Recommendations
TCU Fraternity and Sorority Life staff does not facilitate the process of securing recommendations for Potential New Members nor advise PNMs on recommendation specifics (i.e. pictures). We believe a young woman’s best chance of success in Panhellenic recruitment is to visit each chapter with a positive attitude and an open mind. Each sorority has a different process for recommendations and each sorority views recommendations differently. We have listed some FAQs below for assistance.
What is a recommendation?
A recommendation, or ‘rec’, is a personal reference of a potential new member provided by an alumna of a sorority.
- A recommendation may include information about your talents and skills or other contributions you can make to a sorority.
- A recommendation may, or may not, include a picture for identification purposes. The best picture is one that clearly shows your face.
- An alumna has two options for recommendations: she can write a personal letter of reference or she can obtain a form from her sorority.
Why get a recommendation?
The purpose of a recommendation is to give a sorority chapter the chance to know more about you before recruitment – a more personal introduction in addition to their copy of your sorority recruitment registration form.
Are recommendations required?
If a specific organization requires a recommendation, it is dependent on the organization to obtain the recommendation, not the PNM. If you know the alumna, then you will likely receive a more personal recommendation.
How do I get a recommendation?
1. If you have a friend/relative/teacher who is an alumna of a sorority, she can give you a recommendation. You may be surprised to find out how many sorority women you know!
2. Contact your hometown Alumnae Panhellenic Association. They can help find someone to write a recommendation for you.
3. If your hometown does not have an Alumnae Panhellenic Association, you may contact the Fort Worth Panhellenic Association (www.fortworthpanhellenic.com). Even if you are not from Fort Worth, they may be able to help you with recommendations.
4. Reach out to family friends who are currently active in Panhellenic sororities.
Where do alumnae find recommendation forms?
This differs for each sorority. TCU cannot provide any recommendation forms to fill out. Alumnae may obtain the forms and information from their inter/national websites, their sorority publications, or local alumnae chapters.
Are letters of recommendation required to participate?
No, they are not required by TCU! The only requirement is that your student registers for recruitment at TCU! If you know women that are affiliated with a Panhellenic sorority and they wish to write a recommendation or reference, we encourage them to do so. Each chapter has its own policies and procedures regarding reference and/or recommendation letters.
What are the deadlines to submit recommendations for TCU's recruitment?
TCU Panhellenic does not have a deadline for recommendations; however, many hometown Panhellenic associations may have set deadlines. They may be sent to the chapters at the reference addresses all summer. Remember, recruitment begins in August, so plan accordingly!
Who should mail the recommendation and when?
The recommending alumna should mail the recommendation to her sorority. It is her responsibility-not the potential new member’s-to secure a form or write a letter and to mail it. Like anything, you don’t want to wait until the last minute! Getting the recommendations to the chapter by August 1 provides more time for them to read the letter prior to recruitment.
What about pictures/resumes/transcripts?
Some hometown Panhellenic associations may ask for specific information, such as a résumé or a photograph, from a potential new member in order to complete a recommendation. What information you provide to an alumna writing a recommendation for you is between you and that person; TCU does not specify what information, if any, should accompany a request for a recommendation.