Chapter meetings are held Wednesday evenings, and start anywhere between 6:00 and 7:00pm. The length will vary depending on the amount of business to be discussed.
I can't answer for all groups, but there are certain events that are required, and others that are "it's nice if you can make it out, because you'll get more points." The nature of these mandatory events will vary from chapter to chapter.
Recommendations aren't that important at UBC, but it never hurts. However, if you're a legacy to one of the chapters, be sure to indicate that on your registration form.
I would urge you to go ahead and go through formal recruitment in September - and accept a bid when/if you're offered one. Like UBCPanhellenic said, you never know from year to year whether the chapters will have spaces to fill after Formal recruitment.
Good luck in whatever you decide - and be sure to keep us posted! I don't think I've ever seen a UBC Recruitment thread on GC and I think we're long overdue.
