Parents & Families
Welcome, Hoosier Families!
We’re so glad you’re here! Supporting a student who is participating in Panhellenic Recruitment — or who is already a member of one of our Panhellenic chapters — is an exciting and meaningful experience. The opportunities available to Panhellenic women at Indiana University are truly unique, and we’re thrilled that your student is part of our community.
The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and the Panhellenic Association at IU are here to support both students and families throughout their journey in Greek Life. Whether you’re navigating recruitment, chapter involvement, or just trying to learn more, we’re here to answer your questions (no question is too small — we promise!) and provide helpful resources along the way.
This page is designed with you in mind. to offer information, insights, and tips to help your student make the most of their sorority experience here at Indiana University.
Thanks for being part of the Hoosier family. Go IU!
2025 Primary Recruitment Schedule & Important Dates
Common Questions
Learn More
How can I support my student during Primary Recruitment?
Be a part of the process with her.
Take time to explore the sororities on her campus together. look into their values, philanthropic efforts, and overall mission. Doing this research side by side helps you both become more familiar with the organizations and shows her she has your support going into recruitment. Use this opportunity to talk about what she’s hoping to gain from joining a sorority. You can also learn common recruitment terms together, so she feels more confident and ready when the process begins. Having a clear idea of what she’s looking for will help her feel grounded when making decisions during recruitment.
Be a supportive listener.
Recruitment can be a whirlwind—long hours, new faces, and emotional conversations. It’s normal for her to want to process everything, and while she’ll have access to trained mentors called recruitment counselors or Sigma Rho Chis, she may still turn to you for comfort. One of the best things you can do is simply listen. Be a steady, non-judgmental presence as she talks through her experience.
Ask thoughtful questions.
Stay engaged by asking her reflective questions throughout the week, such as:
Which chapters stood out to you and why?
Were there any you didn’t connect with?
How were your conversations today?
What do you think of your Rho Gamma?
What are the other PNMs (potential new members) in your group like?
Are there any chapters you can picture yourself joining?
These questions not only help her reflect, but also show that you're genuinely interested in her experience
Encourage her to take notes.
Remind her to jot down her impressions after each round. With 22 chapters and many conversations, it’s easy to forget details. Taking notes will help her keep track of her thoughts and preferences throughout the process.
Promote an open mindset.
She may already have friends in certain chapters or think she knows where she belongs, but it’s important to be open to every organization. Every chapter has something great to offer. If she doesn't get asked back to a chapter she loved, remind her to stay positive and continue with the process. Great things can come from unexpected places.
Support her choices.
If you or a family member is part of a sorority, you may have hopes she’ll follow in those footsteps. But recruitment is about finding the best fit for her. She’ll thrive most in the chapter where she feels truly at home—not necessarily the one she’s expected to join. Reassure her that you’re proud of her no matter which organization she chooses. The most important thing is the growth and sisterhood she’ll experience, not the letters she wears.
Know the resources available.
If things don’t go as planned, whether she chooses to step away or doesn’t receive any invitations, her Rho Gamma is trained to provide support and guidance. Additionally, The Office of Student Life is available to help with next steps, whether that’s getting involved in other ways on campus or finding a path forward.