The Difference Between Letters of Recruitment, Letters of Support, and RIF/MIS Forms.
In sorority recruitment, the terms "Letters of Recommendation," "Letters of Support," and "RIF Forms" or “MIS Forms” refer to different documents that serve specific purposes in the evaluation of potential new members (PNMs). Here's a breakdown of the differences between these elements:
The Difference Between Letters of Recruitment, Letters of Support, and RIF/MIS Forms.
1. Letters of Recommendation:
Definition: These letters are typically written by alumnae or current members of a sorority who personally know the PNM and can vouch for their character, values, and suitability for sorority life.
Purpose: Letters of Recommendation provide insights into the PNM's qualities, accomplishments, and personality traits. They serve as endorsements from individuals who have a personal or professional connection with the PNM.
How to Access Letters of Recommendation: Generally, these documents are only accessible to official members of a sorority who have access to a members-only portal (for example, a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority would access the Letter of Recommendation form, often known as a “RIF,” at https://www.kappaalphatheta.org/members/introduce-pnm
Other Terminology: RIF form, reference letter
2. Letters of Support:
Definition: "Letters of Support" are often used interchangeably with "Letters of Recommendation" in the context of sorority recruitment, but they are not the same. The key purpose is to express support for the PNM's candidacy through a page-long introductory letter.
Purpose: These letters, similar to Letters of Recommendation, aim to highlight the PNM's positive attributes and present a case for why the individual would be a valuable addition to the sorority. They are usually written by alumnae, current members, or individuals familiar with the PNM. A writer’s qualifications depend on a sorority’s Panhellenic council.
3. RIF Forms/MIS Forms (Recruitment Information Form, Membership Information Sheet):
Definition: In the context of sorority recruitment, a RIF (Recommendation Information Form) is a document that provides background information about a potential new member (PNM) to a particular sorority. These forms are often submitted by alumnae or current members of the sorority on behalf of the PNM. The purpose of a RIF is to give the sorority insight into the PNM's character, interests, accomplishments, and connections within the sorority's network. RIFs can be an important aspect of the recruitment process as they can help sorority members make more informed decisions when considering potential new members. However, it's important to note that not all sororities require RIFs, and their significance may vary depending on the organization and its recruitment practices. RIF is often interchangeable with Letter of Recommendation.
Purpose: RIF Forms serve as a comprehensive overview of the PNM's background. They provide a standardized way for sorority members to assess PNMs during the recruitment process, helping them make informed decisions based on consistent criteria.
In summary, Letters of Recommendation and RIF forms (often known as reference letters) are interchangeably used terms and most often refer to the official sorority document for PNM introduction, while Letters of Support are external endorsements (about one page long) written by individuals who know the PNM. Letters of Support usually follow a submitted RIF form, and not all sororities accept Letters of Support.
Related: Signs a Sorority Wants You
We hope this guide has helped you differentiate between these different terms. Need help with sorority recruitment? Let us give you a free quote!
