. As Formal Recruitment progresses, the number of
parties you attend each round will decrease until you discover which sorority is right for
you. Formal Recruitment culminates with Bid Night, at which point membership
invitations, also known as bids, will be offered to Potential New Members by one of
our NPC organizations.



Round One: Philanthropy
Dress Code: Casual Jeans Okay!

The first day of Formal Recruitment, January 31
st
, is called the Philanthropy
round and is meant to introduce you to each sorority and their respective philanthropic
initiatives. You will attend five parties, each hosted by a different sorority. During these
parties you will meet initiated members and take part in a project that is designed to give
you a closer look into this aspect of sorority life.

At the conclusion of Round One, you will be given two options:
1. You may fill out your first selection list in which you will indicate your order of
preference for the five chartered sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Omicron Pi,
Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, or Sigma Delta Tau. In order to maximize
your options you are encouraged to list all five sororities.
2. You will also be given the option to withdraw from Formal Recruitment.

REMINDER: Round Two and Round Three are invitation-only rounds. This means
that you will be invited back to the sororities that you have been paired with through the
Mutual Selection Process. If you receive an invitation from a chapter, you MUST attend
its party, or you will be released from the Formal Recruitment process.

Round Two: Development
Dress Code: Classy Brunch a casual dress, skirt or slacks

Round Two, called Development, begins on the second day of Formal
Recruitment, February 1
st
. At the start of this round, you might be invited to attend
8
parties by a maximum of four chapters. At each party you attend, youll see a slideshow
presentation designed to give you a better understanding of a sororitys values and how
its members contribute to these ideals.
Following Round Two, you will be asked to fill out your second selection list.
Youll indicate your order of preference only for the sororities whose parties you were
invited to attend. In order to maximize your options, we encourage you to rank all of the
sororities you visited during Round Two.

Round Three: Preference Night
Dress Code: Formal attire of any color except black

Round Three, Preference Night, occurs on the third day of Formal Recruitment,
February 2
nd
. During this round, you will see a more in-depth and personal side of
sorority life at Columbia University. You have the potential to be invited to attend a
maximum of two parties hosted by any of the five chartered sororities that you listed at
the conclusion of Development. During the parties, the host sorority will invite you to
participate in a special ceremony to mark your entry into the Greek community.
Immediately following your last party on Preference Night, you will follow your
MRCs to a designated location to receive and sign your Membership Recruitment
Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA). By listing an organization on your
MRABA, you state that you would be willing to accept a bid to membership from an
organization (or from either of the organizations listed, if two Preference parties are
attended). In order to maximize your options, we encourage you to list all chapters you
visit that night. A signed MRABA is a binding agreement, and thus cannot be changed
once it has been signed. If you receive an invitation to become a member of a sorority
and choose not to accept this invitation, you will be ineligible to join a NPC organization
until the next Formal Recruitment period.

Bid Night
Dress Code: Comfortable! Jeans okay!

On the final night of Formal Recruitment, February 3
rd
, you may be extended an
invitation to membership (bid) from one of the NPC sororities. Once you have received
and accepted your bid, you will join your new sisters and celebrate your entry into the
Panhellenic community.






Formal Recruitment 2014 - Schedule

9
Round One: Philanthropy
Friday, January 31
st


Each Potential New Member will be assigned to attend one of three sessions and must
attend her assigned session in its entirety. Each session consists of five, thirty minute
parties with fifteen minutes of allotted travel time between each party.

Chapter Locations:

AOII Wein Lounge
AXO Shapiro Lounge
DG Carman Lounge
KAT John Jay Lounge
SDT Wallach Lounge

Session 1 MRC groups 1-10: Friday, January 31
st

Meet with MRC Group: 8:15 AM, The Broadway Room in Lerner
Party 1: 9:00 AM 9:30 AM
Party 2: 9:45 AM 10:15 AM
Party 3: 10:30 AM 11:00 AM
Party 4: 11:15 AM 11:45 PM
Party 5: 12:00 PM 12:30 PM
After your last party, you will sign your selection list in the Broadway Room in Lerner

Session 2 MRC groups 11-20: Friday, January 31
st

Meet with MRC Group: 12:45 PM, Furnald Lounge
Party 1: 1:30 PM 2:00 PM
Party 2: 2:15 PM 2:45 PM
Party 3: 3:00 PM 3:30 PM
Party 4: 3:45 PM 4:15 PM
Party 5: 4:30 PM 5:00 PM
After your last party, you will sign your selection list in the Broadway Room in Lerner


Session 3: Friday, January 31
st

Meet with MRC Group: 4:45 PM, Lerner 569
Party 1: 5:30 PM 6:00 PM
Party 2: 6:15 PM 6:45 PM
Party 3: 7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Party 4: 7:45 PM 8:15 PM
Party 5: 8:30 PM 9:00 PM
After your last party, you will sign your selection list in the Broadway Room in Lerner

Round Two: Development
Saturday, February 1
st
10

Each Potential New Member will be assigned to either the morning or afternoon session
and will be invited to attend a maximum of four, forty-minute parties with fifteen minutes
of allotted travel time between each party.

Chapter Locations:

AOII Wallach lounge
AXO Wein lounge
DG John Jay lounge
KAT Carman lounge
SDT Shapiro lounge

Morning Session:
Schedule Distribution: 8:15am, the Broadway room in Lerner
Party 1: 9:00 AM 9:40 AM
Party 2: 9:55 AM 10:35 AM
Party 3: 10:50 AM 11:30 AM
Party 4: 11:45 AM 12:25 PM
Party 5: 12:45 PM 1:20 PM
After your last party, you will sign your selection list in the Broadway room in Lerner

Afternoon Session:
Schedule Distribution: 2:15pm, Lerner: Roone Arledge Cinema
Party 1: 3:00 PM 3:40 PM
Party 2: 3:55 PM 4:35 PM
Party 3: 4:50 PM 5:30 PM
Party 4: 5:45 PM 6:25 PM
Party 5: 6:40 PM 7:20 PM
After your last party, you will sign your selection list in the Broadway Room in Lerner














Round Three: Preference
Sunday, February 2
nd
11

Each Potential New Member will be invited to attend a maximum of two, sixty-minute
parties with fifteen minutes of allotted travel time between each party.

Chapter Locations:
AOII John Jay lounge
AXO Wallach lounge
DG Shapiro Lounge
KAT Wein Lounge
SDT Carman Lounge

Schedule Distribution: Meet MRCs at 2:30pm in the Lerner Party Space

Evening:
Party 1: 4:00 PM 5:00 PM
Party 2: 5:15 PM 6:15 PM
Party 3: 6:30 PM 7:30 PM
Party 4: 7:45 PM 8:45 PM
After your last party you must sign your MRABA in the Broadway Room in Lerner

























Bid Night
Monday, February 3
rd
12

2:00 PM 7:00 PM: Bid distribution in Lerner Board Rooms.

MRC 1: Lerner 501; 2:00-2:30
MRC 2: Lerner 502; 2:00-2:30
MRC 3: Lerner 503; 2:00-2:30
MRC 4: Lerner 569; 2:00-2:30

MRC 5: Lerner 501; 2:45-3:15
MRC 6: Lerner 502; 2:45-3:15
MRC 7: Lerner 503; 2:45-3:15
MRC 8: Lerner 569; 2:45-3:15

MRC 9: Lerner 501; 3:30-4:00
MRC 10: Lerner 502; 3:30-4:00
MRC 11: Lerner 503; 3:30-4:00
MRC 12: Lerner 569; 3:30-4:00

MRC 13: Lerner 501; 4:15-4:45
MRC 14: Lerner 502; 4:15-4:45
MRC 15: Lerner 503; 4:15-4:45
MRC 16: Lerner 569; 4:15-4:45

MRC 17: Lerner 501; 5:00-5:30
MRC 18: Lerner 502; 5:00-5:30
MRC 19: Lerner 503; 5:00-5:30
MRC 20: Lerner 569; 5:00-5:30

MRC 21: Lerner 501; 5:45-6:15
MRC 22: Lerner 502; 5:45-6:15
MRC 23: Lerner 503; 5:45-6:15
MRC 24&25: Lerner 569; 5:45-6:15

MRC 26: Lerner 501; 6:30-7:00
MRC 27: Lerner 502; 6:30-7:00
MRC 28: Lerner 503; 6:30-7:00
MRC 29 & 30: Lerner 569; 6:30-7:00

Your MRCs will tell you when and where to meet your new sisters after you have
accepted your bid!



Inside the Recruitment Room: Conversation Topics

13

The most important thing to remember about Formal Recruitment is that it is a time to be
yourself. During Recruitment parties, it is just as important for you to get to know each
sorority as it is for the sorority women to get to know you. With that in mind, the
Panhellenic Executive Board has compiled a list of conversation topics, questions, and
tips that will help you make the most out of your recruitment experience.

Conversation Topics: Dos
Social
What kind of social events does your chapter have planned for this year?
How often does your chapter have social events?
Does your chapter hold any annual events?
Is attendance at social events mandatory?
Activities
Does your sorority have any special events or projects?
What kinds of campus activities are your groups members involved in?
Do you have activities with other sororities? If so, what kinds of
activities?
Scholarship
In what ways does your sorority promote scholarship?
Is there a required GPA for initiation?
Do you have required study hours?
Philanthropy
What kind of service is your chapter involved in?
What are your local and national philanthropic projects?
Do you volunteer outside of the Columbia community?
New Member Education
What does your new membership program consist of?
How long does the new member period last?
What responsibilities does a new member have?
What are the time requirements associated with being a new member?

Conversation Topics: Donts
The Four Bs
1. Booze All talk of alcohol and illicit substances is entirely off-limits.
2. Boys Dads and siblings only! Fraternity members and other men should
not be points of discussion.
3. Brownstones Chapter housing is not a permissible conversation topic.
4. Bars Talk about nights out in bars/ clubs are strictly prohibited





Tips for an Enjoyable Recruitment

14

1. Dress for the weather! IT IS WINTER, read: COLD!
2. Think about your feet. Those heels might seem like a good idea in the beginning
of the day, but after standing and walking for a few hours, you may begin to
regret those 4-inchers.
3. As always, be cautious of rumors you may have heard about chapters. If it sounds
crazy, it probably is. Take recruitment as an opportunity to assess your fit with
each chapter based on your own interactions with its members, not with what
Cindy heard from a friend of a friends friend.
4. Be aware of what you say about our chapters around other people. Remember
that whom youre talking to could be a current or future member of that chapter,
and she probably has friends who currently are or soon will be members of that
chapter dont allow your opinions to influence theirs.
5. Sorority members at each party are just as nervous as you might be! Most of them
have been through Formal Recruitment themselves and understand what youre
going through.
6. You cant bring anything into the Recruitment Room, so only bring purses and
jackets that you would feel comfortable leaving on coat racks outside of the
recruitment room.
7. Stay hydrated and remember to eat! Youll be on your feet and in conversation
for extended periods of time, so make sure you fuel and rest your body
appropriately. Low energy makes for a dull and uncomfortable day of
Recruitment.
8. Talk to your MRCs! Theyre ready and able to answer ANY questions you may
have.
9. Dont be discouraged if the sorority you wanted doesnt turn out to be a match.
Keep an open mind and trust the Mutual Selection Process you might be
surprised how things work out!
10. Take notes! After each party its a good idea to write down who you met, what
you talked about, and anything that stuck out to you about the sorority you visited.
These notes will help you make decisions later on.
11. Always be courteous and show interest by asking questions conversation is key.
12. Most importantly, be yourself and have fun!








Membership Recruitment Counselors

15
Recruitment can be both exciting and hectic. However, you are not alone in the process!
In addition to the other women going through the same PNM experience, you will also be
assisted by a group of sorority women whose sole purpose during Formal Recruitment is
to guide and help you through the process. These women are called Membership
Recruitment Counselors, or MRCs, and they will be a valuable resource to you during
Formal Recruitment.

The Panhellenic Executive Board has carefully selected each MRC for her positive and
unbiased attitude. MRCs have completely disaffiliated from their chapters so that they
can focus on helping you find your place within the Greek community. As representatives
of the entire Greek community, MRCs will be your friends, advisors and sources of
objective information. Each PNM has two MRCs that they share with a group of about 20
other women. They are great resources use them!

2014 Membership Recruitment Counselors

Abbee Cox
Adele Zhang
Aislinn Crank
Alexandra Freschet
Alice Xavier de Brito
Joanna Rappoport
Karen Hime
Katey Peardon
Laura Fitch
Laura Wasserman
Alix Cook
Amanda Leng Smith
Lauren Yee
Leigh Colvin
Anastasia Anazonwu
Anna Etra
Britanny Binderoff
Carolina Garrigo
Leora Nessim
Lindsey Heller
Liza Faber
Lynden Unger
Charlotte Cook
Chelsea Keys
Chloe Durkin
Daniela Lapidous
Danielle Fong
Denisse Melgar
Elizabeth Carrolo
Elizabeth Wade
Elly McGuffog
Emily Harris
Emily Ulrich
Emma Pendry-Aber
Eva Holzner
Eve Karon
Gabriella Aroca
Gabriela Ittah
Gemmarose Ragozzine
Grace Ferrara
Hannah Skolnik
Jaclyn Fu
Jacqueline Xu
Madison Pracht
Manali Yavatkar
Maria DAmico
Mary Cosgrove
Meredith Pitkoff
Michaela Shapiro
Michelle Kirel
Michelle Vogt
Niki Farkas
Rabeka Cohan
Rakhi Agrawal
Samara Pollock
Sanzana Faroque
Sarah Fakhry
Sarah Friedman
Seana Brown
Sophie Mann
Stefani Karr
Stella Kim
Stella Zhao
Victoria Albert




16



Our Chapters











!"#$% '$( )*+,% -./01
!"#$% '() *"%+$#,

23456+6- .//0
'$%78+7+6 %8 '3"4*9(%- .1/1
:$("%58$73#;- 2%34$5%,6 78, 9%:);)#(
'3"37<- <;)=# >,##3 ? 24%,;#$ @#A
=;*93"- B6,#
!"#$% )*(>735 :( -!)?1
C;+"% *"%+$#,

23456+6- ./1D
:$("%58$73#;- C,$",)$)( @#(#%,4" %3A
EA54%$)83
'3"37<- *%,A)3%;
=;*93"- F%4G5#:)38$ @8(#H I"#%$

@+"8% A%**% -BC1
J#$% !"#$% *"%+$#,

23456+6- ./DK
'$%78+7+6 %8 '3"4*9(%- .1/1
:$("%58$73#;- 2#,=)4# 78, 2)L"$
'3"37<- M,83N#H ')3O ? M;5#
=;*93"- C34"8,

D%##% !"#$% E$+8% -F.G1
E+();83 P+();83 *"%+$#,

23456+6- ./DQ
'$%78+7+6 %8 '3"4*9(%- .11.
:$("%58$73#;- *85,$ C++8)3$#A 2+#4)%; CA=84%$#(
'3"37<- M;%4O ? >8;A
=;*93"- !R)3 2$%,( ? !"#$% S)$#
=(,*% @+"8% E%4 -HBI1
>%::% !%5 *"%+$#,

23456+6- .1.D
'$%78+7+6 %8 '3"4*9(%- .11T
:$("%58$73#;- ',#=#3$ *");A CU5(# C:#,)4%
'3"37<- *%7# %5 B%)$ ? <;A M;5#
=;*93"- !8,4"
17


Frequently Asked Questions


Q: Do I need to go to all of the parties listed on my schedule?
A: Yes, absolutely. This helps you meet as many sorority women as possible and allows
you to take a second or third look at these chapters in order to form a thorough opinion.
Any Potential New Member who does not attend each of her parties will be withdrawn
from Formal Recruitment.

Q: Do I have to go back to a sorority that I am no longer interested in?
A: Yes. If a sorority invites you back that means that they think you would be a good
match for them. You never know how your opinion may change between rounds, so you
are encouraged to keep an open mind throughout the duration of recruitment.

Q: Do I have to list all chapters on my preference cards?
A: It is highly recommended that you list all the eligible chapters on your selection lists
in order to maximize your opportunities for membership. The Panhellenic Association
can only guarantee a bid for those women who have fully completed Formal Recruitment
and maximized their options.

Q: What is a MRABA?
A: A MRABA is a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement. On this
form, you list in order of preference the sororities from which you are willing to accept
invitations to membership, and it is expected that if a sorority is listed that you will
accept their invitation if extended. The MRABA is signed following Preference Night,
and it is a binding agreement once it is signed, it cannot be changed.

Q: Do I have to sign my MRABA?
A: No, you do not have to sign your MRABA. This is the same as withdrawing from
Formal Recruitment. If you choose not to sign a MRABA, you must sign a form
declaring your decision to withdraw from Recruitment.

Q: What happens if I get a bid and dont want to accept it?
A: If you receive an invitation to membership, or a bid, and decide to decline, you will be
ineligible to join a sorority for a full calendar year. For this reason, it is extremely
important that you only list sororities that you would be willing to accept invitations from
on your MRABA. However, we recommend that you keep an open mind and balance the
decision to accept with the desire to maximize your potential of receiving an invitation to
membership.



18


Q: What is COB / Informal Recruitment?
A: COB, or Continuous Open Bidding, is also called Informal Recruitment. It is a
secondary period of recruitment during which chapters that are still able to take new
members after the Formal Recruitment process ends will have an opportunity to
immediately do so. The primary form of Membership Recruitment for Alpha Omicron Pi
will be COB and will occur beginning February 11
th
at this point, other chapters will
stop participating in COB.

Q: How much does being in a sorority cost?
A: Each sorority requires that its members pay a certain amount per semester in sorority
dues. The first semester of membership (the new member period) is the most expensive
semester due to the large number of activities in the new membership program. Dues for
each sorority are similar in price, between $580-$650 per new member. Subsequent
semester dues range from $300-$400. Each sorority has its own way of helping you pay
for your dues, whether it is a scholarship program or payment plan. Panhellenic has a
Scholarship fund that can provide aid in addition to each sororities programs.

Q: What do I do if I want to withdraw from Formal Recruitment?
A: If you are having misgivings about Recruitment, talk to your MRCs! Theyll be able
to give you invaluable insight and counseling. If you still want to withdraw after
speaking with them, you must notify your MRCs and sign a Recruitment Release Form
which is available from your MRC as well as from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority
Life in 515 Lerner Hall.

Q: What happens if I dont get an invitation?
A: Unfortunately, some women who participate in Recruitment do not receive invitations
back to parties. To avoid this, the best you can do is to have meaningful conversations
when you are in the Recruitment Room. If this happens, you still have the option of
going through Informal Recruitment, or Continuous Open Bidding.

Q: If I am a legacy to a sorority, is there anything I should know?
A: Be aware that chapters are not required to offer bids to legacies of their sorority, so
maintain an open mind about all sororities as you go through recruitment.

Q: Why shouldnt I list a single preference on my selection lists?
A: This seriously reduces your chances of receiving an invitation to membership at the
end of Formal Recruitment. Further, if you intentionally limit your options, you are not
guaranteed to receive a bid.


Greek Vocabulary

19
Pronunciation of Chapters
!"# Alpha Chi Omega (al-phuh k-eye oh-may-guh)
!$% Alpha Omicron Pi (al-phuh oh-mih-kronn pie)
&' Delta Gamma (del-ta gam-ah)
(!) Kappa Alpha Theta (capp-uh al-phuh thay-tuh)
*+, Sigma Delta Tau (sigg-muh dell-tuh tow [as in towel])

Vocabulary
Bid: A formal invitation to join a particular organization.

Chapter: A local group of a larger national organization, designated with its own special
Greek name.

Columbia University Panhellenic Association: The self-governing student organization
that provides guidelines and support to Columbia Universitys NPC sororities.

Initiation: The formal ceremony that marks the beginning of active membership. Each
chapter has a different set of requirements in order to be initiated.

MRABA: Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement. This is the item
that all women going through Formal Recruitment will sign after Preference rounds,
indicating their top two choices of sororities to affiliate with. Once this form is signed, it
CANNOT be changed.

NPC: National Panhellenic Conference. A national organization composed of 26 member
sororities, each of which is autonomous as a social, Greek-letter society of women,
undergraduates and alumnae. Columbia University has five NPC organizations: Alpha
Chi Omega, Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Sigma Delta
Tau.

PNM: Potential New Member.

Strict Silence: The period from after a PNM signs her MRABA until she receives her
bid. A PNM cannot communicate in any way with an affiliated member of a sorority
during this time.

!"#: Continuous 0pen Biuuing. This is an infoimal ieciuitment piocess in which
Soioiities that have not yet met total may paiticipate. The process occurs eithei in
the spiing semestei, following foimal ieciuitment, oi in the fall semestei. In the fall
semestei, only women who aie sophomoies, juniois, oi seniois aie eligible to
paiticipate in the piocess.
20


Get excited for an awesome Formal Recruitment!!