Recs aren't [are!] necessary

[Titchou]

OK, one more time and that's it. There is a difference between "you need recs" and "some groups require recs." Is there some part of that you don't understand? MC's question was with regard to telling PNMs that some require recs. MC did not ask about all groups...though I suspect that was the intention. Like I said, I only know what you say, not what you mean to say....so say what you mean because I will parse it! And I was just fending off the next question by the remark about MS....

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by Titchou

OK, one more time and that's it. There is a difference between "you need recs" and "some groups require recs." Is there some part of that you don't understand? MC's question was with regard to telling PNMs that some require recs. MC did not ask about all groups...though I suspect that was the intention. Like I said, I only know what you say, not what you mean to say....so say what you mean because I will parse it! And I was just fending off the next question by the remark about MS....

Sorry, no it's just gotten incredibly muddled

I think the perception that MC had gotten was that it was against the rules to tell PNMs about needing recs at all. However it's been clarified that it isn't wrong to say "some groups require recs, getting them isn't a bad idea."

So, perhaps to summarize:

1. College Panhellenics must not tell PNMs that it is required that they secure letters of recommendation.
2. College Panhellenics may tell PNMs that acquiring recs is a good idea and can only help their recruitment.
3. Some college Panhellenics tell PNMs that they don't need recs at all. Even if the campus is relatively uncompetitive it is still a good idea for PNMs to acquire recs anyway. If the campus is competitive it is very important for PNMs to acquire recs.
4. There are a few exceptions to every rule but there are only a few. Despite the fact that a sorority can get a rec for an otherwise rec-less PNM if they really want her, it can hurt her chances at a successful recruitment to be without them.
5. Recs are more meaningful when written by someone who knows the PNM personally, but if you don't know anyone from a particular sorority then getting a rec is the most important.

[LadyLonghorn]

The University of Texas Panhellenic Council finally decided to be honest about the recommendation situation on their web site last year:

Although recommendations are optional to participate in UT Recruitment, the majority of houses cannot invite you back past open house and may have to release you from their house without having a recommendation letter for you. Thererefore, it is HIGHLY encouraged to get recommendation letters for all 13 sororities at UT.