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Joining Information
A Home Without Hazing – Joining Requirement
Adam's Law, one of Virginia's state laws, requires in-person hazing-prevention training for potential new members joining certain organizations, including all fraternities and sororities, as well as several others. Before joining a chapter, you must complete the Prospective Member A Home Without Hazing training. Training will be offered at W&M during orientation and at the beginning of the semester.
At William & Mary, we believe that no one should ever be demeaned or put in harm's way in their efforts to be part of campus life. In-person participation in A Home Without Hazing training will be required for all student organizations with new members. A Home Without Hazing training will consist of four separate required trainings (prospective members, new members, active members, and advisors). Training dates and registration information can be found at the Hazing Prevention at W&M TribeLink page.
Note: If you have previously completed the Prospective Member A Home Without Hazing hazing prevention training, you will not be required to participate in this particular program again during your time at William & Mary.
Grade Requirements
Panhellenic does not require a specific grade point average to participate in recruitment. Each individual chapter has its own grade-point-average requirement, which it may take into account when extending an invitation to join its organization. These requirements generally fall within the 2.5-3.0 GPA range.
Recruitment Recommendation Letter (Optional)
Frequently, the Panhellenic Council will get questions about reference letters or recommendations. While reference letters are certainly appreciated by the chapters when they receive this information, they are not necessary for participation, NOR do the majority of women participating in recruitment have them.
Who can write a letter?Reference letters or recommendations should be written by alumnae or collegiate members of a sorority and sent to that particular chapter on the W&M campus; letters do not need to come from only W&M chapter alumnae. Our chapters welcome recommendations from sisters (collegiate and alumnae) from other colleges/universities. |
What can be included in the letter?Often, organizations will have a reference or recommendation form that alumnae/collegiate members can use when submitting a reference/recommendation. Many organizations offer the option to submit a reference/recommendation online. Some of the links may lead you to sign in through their website. Every alumnae in good standing has a login to the site; you may need to contact headquarters if you do not have yours. Here is some information on the forms for specific organizations: |
Where do I send a reference/recommendation letter?Every chapter now accepts/requires recommendation letters to be submitted electronically. The alumnae writing the recommendation should be familiar with the organization's policies and procedures. If she does not, she should contact her inter/national headquarters. The reference should be sent to the national organization! |
Things to Consider
Joining any organization comes with several privileges and responsibilities. As you consider joining one of our organizations, you will want to spend some time reflecting on the following.
Time Commitment
Being part of a social organization can be time-consuming. Every sorority has mandatory events that may include weekly chapter meetings, philanthropy events, specific educational programs, and more. On the same account, there will also be some optional programs. Since some chapters have attendance policies, you will want to ask each organization about the breakdown of mandatory and non-mandatory events. Typically, you will know the calendar of events early on, so you can plan accordingly.
Costs
Sororities are expensive. As a member of one of our organizations, you will be charged dues every semester. This money helps fund chapter operations, sisterhood events, and other activities, including formal events, philanthropy, apparel, educational opportunities, and more. The amount typically varies from semester to semester, though your first semester will be the most expensive one.
Housing
All 10 NPC chapters have a chapter house in Sorority Court. Living in a chapter house can be a fantastic opportunity to live with your sisters and make great memories. Sorority Court is in a great location on campus, right next to Colonial Williamsburg, giving you access to many sights and restaurants. Each chapter house has between 14 and 17 bed spaces, which are filled each year. While first-years are not eligible to live in, sophomores and up have the opportunity to do so. Housing costs are the same as the standard single and double room rates listed on the Residence Life page.