Primary Recruitment
Primary Recruitment occurs during the spring semester and is a structured form of recruitment. Interested potential new members (PNMs) must register for primary recruitment prior to the kick-off date. All interested PNMs will be placed in groups and given Rho Gammas (recruitment guides), who will support and guide PNMs throughout the recruitment process.
Formal recruitment has four rounds and lasts for two consecutive weekends. After each round, PNMs that are going through recruitment will be able to rank a certain number of sororities they are interested in returning to in future rounds.
Primary Recruitment will take place the first two weekends of second semester. In 2023, the first weekend of primary recruitment will take place the weekend of February 3rd-5th and the second weekend will take place from February 10th-12th.
The link to sign up for primary recruitment opens November 1st, 2022.
The registration link for Primary Recruitment will close on January 30th at noon.
Explanation of Rounds
Round 1: Values Round
February 3-4, 2023
There are 16 sororities participating in each round of recruitment. During round one, you will visit each of the 16 sororities for 25 minutes at a time. These 16 events will be spread out over the course of two days, so you will visit eight chapters one day and eight chapters the other day. The purpose of this round of recruitment is to introduce potential new members to all of the Panhellenic sororities in our Greek community. Values round is the least formal round. This year we will be providing PNMs with a UMD Panhellenic t-shirt!
Round 2: Philanthropy Round
February 5, 2023
This round allows you to visit up to 12 sororities to learn about their philanthropic organizations and other community service projects they participate in throughout the school year. At each of the events you attend, you will view a short video that pertains to that sorority’s specific philanthropy. Our chapters are very involved in their philanthropies on campus and nationwide which brings our community together in a unique way. This round will give you the opportunity to gain insight into what we are most passionate about. Jeans are appropriate, as well as flats or boots and a comfortable sweater.
Round 3: Community Round
February 10, 2023
During round three you may visit up to seven sororities for 45 minutes each. The fun and entertaining atmosphere during this round of recruitment makes it a favorite for both potential new members and sorority members. At each of the events, you will get to see how each sorority values their chapter. Chapters may have rooms decorated to show off a philanthropy event, or have a memory wall. This round will give you a deeper look at the personalities of the sorority's members as well as the sorority as a whole. Jeans, a blouse, or a casual dress with boots, booties, or flats are common for both potential new members and sorority members.
Round 4: Preference Round
Preference gives you the opportunity to visit up to two sororities for an hour each. This round of recruitment is the most special because you are invited to be a part of an intimate chapter ceremony. Generally, you will be hosted by a member of the sorority whom you have already met and might have gotten along with especially well. This is the most formal round, and a nice skirt or dress is appropriate to wear to Preference. You may also want to wear heels because you will only be visiting a maximum of two sororities.
February 11, 2023
Bid Day
February 12, 2023
Bid Day is the last day of the recruitment period. This is the day that invitations to join sororities are extended. Your Rho Gamma will inform you of the time and place to meet and you will receive your invitation. After a small Bid Day celebration with your Rho Gamma and group, you will meet your new member class. You will go to your sorority's house with your new member class, where everyone will welcome you. There are usually activities planned for you to get acquainted with your member class. You will be given a t-shirt by your new sorority, so wear something that is easy to layer over top of.