Frequently Asked Questions
Greek Lettered organizations at North America universities are often referred to as Sororities or female fraternities. Since the founding of the first sorority in 1851, these organizations have multiplied into dozens of international organizations while making an impact on the community they are involved in. Sororities form a network of support for women as they move from high school to university to adult life.
What is a Sorority?
Are Sororities like the movies/TV?
Will I be Hazed?
Each Sorority is different. Panhellenic Manitoba is home to three different organizations which contain unique and diverse characteristics. The images portrayed in movies and TV do not represent Sorority Life on Manitoba Campuses. We stand for friendship, leadership, scholarship, and community. We like to have fun and some of our members may be "girly" but that is not all of us. We accept each other, cherish each other and respect each other differences.
NO! Manitoba Sororities and university as a whole are non-hazing. Each organization has strict rules in regards to this as well. We want you to feel comfortable and welcome at all times. If you ever feel like you are being pushed to do something you do not want to do (eg. drinking alcohol) please feel free to contact the Panhellenic Council. Your sisters should be people you want to be around and there is always someone willing to listen if you need it.
The goal of Fall Recruitment is to introduce you to as many people as possible and to give you enough information in order for you to make an informed decision about what opportunities you would like to get involved in - therefore, it is in your best interest to attend all the Rounds. The Rounds have been planned to minimize conflict with classes and work schedules. Those who wish to join a sorority through Fall Recruitment will need to attend all three sororities at least once. But we strongly encourage you to attend each sorority Open House each Round.
Do I have to attend all Open House Rounds in order to participate in Recruitment?
Does everyone receive a Bid?
Recruitment is a process of mutual selection. Due to this mutual selection, there are many different outcomes to the process. You are not guaranteed to be asked to join a sorority, however, every effort is made to provide opportunities for each young women to find a home in a sorority.
Am I obligated to join a Sorority if I participate in Recruitment?
Going through recruitment does not mean you have to join a sorority. The purpose of recruitment is to meet all three different sororities on campus and see what they can offer you. Ideally, we hope you will meet some wonderful people and want to join, but if you feel sororities are not for you, then that is completely okay! Participating in recruitment does not commit you to joining.
What if my friend does not get invited to join the same Sorority as me?
That's perfectly O.K.! Many of our actives have friends outside of their organization, or the Greek community altogether. A number of our Greek girls live with girls of other chapters and non-Greek girls. So, if the girls you meet before recruitment tend to be leaning toward another organization, don't let that stop you - we are all friends! One of the amazing benefits of being in a Panhellenic organization is the friendships between our organizations; we love and respect each other regardless of the letters.
Is Recruitment for First Year's Only?
All women are welcome to attend recruitment regardless of your academic year! Sororities offer advantages for all university women, regardless of age or year in school. No matter what year you are in, these events will be enjoyable, interesting and informative. The only requirement is that you are an undergraduate program.
I am an international student, can I still join a Sorority?
All women who are full time undergraduate students, as defined by the university they attend, are welcome to join a sorority. International students definitely do join sororities! Each organization has had international students be part of their organization.
Can I still join a Sorority if I am involved in a Sports Team or Club?
Members of other students groups, clubs and athletes are often members of sororities, and Sorority women welcome the opportunity to support their sisters on stage, on the field, court or at various events that they are hosting. Once you join a Sorority, you should inform your sorority of your commitment to your other extracurriculars so they can work with you to make special arrangements for any sorority events or obligations you might miss due to participation in other student groups on campus.
How will I know which group is the right fit for me?
Each organization has its unique creed, mission, and values. However, overall they all support the same principles of sisterhood, leadership, loyalty and making a difference in the community. Each organization strives to provide a number of opportunities for friendship and personal and professional growth. This process allows you the opportunity to get to know the girls that you might be joining. This is why we encourage you to be yourself and give each group a chance each evening to show you why their organization is special to them. Keep an open mind and enjoy each moment and you will find a sisterhood to be a part of.
How much does it cost to be part of a Sorority?
Like any organization, sororities require fees to put on great activities and programs for their members. Although, unlike many clubs, sororities have various payment plans and scholarships to help in covering these costs. Ask the sorority members you meet during recruitment about what payment options are offered. Financial concerns should not keep any student from joining a sorority. Financial obligations range from sorority to sorority so be sure to ask at your various recruitment Open Houses to receive more information!
I am non-caucassian/multi racial can I still join a Sorority?
Of course! Each chapter has women from different ethnicities and cultures. We welcome women from all walks of life, religions, cultures, and ethnicities.
What is the time commitment of a Sorority?
Each Sorority time commitment is slightly different but in general they each have a meeting once a week and have various events throughout the semester. But we are all students and that is our number one priority.
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As you consider the time commitment remember the more you put in the more you will get out of it.
What should I wear to Recruitment?
There is no strict dress code for fall recruitment; we will see women wearing a range of outfits. The most important thing is to be comfortable and be you. However, there are party themes. Jeans with a nice, simple top would be an ideal choice for this party or something a little more formal is fine too. Preference, the final day of recruitment, is the most formal. Usually, women wear a sundress, skirt or dress pants. Bid Day is when sororities extend membership invitations to new members. Bid Day is also a more casual dress code, wearing jeans with a simple nice top would be ideal for bid day as well as comfortable shoes. Please remember that these are only suggestions and you are welcome to wear whatever you like to Recruitment; however, comfortable shoes are always a good idea!
What would I get out of a Sorority that I would not get out of another University organization?
Coming to university is usually a major life change for a young woman. Joining a sorority helps students to acclimate to campus life, and will provide you with a structured atmosphere in which you can concentrate on scholarship, leadership, and service. Developing lifelong friendships with the members of a sorority will help make the campus feel smaller and more personable.
The personal growth and development extend far beyond the time you spend on campus. A sorority helps personalize your University experience by offering hands-on opportunity in various areas from leadership to event planning to communicating with administrators. Each year our sororities contribute thousands of hours of volunteering to our community. A number of our members also hold positions in other organizations on campus. These opportunities help students to develop skills that are beneficial after University.
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Current actives members also cite alumnae support as one of the unique benefits of joining a sorority. Alumnae provide networking opportunities for students, which help them throughout and after their university careers. As well, many alumnae are actively involved as advisors, who provide additional support in various areas as needed.