I just picked up a copy of the TAMU Panhellenic Recruitment Guide---it's the one that all of the PNM's get & has a TON of great info.
It lists a great explaination of the purpose for references & how they work. I think it might be a great idea to list each school's reference policies if we can find them.
Here's the one for Texas A&M University:
"One of the most commonly asked questions of the Collegiate Panhellenic Council concerns references (also known as
recommendations or potential new member information forms). The individual chapters are responsible for securing references, but recruitment is an extremely busy time for chapters. Therefore, you may have references sent to our eleven sororities on your behalf.
Many of our sororities require a reference form from an alumna member of their sorority before they can pledge a woman. References introduce a potential new member to the chapter telling more about the potential new member's personality, scholarship and activities. The alumna writing the reference is solely responsible for obtaining the appropriate reference form from her national organization, completing the form, and mailing it to the correct destination. You do not need to be involved in that process. The Collegiate Panhellenic Council does not have reference forms available nor can it obtain them for potential new members.
It is preferable to have references submitted to the chapters before recruitment begins. You want to provide them with as much time as is possible to become familiar with your information. References do not guarantee the potential new member a bid, nor are they essential for every sorority. References may be sent to the chapter house address"
Here is A&M's Panhellenic recruitment website for more info:
http://studentlife.tamu.edu/greek/In...on/npcrush.htm