The Panhellenic Council has created a list of the most common questions from Potential New Members (PNMs) regarding Formal Recruitment. These questions will also be addressed in the New Member Handbook. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact the Executive Board at panhellexec@columbia.edu.

Q: When I register, what picture should I choose?

A: You are welcome to choose any photo that you like; just keep in mind that it is best to choose a picture in which you are clearly recognizable -- no sunglasses or hats, face forward, relatively close-up, etc.

Q: Will my GPA be considered?

A: You must have at least a 2.5 to be eligible for Formal Recruitment. GPAs will be verified at the PNM Orientation on January 22nd.

Q: What extracurriculars should I put on the form?

A: Put down as much information as possible about your interests outside of the classroom. Panhellenic women are involved in many different activities all over campus, and we would love to learn more about what interests you!

Q: Are spring transfers are eligible to go through Formal Recruitment?

A: Yes, spring transfers, who are not already initiated sisters of a Panhellenic sorority, are eligible to go through Formal Recruitment. Spring transfers should complete the standard Recruitment registration form.

Q: What topics should I avoid talking about when in the recruitment room?

A: The Panhellenic Council refers to these topics as the 4 B’s: Brothers (Fraternity men), Bars, Beer/Booze, and Buildings/Brownstones. No conversations should reference or center around dating, drinking, nightlife, or chapter housing facilities. To do so is a violation of the Recruitment rules, and any PNM or chapter member that violates this rule may be subject to judicial procedures.

Potential New Members, and sisters alike, should focus on making memorable conversations and bonds. Good discussion topics include what extracurricular activities you are involved in, great classes you have taken/are currently taking, summer experiences, traveling, hobbies, etc.

Q: What are the differences between each sorority?

A: While each sorority is unique in its own way, it is difficult to pinpoint specific differences between each because the members of each sorority are also so unique. At Columbia we have a very diverse population, and this is exemplified within the Greek community. We encourage you to keep an open mind throughout the recruitment process and to focus on finding the chapter that feels like the best match for you. 

Q: If I do end up joining a sorority, what is the time commitment?

A: Each sorority has a mandatory weekly meeting called Chapter, which typically meets on Sunday evenings. Throughout each semester there are other mandatory events such as initiation, philanthropy events, workshops, etc. That said, for many members, these mandatory events are not a burden because they mean time spent with sisters. The Panhellenic Council and all of the sororities encourage members to be involved in activities and groups on campus aside from the sorority.

Q: I know each sorority has dues. What is the monetary commitment for each chapter?

A: Each of the sororities requires that their members pay a certain amount of money each semester, with the first semester (the new member period) being more expensive due to more activities and expenses accumulated. You are encouraged to ask chapter members about finances, scholarships, and awards. 

Here are each chapter’s dues:

AXO: Active $407, New $702

AOII: Active $400, New $490

DG: Active $527, New $759

GPB: Active $685, New $510

KAT: Active $589, New $529

SDT: Active $568 (SO) / $538 (JR) / $501 (SR), New $678

Chapters' dues are also published in Panhellenic's New Member Handbook.