Recommendation letters introduce a potential new member to the chapter and describe more about the potential new member's activities and interests. You may choose to have a reference or recommendation letter sent on your behalf to each sorority chapter, and we encourage all potential new members to participate in this process. Please note that every chapter is different and some may refer to their recommendation by a different term or phrase. Ultimately, whatever the naming convention is, these letters, forms, and links all serve the same purpose - to introduce a PNM to the chapter.
Sometimes members may also submit supplemental information (i.e., resume, transcript, photo) through an online portal. Letters of support or anything written and sent to the chapter supplement this process and do not carry the same weight as the official reference form.
Reference and recommendation letters do not guarantee a bid for membership. Instead, they will help the chapters to know a little about you in advance. Requirements are different for each chapter. If a chapter is interested in you becoming a member, they are well equipped to obtain the information they need to invite you to the next round or extend a bid to membership.All chapters are preferring PNMs to submit reference materials electronically at this time.
three ways to obtain a recommendation:
Register with your local Alumnae Panhellenic
Throughout the country, Alumnae Panhellenic Associations host a reference letter process to help women in their area secure reference writers. This option provides an opportunity to get assistance obtaining references, possibly meet local area sorority alumnae and attend a recruitment information session. To find the Alumnae Panhellenic Association in your area, click the link below and consider contacting the nearest university campus with sororities and inquire. Most Alumnae Panhellenic Associations begin collecting registration forms in early spring and will set their own deadline in early summer. Alumnae do not have to be from UT.
Independently find reference writers
This is a great option if you do not live in an area with an Alumnae Panhellenic, miss the Alumnae Panhellenic deadline, or if you prefer to do things your own way with more control over the process. Use your network to find members of sororities willing to submit a reference on your behalf. The alumna writing the reference is responsible for submitting the appropriate form through her national organization's process. The earlier a chapter receives the reference the longer they have to read and get to know you. Alumnae do not have to be from UT.
Third-Party - NEW
Many chapters in our community are now accepting third-party letters of recommendation. This shift exemplifies the importance of inclusivity to our community and council. We recognize that the process has been systemically exclusionary, and we want to create an option that is equal to and not valued less than an alumni reference. By empowering women to submit a third-party reference letter if they cannot connect with sorority alumni in their personal networks, we are seeking to make the recruitment process increasingly accessible to more women. Adding the option of third-party recommendations as a supplement to alumni recommendations allows PNMs to have a more comprehensive recommendation from someone who has witnessed their character and values first-hand.
A third-party reference letter is a letter composed by an important adult figure in a PNMs life, such as a coach, mentor, counselor, teacher, religious leader, boss, etc. This reference writer could be affiliated with a Greek Letter organization but does not have to be. They should be someone that knows the PNM well. Please check each chapter’s preferences above for their specific requirements regarding third-party writers.
National Organization Recommendation and Reference Forms
If you or a sorority alumna has questions regarding references, please direct them to contact their national headquarters or Sorority and Fraternity Life at (512) 471-9700. Alumnae will log into the portals to find the reference or recommendation form to fill out for you.
Letters of Recommendation Transparency by Chapter
Alpha Chi Omega
Deadline: July 1st; however, it is beneficial to the recruitment team to submit materials earlier.
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Recommendation
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumna of Alpha Chi Omega in good standing
Third-Party: Non-Alumnae members
How to Submit:
Alumna: Submit through Alpha Chi Omega Recommendation Form
Third-Party: Send to texasaxorecletters@gmail.com
(Video) QUESTIONS ABOUT LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM? One is required but two are encouraged.
Does your chapter utilize packets? No
Alpha Delta Pi
Deadline: They will be accepted until the start of recruitment, but priority deadline is August 1st.
Term for Alumnae Recommendation:
If PNM is a legacy: “Legacy Introduction Form”
If PNM is not a legacy: “Potential Member Recommendation Form”
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumna of Alpha Delta Pi in good standing and active collegiate members from a chapter other than UT
Third-party: Non-alumna members, such as a coach, mentor, or other adult who is affiliated with another sorority or not a member of any sorority
We also encourage all potential new members to introduce themselves through this link
How to Submit:
From Alumna/Collegiate Member: Submit through Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Recommendations
Third-party: Send to txadpirim@gmail.com
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM? Only one is required
Does your chapter utilize packets? Packets are not required, but if you would like to submit an electronic packet, submit it to txadpirim@gmail.com.
Recommendation letters, 1 page social resume, and transcripts
Alpha Epsilon Phi
Deadline: July 20th
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Recommendation Letters
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumna of Alpha Epsilon Phi
Third-Party: Anyone who is not an Alpha Epsilon Phi Alumna
How to Submit:
Alumna AND Third Party: Download Alpha Epsilon Phi Recommendation and send to texasphirecruitment@gmail.com
Letters of Support: Send to texasphirecruitment@gmail.com
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM: Three maximum
Does your chapter utilize packets? Not required but we will utilize them if sent. Digital copies are also accepted via email.
Send to:
Alpha Epsilon Phi
Attn: Recruitment Chairs
2500 Rio Grande Street
Austin, TX 78705
Include: Recommendation letters, resume, current photo(s), and transcript.
Alpha Phi
Deadline: July 1st priority deadline
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Recommendation Form
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alum of Alpha Phi
Third-Party: Anyone who is not an Alpha Phi alumna and is not related to the PNM
(Video) SORORITY RECRUITMENT TIPS: Rec letters, how to prep, and more | Erin Alexis
How to Submit:
Alumna AND Third Party: Submit through Alpha Phi Recommendation Form
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM? Only one is required
Does your chapter utilize packets? Yes. Send to utaphirecruitment@gmail.com
Include: A resume and photos.
Alpha Xi Delta
Deadline: We prefer recommendations to be submitted by June 1st. They will be accepted until the start of recruitment, but it is beneficial to the recruitment team to submit materials earlier.
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Letter of Recommendation Form
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumna of Alpha Xi Delta in good standing
Third-party: Anyone who is not an Alpha Xi Delta alumna
How to Submit:
Alumnae: Submit using the Google Form: Beta Alpha Letter of Recommendation Form
Third-Party: Send to txaxidrecommendation@gmail.com
Letter of Support: Send to txaxidrecommendation@gmail.com
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM? Only one is required. A Letter of Support is considered but not required.
Does your chapter utilize packets? Yes. Alumna may choose to forward digital packets directly to the chapter via email. If a PNM is unable to locate an alumna for their rec letter form, then we would be happy to receive her packet via email at txaxidrecommendation@gmail.com.
Chi Omega
Deadline: July 1st for Letters of Support, Recruitment Information Forms, and Third-Party Recommendation Letters.
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Recruitment Introduction Form (RIF)
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumna of Chi Omega
Third-party: Any non-alumnae who is not related to the PNM.
How to Submit:
Alumnae: Submit through Chi Omega RIF
Third-Party: Send to recruitmentiota@gmail.com
Letter of Support (LOS): Send to recruitmentiota@gmail.com
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM?
RIF: Only one per PNM
LOS: No more than three
Does your chapter utilize packets? No. Resumes and pictures should be submitted online through our national portal.
Delta Delta Delta
Deadline: July 1st
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Reference Letter
Who can write recommendations?
Alumnae: Any alumna of Tri Delta
Third-party: Anyone, including the PNM themself
How to Submit:
Alumnae: Submit through Tri delta reference form
note: alum will need to sign in
(Video) PREPPING FOR SORORITY RUSH 101: letters of recommendation, recruitment packets, etc!
Third-party: Submit through Tri Delta Website:
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM? One is preferred. Two maximum.
Does your chapter utilize packets? No
Delta Gamma
Deadline: They will be accepted until the start of recruitment, but it is beneficial to the recruitment team to submit materials earlier.
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Letter of Recommendation
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumna of Delta Gamma in good standing and collegiate members of the University of Texas Beta Eta Chapter
Third-party: Non-alumna members (such as a coach, teacher, mentor, etc.)
How to Submit:
Alumna AND Third Party: Submit through Delta Gamma Recommendation Form
This form contains an “uploads” section where the sponsor can attach the PNM’s: resume, high school or college transcript, Photos, or any additional documents provided by the PNMs.
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM? Only one is required
Does your chapter utilize packets? Yes, but not required. Only one method of submission is needed. Please make sure to submit online recommendations through Delta Gamma’s website in addition to the physical packet. These can be submitted online via email to txdgrecruitment@gmail.com or through the mail to:
Delta Gamma
Attn: Olivia Gordy
2419 Rio Grande
Austin, TX 78705
Include: RIF, resume, transcripts, photos, and a letter of support
Kappa Alpha Theta
Deadline: No priority deadline. Letters of Recommendation and Legacy Introductions will be accepted through the preference round of recruitment.
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Letter of Recommendation and Legacy Introduction
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumnae of Kappa Alpha Theta in good standing and active members of a different Kappa Alpha Theta Chapter (not at UT)
Third-party: Any non-alumnae
How to Submit:
Alumna AND Third-Party: Submit through Introduce a PNM
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM? Only one is required
Does your chapter utilize packets: We only use the resume information and photo but will look over the “packet” if it is sent. We encourage online submission instead of mailing, this is submitted on the Theta portal and can be submitted up until preference night. Letters of support and other information can be sent to texasthetarecruitment@gmail.com.
Kappa Delta
Deadline: August 1st
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Recommendation Form
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumna of Kappa Delta
Third-party: Anyone, including men, relatives, and the PNM themselves
How to Submit:
Alumna: Submit through Kappa Delta Recommendation form
Third-party: Send to utkdreferences@gmail.com
Self-recommendation: Fill out this form
(Video) Sorority Recommendation Letter EXPLAINED
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM? At least one is encouraged, but not required
Does your chapter utilize packets? Physical packets are not encouraged. All resources typically in the packet can be submitted through the recommendation portal. All documents typically included in a packet should be sent to the alumni submitting your recommendation.
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Deadline: There is no priority deadline however it is beneficial to the recruitment team to submit materials earlier.
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Reference
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumna of Kappa Kappa Gamma in good standing
How to Submit: Submit through National Portal
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM? One is recommended
Does your chapter utilize packets? No
Pi Beta Phi
Deadline: August 1st
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Recruitment Information Form (RIF) and Letter of Support (LOS)
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumna of Pi Beta Phi in good standing from any Pi Beta Phi chapter
How to Submit:
RIF: Submit through this link
LOS: Send to texaspbprecruitment2023@gmail.com
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM:
RIF - only one per PNM.
LOS - optional, only one is required.
Does your chapter utilize packets? Yes, but not required. Only one method of submission is needed. These can be submitted online via email to texaspbprecruitment2023@gmail.com or through the mail to:
Pi Beta Phi
2300 San Antonio Street
Austin, TX 78705
Include: RIF, resume, transcripts, photos, and a letter of support
Zeta Tau Alpha
Deadline: The priority deadline is June 1st; however, they will be accepted until the start of recruitment.
Term for Alumnae Recommendation: Membership Information Sheets (MIS)
Who can write recommendations?
Alumna: Any alumna of Zeta Tau Alpha in good standing
How to Submit:
Alumna: Submit through Zeta Tau Alpha website: MIS Form Submission
How Many Recommendation letters per PNM? Only 1. We do not accept additional letters of support.
Does your chapter utilize packets? No
Zeta Tau Alpha collegiate chapters will no longer give legacies preferential consideration during recruitment.The term “legacy” will continue to recognize the special relationship between Zetas and their sisters, daughters or grandmothers. While members will continue to cherish the connection a legacy may have to ZTA, it will not play a role in membership selection.Zeta Tau Alpha is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive sisterhood. Removing the Legacy Policy is an important step toward providing a more equitable recruitment experience for all potential new members. It allows collegiate chapters and PNMs to focus on the mutual selection process, gives chapters full accountability for the members they select, and will ensure that non-legacy PNMs have the same access and opportunity to join.As they strive to provide equitable access and opportunity for all PNMs, chapters still welcome Membership Information Sheets submitted by alumnae. The purpose of the MIS is to enhance membership selection by providing relevant, useful information about PNMs with whom alumnae have long-standing relationships. ZTA does not require an MIS, a letter of recommendation or a reference, and none of those give a PNM an advantage over others.
Frequently Asked Question About Recommendations
What information should I provide for my reference writer?
It is standard to provide a resume, a transcript, and 2 pictures (one head shot and one full body) in electronic form. Don't forget a thank you note as well!
Can Panhellenic get references for me? What if I am having trouble finding women to submit references?
No, unfortunately UPC cannot help PNMs find references. It is an individual process for each PNM, either through your local Alumnae Panhellenic or by asking contacts you and your family have within your community.
If you are having trouble finding affiliated women in your networks you may have to get creative! Have family members post on social media they are looking for sorority members- you may have family and friends that you didn't realize were affiliated. Have family members ask co-workers if they or anyone they know are sorority members. Ask guidance counselors, teachers, and coaches if they or anyone they know are affiliated. Keep in mind older friends that are sorority members at other universities may be able to submit a reference or know a recent graduate that can. And most of our chapters accept third party recommendation letters, so you can get them from non-Greek adults.
Can I go through recruitment without reference letters?
Yes, you can still register and participate in recruitment without obtaining references. However, it is HIGHLY encouraged you seek out references for all of the chapters at UT. Try your best to find women willing to submit a reference, they only help the chapter to get to know you better. However, sometimes you won't be able to find a member of one or two chapters. In this case do not stress, chapters will still get to know you through your registration materials and through their conversations with you. And if you don’t know any sorority alumnae, no worries! Most of our chapters accept third party letters, so you can get them from other adults. Look at our chapter specific information on how to submit them.