It's a people thing and it happens to everyone. ;)

So some dont tell the possible New Members what the costs are going to be?

Am I reading this correctly?

If so, that is one of the first questions that PN Members ask. How Much!

With the economics of Today and the esculating costs, each Student has to try to figure out if it is worth them joining!

They at the Frosh point of time dont know what they get out of a Greek Organization in the long run for the future!

For the next academic year, our New Member Fee is $50 and our Initiation Fee is $130 + cost of the badge they choose. That's the portion that goes to IHQ. Individual chapters can tack on chapter expenses (New Member Guides, Operating Expenses, House Association fees, Reserve Fund fees, etc) as approved in their own bylaws. New Initiates also pay an Alumnae Chapter Fee (one time expense) of $26.00.

We want our new members to know the costs ahead of time because if the cost is a problem, then they need to take that into consideration when they join. It doesn't sound like the NPHC's keep this information from people before they begin intake, but they don't make it public either. There's nothing wrong with that.

You ARE NOT reading this correctly. For some organizations, interested people are told in a reasonable time period before intake. The general public is not told.

It obviously all works out in the end, though . :)

Another difference in culture.:cool: With the NPHC, the individual seeks the org so they often know in advance and start saving up or they know someone in the org who can give them a general idea.

One of the reasons I original said TMI :eek: is because even if the total fee amount was known beforehand, the cost breakdown is not the business of those who are not involved in the Process.

If they have to think twice at the cost involved, we wouldn't want them anyway.













Just kidding :)

Kidding but kind of not. ;) Seriously, for a lot of people who don't have relatives or people they know who were involved in Greek life, they have no idea how much it costs, and that's why it's wisest to tell them up front. Even if I had a daughter at this point and she was going to say U of Penn, I would have no idea how much it costs, because the housing figures into it and it's a completely different kind of campus than my alma mater.

Some people might not join because it's too expensive...better to know in advance, then to initiate and get in over your head and have to terminate because you don't have the money.

You would be surprised at how many people are dumbfounded at the amount it costs to intially become part of an organization. Many people are surprised that there is a fee involved especially at the collegiate level.

Some fail to realize that these orgs are essentially businesses, and like any other business there are costs involved to maintain the orgs.

If one is a part of an active entity, the costs are going to accrue at some point in the organization's existance. There's no way an organization can thrive and grow and not have someone within the organization paying those fees.

I think if someone is serious about joining, cost wouldn't make a difference. If you want something bad enough, you'll get the money somehow. It should be one of the things that you are working on along side doing research and getting to know the members anyway. Having the money for your fees is all apart of being 'ready' to join, IMO.

Your first sentence is SO true. And people don't realize/think about what the money goes towards and how they wouldn't have a GLO without it..

The whole "being ready to join" thing- I wish it could apply to NPC's, but unfortunately the time frame in which a young woman has an opportunity to join is fairly short. Just a difference in the way our groups are run.

I agree. If an individual does their research they should not be suprised. It is mostly the individuals that just want to join something to be a part of something that are thrown off about the money.

Well, correct me if I'm wrong here, but several of the representatives from GLO's outside of the NPHC have stated on this thread that the initiation costs are available to anyone who has an interest in knowing them.

Would someone who's entering college as a freshman and already knows that they may want to join a GLO be able to access that information before coming to school?

If I recall correctly, didn't a few people say that the initiation costs of their organization can be found on the website?

I believe that anyone who has a strong interest in joining would be more proactive in learning as much information as they can beforehand, as to make a more informed decision when the time does come for him or her to join.

But I could be thinking in an idealistic manner because unfortunately, I'm not sure how things work for NPC, IFC, and NIC organizations. So please, I encourage anyone to enlighten me if I am wrong in this instance.

But I am glad that forums like this exist because I am learning much more than I did while I was an undergrad.

A lot of the cost vary by chapter as well as by organization, so that can add to the confusion. Some campuses are more expensive than others.

One of the differences between NPC and NPHC groups is that a lot of women that join NPCs haven't had the exposure growing up to NPC orgs in the way that NPHC women may. So they don't come to college knowing what org they're going to join. Some do, but that's no where near guaranteed. The whole approach to membership selection and potential members choosing an org is very different.

Glad you're learning a lot from the boards, I certainly have!

I just meant that they can look up the information in order to get a ballpark figure of what the costs may be. Even if they get information that states that the costs are more than they may actually be at the chapter on their campus, at least they have an estimate to work from instead of being completely in the dark. Can't be anything wrong with having a lil more money saved up, it can go towards buying cute paraphrenalia or whatever you heart desires to do with it. And if the costs quoted on a website are a little less than what you'd have to pay, you'll know exactly how much more you'll need. I just think that having some kind of idea of how much it would cost you would help you rest a little easier.

Okay, this is where I'm confused. So do people who are interested in joining a NPC organization have no idea that they want to join an organization once they get to school? Do most of them decide once they get on campus that they do want to join, instead of having an idea of wanting to join before school starts?

I'm just wondering because if it were me, I'd have somewhat of an idea that Greek life may be what I want to be apart of. And while I'm on the website of my school doing research on my intended major or just browsing the different pages available, I'd check out the Student Life section and look up the GLO's, just so I can have an idea of the nature of Greek Life at my particular campus. And since what organization I'd be joining is not a 100% sure thing, I'd look up as much info on them all. If I'm in the type of situation where I have to set aside money in order to join, I'd like to make sure that I am making the most informed decision. Because I'm not just forking over cash, I'm paying with my time, my dedication, and my love for the organization itself and my new sisters.

Once again, I encourage any help with my understanding of GLO's, so if I've made a mistake in the conclusions I've come to, PLEASE let me know!

:)

You would be surprised at how many young adults go to college and have no clue about greek life. I have had you women ask me questions that left me thinking " You have never heard of the D9?".

Yes. Many, many women who join sororities (and I'm sure it's the same for men, too) don't decide they want to join until after they've been in school for a while. I didn't decide I wanted to go Greek until my sophomore year. Some members wait until they are seniors.

Okay, but that still doesn't mean that they can't go out and do research just because they are sophomores or juniors or seniors. In fact, they should be better equipped to get the information they want to make better informed decisions. They've been on campus long enough to see how the members of each org act and what part they play in the goings-on on the campus, and probably can even approach members at events and get more information.

My whole point about a freshman researching some general information about the GLO's on his or her campus was prompted by the fact that kddani stated that the time frame a young interest has is short. I was just asking if there was any way possible for that young interest to make the most of that short time they have, but now you're saying that interests have their entire undergraduate career to become a member. :confused:

Which is just proving my initial point that if someone really wants to join and make informed decisions about what they are getting into, they will research.

I could understand if it were an individual interested in joining an NPHC organization and not being privy to every bit of information out there for those who are interested in joining. That person would just learn as much as they can that is out there for the general public, and the things that eveyone and their mothers aren't privy to will be disclosed at the time that an invitiation to become a member is extended to them, in the event that this occurs.

I just don't get it. If all this information is available for people to know BEFORE joining a NPC, IFC, or NIC organization, why aren't people who are interested jumping on it? I know that I'd be estatic if all of this info was just a few clicks of a mouse or laying right in front of me on a piece of paper.

But then again, a part of the beauty of learning is in the quest for knowledge, so I think I'd rather search. I'd appreciate the whole experience much more if it weren't handed to me, and I had to work for it.

:D

Much of the local financial information isn't available on a website -- it's not given to the "rushees" until they go through recruitment, which is also the same time they're being bombarded with a lot of other information about 16 other almost identical groups. Of course, this may be different from campus to campus.

What you're talking about is more like finding out about each group's campus reputation, what sorts of activities they do each semester, etc. I think a lot of "rushees" don't even consider how big the financial aspect is until they're immersed in it. Sure, you can tell Susie Rushee how much her dues are going to be each month and how much the formal will probably cost, but there are other costs involved down the road, such as t-shirts, grab-a-dates, etc. that she may not realize.

Of course, some chapters charge an inflated dues amount and simply pay for the t-shirts for all the members so it's not an issue. But that's beside the point. :)

Maybe I don't understand the question.

I said website because several people on here have stated that their dues are posted on either their org's national website or their school's Greek Life website.

I was just trying to figure out how people can be unaware of the dues that would be required of them and/or that dues even exist for these orgs if that information is readily available, as you are all freely posting the costs in this very thread. That was my original question, then based on the answers I received I formed other questions.

There are SOME schools that give the costs for each group and break down what is for what (dues, housing etc). They are the exceptions. Even when this is done, sometimes the info isn't kept updated by the school's site.

For the most part - you have to dig to find this. Heck, for some schools you have to dig to find the Greek life part of the site, period.

And if dues are posted on a national site, those are national dues only. Each local chapter adds their own local dues. These can range from $20 to $2000.

I think I read too much into a previous post and went off on my own little tangent. Sorry. :)

I think the issue (as other posters have said) is that within the same org, each member is going to pay completely different amounts based on which college they attend. I paid much, much less than my best friend in the AXiD chapter at UCF as they had a house, so she had housing costs involved. Her chapter dues (the "local" cost) may have been set higher for various reasons.

Another way to look at it is that on some campuses, freshmen women go through recruitment before classes even start, not knowing how much it's going to cost but not caring because, "OHMYGODIFIDON'TGETINTOTHISTOPHOUSEI'MJUSTGOINGTOD IE! MYCAMPUSREPUTATIONWILLBERUINEDFROMTHESTARTANDDADDY PROMISEDHE'DPAYMYSORORITYBILLSNOMATTERHWAT!" So yes, in those situtations some women have absolutely no clue what they're taking on...but it doesn't matter as someone else is footing the bill or they simply don't care.

I do feel that the financial aspect is just one part of choosing which group you want to join. When I went through recruitment, there was a chapter that was the most expensive on our campus and there was a chapter that was the least expensive. During recruitment, each chapter said so...it was like their marketing tool. However, I wasn't interested in either group simply because I didn't see myself fitting in with either one. I think it's more important to make a membership decision based on where you feel the most comfortable rather than whether or not you want to pay $100 versus $400 each month...but for some, their dream GLO may be the more expensive one and they simply can't afford it. It's on them to make it work if that's what they want.

I think the point about not knowing how much of a financial commitment you were taking on was brought up in response to the suggestion/implication that that information wasn't given before one "signed on the dotted line" so to speak.

I apologize for being long-winded and if this isn't even remotely related to anything being discussed. My brain is NOT functioning properly today. I just realized the fax I sent 15 minutes ago didn't have a fax cover sheet. :(

I <3 Bubblz


I h8 fat girls

That's cheap! Most of the ones around here run at least 3,000 not living in the house.

Exactly, that is what I was trying to get at. If one wants to join and pertinent information is out there, then why not dig? Of course it may not be 100% correct for your chapter and you as an idividual, but what's wrong with having some sort of idea of what you're getting into?

Someone mentioned the fact that some interests aren't even aware that dues are invovled in running a chapter, and I was wondering how that can be possible when all of that information is out there. I would think that someone would want to be aware of such matters, even if they don't know exactly how much they are going to have to pay, before joining an organization.

I completely agree!! Thanks for explaining...hope your day goes better!

:)

Agreed.

Um she was kidding. I think I understand the sense you mean this in, but all the NPC chapters on my campus and those I know elsewhere understand that a lot of girls are paying for so many things themselves that they can't just say "the hell with the money, I'll do it" even if they really really want to. Without a car, I was hard pressed to find an off campus job, much less one that would pay me well enough to cover part of my schooling plus my dues. I was lucky enough to have a merit based scholarship as well as subsidized loans and a grandmother who would help with my dues. Not everyone is.

Most PNMs do not know for sure which house they want to join, nor will they choose primarily based on $, but $ might keep them from joining any house.

... hope I make sense :)

I was just kidding, chaos. Obviously I can't speak for your organization, but mine isn't like that. :)

Of course, I look back and remember that I had my pick of houses when I went through rush. I wonder if it was because of my financial situation???

To this day, I'm not sure if it was my early-eighties Toyota Tercel or my vinyl Liz Claiborne handbag that had them all fighting for me :D

What about the mega-fluffed hairdo that risks getting caught in ceiling fans...I bet that got you a few pref invites.;)

Sigh. I can only wish. I am physically incapable of truly big hair. :(

Then maybe the BLUE eyeshadow?? That must of made the difference.:)

Dang, I forgot about those. Too bad they don't make the Hooters uniform in black, it would have been excellent for pref night.;) :p

Based on prior statements from other NPHC'ers, including myself, I DON'T think my soror was kidding. That really is the attitude we take.

I was going to say that my understanding had always been that the NPHC outlook was like buying couture - if you have to ask, you can't afford it - but I didn't want to ass-ume. :)

I was refering to KillarneyRose... and how she said "Just Kidding" however, the reply only quoted the first part.

Maybe we are getting off of the track here.

Initiation dues cover many things that are up front and do net refer to Semester Dues.

The first cost is going to be the highest out of pocket for many reasons.

I think I listed what LXA includes above in a post.

After taht when and after being Initiated, the costs vary and will be more reasonable.

But, I agree, the PNMs should know up front what costs are going to be.

If some find out that they cannot afford it, then why wait until the last minute and say, "Oh, I cannot afford this", when much time and effort has gone into recruitment and this also includes MONEY from the Chapter.

Yes, We are Social Organizations, but it cost money to run said Organizations. Yes, it needs to be run like a business or there would be no need for Officers to run and over see The Organizations.

Because I'm not just kidding.

;)

That depends on the specific organization and the campus culture. Many NPHCers will not find something wrong with someone asking for a cost--even if they can only give the person a ballpark figure if the info isn't on the national website.

I personally have never had an aspirant ask me about cost and we never discussed cost at our "so you want to be Greek" panel discussions. People express more concern with GPA, community service--mostly things that they can find on our national websites. If it isn't on our national website then it's obviously something that you don't find out about until a later time. :)

As far as people's readiness to pay, wise people will begin saving their money as soon as they realized they wanted to pursue an organization--hopefully a year or so before they actually get enough college credits to do so. :) Other people will sell items or know who they can go to for the money--or make other exceptions, being the resourcefully intelligent college or post-college people that they are. But, it isn't like Mission Impossible where they get a mysterious phone call in which they find out the cost 24 hours before the money is due. :) If they can't afford to pursue membership, they will wait until next year or the year after that or the year after that. Many of us had organizations in our hearts but had to wait patiently until the time was right for whatever reasons. :)

A beloved KRS(Chapter secretary) in a graduate chapter I was once the (basilues)president of had a saying when it came to these matters: We pay to serve!