Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Does participating in primary recruitment guarantee a bid for membership?

The purpose of the recruitment process is to allow you and the chapters to decide on the best fit. The reality is that not everyone who goes through recruitment finds a match. However, as long as a PNM maximizes their options every round until they end through the Preference round then they are more than likely going to receive a bid.
I am nervous. Will someone help me throughout the recruitment process?
1. Yes! Each PNM is assigned a Rho Gamma that guides you through each round of recruitment. Your Rho Gamma will be your person for anything and everything during recruitment!
Can I be excused from recruitment events because of prior commitments?
1. Potential new members must attend all recruitment events indicated on their schedule. However, in the case of illness, emergency, or academic conflict, potential new members are required to provide documentation to be excused from any recruitment event.
Do I need alumnae references or recommendation letters?
1. Alumnae references, or recommendation letters, are not required to participate in primary recruitment at UMD. Potential new members are not required to secure recommendations in order to receive bids.
What should I bring with me to primary recruitment?
1. Bring what you think are necessities to you. Oftentimes, PNMs bring a bag with them that has water, mints, a hair brush, an umbrella, feminine hygiene products, band-aids, snacks, hair ties, powder, mini mirrors, and more. However, only bring what you think you will need and what will make you feel the most prepared during the process.
If I go through primary recruitment, do I have to join a chapter?
1. PNMs who choose to participate in recruitment are not obligated to join a sorority. The recruitment process is structured to allow PNMs interested in sorority membership the opportunity to explore Panhellenic sororities and to see if it is the right fit.
If I register for primary recruitment but decide to not participate, is my registration fee refundable?
1. Unfortunately, the registration fee for primary recruitment is non-refundable.

Eligibility

How do I know if I am eligible to participate in Panhellenic Recruitment?
1. To be eligible to register and participate in Panhellenic Recruitment, you must first be fully enrolled at the University of Maryland and have completed at least 12 college credits. These 12 credits must be transfer or University of Maryland credit only. If a Potential New Member meets both of these requirements then they are eligible to participate in primary and informal recruitment.
Is there a GPA requirement to join a sorority?
1. It is strongly recommended that you have at least a 2.8 cumulative grade point average. It is also important to note that meeting this minimum does not guarantee membership in a sorority. Each chapter has its own individual GPA requirement which can be found on each chapter’s page.
Can I go through Panhellenic Recruitment as an upperclassman?
1. Yes! Anyone involved in our UMD community is encouraged to register and go through the process!
Do I need to send my transcript to Panhellenic or the chapters?
1. All submitted academic information in Campus Director when you register to go through primary recruitment will be verified against official transcripts on file with the University of Maryland and academic information will be updated to match University records. You do not need to send your transcript to the chapters.

Cost

Is there a fee to register for primary recruitment at University of Maryland?
1. Yes, there is a non-refundable registration fee that covers your shirt for Values Round and other recruitment necessities including all meals that the Panhellenic Association provides during primary recruitment.
How much does sorority membership cost?
1. The financial requirements for each chapter at the University of Maryland is found under the Membership Requirements tab on our website.