[SoCalGirl]

Originally Posted by Hartofsec

Something new this year:

• While chapter specific letters of recommendation are preferred, for women unable to find an alumna from each of the recognized sororities at UA to write a letter of rec, we have added a new option to the recruitment application. This year as part of the recruitment application, women participating in recruitment may elect to submit a generic, supplemental academic letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or principal. The individual writing the letter of recommendation does not have been a member of Greek organization; however, the letter should speak to your character as it applies to leadership, scholarship, community service, and friendship. Please note that this is an optional feature and as such, is not a required part of the online application form.
• Supplemental academic letters of recommendation can be uploaded directly to the PNMs online recruitment application in Innova Campus Director or they can be mailed to the Alabama Panhellenic Association at the address provided below.

Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Attn: Hannah Mancer

Director of Recruitment

The University of Alabama

Ferguson Center 2512

Box 870298

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0298

Nit pic: Is an academic letter of rec really about leadership, community service, and friendship? In my mind it's about academics, end of discussion. Best used in the "4.0 student was in a coma half her junior year", and other rare situations, to explain away low GPAs. What can a teacher, guidance counselor or principal speak to a girl's friendships? Can someone other than a "teacher, guidance counselor or principal" write one since they really aren't trying to address academics anyways? What about coaches, employers, the local mayor? How about Congressional appointment a la the academies? Where does it end?

I would rather see a rec from an alumnae of another sorority than one from a random woman or man who knows nothing of the pressures of Greek Life. And how many of these women will have to face lectures from well meaning adults about how she shouldn't be part of a sorority anyhow?

These recs will fall into "Bless her heart" territory and could very well do more harm than good.