Primary recruitment will open for registration on April 4th! The link to register is on the home page, in the recruitment tab in the navigation under primary recruitment, throughout the Panhellenic socials, including Instagram (@uwpanhellenic) and this link below!

Primary Recruitment is a long but rewarding process where you will meet and get to know the 17 participating Panhellenic sororities at the UW and a variety of members in each chapter. This is the only opportunity to meet these 17 chapters all at once! It is a mutual selection process, meaning that this is the time that you narrow down your options of what sorority you will join at the end of the week, and chapters invite back potential members they would like to see each round. As the week goes on, you will get to know more about the aspects of each sorority you are visiting. All rounds will be held in person.

Please note that Phi Sigma Rho does not participate in Primary Recruitment. Additionally, Zeta Tau Alpha is an unhoused chapter, meaning its members do not live in a chapter facility.

Community Round is the first round of Primary Recruitment at the University of Washington Panhellenic Association and is all about connection, values, and first impressions. During this round, Potential New Members (PNMs) are introduced to each chapter’s sense of community—how members support one another, build friendships, and create a welcoming, inclusive environment.

This round is spread over two days, where you will have the opportunity to meet all 17 participating chapters. Each event is 30 minutes, and during that time you will connect with anywhere from one to four members of that chapter. These smaller conversations allow for more meaningful, genuine interactions and give you a better sense of each chapter’s sisterhood.

Community Round is less about formal details and more about authentic connection—getting to know the people behind each chapter and beginning to discover where you feel most at home.

Philanthropy Round is the second round of Primary Recruitment at the University of Washington Panhellenic Association and focuses on the values, causes, and service efforts that define each chapter’s impact both on campus and in the broader community.

This round takes place over two days, where you will have the opportunity to visit up to 12 chapters. Each event is 30 minutes, giving you time to learn more about the organization each chapter supports, the events they host, and how members actively engage in philanthropy and service.

During Philanthropy Round, you’ll begin to see how each chapter’s mission aligns with your own passions and values. It’s a chance to explore how sisterhood extends beyond the chapter—into meaningful advocacy, fundraising, and community involvement.

Membership Round is the third round of Primary Recruitment at the University of Washington Panhellenic Association and offers a deeper look into what it truly means to be a member of each chapter.

During this round, you will visit up to 7 chapters, with each event lasting 40 minutes. Conversations become more in-depth, focusing on the membership experience, financial commitments, time involvement, and the day-to-day realities of being in the chapter. For housed chapters, this is also when you will have the opportunity to tour their facilities and get a feel for the living and social spaces.

Membership Round is about gaining clarity and transparency—helping you understand where you can see yourself growing, contributing, and thriving as an active member.

Preference Round is the final round of Primary Recruitment at the University of Washington Panhellenic Association and is the most personal and meaningful part of the process.

During this round, you will visit up to two chapters, with each event lasting one hour. Conversations are more intentional and reflective, allowing you to connect on a deeper level with members and better understand each chapter’s sisterhood, values, and overall experience.

As the final round, this is a great opportunity to ask any remaining questions and reflect on where you feel the strongest sense of belonging. Preference Round is designed to help you make your final decision with confidence, based on both your experiences and the connections you’ve built throughout recruitment.

Bid Day is the final and most exciting day of Primary Recruitment at the University of Washington Panhellenic Association—it’s when you officially receive your invitation to join a chapter!

On this day, you’ll open your bid and celebrate with your new sisters before “running home” to your chapter. It’s a high-energy, welcoming moment where each chapter welcomes its newest members and begins building lifelong connections.

Following Bid Day, new members will move into their chapter facility within two days. The only exception is Zeta Tau Alpha, which is an unhoused chapter. This marks the start of your new member experience and your journey within the Panhellenic community.

There is a $60 registration fee for Primary Recruitment which is non-refundable.

Recruitment is a great time to show off your personal style! While each round has a general vibe, please don’t feel restricted—these are just recommendations based on what participants have worn in the past. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.

COMMUNITY ROUND:
For this round, you’ll be given a Panhellenic shirt to wear for both days (please note: this shirt cannot be altered in any way—no cropping, cutting, or styling changes). You can pair it with any bottoms you like—jeans, skirts, shorts, or trousers all work! Since there is a lot of walking between chapters, we highly recommend comfortable shoes (think sneakers, sandals, or low platforms).

PHILANTHROPY ROUND:
This round is still casual and takes place over two days, so comfort is key. You can wear what you feel best in—casual dresses, cute tops with jeans or skirts, or matching sets are all great options. Active members will typically be wearing chapter t-shirts, so the vibe is relaxed but put-together. Again, prioritize comfortable shoes!

MEMBERSHIP ROUND:
This round is a step up in formality. Active members will be wearing dresses, rompers, matching sets, or nicer pants paired with blouses. You can mirror that same level—think “elevated casual” or “semi-formal.” This is a great opportunity to show off your personal style while still keeping it polished.

PREFERENCE ROUND:
This is the most formal round of recruitment. Actives will be dressed in dresses, rompers, or jumpsuits. You may want to opt for a dressier outfit—something you’d wear to a nice event or dinner. Keep in mind you’ll still be walking, so choose shoes you can comfortably wear for a longer period of time.

This is all just a guideline—please do not feel pressured to buy a whole new wardrobe. Wear what you already have and what makes you feel like yourself!

For outfit inspiration, check out the University of Washington Panhellenic Association social media pages and their Pinterest board:
https://www.pinterest.com/uofwapanhellenic/

It’s a great way to get a visual sense of each round while still making the looks your own!

Primary Recruitment at the University of Washington Panhellenic Association is a mutual selection process, meaning both you and the chapters are making decisions throughout the week.

After each round, you will rank the chapters you visited in order of your personal preference—based on where you felt most comfortable, connected, and aligned. At the same time, chapters are also selecting the Potential New Members (PNMs) they would like to invite back for the next round.

These two sets of preferences are then matched together to create your schedule for the following round. Because of this mutual process, you may not always be invited back to every chapter you ranked, and you can only return to chapters that have extended you an invitation.

As recruitment progresses, your list of chapters will narrow, helping you focus on the places where there is a strong, mutual interest. By Preference Round, you will typically have up to two chapters where both you and the chapter have consistently chosen each other.

At the end of the process, you will submit your final preferences, and chapters will submit their bid lists. These are matched through a formal process to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and the chapters.

Overall, recruitment is about finding the right fit—a place where you feel at home and where the chapter also sees you as a valuable addition to their sisterhood.

Absolutely! While many participants in recruitment are first-year students, upperclassmen are more than welcome to participate in Primary Recruitment through the University of Washington Panhellenic Association.

The University of Washington utilizes a secondary quota system, which is designed to support upperclassmen going through recruitment. This means your opportunities are not directly competing against freshmen, and you are given a fair and equitable chance to receive a bid.

Panhellenic values a diverse membership, and chapters are excited to welcome students from all class years. Whether you’re a sophomore, junior, or beyond, there is a place for you in the Panhellenic community!

Participating in Primary Recruitment through the University of Washington Panhellenic Association offers a more comprehensive and structured experience compared to Continuous Open Bidding (COB).

Primary Recruitment in the fall is the only opportunity to visit the majority of Panhellenic organizations all at once. You’ll be able to meet members from nearly every participating chapter, compare experiences, and make informed decisions about where you feel the best fit.

It is also a highly structured and supportive process, with clear rounds, guidance from recruitment counselors, and a schedule designed to help you navigate each step. This creates a more organized and less stressful environment, especially for those new to the process.

In contrast, COB is not guaranteed or structured. Not all chapters participate, and participation varies from year to year depending on chapter membership numbers. Because of this, there may be limited opportunities to meet chapters, and the experience is typically more informal.

Overall, Primary Recruitment provides the widest access, most structure, and strongest support system, making it the best way to fully explore the Panhellenic community.

If you participate in Primary Recruitment through the University of Washington Panhellenic Association and accept a bid, you will be required to live in your chapter facility during your first year.

This means that even if you have already signed a residence hall (HFS) contract or planned to live with a roommate, you can still go through recruitment—but your housing contract will be canceled if you join a chapter.

Living in beyond your first year (years 2–4) depends on the specific chapter, as housing requirements vary.

The only exception is for unhoused chapters. At UW, Zeta Tau Alpha is unhoused, meaning members do not live in a chapter facility. Additionally, Phi Sigma Rho is also unhoused but does not participate in Primary Recruitment. If you join an unhoused chapter, you would remain in your residence hall.

Living in is an important part of the sorority experience and helps build strong community and connection within your chapter.

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) does not allow individual collegiate Panhellenic’s to set a minimum GPA for potential members to participate in Recruitment. Individual chapters do have GPA requirements for membership, and these depend on each organization.

Yes. In order to fully participate in Primary Recruitment through the University of Washington Panhellenic Association, you are expected to actively engage with all chapters you are invited to each round.

During the first round, this means visiting all participating chapters. As recruitment progresses, you must attend every event on your schedule. Fully participating gives you the best opportunity to meet a wide range of members and make a well-informed decision about where you feel most at home.

It’s important to note that skipping events or not attending chapters you are invited back to can negatively impact your recruitment experience and may affect how chapters view your level of interest and commitment.

Showing up, staying engaged, and keeping an open mind throughout the process will help you get the most out of Primary Recruitment.

Receiving a bid through Primary Recruitment at the University of Washington Panhellenic Association is not guaranteed, but UW typically has a high placement rate.

If you are invited to Preference Round, attend all of your Preference events, and maximize your options—meaning you list all chapters you visited during Preference on your Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA)—you will receive a bid on Bid Day.

You are not required to accept a bid if you receive one. However, by the end of recruitment, most PNMs feel confident and excited about the chapters they listed on their MRABA.

It’s important to note: if you choose not to accept your bid, you will not be eligible to join another NPC sorority at UW until the next Primary Recruitment cycle.

Overall, the process is designed to help you find a place where there is mutual interest—so by the end, your options reflect chapters where you can truly see yourself belonging.

Going through Primary Recruitment at the University of Washington Panhellenic Association does not obligate you to join a sorority. If at any point you decide that sorority membership is not the right fit for you, you are able to withdraw from the process.

To withdraw, you will need to notify either Panhellenic or your Recruitment Counselor (Rho Gamma) and complete a simple withdrawal form. Once you withdraw, you remain eligible to join a chapter later through Continuous Open Bidding (COB), as long as you have not signed a Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA).

Housing Information:
If you are a first-year or transfer student, you will still be guaranteed a spot in campus housing as long as you participate in the first full round of recruitment (September 8–9). Your initial placement will likely be temporary, with a transition to a permanent room assignment later.

To secure your housing, you will need to complete a Housing & Food Services (HFS) application after withdrawing. Additional details and next steps will be provided to you during the withdrawal process.

Overall, recruitment is about finding the right fit—so you are always encouraged to make the decision that feels best for you.

A Recruitment Counselor (RC) is a member of the University of Washington Panhellenic Association who serves on the recruitment team to support you throughout the entire process.

RCs temporarily disaffiliate from their sorority, meaning they step away from their chapter to provide you with a completely unbiased and supportive experience. Their role is to help guide you through recruitment without influencing your decisions.

You will be placed in a small RC group with about three to four Recruitment Counselors. They are there to:

Answer any questions you may have
Offer advice and guidance
Be a confidant and sounding board
Help you navigate decisions between rounds

Your RCs are one of your best resources during recruitment—they are there to make sure you feel comfortable, informed, and supported every step of the way.

ItIf you decide to leave a sorority before initiation, you are eligible to join another sorority at the University of Washington Panhellenic Association or at another campus. However, you will need to wait until the next Primary Recruitment period (typically in the fall) to pursue membership in a different chapter.

If you leave a sorority after you have been initiated, you will not be eligible to join another Panhellenic (NPC) sorority at UW or at any other university.

Additionally, if you choose to withdraw from recruitment before signing the Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) (after Preference Round), you are still eligible to participate in the Continuous Open Bidding (COB) process during that academic year.

Because of these policies, it’s important to take time during recruitment and your new member period to ensure you feel confident in your decision and find the best fit for you.

No, it is not required to live on campus during Primary Recruitment through the University of Washington Panhellenic Association. However, many participants choose to stay on campus for convenience and to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

If you opt for on-campus housing during recruitment, you will be housed in a residence hall (dorm) on campus. This is especially common for students who are out of state or live 30+ minutes away, as it makes early mornings, long days, and transportation much easier. It’s also a great way to meet other individuals going through recruitment and build connections early on.

If you choose to stay on campus, you would arrive on September 9th, with move-in times typically scheduled in the afternoon. You are welcome to bring everything you’ll need for fall quarter, so you can easily transition to your new living arrangement once recruitment ends.

Registration for on-campus housing during recruitment will open soon. Please note that this is a separate registration process from recruitment sign-up. Information will be emailed to those already registered for recruitment and included in confirmation emails for those who register after housing becomes available.

Food is provided for participants who choose to live on campus during Primary Recruitment through the University of Washington Panhellenic Association.

Those staying in on-campus housing will receive a meal stipend, which can be used at locations like the District Market (for grab-and-go meals and snacks) as well as campus dining halls.

Many participants also choose to explore nearby options, such as restaurants on University Avenue (“The Ave”) or at University Village, depending on their schedule and preferences.

If you are not living on campus during recruitment, you will be responsible for providing your own meals.

No—letters of recommendation and legacy status are not considered in the Primary Recruitment process at the University of Washington Panhellenic Association, and they do not impact your ability to receive a bid.

The Panhellenic Executive Board does not encourage the use of these resources. While they may exist in some national contexts, UW Panhellenic prioritizes a values-based recruitment process, meaning chapters focus on getting to know you as an individual through conversations—not through outside materials or prior connections.

Additionally, relying on letters of recommendation or legacy status can create unfair advantages and barriers. Historically, these practices have contributed to exclusion within sorority recruitment, particularly for women of color, individuals with disabilities, those of different gender identities or pronouns, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. UW Panhellenic is committed to fostering a more equitable and inclusive recruitment experience, and therefore does not support practices that may perpetuate inequity.

If you are still interested in submitting a letter of recommendation or noting your legacy status, you may check individual chapter websites for their specific policies. However, it is not necessary and will not give you an advantage in the recruitment process.

As you prepare for Primary Recruitment with the University of Washington Panhellenic Association, here’s a detailed packing guide to help you feel ready and organized. Be sure to scroll to the section that applies to you!

During Recruitment (If Staying On Campus)

You’ll be living in a dorm during recruitment, so pack accordingly:

Essentials

Toiletries & medications
Styling tools & makeup (if you use them)
Towel/robe
Shower shoes/flip flops + shower caddy

Bedding

Twin XL bedding or sleeping bag
Sheets, comforter, pillow

Clothing

Recruitment outfits (see below)
Casual clothes for orientation & downtime
Pajamas
Rain jacket/umbrella (Seattle weather!)
Comfortable walking shoes
Hangers

Outfits by Round

Community: Panhellenic t-shirt (provided), your choice of bottoms + comfy shoes
Philanthropy: Panhellenic t-shirt (provided), your choice of bottoms + comfy shoes
Membership: Casual dress, romper, jumpsuit, or pants/shorts + top
Preference: Dressier outfit (think summer wedding or graduation)
Bid Day: Comfortable bottoms + a top you can easily layer a t-shirt over

Other Items

Wallet, ID, money
Chargers (phone, laptop, etc.)
Laptop/tablet
Water bottle
Snacks (optional)
Book/activities for downtime

During Recruitment (If Commuting)

Wallet/ID
Money for meals or packed food (no refrigeration provided)
Snacks
Water bottle
Rain jacket/umbrella
Comfortable shoes/flip flops for walking between rounds
Chargers/portable charger
Book/activities for breaks

For Sorority House Living (After Bid Day)

We recommend buying as little as possible beforehand—you won’t know your exact space yet!

Basics

Toiletries & medications
Styling tools/makeup
Towel/robe
Shower shoes + shower caddy

Bedding

Twin XL bedding, sheets, comforter, pillows
Mattress pad (optional)

Clothing & Daily Items

Clothes for the year (or start with fall quarter and rotate later)
Rain jacket/umbrella
Backpack/school bag
Comfortable shoes
Reusable water bottle
Hangers

School & Tech

Laptop + charger
School supplies (or buy once you arrive)
Extension cord/surge protector

Laundry & Storage

Laundry hamper/bag + detergent
Storage supplies

Personal Items

Framed photos, keepsakes, books
Minimal decor (wait to see your space before bringing more)

Overall, try to pack light and intentional—you’ll learn what you actually need once you move in. Recruitment week is busy, so having the essentials (and staying organized) will make your experience much smoother!

Primary recruitment

Frequently Asked Questions