Panhellenic Education What is “Total”?

Campus Total, often referred to as “Total” is the allowable chapter size as determined by the College Panhellenic and includes both new members and initiated members. The purpose of Total is to provide opportunities for growth of the Panhellenic community. Total helps to create parity among the NPC member groups on a campus and also allows for the maximum number of women to participate in and experience Greek life.

“Total” is not to be confused with “Quota” which is set during formal recruitment and is the the number of women which may be pledged by each member group during a structured recruitment.

In 2003, NPC passed the resolution that campus Total should be reviewed annually. NPC recommends Total review following the formal recruitment period. Total can be determined in several ways and a method should be selected which best suites the College Panhellenic. Methods to be considered are: 1. average chapter size, 2. median chapter size, or 3. the size of the largest chapter on campus.

Once a College Panhellenic considers reviewing Total, pertinent statistics and data pertaining to chapter membership numbers, recruitment statistics, number of undergraduate women on campus, etc. hould be compiled and submitted along with a formal proposal to change Total. All of this information is beneficial to help a campus Panhellenic assess it options and then to make the right decision on Total to best meet the needs of the campus.

When a proposal to change Total has been made, the College Panhellenic should contact the NPC Area Advisor and Panhellenic delegates of each chapter should contact the NPC delegates of their respective member groups to discuss the options.

Questions? Contact your region’s CPHA.