The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is the umbrella organization that oversees 26 women’s fraternities and sororities. The College Panhellenic Council (CPC) at East Texas A&M serves as the on-campus governing body for the four NPC women's fraternities and sororities that are represented in our community. Our Panhellenic system focuses on scholarship, philanthropy, sisterhood and social engagement.

A group of girls from the same sorority celebrating.

National Panhellenic Chapters

Alpha Phi crest.

Alpha Phi

Local | National

Chi Omega crest.

Chi Omega

Local | National

Gamma Phi Beta crest.

Gamma Phi Beta

Local | National

Associate Chapters

Sigma Alpha

Local | National

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to be in a sorority?

The cost of membership is different for each chapter, so be sure to reach out to the
organization for more specific information. The average cost for new members during the first
semester is $993.72. This typically includes many one-time fees for inter/national dues, a
badge fee and other expenses related to initiation.

Active member fees cost an average of $519.18 per semester. Some chapters have a higher rate for out-of-house members, so be sure to ask about this. Additionally, some chapters are all-inclusive, meaning that there won’t be any additional fees for t-shirts or events, but others have a lower cost for dues and allow you to pay out-of-pocket for these other expenses.

Payment plans are available from some organizations, but structure and availability vary by
chapter.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

Do I have to go through formal recruitment?

Though you do not have to go through formal recruitment in order to join one of our chapters,
it is the only time during the year that all four sororities will be recruiting. After formal
recruitment and in the spring semester, there is a chance (but no guarantee) that some
chapters will do Continuous Open Bidding (COB). This is an unstructured recruitment
process in which the chapters host an event and any potential new members are welcome to
attend. Please note that not all chapters will be participating in COB and dates and times vary
by chapter.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

Who can I contact if I have questions?

You can contact the College Panhellenic Council at [email protected] or reach out to our
advisor, Amanda Horne, at [email protected].

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

What will primary recruitment be like this fall?

This year primary recruitment will be a hybrid experience. This means recruitment will have
both virtual and in person components. If you are not comfortable participating in the in
person components, we can accommodate a full virtual experience for you.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

Do I get to live in the house?

Yes, there will be an expectation to live in the on-campus housing for sorority women. The cost
as of fall 2019 is $2,033.00 per semester for a double room, but check the Residential Living and
Learning website for updated rates and information.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

What do I wear during recruitment?

This is our most frequently asked question! Please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable!
We want you to be your authentic self, so try not to worry about this part. However, we know
you’ll have questions and your Rho Gammas can provide insight into what the chapters will be
wearing each day.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

Am I guaranteed an invitation of membership/bid?

Though we hope there is a place for everyone in our community, this is not always the case.
Although you may register for formal recruitment does not mean that you are
guaranteed an invitation of membership to one of our four chapters. Invitations to parties each
day are based on a mutual selection process between the potential new member and individual
chapters. The preferences do not always match up. As a result, potential new members may not be
asked back to parties on the following day. Potential new members would be notified of this
before recruitment begins that day.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

Is there a recruitment fee?

Yes, there is a fee that helps pay for your t-shirt for day one and other costs associated with
running the formal recruitment process. Please visit the registration page for more information
on registration fees.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

What is a legacy?

Though legacy is defined differently for each organization, typically a legacy is a potential new
member whose grandmother, mother or sister is a member of a Panhellenic sorority that is
represented at East Texas A&M. Legacies may be given special consideration for that particular
chapter, but they do not guarantee membership in that organization.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

What is a Rho Gamma?

A Rho Gamma, or recruitment guide, consists of current members of our Panhellenic community that
lead potential new members through the recruitment process. They serve as an unbiased
source of support during recruitment. They are mentors and friends who have been in your shoes
once before, so they’re a great resource! Each potential new member will be assigned a group
and two Rho Gammas before recruitment begins.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

Do I have to have a certain GPA or be a full-time student to go through recruitment?

Yes, all students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority at ETAMU must have at least a 2.5 high school GPA or 2.5 cumulative GPA for already enrolled students and be enrolled at East Texas A&M full-time (12 credit hours minimum for undergraduates). Please note that these are the minimum university requirements, but chapters most likely have higher GPA standards for membership.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

What is primary recruitment?

During the fall semester, our four CPC chapters participate together in a structured recruitment
process. During this 4-day process, potential new members will have the opportunity to learn
about the Panhellenic community, meet each individual chapter and get to know the current
members. Each night is filled with different activities to teach you what it will be like to be a
member of these organizations.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Navigate This Page