Register with area PHC? Please help!

[Halloween4Ever]

Do I have to sign up with my area Panhellenic Council (for example, Houston Panhellenic Council) first or do I register with the college when registration opens?
Also, the high school I'm graduating from is in a different city than the college I'm attending, thus the area PHC are different (as in one is North Harris whilst the other is Houston).

I'm totally clueless about all this :x

[Titchou]

You register with your college to participate in recruitment. You register with your home local alumnae Panhellenic ONLY if you need assistance in getting recommendations. Otherwise, there is no need to register with the local alum PH.

So do you have your recs lined up?

[MaryPoppins]

You used "whilst," Squeeeeee! Register with the Alumnae Panhellenic Council where you live. Also go to the web site for your college, there look for student life or student organization ( might even be Greek Life) and find the Panhellenic registration information. The majority of schools now have online registration these days. Follow the prompts, be sure to have your method of payment ready to go.

[Halloween4Ever]

I have no recs unfortunately. I'm pretty new to all of this considering that my family, save for one cousin, has never participated in GLOs.

The PHC for my area said that the registration deadline was May 1st, yet the registration for my college for the fall 2014 semester was said to open on May 1st. I'm still waiting for them to update the links so I can register.

[AZTheta]

Take a deep breath! There are many knowledgeable NPC members here with great advice, and be sure that you listen to them. Threads abound with the 911 on recruitment

Seems that May 1st date is off to me - registration closes typically much closer to the starting date of recruitment.

[shirley1929]

Originally Posted by Titchou

You register with your college to participate in recruitment. You register with your home local alumnae Panhellenic ONLY if you need assistance in getting recommendations. Otherwise, there is no need to register with the local alum PH.

So do you have your recs lined up?

(sidebar) I think this varies from city to city...my city actually wants you to register with our APH even if you don't need help. That way the alumnae in each group can track who is going where, what they pledged, etc... But most groups here have their alumnae turn in RIFs locally, and use this as a check and balance to make sure everyone is covered.

OP - Register with Houston Panhellenic anyway (if your HS is one of the ones that feeds into that panhellenic group) even though it is late. You definitely MUST register for the panhellenic of your college/university as well.

[shirley1929]

Originally Posted by AZTheta

Take a deep breath! There are many knowledgeable NPC members here with great advice, and be sure that you listen to them. Threads abound with the 911 on recruitment

Seems that May 1st date is off to me - registration closes typically much closer to the starting date of recruitment.

I think she was saying that May 1st was her local panhellenic cut off. That's pretty typical in Texas...especially Houston.

[AZTheta]

Thank you, shirley1929~ I need another cup of coffee! appreciate the clarification.

[als463]

While I did not rush in the south and will not hand out any advice regarding southern rush, I will say that I think it was thoughtful of your grandparents for getting you a rush coach for recruitment. Since it is a gift, just be thankful, and as the other ladies here already mentioned you not take everything said by this person as gospel if tiers or status are discussed.

Going Greek was one of the best choices I have ever made. I am so thankful for my sisters and those who are not my sisters in Phi Mu but, through the NPC. I wish you the best of luck in recruitment.

[AnchorAlumna]

Originally Posted by Halloween4Ever

The PHC for my area said that the registration deadline was May 1st, yet the registration for my college for the fall 2014 semester was said to open on May 1st. I'm still waiting for them to update the links so I can register.

You must register for recruitment at your college in order to participate! There's probably a pretty broad window to do that - at least 60 days, although the later you wait, the more it usually costs. All that should be laid out in the registration materials, which are probably online.

You may register for recruitment with your local alumnae panhellenic for help in finding recommendations. I highly recommend it - those Texas alumnae panhellenics are quite efficient. I think they will probably accept your registration at this late date, but do it as quickly as possible!

[SWTXBelle]

Where in Houston do you live?

Houston Area Panhellenic has a May 1st deadline to give them time to do recs. They are pretty firm about it.

Northwest Houston Panhellenic also has a May 1st deadline.

Katy Panhellenic has a May 19th deadline, although I guarantee you we will get individuals contacting us after the deadline.

OP - message me.

[AZTheta]

^^^ and this is why I adore my GPhi Panhell sister. She rocks.

[ComradesTrue]

Originally Posted by shirley1929

(sidebar) I think this varies from city to city...my city actually wants you to register with our APH even if you don't need help. That way the alumnae in each group can track who is going where, what they pledged, etc... But most groups here have their alumnae turn in RIFs locally, and use this as a check and balance to make sure everyone is covered.

This is exactly the case for my city as well. We educate the PNMs to find people who personally know them but we also strongly suggest that they register with the Panhellenic. Lots of our alumnae groups prefer to send chapters one envelope with recs of all the PNMs from our town together. We also track, follow up, etc.

In addition, our social circles run small. Often girls get an additional rec because someone on the APH personally knows them and wants to write for them.

OP- deep breath. Yes, the Houston APH deadlines are early compared to other parts of the country. This is due to the sheer volumes of recs they end up doing, as well as UT's early deadline for receiving recs. Start networking with your teachers, neighbors, friends' parents/sisters, etc. This can be done. You can't spit in Houston and not get a sorority member wet.

[SWTXBelle]

I've exchanged messages with her and I think we've got a plan . . . hoping she will attend our Go Greek! event with actives from various campuses. Even though she can't register with the Greater Katy Alumnae Panhellenic, I can probably help her meet some alumnae.
The event:
http://katypanhellenic.org/Recruitment.html

As a bonus, I get to give out 5 scholarships that evening to some very deserving actives! Hope to see you there, Halloween4Ever!

eta - Aw, AZTheta, you made me blush!

[Halloween4Ever]

Thank you all so much! All your knowledge and advice has made me feel a lot less nervous.