Just weeks before COVID-19 shut down in-person classes and activities at UNC, the fraternity and sorority community was given a “Greek Pause” from the university, which shutdown all activities except mandatory meetings and philanthropy events. These two factors quickly changed the traditional Greek community at UNC, but now that the mask policy has been lifted and the “Greek Pause” is long over it’s time to reintroduce the Panhellenic Council to advisors and incoming students.
Action Items
- Encourage incoming students to attend “Meet the Greeks” events and other student involvement fairs
- Inform incoming students about formal recruitment held during the fall semester where they can go through recruitment without being obligated to pledge a chapter
- Reach out to the Director of Public Relations with any questions, clarifications, or concerns about the Panhellenic Council and for any upcoming events
As the incoming class of 2022 arrives on campus this fall, the Panhellenic Council hopes to change the outdated narrative surrounding sorority life as party girls who pay for their friends and skip class. UNC is home to one of the smaller Panhellenic communities in the country, which allows for stronger relationships between chapters and a more welcoming environment for incoming students. Hopefully, Panhellenic can show incoming students and the advising staff at UNC who they truly are and what they value for their members.
At UNC the Panhellenic Council promotes the furthering of sorority life and its actions through four pillars: leadership, scholarship, community, and philanthropy. Each chapter under the Panhellenic Council offer their members unique and evolving opportunities to pursue leadership and gain experiences. They promote the advancement of education and academic pursuits for members through study tables and academic support. All Panhellenic members are encouraged to get involved within the local and national community through service and social events. Additionally, members are given a strong sense of philanthropy as they host philanthropic events on campus.
The Panhellenic Council can offer incoming students experiences across the value pillars.
Leadership
Participation in national leadership conferences and opportunities within each chapter
Scholarship
Applications for national scholarships and financial aid unique to sorority women
Community
Participation in community-wide events like Homecoming Week and philanthropy weeks
This is a small list of ample opportunities provided to women in a Panhellenic chapter at UNC, and as the university grows so do the opportunities provided to UNC’s young women.
About the Author:
Olivia Doro is the Director of Public Relations for the Panhellenic Council. You can contact her on LinkedIn for more about the council. She will graduate in 2023 with degrees in Journalism and Business Marketing.
