Don't you have to be a college graduate to be an AI? That might be a misconception on my part, hence why I am asking the question.

That's what I thought, too.

Our code of regulations state nothing about having to graduate from college to be nominated as an AI. Only that a petition for the proposed member must be signed by the alumnae chapter contact person and a collegiate chapter president if a college chapter is within the vicinity of the alumnae chapter and then submitted to National Council or a committee if so authorized for approval.

A good example, Florence Henderson is an AI of Delta Zeta and I found no mention of her having graduated or even attended any kind of college or university. Obviously, that is an extreme example, but if we have one AI who did not attend any college/university (even though she is famous), I don't see how we could require it of other AI's.

I can't speak for other NPC's though. It might be different from group to group.

No. Check out the thread "Interested Party Saying Hello!" in the AI forum for more info on that.

I would suggest joining a community sorority. My boyfriend's mother and sister joined one of those [the same one], and they love it. It gives them the experience but realizes that they have more time commitments. I would imagine that you have no idea how much time a traditional sorority really takes.

I am a little confused as to your post. Are you suggesting that she not go AI? While we're suggesting other options, she could always seek out membership in a woman's Masonic organization. There are a bunch out there and I know they are always excited for new members.

I am saying that she should not attempt to go AI, ESPECIALLY by approaching the sorority herself.

After reading the other thread you mentioned, I can see shy you suggested she not go AI. HOWEVER, as a member of an alumnae chapter, if this woman approached me and explained her situation, I would at least consider her as a possible AI. I just don't share the same opinion about what AI is for as some of the other posters who are as passionate as they are.

DZRose, I think AI is such a touchy subject on GC because each group handles it differently (it is harder to do in some chapters than others, and impossible in some) and also because some women don't want to see the privilege abused. I don't agree that the arguments need to get as heated as they sometimes do on this topic, but I can see why some women on here get a little frustrated with the discussions. AI is thrown out there as a last resort sometimes for women who didn't get in while in college or for whatever reason couldn't/didn't pursue collegiate membership. There are certainly cases where AI is warranted and is a benefit to the organization, especially since so many are really pushing for alumni involvement (the key to keeping the org as a whole going is the support of its alumnae since you are an alumna for far more many years than you are a collegiate for), but I also agree that it's not for every woman either.

Um, no. This is a ridiculous comparison because you don't want collegiates acting like advisors (although responsibility is a good characteristic). Of course advisors are valuable to chapters; lots of chapters struggle in one way or another with poor or no advisory support. However, a 40 year old advisor and a 40 year old collegiate member are completely different. Advisors are ALUMNAE who advise the chapter and the officers. They do not participate in the day to day activities of the chapter (although there are several events throughout each semester that alumnae are welcome and encouraged to attend).

Really consider the climate of your campus. What is the age range of the students? What is the age range of the Greeks? At a campus where 99.9% of the Greeks are 18-22, the LAST thing a chapter would seek is a 40 year old new member to advise them like their mother!

Realistically, if she approaches the sorority, the worst she'll get is a no. I'm not encouraging it, but there isn't harm in her talking to the local alum chapters with the hope of finding out more information. They'll tell her what's up.

Twenty-five responses -- all this great advice -- wonder if she'll ever sign back on to see the answers?!

Very much doubt it... I think we should abandon this one and the AI one going on since the OPs don't seem to be at all as interested in hearing the advice compared to how interested we are in doling it out.

I think they would be more interested if the advice was like this.

Haha.

I agree.

Beta Sigma Phi (www.betasigmaphi.org) is a wonderful example of a more community based sorority for women. You still have socials, service opportunities, and leadership opportunities available to you (the amount of which vary from chapter to chapter). There is still a time and financial commitment but it's no where near the time/financial commitment that a traditional college sorority will require of you. There is a lot more to sorority time than scheduled meetings(more of which would be required for you as a new member), social events, sisterhoods, service events, etc. Participation and attendence at these are often times mandatory as well.