NPC Sorority Policies on Letters of Recommendation and Legacies

Navigating the intricacies of sorority recruitment can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding each sorority's policies on letters of recommendation and legacies. Lucky for you, we've done the digging for you to streamline the process.

Each National Panhellenic Council (NPC) sorority has a slightly different policy on what defines a legacy, how a member can introduce or recommend a potential new member (PNM), and who can write recommendations if they’re accepted at all. Your school’s Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC) has designed local guidelines as well, so there’s no standard answer to “Do I need recommendation letters?” or “Who should I ask to recommend me?”  In our posts about Traditional Recruitment Recommendations and Letters of Recommendation (or “recs”), we encouraged you to look up each sorority on your own, and here’s the shortcut! 

We’ve compiled how each of the 26 National Panhellenic Conference sororities handle recommendations and legacies (as of July 2024). We included their values to save you some googling. That said, you’ll still need to look up your school’s policies in case they impose different guidelines for formal recruitment. 

NOTE: we included links where we could, please let us know if you find a broken one so we can update this post.

 

Alpha Chi Omega

• Values: Wisdom, Devotion, Achievement
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “Alpha Chi Omega considers a legacy to be a sister, daughter, granddaughter or great-granddaughter of a member. The Alpha Chi Omega member and her family member define their legacy relationship, i.e. step relations, blended families, etc.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “As of fall 2021, chapters will no longer provide preferential treatment to legacies or any other potential new members in the recruitment process.”
• Forms and Letters:
1. AXO offers a self-introduction form on their site where they ask for a Potential New Member's (PNM) name, contact info, IG handle, year in school, major, and potential chapter. Anyone can fill out this form on behalf of a PNM.
2. Members can write recommendations on a password-protected form on the Alpha Chi site.
• Who Can Recommend: Alpha Chi Omega accepts Letters of Recommendation from Collegiate Members and Alumnae Members. There may be a restriction that a chapter member at your own school cannot write a rec.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: “Each chapter shall develop its own internal process to review recommendations and is no longer required to invite all potential new members receiving a recommendation to the second round of recruitment.”

 

Alpha Delta Pi

• Values: Sisterhood, Service, Character, Knowledge
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi) defines a legacy as a sister, daughter, or granddaughter of an initiated member of the organization. This definition also includes step-relatives and blended families.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “ADPi does not give preferential treatment to legacies during the recruitment process. Collegiate chapters have full autonomy over membership selection.”
• Forms and Letters:
1. “Alumnae can find the Potential Member Recommendation Form on the ADPi website by clicking the Alumnae tab, then the Recommend button.”
2. There’s also a detailed PNM self-introduction form on their site that includes a section asking you to indicate what you’re looking forward to in sorority life (hint: "social events" isn't the strongest answer here), and a general “tell us about yourself” section. If you choose to submit this (you should!) take care with your answers and make sure they align with the ADPI’s values (sisterhood, service, character, knowledge). The form also allows you to upload your resume.
• Who Can Recommend: The onsite form is alumna-only but their site also states that current members of ADPi attending other universities can write recommendation letters. If you know a collegiate member, ask them what’s allowed.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Alpha Epsilon Phi

• Values: “Alpha Epsilon Phi is a Jewish sorority dedicated to helping women become the best they can be. We prize individuality, encouraging each member to discover and develop the talents and abilities that make her unique. We welcome exemplary women of all backgrounds who honor, respect, and appreciate our heritage.” Our take: you do not have to be Jewish to join AEPhi, but it helps to be interested!
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “A legacy is a great-granddaughter, granddaughter, daughter or sister of an AEPhi, without regard to chapter. This includes step-granddaughters, daughters and sisters and-half sisters. Cousins and nieces are not considered legacies.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: No special consideration.
• Forms and Letters: Letters are accepted but not required, password-protected form.
• Who Can Recommend: Alumnae and members via the Phi Portal.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Alpha Gamma Delta

• Values: Leadership, Scholarship, Service and Sisterhood
• Minimum GPA: 2.5 (may be higher at your school)
• Definition of a Legacy: “An Alpha Gamma Delta legacy is a woman who is a daughter, step-daughter, sister, step-sister, granddaughter, or step-granddaughter to an Alpha Gamma Delta member in Good Standing.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Effective June 1, 2021, chapters will no longer be required to extend legacies an automatic invitation following the first round of Primary Recruitment nor consider legacy status when determining the final bid list order.”
• Forms and Letters:
1. “Members and non-members are encouraged to submit a Recruitment Information form for Potential New Members who embody our values. RIFs have replaced our previous Recommendation Form—also known as a ‘rec.’”
2. “Recommendations will only be received digitally and can be submitted electronically through Alpha Gamma Delta RIF. PNMs who are unable to find a recommendation can submit an electronic introduction form to the chapter.”
3. Self-Recommendation Form: Alpha Gamma Delta Self-Introduction.
• Who Can Recommend: “Alpha Gamma Delta accepts Letters of Recommendation from Collegiate Members, Alumnae Members, and non-members.” PNMs who are unable to find a recommendation can submit an electronic introduction form to the chapter.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Alpha Omicron Pi

• Values: Character, Dignity, Scholarship, and College Loyalty
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: A legacy is defined as a sister, daughter, or granddaughter of an initiated member of Alpha Omicron Pi (alive or deceased) in good standing with the Fraternity. Step relationships shall be considered in the same manner as non-step relationships.
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: "If a chapter releases a legacy at any point during the recruitment process, a member of the Collegiate Chapter Advisory Board must contact the AOII relative of the legacy by telephone or email if possible, and with consideration to time, prior to distribution of invitations for the next round of recruitment events. This contact should be as a courtesy to inform the AOII relative of the legacy’s release from membership consideration."
• Forms and Letters: “As of Convention 2023, our council voted to update our 'Potential New Member Introduction form' to allow AOII members AND non-members to submit a form for Potential New Members who embody our values. Introduction forms have replaced our previous form—also known as a ‘MIF’.” They will accept the same form via mail.
• Who Can Recommend: AOII members and non-members
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Alpha Phi

• Values: Sisterhood, Generosity, Innovation, and Character
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: Legacies are defined as any daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, step-daughter, sister, or step-sister of an initiated member of Alpha Phi.
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: Legacies are treated equally to other PNMs.
• Forms and Letters: Their site offers an online form for alumnae and collegiate members to introduce a PNM, as well as a form where PNMs can request an introduction. That form accepts photo and resume uploads as well.
• Who Can Recommend: Alumnae and collegiate members.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Alpha Sigma Alpha

• Values: Growth, Responsibility, Learning, Relationships, Generosity, Balance, Integrity, Enjoyment
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “A legacy is defined as a sister/step-sister, daughter/step-daughter, granddaughter/step-granddaughter, niece/step-niece of an Alpha Sigma Alpha member.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Chapters are encouraged to get to know a legacy during the recruitment process. The ultimate decision as to whether or not an invitation to membership is extended is that of the collegiate chapter.”
• Forms and Letters: Online Potential Member Referral form, self-introduction via Potential Member Interest Form.
• Who Can Recommend: Members and non-members.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Alpha Sigma Tau

• Values: Graciousness, Respect, Intellect, Connections, and Excellence
• Minimum GPA: 2.5 (may be higher at your school)
• Definition of a Legacy: “Alpha Sigma Tau defines a legacy as someone who has a blood or step-relative (mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or cousin) who is a member of Alpha Sigma Tau.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: No stated policy.
• Forms and Letters: The Potential Member Recommendation is a detailed form that offers the option to upload resume, photo, recommendation letter.
• Who Can Recommend: “Both alumnae and collegiate members may recommend someone. Please note that collegiate members cannot recommend a potential new member for their own chapter – only for a different chapter.”
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Alpha Xi Delta

• Values: Courage, Graciousness, and Peace
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “Alpha Xi Delta legacies are defined as any granddaughter, daughter, sister, or niece of an Alpha Xi Delta member in good standing, as well as step- or half-relations resulting from blended or other non-traditional family structures.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Potential new members who meet our legacy definition will still be considered a legacy and celebrated after a bid is extended. However, chapters will no longer be permitted to give them preferential treatment throughout the recruitment process.”
• Forms and Letters: Online Member Referral Form, can also be downloaded and emailed or printed and mailed.
• Who Can Recommend: “Any alumna member in good standing with the National Fraternity is able to submit a Member Recommendation Form for a potential new member. Additionally, any initiated collegiate member in good standing of her collegiate chapter and the National Fraternity may submit a Member Recommendation Form for a potential new member at a different university than her own. Additionally, non-members may also fill out a Recommendation Form for a potential new member.”
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Chi Omega

• Values: Friendship, High Standards of Personnel, Sincere Learning and Creditable Scholarship, Participation in Campus Activities, Career Development, Community Service
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “Chi Omega defines a legacy as a sister or a daughter of a Chi Omega in good standing. Granddaughters, cousins, and nieces of Chi Omegas have close ties but are not Chi Omega legacies.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Being designated as a Chi Omega legacy does not guarantee membership in Chi Omega. Chi Omega collegiate chapters set their own legacy policies according to the number of invites allowed by their campus Panhellenic.”
• Forms and Letters: “Chi Omega prefers and encourages all alumnae to submit online recommendations. To submit an online recommendation, go to: Chi Omega Online Recommendation.”
• Who Can Recommend: There are three forms: one for alumnae, one for collegians, one for PNMs.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Tri Delta

• Values: Truth, Self-Sacrifice, and Friendship
• Minimum GPA: Generally between 2.5 and 2.6 but your school may have a higher requirement.
• Definition of a Legacy: “A legacy will be defined as a Tri Delta member who is a daughter or step-daughter, sister or step-sister, granddaughter or step-granddaughter, or niece of a Tri Delta member.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Tri Delta does not give any preferential treatment to legacies during recruitment.“
• Forms and Letters: One for members and one for non-members.
• Who Can Recommend: Members; non-members and PNMs can use a Referral Form.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: “Since references are no longer required for membership in Tri Delta, each chapter takes a different approach when they receive a reference for a potential new member. Some chapters use them to get to know [PNMs] better. Some keep them on file in case they need more information. Some do not reference them at all. Please know that submitting a reference does not provide a potential new member with an advantage in receiving a bid to Tri Delta. A reference form simply serves as an introduction of the potential new member to the chapter.“

 

Delta Gamma

• Values: Friendship, Educational & Cultural Interest, Social Responsibility
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “A legacy is the daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter, or sister (including step-relations for all) of an initiated member.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Legacies within Delta Gamma will still be celebrated, but they will no longer receive preferential treatment as a potential new member.”
• Forms and Letters: Forms for members and non-members. Attachments are not supported.
• Who Can Recommend: “Delta Gamma accepts recommendation forms from Delta Gamma collegians, alumnae, and non-members who know the PNM personally and can speak to their character.”
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Delta Phi Epsilon

• Values: Justice, Sisterhood, and Love
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “A 'legacy' is defined as the biological or adopted daughter (step), or granddaughter/great-granddaughter (step), sister (half/step), or niece of an initiated member of Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Legacies are a special extension of Delta Phi Epsilon and we should treat them accordingly. Legacies should be given fair and serious consideration, taking into account they have background interest in, and loyalty to, the Sorority that could make them valuable members. Do not take legacies for granted; they must still be recruited. Be sure your chapter is educated as to the value of legacies prior to recruitment week. If a declared legacy is in danger of being released at any time during the recruitment process, all necessary steps must be taken by the chapter as outlined in the Delta Phi Epsilon policy manual. In summary, the Legacy Policy now includes nieces. Declared legacies are to be invited to minimally the first round of invitational parties and if taken to preference round, must receive a bid. According to the policy manual, If you are considering release of a legacy, your advisor must call Nicole DeFeo, International Executive Director directly BEFORE you drop the legacy.”
• Forms and Letters: They say there’s an online form but we can’t find it!
• Who Can Recommend: “Any alumna member of Delta Phi Epsilon in good standing may submit this form. Collegiate members of other Delta Phi Epsilon chapters may submit this form as well.”
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: “This form will not influence or hinder the chance for an invitation for membership.”

 

Delta Zeta

• Values: Friendship, Community, Generosity, Curiosity, Empowerment, and Belonging
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “A Delta Zeta legacy is defined as the biological or adopted daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, or sister of an initiated member (alive or deceased) of any Delta Zeta chapter. This may include legal guardians, half-sisters, or step relations if the relationship to the Delta Zeta member has been a close one.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “A legacy shall be invited to at least one invitational formal recruitment event, provided she meets the chapter’s GPA requirement. A legacy may only be released from a chapter’s membership invitation list with reasonable justification and prior approval of the chapter’s CCD (Regional Collegiate Director, if there is not a CCD). A CCD may contact her Regional Collegiate Director or the National Recruitment Chairman for guidance, as needed, but this approval is not required since membership decisions are made at the local chapter level. A legacy receiving an invitation to the preference event shall be placed on the top of the chapter’s bid list.”
• Forms and Letters: Online form for members; printable form for members, and the site guides you to mail the form directly to the chapter and include a photo.
• Who Can Recommend: Delta Zeta accepts Letters of Recommendation from Alumnae Members.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Gamma Phi Beta

• Values: Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (may be higher at your school)
• Definition of a Legacy: The daughter, step-daughter, granddaughter, step-granddaughter, sister, or step-sister of a Gamma Phi Beta.
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Potential new members are welcome to mention their legacy status, but chapters will not be able to give them preferential treatment in recruitment based on that status, nor will they be able to discriminate based on this status.”
• Forms and Letters: “In July 2021, Gamma Phi Beta announced International Council’s decision to replace alumnae references, or recommendation letters, with a Potential New Member (PNM) Introduction Form. Alumnae interested in sharing information about a potential new member with a collegiate chapter should use the PNM Introduction Form above.”
• Who Can Recommend: “Anyone can write a PNM Introduction, including Gamma Phi Beta members, non-members, and PNMs. By allowing anyone to submit a PNM Introduction, we provide an equal opportunity for any PNM to have a form submitted on their behalf. Collegiate members should contact their chapter for more information.”
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Kappa Alpha Theta

• Values: Intellectual Curiosity, Leadership Potential, Commitment to Service, and Personal Excellence
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “A Theta legacy is defined as a daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, or sister of a Kappa Alpha Theta member. Step-daughters, step-granddaughters, step-great-granddaughters, and step-sisters are regarded as legacies if their family considers them as such.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Kappa Alpha Theta has eliminated all preferential treatment given to legacies during the recruitment process.”
• Forms and Letters: “If you are a member, please follow this link to submit an introduction form: Kappa Alpha Theta Introduction Form.” (The form works for members and non-members, but no attachments are accepted.)
• Who Can Recommend: “Kappa Alpha Theta accepts Letters of Introduction from anyone.”
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Kappa Delta

• Values: Confidence, Sisterhood, Leadership, Academics, and Philanthropy
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “A legacy is any woman who is the daughter, granddaughter, or sister of an initiated Kappa Delta member in good standing – including half- and step-relatives!”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “It is important to note that being a KD legacy does not guarantee an invitation or membership.”
• Forms and Letters: Alumnae members can submit online (though the form link is broken). “A collegiate member in good standing may submit an optional recommendation on a PNM who is going through recruitment at a different institution.” They also offer the Kappa Delta interest form for self-introductions.
• Who Can Recommend: Any alumna or collegiate member. A collegiate member in good standing may submit an optional recommendation on a PNM who is going through recruitment at a different institution.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Kappa Kappa Gamma

• Values: Truth, Connection, Respect, Optimism, Knowledge, Trailblazing
• Minimum GPA: B+ (may be higher at your school)
• Definition of a Legacy: “Kappa’s most recent legacy policy defined legacy as ‘a sister, step-sister, daughter, step-daughter, granddaughter, or great-granddaughter of an initiated Kappa.’”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: No preferential treatment of legacies during recruitment.
• Forms and Letters: Members can submit online. Kappa does not accept letters.
• Who Can Recommend: "Any initiated member may write a reference for you. Your teachers, your parents’ co-workers, and your neighbors might be Kappas or know of a Kappa who would be willing to write you a reference. Undergraduates, however, may not write a recommendation for a potential new member at their own chapter."
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: “The submission of a reference does not guarantee an automatic invitation to membership. References are not provided any special advantage to becoming a potential new member. 'Courtesy' invitations to any round do not occur and a reference does not guarantee a bid to our organization if the potential new member in question attends a preference round.”

 

Phi Mu

• Values: Love, Honor, and Truth
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: Sister, half-sister, step-sister, daughter, step-daughter, granddaughter, or great-granddaughter.
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Beginning with the fall 2021 primary recruitment season, Phi Mu’s National Council unanimously voted to remove the preferential treatment of legacies.”
• Forms and Letters: “Prior to the fall 2021 Primary Recruitment season, Phi Mu’s National Council unanimously voted to remove the requirement of an alumna reference/recommendation for Potential New Members.”
• Who Can Recommend: N/A
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: N/A

 

Phi Sigma Sigma

• Values: Friendship, Faith, Love, Sincerity, Integrity, and Strength
• Minimum GPA: 2.5 (may be higher at your school)
• Definition of a Legacy: The daughter, sister, niece, or granddaughter of a Phi Sigma Sigma member.
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: Not stated.
• Forms and Letters: No info provided.
• Who Can Recommend: No info provided.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: “Phi Sigma Sigma does not maintain a procedure or format for recommendation letters and has never required recommendations for consideration membership. On campuses where recommendation letters are a customary practice, we have accepted letters but they do not have weight in membership recruitment decisions.”

 

Pi Beta Phi

• Values: Integrity, Lifelong Commitment, Honor and Respect, Philanthropic Service to Others, Personal and Intellectual Growth, and Sincere Friendship
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “Per Pi Phi’s Constitution and Statutes, a daughter, sister, or granddaughter of a current initiated member shall be considered a legacy of the Fraternity. Chapters may add in their own bylaws to include step relationships and great-granddaughters as legacies.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Legacies no longer receive a courtesy invitation to the first invitational round; Legacies are not placed at the top of the bid list if they attend Preference; The Legacy Introduction Form (LIF) is no longer administered or available on the website; and chapters no longer receive information about legacies ahead of the recruitment process via that form nor through the Recruitment Information Form (RIF). A PNM may share her legacy status with the chapter during recruitment and is not treated differently because of it.”
• Forms and Letters: “Alumnae have two options to recommend Potential New Members (PNMs) for membership in Pi Phi. The Recruitment Information Form (RIF) can be submitted online or the paper form can be printed and mailed to chapters. We recommend the use of the online RIF due to the convenience and speed at which it reaches the chapter.”
• Who Can Recommend: Alumna Members.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: “Please know that a recommendation is not required for membership in Pi Beta Phi.”

 

Sigma Delta Tau

• Values: Individuality, Connection, Engagement, Community
• Minimum GPA: 2.5 (may be higher at your school)
• Definition of a Legacy: “A Sigma Delta Tau legacy is the sister, daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, or step-relation of each (i.e., step-sister/step-daughter) of an active member or alumna of Sigma Delta Tau. A sitting sister legacy is a legacy whose sister is a current active member of the chapter where they are seeking membership.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “It is our policy that Sigma Delta Tau legacies shall be given special consideration when they are a candidate for membership. While chapters are expected to show legacies sincere interest and careful consideration, legacies are not guaranteed membership-- many times simply because there are so many legacies participating in recruitment that it is impossible to pledge them all.”
• Forms and Letters: Available to members via SDT Portal.
• Who Can Recommend: “Any member of Sigma Delta Tau may recommend a potential new member for an SDT collegiate chapter.”
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Sigma Kappa

• Values: Personal Growth, Service, Friendship, Loyalty
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “Sigma Kappa's legacy policy was updated in 2020 to eliminate preferential treatment for legacies and give all potential new members an equal opportunity to join.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Sigma Kappa still encourages chapters to consider relatives and step-relatives of collegiate members and active alumnae when determining who to pledge, especially sisters, daughters, granddaughters, and nieces.”
• Forms and Letters: No stated policy.
• Who Can Recommend: No stated policy.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Sigma Sigma Sigma

• Values: Wisdom, Power, Faith, Hope, and Love
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: Sister, mother, daughter, granddaughter, niece, step-daughter, step-mother, or step-sister of an initiated member.
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “A potential new member who is a legacy will not receive preferential treatment during the recruitment process.”
• Forms and Letters: Potential New Member Introduction Form and PNM Self-Introduction Form; letters are no longer accepted.
• Who Can Recommend: Not explicitly stated, but the form is not password-protected.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience:“Preferential treatment is not offered to any PNM during the recruitment process nor are invitations to membership guaranteed, regardless of this form or legacy status. Although some campuses previously required recommendations (or 'recs'), they are not required for membership.”

 

Theta Phi Alpha

• Values: Justice, Wisdom, Loyalty, Faith, Truth, and Honor
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “A Legacy is defined as a sister, half-sister, step-sister, daughter, step-daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, niece, aunt, or any other woman so designated by The Grand Council. A Legacy may be either self-identified or the Chapter or Emerging Chapter may be notified of a Legacy's presence on campus.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Each Legacy must be accorded special consideration as a courtesy to her related sister. Once identified, a Legacy must be invited to the first invitational round of recruitment parties. Any Chapter or Emerging Chapter that will not have at least two rounds of invitational parties must notify National Office six weeks in advance of the beginning of recruitment and will be counseled as to how to proceed. If a Legacy is invited to the preference (or final) recruitment party, the Chapter must include the Legacy on its first bid list or, where bid matching is not used, extend a bid to her. Chapters and Emerging Chapters cannot remove a legacy from their invitation list at any point in recruitment without seeking approval from these officers, in order of suggested contact: the Chapter Advisor, the Region Lead. If all three of these officers are unavailable, the Chapter must seek approval from the National Vice President - Collegians.”
• Forms and Letters: Available on the member portal.
• Who Can Recommend: Alumnae members.
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: At each chapter's discretion.

 

Zeta Tau Alpha

• Values: Lifelong Learning, Leadership, Responsibility, Being Rather than Seeming, Service & Philanthropy, Seeking Understanding that We Might Gain True Wisdom, Humility, Loyalty & Commitment, Love
• Minimum GPA: Varies by chapter
• Definition of a Legacy: “The term 'legacy' will continue to recognize the special relationship between Zetas and their sisters, daughters, or grandmothers.”
• Preferential Treatment for Legacies: “Zeta Tau Alpha collegiate chapters will no longer give legacies preferential consideration during recruitment.”
• Forms and Letters: Password-protected MIS form, information form for PNMs.
• Who Can Recommend: “Zeta Tau Alpha accepts Letters of Recommendation from Alumnae Members only. We prefer letters of recommendation to be sent digitally.”
• How Recommendations Can Impact a PNM's Experience: “An MIS form is a valuable recruitment tool only if it is submitted by an alumna who has a personal relationship with the PNM. As a best practice, an alumna should avoid submitting a reference in response to a request from a PNM she does not know. Instead, the alumna should encourage the PNM to explore her own personal network (i.e., school counselors, school leaders, teachers, friends of parents, neighbors, etc.) to find a ZTA alumna who knows her well enough to submit an MIS form on her behalf.”

Remember, every campus’s Panhellenic Council has its own policies and guidelines, so it’s a good idea to double-check your school’s website for recruitment info. Good luck!