write a reference
write a reference
Kappa Kappa Gamma unites women to learn, grow and inspire positive change throughout their lives. Tell us about a potential sorority woman you know!
All About Kappa Kappa Gamma References for Recruitment
References, also known as recommendations, introduce a chapter to someone who might want to join Kappa or who is going through sorority Recruitment. While potential new members (PNMs) don’t need a reference to join Kappa, they help a chapter learn more about them before Recruitment begins.
Any member who’s in good standing can write a reference. Alumna members may ensure they are in good standing by paying annual dues here or to their local alumnae association.
Legacies
While PNMs with familial relationships to Kappa members are not given preferential treatment during Recruitment, members will have opportunities to celebrate their family members who join Kappa throughout her collegiate years at events like Initiation.
How to Complete a Reference
A PNM completes a comprehensive application when they begin the recruitment process on their campus, which often includes submitting a resume and photo. All the information provided by the PNM in their application is shared with the Kappa chapter on that campus.
Kappa’s reference form supplements the PNM’s application and shares personal insights into their leadership, activities, and values.
Take a moment to gather information and your thoughts before starting the reference form.
Kappa’s reference form includes the following information (asterisk denotes required information):
Potential New Member Contact Information
– First and last name*
– University (drop down list of Kappa chapters)*
– Email*
School(s) Attended
– High school*
– College or university previously attended
Leadership, Activities, and Values
You will give the chapter your personal insight into the PNM by briefly noting examples of the PNM’s leadership, activities, and values. Sections include (but are not required):
– Academic honors (255-character limit)
– Leadership positions (255-character limit)
– Community service (255-character limit)
– Sports (255-character limit)
– Other involvement/activities (255-character limit)
– How the PNM exemplifies one or more of Kappa’s values (trailblazing, knowledge, connection, optimism, respect, truth) (500-character limit)
Endorsement
– To complete and submit the application, you will choose an option that best describes your relationship with the PNM, sign your name, and check a box to endorse the PNM for membership in Kappa.
Pro tip: Before starting the reference, digitally compile the PNM’s contact information, schools attended, and your personal insights into their leadership, activities, and values in a document or note. You can easily copy and paste into the online reference form.
Reference FAQs
Reference Form Questions
Any member who’s in good standing may submit a reference. Alumna members may ensure they are in good standing by paying per capita dues here or to their local alumnae association.
Collegiate members cannot submit references to their own chapter while listed as an active member on the chapter’s roster.
Submitting a reference doesn’t mean the PNM will automatically be invited to join. Having a reference doesn’t give anyone a special edge in becoming a member. Kappa does not do “courtesy” invites for any part of the process, and even if someone with a reference makes it to the preference round, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll get a bid.
Collegiate members are responsible for choosing who joins their chapter. While alumnae help by recommending potential new members, the collegians make the final call. Once the chapter makes its decisions during the selection process, those choices are final.
Once you send in a reference, you’ll get an automatic email from the Fraternity Membership Director. After that, it’s up to the chapter how they use it. The rest of the membership process is confidential, so you won’t get any updates about the PNM’s progress.
References may be submitted at any point prior to the start of Recruitment. Try to submit at least two weeks prior to the start of Recruitment to allow the chapter enough time to review your reference.
No, there is no May 1 deadline. References may be submitted at any point prior to the start of Recruitment. Try to submit at least two weeks prior to the start of Recruitment to allow the chapter enough time to review your reference.
Yes, you may submit a reference for your daughter if you are a member in good standing. You may ensure you are in good standing by paying annual dues here or to your local alumnae association.
Kappa no longer has an option to indicate Kappa legacy relationships or connections on the reference form. Following a change in policy in 2020, legacies do not receive preferential treatment during Recruitment.
If the PNM joins Kappa and has family connections to Kappa, there will be opportunities for their Kappa family to celebrate this connection during their collegiate years by attending events like their Initiation.
Kappa does not accept letters of support. If you would like to recommend a PNM for membership, please complete the online reference form.
No, PNMs don’t need a reference to join Kappa.
While PNMs do not need a reference to join Kappa, references can be a helpful introduction to a PNM for a chapter. A reference should share a Kappa member’s personal insight into the PNM. One to two references are sufficient in providing an introduction and insight into a PNM.
You are welcome to use these materials in completing the online reference form. Once completed, you may discard these materials or ask the PNM if they would like the materials returned to them.
No. Once your reference is submitted online, the chapter has access to the information and does not need any other information.
General Reference Questions
Navigate to Kappa’s website and select the “Login” option then “Create Account.” Enter the required information (initiated first name, initiated last name, initiated school, and email address). If the information you entered matches what is in Kappa’s database, you will receive an email within about 10 minutes with a link to set up an account.
Did you not receive an email with a link to set up an account? Email the reference team. This likely means that the information you entered does not match what is in Kappa’s database or you do not have an email listed in Kappa’s database.
Reference season at Kappa Headquarters is busy. Staff will respond to you as soon as they are able.
You are welcome to ask family or friends to help you get logged in and complete your reference form. If you are involved with an alumnae association, consider requesting their assistance in completing your form.
No. Once a reference is submitted, it can no longer be edited by you or by Kappa Headquarters. You will need to submit a new reference for the PNM if you are missing key information.
Once a reference is submitted, it can no longer be edited by you or by Kappa Headquarters. You will need to submit a new reference for the PNM to the correct university.
It’s likely your chapter has not updated your status on the roster, so the reference system will not allow you to submit a reference. Reach out to your chapter to confirm they removed you from the roster as a recent grad or as a member who left school/transferred.
You can see saved and submitted references in the table located on your reference form portal when logged into the Kappa website. References saved but not submitted appear with a white background in the table. References submitted appear with a light green background in the table and have a date listed in the Date Submitted column. If the reference is showing as submitted, the chapter received your reference.
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Have questions?
Email our Reference team for additional assistance.
Reference season at Kappa Headquarters is busy so plan ahead! Kappa Headquarters staff are typically available from 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m. ET Monday–Friday. We strive to respond as soon as possible.