Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join a Greek organization at Alabama?  

Since 1847 Greek Life has been a respected part of student life on the University of Alabama campus.  In joining one of Alabama’s 50 NPC, NPHC or IFC groups, you will become a member of a community that encourages academic excellence and provides opportunities for leadership development, community service, mentor relationships with alumni and alumnae, career development, participation in athletics, social and intellectual growth and the opportunity to make lifelong friendships.

Where can I find answers to my recruitment questions or register for IFC/Panhellenic Fall Recruitment? 

Visit the Alabama Greek Website: http://www.greeklife.ua.edu to register for recruitment OR For More Information Visit:

What are the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC), and the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC)? 

NPC, NPHC and NIC are the international umbrella organizations for the councils, which operate on the University of Alabama campus.  They are either governing bodies or trade associations, which include the membership or associate membership of the Greek organizations on the University of Alabama campus.  Their purpose on an international level is to promote interaction and exchange of information and develop programming and initiatives to benefit the Greek Community.   

The Alabama Panhellenic Association (Panhellenic), the Alabama National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Alabama Interfraternity Council (IFC) are the governing bodies at the University of Alabama for the organizations affiliated or associated with NPC, NPHC or NIC.  The Alabama Panhellenic Association and the Alabama IFC participate in a process known as Formal Recruitment.  Alabama’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) participates in a process known as Intake.  

NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE (NPC)  & THE ALABAMA PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION 

The 18 women’s groups that are affiliated or associated with Panhellenic at Alabama are: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Delta Sigma, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Xi Phi, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Phi Mu, Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, Zeta Tau Alpha 

What is Formal Recruitment for NPC (Panhellenic) sororities?   

Formal Recruitment is the official process associated with joining a sorority that is affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) at the University of Alabama and it is the first opportunity of the school year to join an NPC Greek organization at the Capstone. 

What are the Panhellenic recruitment dates?

August 10-17, 2008

When do I need to register for Panhellenic Recruitment? 

August 1st  is the priority deadline for recruitment; however, as soon as you know you are going to participate, you are encouraged to register so that you will receive your recruitment materials in plenty of time to review them prior to the start of recruitment! 

Do I need to attend Convocation and all recruitment events during Formal Recruitment for the Alabama Panhellenic Association?   

Absolutely!  In order to fully understand the requirements, process, importance, and options of Greek Life at the University of Alabama, attendance is mandatory for convocation and all recruitment events during Panhellenic Formal Recruitment.  By missing an event, you are limiting your opportunities to meet sorority members and other potential new members.  Because each sorority offers a unique quality to the Greek community at the University of Alabama, it is important that you get a broad perspective of what each one contributes and not limit your options by restricting your attendance. Panhellenic works with all individuals on a individual basis if they are involved in another university activity that may make it impossible to attend all events such as band, athletics and Alabama Action.  

What does it mean to “Maximize My Choices”? 

The process of NPC recruitment is one of mutual selection, which means the Potential New Member chooses the sorority and the sorority chooses her.  The Recruitment Counselors will discuss what it means to “maximize your choices” more in depth at Convocation and through the week of recruitment.  However, as you are thinking about the week of recruitment please keep in mind these ways in which you are certain to “maximize your choices”:  1) Go into the process with an open mind 2) Choose the highest number of parties you can go back to each day during Formal Recruitment.  3) Completely fill out your online preference card on the final night including on your list all chapters at which you attended an event that evening. 

What are the financial obligations of being in a sorority at the University of Alabama? 

Each chapter has a financial requirement, which should be taken into consideration.  Financial requirements may include membership dues, which support the local chapter and the national or international organization, facility fees, board and room (if living in the facility).  Although these will vary slightly from chapter to chapter, the averages for the women’s groups are listed on the Panhellenic Cost sheet. 

Each organization’s fees vary. Not every organization requires every fee listed above, but all organizations cover each expense through one of the fees listed.  The numbers listed are a good representation of the financial obligation of membership in a University of Alabama sorority.  Some of the fees are one-time only fees or only apply if the member lives-in or lives-out of the facility. 

Are there additional requirements other than financial requirements to join a sorority?

Individual NPC member organizations may have national, international or chapter GPA requirements for membership.  There is no minimum GPA requirement to participate in recruitment at the University of Alabama. The Alabama Panhellenic Association will share with the chapters your official GPA that you have on file with the university prior to recruitment. 

What if I do not decide to join an organization? 

There is no obligation to join a sorority just because you participate in formal recruitment. You are encouraged to participate as it gives you an excellent opportunity to learn about sorority life. If you decide not to join at this time, contact the Greek Life office and inquire about Continuous Open Recruitment opportunities.  You are encouraged to go through the process with an open mind and learn as much as you can about each individual organization!  Formal Recruitment provides the best opportunity to get to know all of the groups.  

Where can I find the Recruitment Rules?

You can find the Recruitment Rules on the Alabama Panhellenic Association website at www.bama.ua.edu/~npc .  In addition to rules, you will find the following on the Panhellenic website: examples of what to wear, recommendation information, registration information, calendar of recruitment dates, Panhellenic contact information, and helpful links. 

I have registered but have not yet received a recruitment book in the mail. When will I receive it? 

The first Panhellenic Recruitment information booklets will go out in early July 2008. After that there will be weekly mailings. 

What is the dress code for recruitment?   

The Alabama Panhellenic Formal Recruitment women’s dress code, which is outlined in detail on the Alabama Panhellenic website, is brand new!  Be sure to follow the guidelines listed in the recruitment book and online.  For Open Houses, when you will visit 15 sororities over a two day period, wear Capri's, skirt, summer pants, sun dress,  a cute top or  and comfortable shoes (NO HEELS).  For Philanthropy Day, you will visit up to 11 chapters-- wear shorts, recruitment t-shirt (provided) and tennis shoes or flip-flops.  For Skit Day, when you will visit up to 6 chapters, wear a skirt and top or a casual dress and sandals or dress shoes.  For Preference Event, when you will visit up to 3 chapters, wear a dress (preferably not a black dress) and heels.  For Bid Day, wear shorts or a casual skirt and flip-flops.  Visit the website or look in the recruitment book for pictures of suggested outfits.   

We appreciate you following the dress code!  This dress code is important to the Alabama Panhellenic Association and to the sorority women at UA and we appreciate you following the above guidelines!  Our intent is to focus on the Potential New Members during recruitment, their interests and excitement about the Capstone and about Greek Life.  Alabama’s Panhellenic Association supports the NPC Values Based Recruitment initiative. 

Recommendations & References

How do I submit a recommendation for a Potential New Member?

Visit the Alabama Panhellenic Website at www.bama.ua.edu/~npc and click the “GO GREEK” link on the right hand side of the screen.  On the following screen scroll down to “Recommendation Information”.  Click on this link and it will bring you to a page of the contact names and addresses for each chapter at Alabama to which recommendations, letters of reference and transcripts may be sent. Letters and forms should ONLY be sent to the individual chapters.  The Alabama Panhellenic Office WILL NOT accept recommendation letters or materials on behalf of chapters or PNM's.  If you elect to send such information then please send it directly to the chapters.    

Where do I get recommendation and reference forms? 

Recommendation forms can be acquired by alumnae from the national or international headquarters of their Sorority or Fraternity.  Many times recommendation forms are located in the organization’s magazine or on the sorority’s national/international website.  On the website, recommendation forms are often in the “Members Only” section, which can be accessed through a member number.  To find your member number, contact the organization’s headquarters.  To find a number for an international or national headquarters, visit the Alabama Panhellenic website and click on the “Sorority Contact” link at the bottom of the screen.  This will bring you to a page with links to all of the national and international websites.   

Some groups have an additional “Legacy Introduction” letter or form.  If you have specific questions regarding an individual group’s recommendation or reference form or policy, the organization’s national or international headquarters will be helpful in clarifying their group’s process.

NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL, INC. (NPHC) 

The 8 groups that are affiliated with NPHC at Alabama are: Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma (Men’s groups) and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta (Women’s groups) 

What is NPHC Intake?  When is it? 

The tern Intake refers to the recruitment process of NPHC.  NPHC organizations have delayed recruitment, which means that an individual must have 12 or more college semester hours prior to joining an NPHC organization.   

How can I find out more about the NPHC organizations at Alabama? 

Come to a Convocation!  The convocation dates for fall and spring are listed below.  This is a great way to learn more about NPHC and the individual NPHC chapters at Alabama!  Another great way to learn about NPHC is to visit the Alabama NPHC website at www.bama.ua.edu/~nphc 

Fall 2008 – August 27, 7pm, Ferguson Ballroom

Spring 2009 – January, Ferguson Ballroom 

Are there requirements to join an NPHC organization? 

Each chapter and international organization has individual Intake requirements, membership requirements, initiation dates and membership dues.  Each chapter will have a financial responsibility.  For more information, contact an Intake Contact Person or call the NPHC office at 205.348.8873 

NORTH AMERICAN INTER-FRATERNITY CONFERENCE or ALABAMA INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL 

The 29 men’s groups that are affiliated or associated with IFC at Alabama are: Alpha Kappa Lambda, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Chi, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Delta Tau Delta, Delta Sigma Phi, Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Lambda Sigma Phi,  Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Iota Alpha, Phi Kappa Psi, Phi Kappa Sigma, Phi Sigma Kappa, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Lambda Beta, Sigma Nu, Sigma Pi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Theta Chi, Zeta Beta Tau.

How do fraternities seek new members at The University of Alabama?

Men who wish to join one of the 29 IFC fraternities at The University of Alabama have two ways of seeking membership. Traditionally, groups recruit members during the spring and summer prior to their freshmen year and extend bids for membership prior to classes beginning in the fall semester. The Interfraternity Council holds a formal recruitment during late August and early September. During formal recruitment each prospective new member has the opportunity to interact with individuals from each fraternity and visit their houses. Bids for membership are extended during the week of events.

What is the first step to joining a Fraternity at the University of Alabama?

Register for the recruitment  database online!  Find the link to register at www.greeklife.ua.edu  The only way the Fraternities will know you are interested in being a part of the Greek Community is if you register via the online website.  This is a great first step!  Fraternities will contact you about their spring and summer events.  If you have questions or need contact information for a Fraternity, please contact the IFC office at 205.348.6077.  Another good way to get to know people is during Fall Fraternity Recruitment. 

August 25 - September 10, 2008

Fraternity Recruitment offers you an opportunity to meet other people on campus and learn what each fraternity has to offer its members.

How can I learn more about the IFC groups at Alabama? 

Visit the website at http://www.greeklife.ua.edu/ifc.html and come to the Convocation/ Info Meeting on August 25, 2008.

Are there requirements to join a fraternity at UA?

Each Fraternity’s chapter and national organization has individual scholastic, membership and financial obligations.  Ask individual chapters about specific requirements of their national or international group.  There is no minimum GPA requirement to participate in recruitment at Alabama.

What are the financial obligations of being in a fraternity at the University of Alabama? 

Each chapter also has a financial requirement, which should be taken into consideration.  Financial requirements may include membership dues, which support the local chapter and the national organization, facility fees, board and room (if living in the facility).  Although these will vary slightly from chapter to chapter, the averages for the men’s groups are listed on the Fraternity Cost sheet.  

If you have additional questions about dues or fees, ask members during recruitment for a break down of their fraternity’s cost.  

GENERAL GREEK LIFE QUESTIONS 

What if the online website for registration is not responding? 

The online registration should be operating 24 hours a day.  Register any time!  If you are having difficulty, you may want to come back later or try using a different computer.  Please direct specific registration questions to the Greek Life Office.  For Panhellenic questions call 205.348.6219 and for Interfraternity Council call 205.348.6077.  Only online registration forms will be accepted. 

If I am going through formal recruitment do I need to get a university meal plan? 

In Fall Semester 2008 all entering first-year students are required to take part in the Alabama Advantage Dining Program. Within that program are special meal options available only to students in fraternities and sororities.

Option 1 Students that would like to have 40 meals per semester need to do...nothing! All students that join a fraternity or sorority that also requires a minimum of 10 meals per week will automatically have their Bama Dining meal plan reduced to 40 meals per semester. This cost for this "Greek Meal Plan" is $360, and the difference between the two plans will be credited to your university account.

Option 2 Students that would like more than 40 meals per semester may change their meal plan to one of the following: Silver (160 meals per semester), Gold (220 meals per semester) or Unlimited.

Option 3 Students that would like to have no requirement to dine in any UA dining halls may choose to only pay the Community Dining Charge of $197.

When the University generates an official list of all new Greek members, all students on that list will be automatically downgraded from their original plan to the Option 1 plan with 40 meals per semester. All fraternity and sorority members have until October 10, 2008 to further downgrade their meal plan to the Option 3 plan with no meals if they choose to do so.

 

How long will I be a new member? 

The University of Alabama has a 8-week new member orientation period.  During this time, the members of individual organizations learn about the history and the expectations of their organization and of their membership.  At the end of the 8 week period new members will learn about the ritual of their new group during initiation. Only groups that have permission on file in the Office of Student Affairs are allowed to initiate after receiving grades.  

What is the time commitment of joining a Greek organization? 

During your new member orientation period the amount of time you spend with your new sisters or brothers will vary depending on each organization. You will be asked to attend new member and chapter meetings in addition to other activities hosted or attended by the chapter. During recruitment, you may want to ask members of the groups specifically what time commitment will be expected of you. 

Fraternity New Members Only – Fraternity New Members are only allowed to be in the chapter house between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday – Friday. Thursday evenings and weekends are open due to social events. Chapters can ask for permission to hold ritual ceremonies during the week from the Office of Student Affairs.  

Is IFC and NPC Formal Recruitment only for Freshmen?  

No!  Upperclassmen are encouraged to go through the formal recruitment process.  Each year, the Greek Community pledges many upperclassmen during recruitment.  NPC affiliated groups also have an upperclassman quota during Formal Recruitment! 

How should I act during recruitment? 

Above all things, be yourself.  You will discover what group fits best with you and what group you fit best with by allowing the groups to see you for who you are.  Ask questions during recruitment so that you can find out as much as possible about the organizations for which you are attending events.  During this mutual selection process, you will discover where you feel most at home and where you feel comfortable being yourself.   

How can I begin to learn more about the Panhellenic/NPHC/IFC organizations at Alabama? 

Visit the Alabama Council websites and visit the national, international and chapter websites!  Many of Alabama’s Greek organizations have links to their chapter, national or international Greek websites listed on their council website or through student organization websites.  The websites are a great place to start learning about what individual groups are involved with at Alabama and in the community of Tuscaloosa as well as the groups’ service, scholastic and fraternal work within the national and international Greek Community.

If we did not your particular question listed please email us at greeklife@bama.ua.edu.