Joining Information
A Home Without Hazing
Training for Hazing Prevention at W&M - Joining Requirement
Adam's Law, one of Virginia's state laws calls for in person hazing prevention training for potential new members joining certain organizations. This includes all fraternities and sororities as well as several other organizations. Prior to joining a chapter, you must complete the Prospective Member A Home Without Hazing training. Trainings will be offered at W&M during orientation as well as at the beginning of the semester.
At William & Mary we believe that no one should ever be demeaned or exposed to harm 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 trainings 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 you to have a certain grade point average to participate in recruitment. Each individual chapter does have their own grade point average requirement they may take into account when extending an invitation to join their organization. These requirements generally fall around 2.5-3.0 GPA.
Recruitment Recommendation/ Letter
Not Required
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. |
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What can be included in the letter?Often inter/national organizations will have a reference or recommendation form that alumnae/collegiate members can use when sending in a reference/recommendation. Many organizations offer an option to submit the reference/recommendation on-line. Some of the links may lead you to sign in through their website. Every alumnae in good standing has a log in 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:
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Where do I send a reference/recommendation letter?Every chapter now accepts/requires recommendation letters be submitted electronically. The alumnae writing the recommendation should know her organizations policies and procedures. If she does not, she should contact her inter/national headquarters. |
Things to Consider
Joining any organization comes with a number of privies and responsibilities. As you are considering joining one of our organizations, you will want to spend some time thinking about the following things.
Time Commitment
Being part of a social organization can be time consuming. Every sorority has some mandatory events that could include weekly chapter meetings, philanthropy events, certain educational programs, and other things. On the same account there will also be some optional programs. With some chapters having attendance policies, you will want to ask each organization about the break down for mandatory and non-mandatory events. Typically, you will know the calendar of events early on so you can plan ahead.
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, funds sisterhood events and other activities such as formal, philanthropy events, apparel, educational opportunities, and more. The amount typically varies from semester to semester though your first semester will be the most expensive one. For more information go to our Financial Transparency Information page and take a look at the resources on file.
Housing
All 10 NPC chapters have a chapter house in Sorority Court. Living in a chapter house can provide you with an amazing opportunity to live with your sisters and make great memories along the way. Sorority Court is in a great location on campus and right next to Colonial Williamsburg giving you access to many sights and restaurants. Each chapter house has between 14 and 17 bed spaces that are filled on a yearly basis. While freshmen 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.
