Early Alum Status
 

I did some research on here about early alumnae status, but I still have a situation specific question.

Although I went through recruitment only just this year, I was already technically in my fourth year, having graduated in 2006 - I didn't transfer to this college until this fall. I really enjoyed my time as a Delta member, so much so I applied for fifth year. Then in the last two months of spring, I ended up in the hospital several times, and ultimately I had to have emergency surgery. Needless to say, it set me back in every way: physically, financially, and academically.

I have to leave the college and go back home for a semester so I can go through physical therapy and work to earn money in order to return to this college in the spring of 2011, which is the only college that offers my degree within a large radius of my home. While back home, I plan to attend a local community college, as my family has offered to pay for two classes (making me a part time student so I can avoid paying back loans at this time).

I have e-mail our advisor about my situation. I have a notification she has read it, but I have not heard anything back from her. From what research I did here, I would be eligible for early alumnae status, due to the fact the community college will not have a chapter of Alpha Delta Pi. However, it has been mentioned to be by one of the members that when she left our college, she was told if she attended another college, she would have her membership cancelled, but if she left school entirely, she would be granted early alumnae status. Considering I have both medical reason and financial reason to transfer to somewhere closer to home and cheaper, this makes me worry that this decision I did not take lightly will end up causing me to lose my membership to an organization that means so much to me.

So, any help would be GREATLY appreciate, particularly those who are well-versed in the manuals.

My books are already packed, but your sister isn't entirely correct. Until your membership is cancelled, you are a bona fide sister of Alpha Delta Pi. Going to another school doesn't change that. You need to make sure that your expenses are paid in full, and it doesn't sound like you have any standards issues, so I'd think you're okay.

But! You do need to talk to your Advisor, and make sure that everything is okay. There could be one outstanding bill due that could mess you up, or something else. If you have the time, I'd make an appointment for lunch or coffee or whatever with your Advisor, and see where you stand. You don't want to take the opinion of someone you don't know on the Internet on something so important.

Hope it all works out for you!

Your membership DOES NOT get cancelled because you go to a community college or transfer to another school (whether an ADPi chapter is there or not). I know this firsthand. I transferred from U of A after 1 semester and went to community college for 4 semesters before going to ASU, where I didn't affiliate with the chapter. I was granted alumnae status.

But, as Honeychile said, you need (I cannot stress that enough) to speak to an advisor of your chapter. I'm an advisor, but I'm not one of your chapter (as least I don't think I am :D). I can't tell you if you have met all your obligations with the chapter. Only your advisors can do that.

Assuming you are a member in good standing (ie no outstanding standards concerns, no unpaid bills, etc) a college transfer should result in alumnae status, not membership cancellation. If you're not technically transferring from your college, but rather taking a semester off and taking classes elsewhere, your situation might be treated differently- you may have to apply for inactive status (which may still require you to pay dues). Being that you will be a fifth-year student, though, these policies may be different- but I honestly can't imagine any of them involving membership cancellation. Echo the others in saying you need to speak to an advisor; contacting the DSE and/or president of your chapter would also probably be a good idea. These three people are the most likely to be able to work with you and figure out a solution. Best of luck to you!

Just to help explain what others have already said. When a Delta member withdraws from school or transfers to another school with or without an ADPi chapter, she is considered an alumnae member. If the campus has a chapter she may choose to pursue affiliation with that chapter, however she is not obligated to do so nor is the chapter obligated to extend an invitation to do so. One more thing, if a member takes a semester/year off from school and later returns to that same campus, she is expected to return to active member status.

Just to clarify, membership cancellation is never a potential outcome of transferring schools or taking time off of school.