Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for recruitment? A male/female is eligible to participate in recruitment and join a sorority/fraternity if she/he is enrolled at the University of Texas at El Paso as a full-time student. A full-time student is defined as having 12 credit hours per semester, excluding correspondence courses and courses at other universities. She/he must not be a new or initiated member of any other International/National/Local sorority or fraternity.

How does someone register for Recruitment? To register for Panhellenic Formal Recruitment with The University of Texas at El Paso Greek Life, a female must submit her application to the UTEP Panhellenic Council and must also provide all of the information requested on the Registration Checklist.

What kind of grade point average (GPA) is required? The requirement to participate in Greek Life is a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA for each individual.  However, the individual Greek chapters establish their own requirements which may be higher than the SDC minimum requirement.  The individual Greek Chapter GPA is what will be used in this case.  Remember, sororities and fraternities were in part founded upon a principle of academic excellence and this is a consideration in membership selection. 

Do I need to send a copy of my high school or college transcript? One part of the registration process for Panhellenic Formal Recruitment is to submit a transcript of the courses you took and received credit for in high school or college.  Other councils or individual organizations often ask for a transcript or a grade report.

Why do I need to send a transcript? If a potential new member's grades are low the chapters will have concern for the possibility of the potential new member experiencing difficulty in managing the time commitment required for new member education and a busy school schedule.

How much time does a sorority/fraternity take?   Potential new members will find out what is required from each sorority/fraternity during recruitment events.  Below are some common activities in which sorority/fraternity members participate:  Weekly Meetings, Philanthropy/Community Service Projects , Mandatory Programs/Events sponsored by the Student Development Center, Study Program/Study Hours, Committees , Socials and Sisterhood/Brotherhood Events.

Where do I live during the recruitment process or new member period? You will continue to live where you are currently residing.

How much money does it cost? Sorority/Fraternity dues and fees vary from chapter to chapter.  Dues and fees do not always cover all sorority/fraternity related expenses.  Typically dues/fees will cover: International/National/Local dues, insurance fees, new member/associate member fees, initiation fees, and fraternity/sorority jewelry.  You may personally have to pay for shirts, social events, and memorabilia.  Be sure to ask the organization about these expenses.

Do I need recommendations to go through recruitment?  It is the chapter's responsibility to secure a recommendation for each woman/man who decides to go through recruitment (if one is required).