The University of Tennessee - Knoxville | Active Associate Chapter
Recruitment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If your question hasn't been answered, feel free to email recruitment.utkdphil@gmail.com
Recruitment FAQs
Do I have to be Asian to be in Delta Phi Lambda®?
Absolutely not! As an Asian-interest Sorority, we are looking for passionate, dedicated, and spirited young women who will advocate for the minority experience and can bring a unique perspective to the organization. As such, we do not discriminate membership on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability. Undergraduate females from any and all backgrounds who share our values in promoting Asian awareness and female leadership are highly encouraged to participate in recruitment.
How much does it cost to participate in recruitment?
Nothing! All recruitment events are FREE for interested women. Sisters will arrange and provide rides, supplies, and food.
What are the requirements for a bid?
In order to be considered for a bid (or an invitation to join Delta Phi Lambda®), you must attend at least 2/3 of the recruitment events, be 18 years old at the time of the bid, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7.
Do I have a chance to receive a bid if I am a junior, senior, international, or non-traditional aged student?
Of course! We do not discriminate on your class standing or age. We have had many Sisters initiate into the Sorority as a junior, senior, or international or non-traditional aged student. They have the same opportunities as lower-classman to receive a bid and to create a memorable Sorority experience. Plus, this is an everlasting Sisterhood. We give many opportunities after graduation to continue giving back to the Sorority.
What is recruitment?
Recruitment is a non-binding period where you to get to intimately meet Sisters and see first-hand what makes our Sisterhood so unique. Each event is specifically tailored to give you a sense of our mission and values, and there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions about becoming a Sister. If you’re serious about joining our Sorority, make sure to attend at least 2/3 of the scheduled recruitment events to be considered for a bid.
When does recruitment start?
Follow us on Instagram @utkdphil to stay up-to-date with our recruitment events and detail!
Typically our recruitment starts at the beginning of each semester unless stated otherwise.
Does everyone receive a bid?
The purpose of recruitment is to determine if you and the sorority are a good match. The reality is not every interested woman matches with our sorority for one reason or another. A formal bid will be extended to women who have demonstrated shared values and standards of philanthropic passions, good character, financial responsibility, and leadership ability among others.
May I decide not to accept a bid that I receive?
You do not have to accept a bid; however, you must directly contact our recruitment chair and notify her of your decision.
New Member Education FAQs
What is the New Member Education Process?
This is a period between 6 to 8 weeks to help familiarize yourself with our history, traditions, values, and prepare you to be a contributing member to the Sorority.
Will I be hazed?
Absolutely not! No chapter, colony, member, or alumna of Delta Phi Lambda® Sorority shall condone hazing in any form, which is defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.
What if I discover the sorority is the wrong one for me?
Once you’ve accepted a bid, the new member process is designed to make sure you are ready to make a lifelong commitment to our Sorority. If after initiation you decide we are not the Sorority for you, you will need to contact our National Headquarters (HQ) to begin the disaffiliation process.
General Membership FAQs
Will my grades suffer if I join?
As academic excellence is one of our founding virtues, we encourage Sisters to reach their fullest potential by providing intellectual opportunities through scholarship programming, recognition incentives, and mentoring opportunities.
How much does joining a Sorority cost?
Being in a Sorority is like all other membership organizations and does require a payment of dues. We require members to pay roughly between $200 - $300 at the beginning of each academic semester. This amount is a combination of national and chapter dues that are used to fund chapter operations, social events, and programming as well as allows the national organization to provide resources and support for the chapter. We work with all Sisters to make sure she can pay these dues. Do not feel discouraged when thinking about the cost!
My parents don't like the idea of fraternities and sororities. How can I offer them reassurance?
At some point, most of our Sisters had to have “the talk” with their families. We encourage you to share with them our Parents & Families resource page to help answer specific questions or concerns. They can also contact our National Headquarters at inquiry@deltaphilambda.org.
Will I be able to work in addition to the Sorority?
Many chapter members have jobs in addition to being in a Sorority and a full-time student. The best piece of advice we could give you is to practice good time management! Additionally, we encourage you to communicate your work schedule with us in advance. We have a unique policy for handling excuses from events.
How much time does the Sorority take?
The time commitment varies from chapter to chapter, but the first year is the most time intensive as you are developing your leadership and time management skills, learning about your organization operations, and developing friendships and becoming involved with other organizations on campus. Each chapter has weekly chapter meetings and other events (philanthropies, socials, fundraisers, etc) throughout the year, but they are planned well in advance. The more you participate in the chapter, the more you will get out of being a member!