Preserverence........
 

I just recently realized that I really want to be a part of Omega Psi Phi. I researched, I talked to current members and I feel that it is definitely for me. The problem is, I am a senior. I graduate in December 2010 in Electrical Engineering. I have so many projects and so much schoolwork that even if my school's chapter had a line, I don't think I could participate. I looked into pledging Grad chapter but I found out that if your school has an active chapter, you have to wait 4 years to pledge Grad. By that time I will be married and maybe have a family. I would greatly appreciate any insight. Also, I would like to go through the pledging process for the history and knowledge. Thanks.

What do you need GreekChat for? Continue talking to the current members.

In all things, you have to do what's best for you. As Senusret wisely told you, keep talking to members. There are many people who pledge grad and the sky doesn't fall. There are many people who wait years and years for their chance to pledge grad and they appreciate it even more because of the wait. On the other hand, I know someone who put off graduation to pledge. He/she had the credits to graduate, but did not register for graduation, simply kept taking classes so they would be eligible to be on the next line. I'm not saying that's a good choice (or a cost-effective choice), but it was what was right for that person.

Just had a friend cross Grad Chapter Omega. Married, two kids, COGIC pastor. Couldn't shut him up on Facebook. He's been wanting to be a Que since undergrad, but the chapter wasn't there at the time until after he graduated. He graduated in 99. 11 years later the feeling he has for Omega is stronger than ever.

So you will have to forgive me if I have no sympathy for you waiting four years. It must not be in your heart like you claim.

^^^ My high school principal crossed Omega in 2008. He has GOT to be in his 60s.

It happens when it happens and if it's in your heart, you'll wait.

*silently wishing Alpha had the four year rule*
**knowing full well I would have had to wait, too**

Perseverance. The Omega members you know can explain how your pursuit of perseverance answers your question.

Did he/she put off graduation for more than one semester and more than the end of an academic year? There are chapters that will initiate second semester juniors and seniors. That chapter may not be one of them. Generally speaking, it wasn't "right" for that person and that person is lucky the chapter didn't reject him/her during "membership intake" and make his/her wait a complete embarassment and waste of time. This makes me think he/she may have waited to graduate under the advice and guidance of the chapter and perhaps other powers that be.

While this sometimes happens especially for BGLO frats, it is generally frowned upon. NPHC orgs have extremely active graduate/alumni/alumnae chapters for a number of reasons. I thought older collegiates who are intentionally staying in college to be initiated and stay active stopped being cool in the 1990s. :)

Obviously I didn't convey what I wanted to. I don't have a problem with waiting, I was just wondering if there was a way where I didn't have to wait. I have no doubt that I will still want to do it four years from now, I'm just afraid that I may not have the time to do it. Family will have to come first.

Really though. I respect that.

You have real life members to ask and other research tools. Good luck.

Yes, it will and you aren't the first and only graduate chapter initiate (and active member post undergrad) who has a family. ;)

My thing is how do you know you will be married in four years.

A lot of things can happen between now and four years.

Also if there is somebody in the picture you are about to make that move with, I would suggest you let her know your intentions to pledge in four years. I guarantee she will adjust and understand when the time comes.

Im engaged now, the date is July 23, 2011......... I've been discussing this with the Omegas that I know and I feel a whole lot better about it now.. I think it was a moment of strong impatience if anything. Thanks everyone for your help.