Alumna references, or letters of recommendation, are introductions of a Potential New Member to the chapter, describing more about the Potential New Member, their interests, and how their values align with the values of the sorority.

A reference is most often an online form that an alumna member will find on their national website. Sometimes, members may also submit supplemental information (e.g., resume, transcript, photo) through an online portal. Additional references submitted to individual chapters are supplemental to this process and do not carry the same weight as the official recommendation form.

References do not guarantee a bid to membership; however, they will help the chapters learn a little about you in advance. There is no official deadline for references for Primary Recruitment at The University of Texas at Austin, but the earlier a chapter receives the reference, the more time they have to read and get to know you.

There are two ways to obtain an alumna reference:

• Register with your local Alumnae Panhellenic. Throughout the country, Alumnae Panhellenic Associations help women in their area secure reference writers. This option provides an opportunity to get assistance with obtaining references, possibly meet local area sorority alumnae, and attend a recruitment information session. To find the Alumnae Panhellenic Association in your area, you can visit the University Panhellenic Council website or do a Google search. If your town or city is not listed, consider contacting the nearest university campus with sororities and inquire. Most Alumnae Panhellenic Associations begin collecting registration forms in early spring and set their own deadlines in early summer.

• Independently find references. This is a great option if you do not live in an area with an Alumnae Panhellenic, miss the Alumnae Panhellenic deadline, or if you prefer to do things your own way with more control over the process. Use your network to find members of sororities who are willing to submit a reference on your behalf. The alumna writing the reference is responsible for submitting the appropriate form through their national organization’s process.

Many organizations have revised their reference processes to now accept third-party references and/or self-recommendations. The intention behind this change is to make references, and the overall recruitment process, more accessible to Potential New Members who may not know sorority alumnae.

Each organization may have a slightly different definition of who is an acceptable third party. Generally, any adult (non-relative) who knows you well and can speak to your character, values, interests, and accomplishments would be an appropriate third-party reference. Great examples include teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, spiritual leaders, and supervisors from work or volunteer experiences.

A self-recommendation is a way for a Potential New Member to introduce themselves to an organization without the need for an outside recommender (alumna or third party). To see if an organization accepts self-recommendations or third-party references, click here.

Each sorority has different rules about who can submit a reference for a Potential New Member. Some organizations allow collegiate members at other universities to submit references, while in other organizations, only alumnae may submit them. Some organizations also accept third-party references or self-references.

Most organizations allow family members to submit an alumnae reference for Potential New Members who are relatives. If your reference writer has questions about their eligibility, we encourage them to check with their member organization. An alumna (or active member) from any university may submit an alumnae reference; they do not have to have been a member of the chapter at The University of Texas at Austin.

It is standard to provide a resume, a transcript, and two pictures in electronic form. Don’t forget to include a thank-you note as well!

We encourage all Potential New Members to actively seek recommendations for all chapters at The University of Texas at Austin.

On average, Potential New Members at The University of Texas at Austin submit one to two references for each chapter.

No, unfortunately, the University Panhellenic Council cannot help Potential New Members find references. It is an individual process for each Potential New Member, either through your local Alumnae Panhellenic or by asking contacts you and your family have within your community.

If you are having trouble finding affiliated women in your networks, you may have to get creative! Have family members post on social media that they are looking for sorority members—you may have family and friends that you didn’t realize were affiliated. Ask family members to inquire of co-workers if they or anyone they know are sorority members. Additionally, ask guidance counselors, teachers, and coaches if they or anyone they know is affiliated. Keep in mind that older friends who are sorority members at other universities may be able to submit a reference or know a recent graduate who can.

Third-party references and self-recommendations are another great way to introduce yourself to a chapter if you do not know an alumna member, provided that the organization accepts them.

Yes, you can still register and participate in Primary Recruitment without obtaining references. However, it is highly encouraged that you seek out references for all of the chapters at The University of Texas at Austin. Sometimes you won’t be able to find a member of one or two chapters. In this case, do not stress. Chapters will still get to know you through your registration materials and their conversations with you.

The University Panhellenic Council has no set official deadline for letters of recommendation or packets. However, we recommend that all reference materials be submitted to chapters by the first week of August at the latest.

Individual alumnae associations or groups may have independent deadlines to facilitate their own internal processes. If you have questions regarding these deadlines, we recommend reaching out to these individuals or organizations directly.

It is important for students and families to be informed about the costs associated with sorority membership. During Primary Recruitment, Potential New Members are encouraged to ask sorority members about financial obligations and payment options, as each sorority sets its own fees and housing costs, as well as the payment schedules.

Chapter dues fund chapter operations such as academic programs, sisterhood events, facility upkeep, philanthropy and service activities, alumni and parent events, and national dues. The ranges below reflect semester dues, as recorded in April 2024, as well as room and board information:

New Member Fall Semester: $2,000-$3,500

New Member Spring Semester: $1,700-$2,859

*Active Member Living In-House Per Semester: $5,638-$8,000

Active Member Living Out-of-House Per Semester: $1,600-$2,682

*Includes Room and Board

Additional costs throughout the semester may include parking at the chapter house, optional meal plans, pictures, gifts, social events, etc.

Several chapters offer payment plans and scholarships for members who need financial assistance. It is important to understand that when you become a new member of a sorority, you may still be responsible for fees or payments required to fulfill your contract with the organization, even if you decide to disaffiliate and end your membership.

The New Member Period ranges from four to twelve weeks, depending on the chapter. This period affords opportunities to meet other members, learn about fraternity history, and feel at home in the chapter. Each chapter follows a new member education program designed by their national organization. This is a great question to ask the active members as you meet them during Primary Recruitment.

Hazing, as defined in the Prohibition of Hazing, means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a person for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.

Hazing is not tolerated at The University of Texas at Austin, and all students should feel safe joining and maintaining membership in an organization. However, hazing can occur in any student organization or team setting, including sororities and fraternities. If you know of someone being hazed or have been hazed, it is your responsibility to help us shift the culture of hazing and report it to the Office of the Dean of Students. More information about the definition of hazing, hazing prevention initiatives, reporting hazing, and student organizations found in violation of hazing can be found here.

Being a member of a sorority is like taking another academic class. You can expect one chapter meeting each week, as well as other weekly programming such as study sessions, sisterhood activities, community service projects, and social events. As a new member, you will also have new member education meetings. Taking on a leadership role, such as a committee chair or officer position, entails more time commitments but is extremely rewarding. Remember, the more you put into the sorority, the more you will get out of it!