I guess I just find it hard to believe another Zeta chapter wouldn't want me as a member because I couldn't see myself feeling that way about a transfer to my chapter - all Zetas are my sisters. But you do make a valid point, sad but true though it may be. Drole also makes a good point that there's no rule saying a person couldn't join some other group with greek letters, rituals, etc. that's not NPC. We sometimes forget there are other groups out there since NPC is so big. I just would hope that if someone did that, they wouldn't forget about the first org they joined... It is afterall, a lifetime committment. Chi-O at my school had a longer pledge period as well, but I was told that it was because they wanted to make sure their NMs made grades, but that's another thread... I too fear that pledge periods will become too short and thus not allow for the proper contemplation about the commitment girls are about to make.

I fear they already have. I'm hearing on these boards that 6-8 weeks is the norm. IMHO, one semester is more appropriate.

I believe in ZTA , the NM coordinator for a particular chapter has a couple programs to choose from, anywhere from 7-9 weeks and I want to say mine was somewhere in the middle (Fall 01). It was enough time for me because I was pretty sure from the start but I agree that extension of the pledge period isn't a bad idea.

Happened to me. I was unable to affiliate with my chapter. Mainly because 4 girls I went to HS with (but hated in HS) didn't want me there and because I was from a struggling chapter so somehow I was going to "hurt" them. Totally lame reasons then and totally lame reasons now.

If I could have dropped out and rushed again, I probably would have.

I understand why the rules come about, but I also see the other side of the coin.

That just seems so sad to me. I remember had a transfer that wanted to affiliate with us and we all liked her well enough and invited her out to stuff but in the end I don't think she felt comfortable with us since we weren't her initiating chapter so she just stopped coming to stuff - not sure if she went alum or what... But I could truthfully say that any girl who came to me who was a Zeta anywhere else and wanted to be in my chapter I'd vote in - for the simple fact that she's a sister no matter what and there were some other sisters out there who wanted her in enough to initiate her so I should trust their judgment as sisters. But I'm only speaking for myself here... I'm sorry that happened to you and as sad as it is, I'm sure you're not the only one.

I can certainly see both sides of this argument but I firmly believe in one and one only when it comes to NPC. I can definitely see missing the sorority experience, hence me joining an alum group :)

Since BadCat mentioned that society allows women to change husbands, the same question could be asked about divorce and remarriage. What about their vows and loyalty? I'm not trying to say BC is right, and that the NPC rule needs to be changed, but her comparison is valid. It's an unfortunate trend that people all too often enter into something, take the necessary vows, and then change their minds later. Doesn't make it right... but it certainly happens.

And here's where I say that 6-8 weeks for an 18 year-old seems like a lifetime. I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule, but I would think that most college freshmen don't fully grasp the gravity of "lifetime commitment". I sincerely doubt that, within 6-8 weeks, they'll be able to discern whether they're prepared to make a lifetime commitment to the organization. Sure, they all think they do... but it's easy to say that when you're dying to be initiated! The "lifetime" part of the commitment can only be made as time passes.

I'm kinda rambling along here without a point... sorry. It's Monday. :p

you made perfect sense....even if it is monday.

i think that the pledge/new member period is too brief. zeta revealed a new new member program over the summer and whittled it down to about 5-6 weeks. i hope they ask all the collegiate vp-2's(new member coordinator) for input, since they experienced a different program as new members.

MySpace...strikes again.

If she hadn't posted anything on either sorority...she would have got away with it.

I don't condone it, but that is probably what would have happened.

Ugh. I know my opinion is completely politically incorrect but I think the new member period should be way longer and that all pledges (yes, I said pledges) should be required to know the sorority history as well as chapter history before initiation. I think they should know the names of all the sisters and pledge sisters as well as where each is from along with their majors. The fraternities do that and I really feel as though the fraternities brothers have a much stronger bond to each other than I ever could have had with my sisters. I don't think hazing is ok but I don't see anything wrong with initiating the girls at the start of the next semester after they learn more about their sorority and sisters.

I still like the idea of having to make your grades before you are initiated - which requires a semester-long pledgeship.

agree with you sister!

:D I was a charter member of a recolonization pledge class. My pledge period was oh about 9 months long... so, yes, I think 6 weeks is too short!

Agree 100%. I know that with 200 person chapters that can be hard, but you should at least TRY. Some people make a habit of squeaking by with the bare minimum.

Chi Omega still requires grades prior to initiation. We never changed & I think it's a very good thing.