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Sororities
Published September 2, 2025
What is the sorority rush process like at CU, and what are the sororities like?
Recruitment and Rush Week
At CU Boulder, sorority recruitment takes place within the first two weeks of the fall semester. The process, often referred to as Rush Week, is organized by the Panhellenic Council (PHC). It consists of structured rounds where potential new members (PNMs) meet members from each Panhellenic chapter, learn about their values, and explore membership opportunities.
Most students who participate in recruitment do so during their first year. Many chapters encourage members to live in the sorority house during their sophomore year, which is typically when the sorority experience is most immersive.
Living in the House
For members who move into a chapter house, the experience involves shared meals, planned social events, and everyday interaction with other members. This often leads to close bonds and increased participation in chapter activities. Many members transition to “inactive” or “alumni” status by senior year, as participation tends to be most active during the sophomore year.
Work Week
Work Week is the preparation period that takes place the week before classes begin in August. During this time, chapter members dedicate long hours to practicing conversations, running through recruitment scenarios, and preparing chapter houses for potential new members. It is considered one of the busiest weeks of the year for active members. PNMs (often incoming freshmen) do not participate in work week, because they are not part of any chapter yet.
The Role of the Panhellenic Council
The Panhellenic Council (PHC) oversees CU Boulder’s nine National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities. PHC organizes recruitment and ensures that the process is values based, fair, and consistent across chapters. It promotes sisterhood, scholarship, and service as core values. In simpler terms, “Panhel” makes sure no sorority is cheating when it comes to getting PNMs. Girls CANNOT dirty rush at CU.
Recruitment Structure
Recruitment at CU Boulder follows a values-based model with several rounds:
- Open House/Philanthropy: Short introductions and conversations about each chapter’s causes and values.
- Sisterhood: Fewer chapters, longer conversations, and discussion of chapter culture.
- Preference: One or two chapters, formal and reflective in tone.
- Bid Day: New members receive invitations and join their chapters.
For 2025, recruitment begins with orientation on August 27, continues through rounds on August 31 and September 1, followed by later rounds on September 6–7, and concludes with Bid Day on September 8. Registration includes a $60 non-refundable fee, and participants submit a short video introduction that sororities will look at.
Chapters at CU Boulder
Nine NPC chapters participate in formal recruitment: Alpha Chi Omega (AXΩ), Alpha Phi (AΦ), Chi Omega (ΧΩ), Delta Delta Delta (ΔΔΔ), Delta Gamma (ΔΓ), Gamma Phi Beta (ΓΦΒ), Kappa Alpha Theta (KAΘ), Kappa Kappa Gamma (ΚΚΓ), and Pi Beta Phi (ΠΒΦ).
Expectations and Rules
- Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled events; absences are only excused for academic or emergency reasons.
- Recruitment is alcohol free. (Girls cannot go out during the 2 recruitment weekends or else they will likely be dropped.
- Décor and spending are restricted to maintain fairness; chapters follow a values-based format.
- After the Preference round, PNMs sign a binding Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA).
Costs and Commitment
- Financial obligations vary by chapter. Approximate ranges include:
- New member fees: $1,100–$2,100
- Live-out dues: $900–$1,800 per semester
- Live-in costs: $5,900–$10,500 per semester
- Members should also expect weekly meetings, philanthropy/service events, and social functions.
Continuous Open Bidding (COB)
For students who do not receive or accept a bid during formal recruitment, COB offers an alternative. This process begins after Bid Day and is available to chapters that are below the Panhellenic membership “total.” It is less formal and sometimes extends into the spring semester.
Cultural Context
Greek life at CU Boulder is an active part of student culture, with houses located on University Hill near campus landmarks. While the process is competitive, it is generally considered more casual than recruitment in Southern schools. (Girls do not have to “pledge” like fraternities aka no hazing!)
Quick Takeaways
- Recruitment is structured, values-based, and mandatory for those registered.
- Most members live in-house during sophomore year.
- Costs vary significantly by chapter and housing status.
- Participation is highest in sophomore year, with many members becoming less involved later.
- PHC ensures fairness and enforces recruitment guidelines.