Chapter Quota vs. Chapter Total
 

What determines each? I've searched around, but haven't found a straight answer that makes sense to me. Thanks!

Someone please correct me if I am wrong

Quota is determined by each individual recruitment. For example, if there are 4 chapters and 100 women go to Preference, quota will be 100/4=25. That means each chapter can take 25 women.

Chapter total is determined by each campus's Panhellenic (if there is one). If chapter total is 100, that means all chapters should be at or above that size. However, there are usually chapters below, at, or above chapter total.

Examples:
Chapter A: 75 members before formal recruitment, took quota of 25, they are now at chapter total of 100.

Chapter B: 60 members before formal recruitment, took quota of 25, they now have 85 members and can have continuous open recruitment events for another 15 women to get closer or at chapter total.

Chapter C: 90 members before formal recruitment, took quota of 25, they now have 115 members and cannot take anymore women because they exceed chapter total by 15 women.

Quota is no longer determined by taking the PNMs registered or attending preference and dividing by the number of chapters on that campus.

I know this reply seems nit-picky but many campuses I work with try to use the old equation to figure out quota. Rumors get started and there is confusion about who got quota, who didn't etc all based on old info.

The old average equation will give you a rough estimate but quota is set by first determining the weighted average of PNMs who sign their preference card & membership acceptance binding agreement (every campus should use this!) over the past three years. The most recent year is given the highest weight. This equation gives you an estimated quota number. Then you take into account + or - a withdraw rate to determine the lower and upper end of a quota range. Once every PNM has signed their MRABA and all chapters have turned in their bid list the fraternity/sorority advisor matches the bids by hand or a computer program to determine the exact quota number where the most PNMs are placed and the most chapters make quota. If your campuses uses RFM then the RFM Specialties works with the fraternity/sorority advisor to determine the best outcome.

When I joined we used the old equation so we knew what quota might by knowing how many PNMs were attending recruitment. Now quota is selected at the end of the process once the best result has been determined.

This doesn't sound like a good change. What if the number of PNMs had a sudden rise or fall with the current year as opposed to the previous years? I mean if rush usually has 300 girls going through and one year it goes down to 200, isn't setting quota based on the previous years going to screw some sororities? It seems like a way for the most popular chapters to get even bigger and vice versa.

I think it is a good change because quota is based on the amount of women actually signing their MRABA and completing the process. The old system did not take into account women dropping out at the last minute. Now you can take a look at how many women match and how many chapters make quota at each number in the quota range and pick the number that has the best outcome. Once quota has been determined quota additions can be used to place additional women who completed the process in good faith with chapters that did the same.

I think that RFM campuses are the most successful because they have a partner working with them every step of the way who can react to sudden changed in retention.

Of course the old method is much easier! :D

You mean the old system went by number of women invited to pref, and if they dropped out before pref or before signing a bid card they were still "included" in quota calculations?

I can see where getting them out of the mix would be beneficial, but if groups aren't using the RFM like they should be and there is a drastic drop from previous years, it could really be a cluster.

How do you find out Chapter total? Ask Panhellenic?

Yes or if someone in your chapter knows.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it also take into account the Chapters last 3 years and what they did statistically? We have been using RFM on our campus for several years and the biggest thing I have seen is the Chapters being more alike in size then they used to be. I'm also finding much more well balanced new member classes (although that may not be a function of RFM) The other positive I find from RFM is it seems like a lot more women are place both through the recruitment process and quota additions.

Yes, or ask your Pi Chi (Rho Chi, Rho Gamma, or whatever your recruitment counselors are called) if you've been given one.

As I understand it, most/all NPCs put their first bid list in alphabetical order. If the chapter turns in their bid lists *prior* to the final quota being determined, is the number of PNMs on the first bid list based on the *lowest* possible quota?

Yes

That is exactly why RFM was created and how it should influence a campus over time. Of course the chapters must still work hard to recruit women and PNMs should maximize their options.

I know that there takes some adjustment in thinking but when properly utilized over time RFM will increase the amount of chapters that reach quota and the number of PNMs who receive bids. I am glad to hear your school has been so successful with RFM!