Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment

What sororities are at Jacksonville State University?

There are 5 Panhellenic sororities at JSU.  They are Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, and Zeta Tau Alpha. 

How do I join a sorority?

Panhellenic sororities have two forms of Recruitment.  Formal Recruitment takes place the week before the start of the fall semester.  Registration is online.  This is the most common recruitment process that most Potential New Members participate in.  Those who become interested at a later time or are not interested in the formal recruitment process may look into organizations who recruit throughout the entirety of the academic year.  Most organizations do not recruit this way, but at times this option does become available to women interested in joining. 

What are recommendations and are they required to participate?

Recommendations are letters from alumnae of a particular sorority, not necessarily those who graduated from JSU, in support of the woman participating in recruitment. JSU Panhellenic Council does not require recommendation letters in order to participate in recruitment. However, if you still prefer to have relatives or other friends send letters on your behalf, they may be sent directly to the organization or to the Dean of students office at JSU. 

I am a legacy to an organization, am I guaranteed a bid?

No, legacies (women who have a relative that is a member of a sorority) are not guaranteed a bid.  Each national organization has their own policies about legacies and that process is administered by the chapters in consultation with their alumnae advisors.

What are the benefits of joining a sorority?

All of our sororities were founded as values-based organizations.  They all share the goals and values of scholarship, philanthropy and service, betterment of an individual and sisterhood.  Sororities can serve as a support system for students and provide opportunities for involvement.  There are a number of leadership positions in Fraternity & Sorority Life through chapter officers and council executive roles, and the experience that students can gain through these organizations and leadership roles can complement the college experience and provide numerous networking opportunities.

What is the best advice you would give a student going through recruitment?

First and foremost, students should be themselves.  Second, go into the process with an open-mind and be willing to consider membership in any of our chapters.  Students are often surprised to learn that chapter stereotypes are not always accurate, and they find great things about all of our organizations.  Three, know your values and what you're looking for in a group, that will help you find the best fit.  Four, get as much rest as you can, eat on a regular basis, and if exercise is part of your daily routine, find some way to fit that in as well.

Can Marching Southerners/Ballerinas participate in Recruitment? 

Absolutely! Because the formal recruitment schedule and the Marching Southerners/Ballerina schedules do conflict, we do our absolute best to work with those women to ensure they get to experience formal recruitment.  Please just let us know on your recruitment application that you are a Marching Southerner/Ballerina and we will have your recruitment counselor explain to you how the formal recruitment process will work for you. 

Alpha Omicron Pi

• Inspire Ambition
• Chapter Designation: Delta Epsilon
• Symbol: Sheaf of Wheat
• Mascot: Panda
• Jewel: Ruby
• Flower: Jaqueminot Rose
• Color: Cardinal Red
• National Philanthropy: Arthritis Research
• Founding Location: Barnard College, New York, NY
• Date Founded Nationally: January 2, 1897
• National Website
• Local Website

Alpha Xi Delta

• Inspiring Women to Realize Their Potential
• Chapter Designation: Epsilon Pi
• Symbol: Quill
• Mascot: Betxi Bear
• Jewel: Pearl, Diamond
• Flower: Pink Rose
• Color: Double Blue and Gold
• National Philanthropy: Children experiencing foster care & homelessness
• Founding Location: Lombard College, Galesburg, IL
• Date Founded Nationally: April 17, 1893
• National Website 

Delta Zeta

• Be More. Do More. Care More. 
• Chapter Designation: Lambda Gamma
• Symbol: Roman Lamp
• Mascot: Turtle
• Jewel: Diamond
• Flower: Pink Killarney Rose
• Color: Rose and Green
• National Philanthropy: Speech and Hearing, The Painted Turtle 
• Founding Location: Miami University, Oxford, OH
• Date Founded Nationally: October 24, 1902
• National Website

Phi Mu

• The Faithful Sisters
• Chapter Designation: Kappa Sigma
• Symbol: Quatrefoil
• Mascot: Sir Fidel the Lion
• Jewel: N/A
• Flower: Rose Carnation
• Color: Rose and White
• National Philanthropy: Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
• Founding Location: Wesleyan College, Macon, GA
• Date Founded Nationally: March 4. 1852
• National Website

Zeta Tau Alpha

• Seek the Noblest
• Chapter Designation: Zeta Psi
• Symbol: 5 Pointed Crown, Strawberry
• Mascot: N/A
• Jewel: N/A
• Flower: White Violet
• Color: Turquoise Blue and Steel Gray
• National Philanthropy: Breast Cancer Education and Awareness
• Founding Location: Longwood University, Farmville, VA
• Date Founded Nationally: October 15, 1898
• National Website
• Local Website