It makes sense that they have orientation sessions right before classes start, but they really ought to hold spots in the other sessions for people going through rush. The nationwide college reply date is today, but in-state kids in Alabama probably put their deposits down months ago, which is why they were able to fill up all the non-conflicting orientation spots. There's a national system for a reason -- kids don't have their fin aid offers, etc. from other schools until mid-April. People should not have to commit to attend Alabama in February in order to get an orientation spot that's consistent with other ALABAMA programs. We're not talking about a conflict with a family wedding.

As stated above, call and grovel and beg to get into an earlier session, ANY earlier session and definitely ask to get on a waitlist. If you can't the only critical part of orientation is scheduling your classes. I would recommend attending as much as you can because it's a time to make friends, and I would see if your rush counselor to re-arrange your party schedule if there is a severe conflict, but remember you may not (read probably) have a full schedule so it may not be as much of a conflict as you think. Not that I'm hoping that for you of course. Hopefully your sweet disposition and groveling will get you an earlier orientation slot.

That is EXACTLY what I was trying to say. Thank you.

And in this day and age - can't schedules be done remotely/online?

There are more OOS freshman than in-state, so if all the sessions are filled, then many OOS students have filled these as well.

Great points though -- maybe a good idea to consider using a (groveling) version of these with the orientation office when trying to be moved into an earlier session!

Well - I tried the groveling approach with Orientation and had no luck. They stick firmly to the "strongly suggested" date of 8/14. They say they have no waiting list and that "tons of girls will be in the same boat" and it is nothing to be worried about. I get the distinct impression from this group, however, that this is not the case. The only way to change a date is to try to repeatedly go in online and attempt to change my orientation date to see if a spot frees up - kind of a bummer. I guess that is my only option right now. They have a few dates left at the end of July but I have travel commitments so those won't work either. I was one of those students who was waiting till mid April to receive all my acceptances/offers so I couldn't make an informed decision till last week. Things will work out as they should I suppose. Hopefully, I will get a chance to sign up for an earlier date and, if not, I will have to make the best of a not-so-ideal situation.

Christine, I'm really sorry that this is difficult.

I would say that the information provided by Titchou (who is experienced, objective, and really familiar with Alabama) is what I would rely on. The Orientation personnel are NOT the ones who have input on membership selection. Understand that making the best of your situation as it stands right now means that the probabiity of experiencing heavy cuts is guaranteed.

Do you have a schedule for orientation? I mean, is there stuff you can skip on that end?

Seems like I recall that orientation is NOT required, but heavily suggested.
And yes, dear daughter, at least, found stretches where her presence was not tracked and that she found a waste of time.

For the record, I am not suggesting that you skip anything!

I am. Skip orientation. Rush is more important.

Well, I wouldn't skip it COMPLETELY. And do keep an eye on the website to try to change your schedule. Otherwise you'll figure it out.

Really? At a state university?

Yes, 60% of this year's freshmen class:

http://cw.ua.edu/2013/11/05/60-perce...-out-of-state/


http://cw.ua.edu/wp-content/uploads/...re-600x340.jpg

Sorry, duplicate post.

ugh. I'm sorry that didn't work. The advice the orientation office gave you isn't helpful at all -- I guess it is nothing for them to worry about. I'm not sure what happens if you are a no-show for orientation, but you should probably show up for the advising/class registration part if at all possible. Classes begin the week following rush.

On to the "compulsively checking the website" approach.

And don't rely on the Panhellenic page info either:

"Potential members are not required to secure recommendations in order to receive a bid. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the sorority to obtain a letter of recommendation if one is needed for membership"

Not making a decision until mid April is a bit of a time disadvantage in the rec gathering process (unless you have already secured alums prepared to write recs with the understanding that you will pass along the addresses later). Hope that is well underway!

Good luck -- hope it all works out for you.

Presuming you don't get it changed, if you know your orientation schedule and advise your rush counselor IN ADVANCE of potential conflicts, they may be able to tweak your schedule. If you have a full schedule there's not much they can do (they will NOT put your favorite chapter in a slot that accommodates you better), but if you have some blanks MAYBE they can move you an hour or two. But this isn't something where you can get your schedule and then bitch because it's not convenient. I don't know if they WILL accommodate you, but advising them of potential conflicts and a firm desire to attend every possible party will, I would think, go a long way in getting them to help you.

But keep up the OCD stalking of the website. There are undoubtedly a lot of students who accepted, registered, etc., and then get a late acceptance into a different school, get into trouble, realize the financials aren't there, etc.