Schools where you absolutely positively need recs

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by pomplemousse12

I don't think recs are needed for VTech. I looked up their info because one of my close friends is going to go through Recruitment there, and the info packet didn't even mention them. In the FAQs it mentions that they are accepted, but not required. But that's the only place they are mentioned I think. Also they are open for expansion! That's exciting.

Although this is actually true for VT, the info packet is not always a good measure of the importance of recs. Panhellenics are supposed to de-emphasize the importance of recs per NPC policy. It ends up hurting women who, god forbid, believe what is written in a guide to sororities. Silly them.

[33girl]

Bump because the sticky just isn't enough, apparently.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

Although this is actually true for VT, the info packet is not always a good measure of the importance of recs. Panhellenics are supposed to de-emphasize the importance of recs per NPC policy. It ends up hurting women who, god forbid, believe what is written in a guide to sororities. Silly them.

Why? Seems like it would just hurt PNMs not help them.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

Why? Seems like it would just hurt PNMs not help them.

See my earlier post. Panhel really can't say "you need recs to join so and so" - that is treading on membership selection secret stuff. Think of it as the management office at the mall can't tell you what Bath & Body Works is looking for in an employee.

Also as vp said, it's Panhellenic trying to seem more "inclusive." The truth of it is by saying "recs don't matter" they do the exact opposite. A more honest thing to say (and something that wouldn't mislead rushees as much) would be "each sorority has its own local and national policies concerning recommendations. Contact alumnae of the sororities if you have any questions."

[UHDEEGEE]

Not a specific campus, however, this is from DG's web site:

"Are Sponsor Forms required for pledging Delta Gamma?
Yes, being endorsed by a member of Delta Gamma is required for pledging and a Delta Gamma Sponsor Form is the preferred form."

The good news is that a collegian may sign the sponsor form.

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by UHDEEGEE

Not a specific campus, however, this is from DG's web site:

"Are Sponsor Forms required for pledging Delta Gamma?
Yes, being endorsed by a member of Delta Gamma is required for pledging and a Delta Gamma Sponsor Form is the preferred form."

The good news is that a collegian may sign the sponsor form.

I think plenty of NPCs "require" a rec before initiation, but there would be empty chapters of DG and other NPCs if a rec were required to get a bid (ie in the Northeast).

[greekmomjo]

As an alum who has helped my house on the last day of recruitment, if a girl is still there on the last day and does NOT have a rec form, I can tell you they will have an alumnae member write the rec right there and then in case she does join our house.

It is the getting to the last day part that is hard to do--why wouldn't you try ahead of time to have that slight edge by getting a rec?

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by greekmomjo

As an alum who has helped my house on the last day of recruitment, if a girl is still there on the last day and does NOT have a rec form, I can tell you they will have an alumnae member write the rec right there and then in case she does join our house.

It is the getting to the last day part that is hard to do--why wouldn't you try ahead of time to have that slight edge by getting a rec?

Read a little more on this site...we've had this discussion before. Not all sororities require a rec to receive a bid. Not every sorority has alumnae writing recs on the last day to make sure their PNMs can get a bid. This, of course, does not diminish the importance of recommendations at competitive schools.

[LizzieBee]

So, since you need recs at UNC (even though I've talked to some actives and they said you didn't) how are you supposed to go about getting them? I've tried asking around to everyone I can think of (family, church members, friend's moms) and NO ONE is Greek. I don't want to be at a disadvantage, but I only have 2 recs (out of 10). Any ideas? Should I try to get in touch with UNC panhel (they also pretty much said you're on your own for recs, because they supposedly aren't very important).

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by LizzieBee

So, since you need recs at UNC (even though I've talked to some actives and they said you didn't) how are you supposed to go about getting them? I've tried asking around to everyone I can think of (family, church members, friend's moms) and NO ONE is Greek. I don't want to be at a disadvantage, but I only have 2 recs (out of 10). Any ideas? Should I try to get in touch with UNC panhel (they also pretty much said you're on your own for recs, because they supposedly aren't very important).

Check with your local alumnae panhellenic and see if you can get in touch with someone there. (I believe the site has been linked in this thread before, but the NPC site lists the chapters by state.)

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by LizzieBee

So, since you need recs at UNC (even though I've talked to some actives and they said you didn't) how are you supposed to go about getting them? I've tried asking around to everyone I can think of (family, church members, friend's moms) and NO ONE is Greek. I don't want to be at a disadvantage, but I only have 2 recs (out of 10). Any ideas? Should I try to get in touch with UNC panhel (they also pretty much said you're on your own for recs, because they supposedly aren't very important).

Do you have an Alumnae Panhellenic in your area?

They are made up of sorority alumnae who often do help PNMs get recs and prep for recruitment.

http://npcwomen.org/alumnae-panhellenics/directory.aspx

Check this list out and see if there is one near you. On their website, there's usually info on what you need to do to get some help (you usually have to provide them with a very specific packet of info about you and your accomplishments).

[Jimmy Choo]

Originally Posted by LizzieBee

So, since you need recs at UNC (even though I've talked to some actives and they said you didn't) how are you supposed to go about getting them? I've tried asking around to everyone I can think of (family, church members, friend's moms) and NO ONE is Greek. I don't want to be at a disadvantage, but I only have 2 recs (out of 10). Any ideas? Should I try to get in touch with UNC panhel (they also pretty much said you're on your own for recs, because they supposedly aren't very important).

If you are in-state there are active alum Panhells in Wilmington and Raleigh/Durham. I think Charlotte's is active also but doesn't have a working website. If you contact any of those panhells the women would be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

[BAMA2]

I agree with the posts about UNC Chapel Hill. I have written several recs this year for UNC.

Being from the South I just can't imagine sending one of my daughters off to any school without recs! It just wouldn't seem right somehow....

[LizzieBee]

Violet,

I just checked all the sites in my state (there wasn't one in my direct area) and none of them seem to provide any relevant information about recs. In fact, only 1 website worked and it didn't provide any contact information. Any other suggestions?

[33girl]

Originally Posted by LizzieBee

Violet,

I just checked all the sites in my state (there wasn't one in my direct area) and none of them seem to provide any relevant information about recs. In fact, only 1 website worked and it didn't provide any contact information. Any other suggestions?

Call the national NPC office. Their number is at the bottom of that list.