updated 7.9.2014 EJK
Frequent Questions
Sorority Life
Frequently asked questions about life as a sorority girl.
Recruitment
What does COB stand for & what does it mean?
Continuous Open Bidding (COB) is a way for sororities to recruit women. It’s very casual and unstructured and, since not every sorority participates in the fall semester, it’s not easy to tell which sororities will participate. All sororities participate exclusively through COB in the spring semester. Some sororities (like our own) participate exclusively through COB for both semesters.
COB doesn’t operate on a schedule, so some sororities will complete their COB process before others begin. If you are interested in sorority membership, though, you should attend as many COB events as possible. If you missed out on formal recruitment, this is a great way to try and find a sorority.
What is Formal Recruitment & when does it take place?
Rho Gammas
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You will be assigned to a recruitment group with a recruitment counselor. Some campuses might call their recruitment counselors “Rho Gammas” or something similar, but recruitment counselors have the same job no matter what the title. Your recruitment counselor is like your guide to recruitment—she can answer any questions you have about the process, and she is also there to listen to how you feel about each chapter. Recruitment counselors disaffiliate from their chapters prior to and during recruitment, so you shouldn’t know what chapter your recruitment counselor is in. This makes her an unbiased resource for you. She is specially trained in guiding potential new members through the recruitment process.
Formal Recruitment
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The recruitment process includes a number of rounds, and each round includes a number of events. Rounds are identified by the theme of the round, i.e. philanthropy, and by the number of events for the round, i.e. six-event round. Each chapter you visit during a round is an event. After each day of recruitment, you will meet with your recruitment counselor to decide how you liked the chapters. You will narrow down the list of chapters you are interested in at the end of each day. Each round of recruitment has fewer events, and with each round, individual events get longer. For example, at the first round, you may have 45 minutes at each chapter, and during philanthropy round, you may have an hour. The final round of recruitment is preference. This is the longest time period you have with the chapters going into your final selections. On a typical campus, you will attend two or three events during preference.
How does the bid process work?
For Formal Recruitment, the last day of recruitment, when potential new members receive bids to join chapters and become new members. Each chapter will usually host a Bid Day activity to help the new members get to know each other and the rest of the chapter, like bowling or roller skating.
The Unanimous Agreements state that there is to be no alcohol use or men associated with recruitment or Bid Day.
For COB, it differs for each chapter. They could host something like a Bid Day or they could do something completely different.
I'm interested in Formal Recruitment. How do I sign up?
Membership
I want to succeed academically. How will sorority membership help my grades?
Sorority women take academics seriously, and all National Panhellenic Conference member groups expect every woman to strive to fulfill her academic potential.
Many chapters require members to maintain a minimum GPA in order to participate in social events or hold office. Members who struggle or fall below the required grade point average often are offered additional study programs to improve academic performance. In this way, chapter members encourage one another to be the best students they can be.
Additionally, the Panhellenic network on a campus provides a great support system in which students can grow and develop intellectually. Study groups, designated work rooms in a chapter facility or library, and mentoring programs within chapters all help college women reach their full academic potential.
What are the benefits of being a member of a sorority?
The benefits of getting involved in a sorority can be particularly significant at a big school since it's an easier way to make friends within a smaller community. When it comes time to select a major or if you have questions about college life, you have a built-in resource of older girls you can go to for advice or mentoring. Sororities are known to have a thriving social scene and many are focused on philanthropic events, so it's a great opportunity to meet others with like-minded interests, not to mention your social calendar will always be full!
Do all sororities require membership dues?
Yes. Active sister dues range anywhere from $180/semester to upwards of $400/semester.
New Member Fees (fees paid for the semester you pledge in) are usually even more expensive.
We recommend asking each chapter a written outline of exactly what your dues are going toward.
University of Maine Greeks
How many sororities are at the University of Maine?
8 sororities are recognized and on the Panhellenic Counsel at the University of Maine.
How many fraternities are at the University of Maine?
18 fraternities are recognized and on the Interfraternity Council (IFC) at the University of Maine.
What is the difference between PHA, Service, & Local sororities?
PHA is a representative governing body for most social sororities.
Service sororities/fraternities are Greek Organizations that are strictly geared toward service; though they do have some social fun.
Local sororities/fraternities are chapters that were formed at the University of Maine and do not have a National Board of Directors.
What is the Panhellenic Counsil?
The representative governing body for most social sororities.
What is the Interfraternity Council?
The representative governing body for most social fraternities.
How much of the student body is in a Greek Organization?
As of spring 2014, over 14% of the student body is affiliated with a Greek Organization.
I'm interested to learn more about Greek Life at the University of Maine; but would like to speak with an unbiased 3rd party. Who can I contact?
You can go to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs or you can email the Panhellenic Council (CLICK HERE)
Where is the Greek Life office located?
The lower level of Memorial Union, right across from the computer cluster and next to the Cubby and Veterans Office.
Kappa Sisterhood
Frequently asked questions about life as a Kappa sister.
Recruitment
How does the recruitment process work for Kappa?
Kappa exclusively recruits through Continuous Open Bidding (COB). Recruitment events are held almost every night over the course of a week or two. During these events you will talk with active sisters and other potential new members. You will learn about our sorority and whether you think it would be a good fit for you. During these couple of weeks, we will ask to do a formal interview with you – don’t be nervous, we’ve all done it. Sometime after your formal interview is when we will be giving out bids for membership.
When is Kappa Recruitment & how long does it last?
Kappa Recruitment is typically the second to third week into the spring and fall semester.
Are there any requirements to participate in the Kappa Recruitment process?
All women who are fill-time Umaine students are eligible to participate as long as they meet these 5 conditions:
(1) meet university’s minimum requirements:
(a) enrolled as a full-time student
(b) 2.5 overall GPA (for current/high school students); and a 2.0 overall GPA for the semester prior (for current/transfer students)
(2) must have never been initiated into a National Panhellenic Conference sorority before
(3) they must have not have received a bid during the most recent formal membership recruitment and later turned it down
(4) must be willing to sit down with 2 of our active sisters for a formal interview.
(5) make it to at least one recruitment event; but encourage attending as many as you can.
I left my old sorority; can I participate in the recruitment process for Kappa?
If your former sorority was a Panhellenic sorority, then unfortunately no. We can only welcome individuals who have not had affiliation with another Panhellenic sorority.
How is Kappa Recruitment different from Formal Recruitment?
Kappa Recruitment is Continuous Open Bidding (COB). COB is an informal process that sororities use to take in new members. Unlike formal recruitment, there are no silence rules, no long days of going from party to party, or complicated invitation acceptances. When a sorority holds COB, they simply contact a potential new member on their own and hold a series of informal events to get to know her better. Each chapter does it differently. Some might go to dinner with a potential member. Some chapters might hold a 'board game night' in the chapter room and invite potential members to attend. The one thing these parties do have in common is that they are a great way to casually meet people and they are always fun.
What is a bid?
An invitation for you to pledge our sorority.
When will I receive my bid?
You will receive your bid at some point after the last COB event we hold. We can’t tell you when exactly that will be (because that would ruin the surprise!), but we won’t leave you hanging more than a week.
How can I get more information on Kappa Recruitment?
CLICK HERE to be directed to our Recruitment page. CLICK HERE for our Facebook page. Or CLICK HERE to email our Recruitment chair.
What are some reasons I should join Kappa?
We offer Sisterhood, support, fun, and a chance to make a difference in your community. Sisters participate in many activities on campus and in the area such as community service, athletics, and fund-raising.
Since we are a small, National Sorority, you can make lasting friendships with sisters from other chapters in addition to the ones you make at your college.
If you would like even more reasons, check out our Active Sister page (CLICK HERE) to learn why they enjoy being a Kappa or why they chose Kappa.
What are the benefits of joining a smaller sorority?
We may be small, but we pack a punch! We have big dreams and the opportunities for leadership to do so. We are the newest sorority on Panhellenic Counsel and, although we aren’t as large and established as the other wonderful sororities, by joining a smaller sorority, you have a better opportunity to steer where you want our sorority to go. You will know everyone in the sorority and establish a relationship with every single sister – which may be more difficult to do with 50 or 60 sisters.
The Affiliate Education Process
What is the Affiliate Education Process?
The Affiliate Education Process (AEP) is the process where Affiliates make their journey into sisterhood (i.e. pledge process).
What is an Affiliate?
An Affiliate is what you become after you have accepted your bid. It is when you are pledging into the Kappa sorority. You are not yet a sister; but on your way to becoming one!
When does the Affiliate Education Process begin & how long does it last?
The AEP begins about a week or two after Kappa Recruitment.
For ladies pledging in the fall semester, it lasts almost 4 months and for ladies that pledge in the spring semester, lasts almost 3 months.
You only have to pledge one semester.
Who runs the Affiliate Education Process?
The Affiliate Educator (CLICK HERE if you have any questions for her) & the Assistant Affiliate Educator.
What is the purpose of the Affiliate Education Process?
We see the AEP as a good limbo before joining the sisterhood. This is when you learn the history, secrets, and traditions of Kappa. It is like a trial-run to being a sister. You also will bond with your fellow Affiliates and create bonds with the active sisters. This is when you find your place in the sorority.
Do you haze?
No! Our affiliation process aims to teach affiliates about what it means to be a sister, which includes treating all people with respect. Hazing goes against everything in which we believe. All of our sisters are required to sign our risk management policy each semester which includes a section strictly prohibiting hazing.
How much time is expected of Affiliates during the Affiliate Education Process?
We require an average of at least 10 hours a week to commit to Affiliate Education (AE) meetings. We will also require at least 8 hours of study hall per week; however, this may change based on the Affiliate classes needs. We also encourage that you are able to set aside time (about an hour a week) to bond outside of AE meetings.
The AEP is only a few months long, so if you only need to meet these requirements for one semester.
What else is expected of me during the Affiliate Education Process?
We require maintenance of at least a 2.5 overall GPA during the AEP.
A new member fee of $110 and National Dues of $140 (total $250) are collected at the time of administering the National Exam – payment plans can be made with our Treasurer.
The AEP is a drug-free and alcohol-free process.
We also have a policy on zero-tolerance when it comes to hazing.
What is a Big Sister & Little Sister?
Big and Little sisters have a particularly special bond. During the AEP, you will receive a Big Sister (Big). She is your mentor and a sister whom you can go to for anything in and outside the sorority. You will spend a lot of time with your Big during the AEP. She will help you study for the National Exam, go on Big/Little dates, and be by your side throughout the AEP.
Will the Affiliate Education Process negatively affect my academics?
We expect that your academics will not waiver during the AEP.
We require at least 8 hours of study hall per week; this is where the Affiliates, Affiliate Educator and the Assistant Affiliate Educator meet in the library for a few evenings during the week. We also require continuous communication between our Affiliates and our Academic chair and close supervision of how each Affiliate is doing in her classes.
In addition, we have presentations during the AEP with the Tutoring, Counseling, and Financial Aid Center.
Our Chapter
How many sisters are in the chapter?
As of spring 2014, we have 15 active sisters. We love having a smaller chapter, but we would like to grow. Right now, our cap (max amount of active sisters) is 45 active sisters.
How much are dues?
National Dues are $140/semester. Chapter dues are $30/semester. National and Chapter dues are collected October 1st and March 1st. We do allow payment plans but they have to be set up and approved by the Treasurer.
Can a sister become inactive?
Membership is for a lifetime. We do not have an inactive status for our sisters. This is why it is crucial to really think about joining our sisterhood before you become a sister. Inactive membership does not exist because the bonds we make last a lifetime.
What kinds of things does the chapter do in the community?
We volunteer every Friday at Manna Ministries. We just held our first annual Color Me Kappa 5k Color Run last April. We are going to continue to hold this event every fall. For more information on philanthropy and service, CLICK HERE.
When were you established?
Our chapter (KAA) was colonized on February 19th, 2009.
We received our charter on April 17th, 2010.
Are you on the Panhellenic Counsil?
Yes! We are so excited and happy to be officially recognized!
Are you a social sorority?
Yes. We are a social sorority; however, our founding principal is to develop the highest philanthropic ideals possible within each chapter and individual sister. Providing service to others is the cornerstone upon which this Sorority was built.
Our chapter has a minimum requirement of each active sister to complete 25 hours of community service/philanthropy service each semester and we usually surpass this goal with flying colors.
Why are you smaller than all of the other sororities on campus?
We are currently the newest sorority to the Panhellenic Counsel. Before spring 2014, we were not recognized by the University, making it difficult to grow.
We also have a cap (max amount of active sisters) of 45 active sisters, where other sororities have a cap of 50-60.
Do you want to increase your size?
We enjoy being a smaller chapter; but are looking into growing. Like anything, being a big or small chapter has its costs and benefits.
I want to succeed academically. How will sorority membership help my grades?
Historically, our sorority was founded on the principles of academic success and camaraderie. Today is no different. Our members realize that academic achievement is the main priority of Kappa.
Kappa continues to strive for academic excellence and promote scholarship by providing academic resources for our members including tutoring, academic advisors, study groups, scholarships, and awards.
Chapter members know the importance of helping new students to adjust to University academics.
Also, our chapter requires a certain amount of study hours per week based on GPA. Prospective members must meet a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to be initiated and then must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to remain an active member.
Greek members GPA(s) are traditionally higher than their non-Greek colleagues.
Do you have a house on campus?
Sadly, no. You can find our chapter room on the second floor in Hannibal Hamlin Hall – we consider this our “home”.
Where do you hold your chapter meetings?
In our chapter room on Sunday late afternoons/early evenings.
What is your national philanthropy?
We do not have an ongoing organization for national philanthropy. Instead, we vote for a different organization each year for our main national philanthropy and a handful of smaller national philanthropies.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Do you take sisters that have transferred from another Kappa chapter?
We certainly do! And we would LOVE to have you!
CLICK HERE to get in contact with our chapter to learn more!
How can I stay informed on this chapter?
CLICK HERE to be directed to our Contact Page where you will be provided all of the information to stay up-to-date on what’s going on in our Chapter.
Our Nationals
When was Kappa Delta Phi NAS established?
Our first chapter (KΛ) was established at Husson University in Bangor, ME on December 6th, 1971.
We became a National Affiliated Sorority in the spring of 1977.
What does NAS stand for?
National Affiliated Sorority.
Yes, that part of our name is very important. The letters "NAS" is just as important as "KΔΦ".
Our sorority was founded from KΔΦ fraternity. We share the same colors, mascot, and many of the same ideals, principles, and traditions. KΔΦ fraternity is very near and dear to our hearts. We have a very special relationship with our brothers (we are not a co-ed sorority/fraternity); but are closely bonded like one. We hold many events on campus together, as well as our national conventions.
What are the principles and ideals on which Kappa Delta Phi NAS was founded?
Historically, our sorority was founded on the principles of academic success and camaraderie. The ideals of our sorority are specifically those of higher educational development, good citizenship, individual character and fellowship, and opposition to discrimination. Through the practices of these ideals, we continue to perpetuate into the 21st century.
How many chapters are there?
We currently have 14 active chapters and are looking to grow.
Where are the chapters located?
We are located throughout the North East and New England area. We are as far north as Fort Kent, ME and as far south as Shippensburg, PA.
We are looking to expand.
Click on a topic to expand!
For more information on sorority life
CLICK HERE
