Panhellenic Association Recruitment Family Resource Guide
The Panhellenic Association (PHA) at the University of Kansas was founded in the spring of 1905 to strengthen the role of sororities in campus life, foster positive relationships among chapters, and promote respectful recruitment, membership, and initiation practices. Today, KU is home to 11 recognized chapters that uphold the core values of leadership, scholarship, friendship, and service.
- Membership is a place for leadership, professional networking, and civic engagement that continues long after graduation.
- Fall Formal Recruitment is not a one-sided choice. It matches student preferences with chapter invitations, narrowing the field over four rounds to find the best fit for both parties.
- The Panhellenic Association is committed to making recruitment accessible, offering scholarships for registration, and resources to help overcome financial barriers.
How the Process Works
Fall Formal Recruitment (FFR) is a multi-day process where potential new members (PNMs) visit sorority chapters in rounds. At the end of each round, PNMs will work with their recruitment counselors to preference (in order) the sororities they wish to return to the next round. This is done through a digital app! On the other side, chapters will be doing a similar process where they choose which PNMs to bring back to the next round. This is known as a mutual selection process. Each chapter may implement the mutual selection process slightly different.
After the formal recruitment process concludes, Continuous Open Recruitment (COR) will begin. This provides an additional opportunity for chapters with available space to connect with interested students in a more flexible, informal setting.
Additional information on the details of both FFR and COR, including financial information, housing requirements, and descriptions of the recruitment rounds, can be found in the Panhellenic Association’s Recruitment Guidebook.
Timeline
- August 15: PNM Move-In, PNM Orientation, and Family Orientation
- August 16-17: Open House Round
- August 18-19: Philanthrophy Round
- August 20: Sisterhood Round
- August 21: Preference Round
- August 22: Bid Day
Recruitment Outcomes and Member Success
Understanding Membership Costs
What do Membership Dues cover?
PHA sorority dues support a wide range of experiences and resources that contribute to student-development and well-being, including:
- National organization membership
- Chapter programming and operations
- Leadership development opportunities and academic support
- Sisterhood activities and events
- Philanthropy and service initiatives
- Facility and housing expenses
Expected Costs— Costs vary by chapter, but students and families should be aware of a few key differences:
Expected costs during this time include one time fees such as a new member fee, an initiation fee, and new member dues.
Active members will pay certain fees such as live-in/live-out dues, local PHA dues, and national organization dues.
All Panhellenic sororities have dedicated chapter facilities; however, housing costs vary by organization. Housing eligibility and move-in timelines may also differ by chapter, and students typically do not move into chapter housing until their sophomore year. For detailed information on new member and active live-in financial obligations, please refer to the 2026 Fall Formal Recruitment Guidebook available on the PHA website.
Payment Flexibility & Support— Many PHA organizations offer options to help manage costs, such as:
Most chapters provide structured payment plans that allow members to spread dues out over time rather than paying a complete sum. These plans may:
- Break total dues into monthly or installment-based payments throughout the semester.
- Align payment deadlines with academic terms.
Many sororities offer financial support through both the local chapter and their national organization. These opportunities may include:
- Need-based assistance for students who require financial need.
- New member scholarships designed to help relieve initial joining costs.
- National organization scholarships, which are often awarded annually and may require an application.
How You Can Support Your Student
- Encourage your student to keep an open mind during recruitment.
- Focus on values, friendships, and personal fit.
- Give them space. They are making a big decision and signing a binding contract. Let them know you're there if they need to talk, but don't pressure them to pick a certain organization.
- Remind them recruitment is about finding a community where they feel supported.
- Encourage your student to ask chapters about costs and payment plans.
- Decide with your student what support they need throughout this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it depends on how involved each member gets, PHA members consistently balance academics and additional commitments with their sorority involvement!
Yes! It is very common for Panhellenic sorority members to be involved outside of their chapter, whether that’s in athletics, activities, or more!
While a bid is not guaranteed, the majority of participants who maximize their options receive a bid.
Key Family Takeaways
- Being a Legacy (daughter/sister of an alumna) does NOT guarantee a bid at the University of Kansas. Most national organizations have updated their policies to prioritize the PNM's individual connection over family history.
- If a student signs the Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) after the Preference Round and receives a bid on Bid Day, they are unable to join any other Panhellenic sorority until the next Fall Formal Recruitment Process.
- Conversations about finances and housing happen before a bid is offered.
- While the processes can feel overwhelming, remember that it is designed to help your student find a community where they can truly be themselves. Whether they find their home through the formal or informal process, their journey at KU is just beginning. Your steady support and perspective are the most valuable tools they have that week.