Our fraternities and sororities host recruitment and intake processes at various points throughout the year. For some of our councils, there are coordinated efforts near the beginning of the academic semesters as a way to get started. For other councils, efforts are planned and sponsored by each individual chapter. All students who would like to participate in the intake or recruitment process for any of our organizations must complete the registration or interest form, for that specific council. More information can be found below.
Past Materials
- Interfraternity Council (IFC)
- Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
- National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
- Panhellenic Association (PHA)
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
Recruitment is a time for potential new members to meet chapters and for chapter members to get to know potential new members in a relaxed setting. During this time potential new members should ask whatever questions feel pertinent, such as finance, scholarship, activities, housing, and time commitment. This is a time to find a chapter where you feel most comfortable and aligns with your personal values.
We encourage you to check out as many chapters as possible. See below for a variety of events hosted by IFC and the chapters to check out all of your options.
All men interested in receiving a bid from an IFC fraternity must register via Chapter Builder.
Fall 2024 Recruitment Dates:
- Recruitment Kick-Off: Tuesday, September 3rd; James Madison Park
- Tabling sponsored by IFC: Wednesday, September 4th; Library Mall
- Scheduled open house round: Thursday, September 5th – Sunday, September 8th
- Chapter events begin: Monday, September 9th
- Bid Day: Thursday, September 19th
To Learn more about IFC, visit the IFC Council Page!
Follow the IFC Instagram, @IFC_UWMadison, to stay up to date on IFC!
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
MGC does not host a formal intake process. Each organization is responsible for their own unique recruitment processes and events, all of which welcomes people from various cultures, identities, and backgrounds. Chapters intake new membership throughout the year, and the new membership requirements and programs vary. If there is interest in a particular organization, contacting the organizations new membership/intake chair would be the first step.
If you are interested in gaining an insight on all of the organizations that belong to the Multicultural Greek Council, feel free to attend the numerous events sponsored by the MGC, as well as the various programs and activities held by its membership throughout the year. In addition, you can fill out the interest form below.
Fall 2024:
- Join MGC for Meet the Greeks on September 12th at 5:00 PM at the MGC Room in Memorial Union!
To learn more about MGC, visit the MGC Council Page!
Follow the MGC Instagram, @MGC_Madison, to stay up to date on MGC!
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
NPHC does not host a formal intake process. Each organization is responsible for their own unique recruitment processes and events that occur throughout the semester. Chapters intake new membership, but the semesters vary, as well as the new membership requirements and intake programs. If there is interest in a particular organization, contacting the organizations new membership/intake chair would be the first step.
If you are interested in gaining an insight on all of the organizations that belong to the National Pan-Hellenic Council, feel free to attend the numerous events sponsored by the NPHC, as well as the various programs and activities held by its membership throughout the year. In addition, you can fill out the interest form below.
Fall 2024:
- Join NPHC for Meet the Yard on September 5th at 6:00 PM!
To Learn More about NPHC, visit the NPHC Council Page!
Follow the NPHC Instagram, @NPHCatUW, to stay up to date on NPHC!
Panhellenic Association (PHA)
There are two different types of recruitment for our Panhellenic chapters.
Primary Recruitment
This mutual selection process is coordinated by the council officers and is designed to allow chapters the opportunity to meet interested women and for potential new members to have the opportunity to meet all of our chapters that participate in Primary Recruitment. At the start of Primary Recruitment, you will meet your Recruitment Counselor or “RC.” Recruitment Counselors are current students and members of one of our Panhellenic chapters. During the process, they support you from a neutral stance, ask and answer questions you may have, and serve as your main contact throughout Primary Recruitment.
We have four rounds of Primary Recruitment during the fall. During Round 1, you will visit with all of the NPC chapters. As the rounds go on, you will visit fewer chapters and narrow down your selection. After each round, you will use a program to enter your selections for the next round. Each chapter completes the same process for the women that attended their events that day. For the following round, if you and the chapter mutually select each other, you will receive an invitation back to that chapter. You may receive an invitation to any chapter that you visit during the previous round. Primary Recruitment culminates in Bid Day where we celebrate all of our new members and you get to meet all of your new sisters at each chapter’s Bid Day celebration.
For a one stop shop regarding all things Panhellenic Recruitment, enroll in the Panhellenic Recruitment Canvas Course.
PHA Primary Recruitment Registration
Fall 2024 Primary Recruitment Information:
- Registration Closes: Saturday, August 31st at 8:00 am
- Round 1: Sunday, September 1st from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Round 2: Monday, September 2nd from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Round 3, Day 1: Thursday, September 5th from 5:45 pm – 10:00 pm
- Round 3, Day 2: Friday, September 6th from 5:45 pm – 10:00 pm
- Preference Round: Sunday, September 8th from 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Bid Day: Monday, September 9th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Informal Recruitment
After Primary Recruitment and during the spring semester, chapters that are eligible to continue to recruit new members may conduct a process known as Continuous Open Bidding (COB). Not all of our chapters will be eligible to COB. This informal process is coordinated on a chapter basis, but you can contact Panhellenic to get more information on the chapters that are participating and when they are hosting events. We also recommend following Panhellenic’s social media to stay connected.
Alpha Omega Epsilon is a STEM professional social sorority and Associate Chapter of PHA. Alpha Omega Epsilon does not participate in the primary recruitment process. To learn more about Alpha Omega Epsilon, check out their Instagram page @a.o.e.wisco.
Fall 2024 Continuous Open Bidding (COB): Eligible chapters will be posted following the primary recruitment period.
To learn more about PHA, visit the PHA Council Page!
Follow the PHA Instagram, @PHA_UWMadison, to stay up to date on Panhellenic!
Recruitment & Intake Tips
Participating in the recruitment or intake process can feel daunting. Please use the resources below to learn more about what to expect, questions to ask, things to consider, and other tips regarding joining the fraternity and sorority community.
When exploring membership in a fraternity or sorority, it is important to explore a variety of things to ultimately find the right fit for you. Here are some examples of things to think about:
- Types of organizations (cultural, academic/professional, religious, etc.)
- National organization, mission, purpose, and values
- Expectations of members
- Chapter size
- Cost
- Housing options
- Chapter recognition status
To learn about our organizations, we recommend seeking information around the following topics. You can do this by asking questions, exploring websites and social media, or attending interest meetings.
Academics
- How does the chapter support academic achievement?
- Are there academic requirements for membership?
- What resources are available to support academic success?
Brotherhood/Sisterhood/Siblinghood
- What kinds of activities do you enjoy with your brothers/sisters/siblings?
- How often does the chapter host brotherhood/sisterhood/siblinghood events?
Leadership
- What leadership opportunities exist within the chapter?
- What education and development programming does the chapter implement?
Service & Philanthropy
- How does the chapter engage with service and philanthropy?
- What organizations does the chapter support?
- What types of events does the chapter plan for fundraising and raising awarenes
Take time to learn about multiple organizations – don’t limit yourself before you’ve explored all of the options.
Ignore stereotypes and misconceptions.
Ask questions! This is the time to ensure all of your questions are answered before choosing an organization that best fits your needs.
Trust your gut – you will likely know which organization is the best fit for you.
Ask for help! Our staff and council leaders are here to support you as you navigate these processes, feel free to reach out with questions or to talk about your options.