Advice for a freshman with many concerns :x
 

Hey everyone, I'm new to this so I hope this is in the right area, but anyways I've always wanted to be a part of greek life (neither of my parents were involved but that never stopped me) unfortunately, I didn't do my research before picking my university of choice and didnt realize the greek life here is only about 2%. I've been rushing around a lot at my university and everything I've heard about the on campus sororities (and fraternities) is very negative. The pledging is very harsh and could be definitely classified as hazing, also the sorority i was most interested in (in a broad spectrum and also talking about the sisters i've met)moved off campus a year or two ago. They've told me they hope to come back on campus within the next few years once all the sisters have left that were involved in moving off campus but i still feel very doubtful whether this is the wrong choice. I was just hoping for some advice, is it a completely terrible idea to pledge a sorority that is no longer recognized in your school? And if so, is it too drastic to contemplate transferring if the other sororities and their style of pledging doesn't fit what you've been looking for.

granted of course, i wouldn't solely make a transferring decision off this. I've had many thoughts about transferring schools and i feel as though this possible disappointment in something i've looked forward to for so long may be the final thing to push me into action. helpp!

Thanks

This isn't an NPC sorority that you're interested in, is it?

All the sororities mentioned are NPC sororities. The one i was most interested in is Alpha Phi. This is why I was wondering if it's bad that they've moved off campus. it's hard for me to get a straight answer asking around my school

Just because.

i also just wanted to mention if these questions above are really stupid im sorry I only know what the sororities have said to me and what research I've been able to find and I thought coming straight to members of sororities who know best would hopefully help.

I don't think you're even allowed to pledge an NPC sorority that's not recognized by the college. That's the reason I was asking.

I sort of realized this since from what I've heard, any of the girls they pledge after those initial girls can't become alumni which sounded fishy to me not to mention in my school they call these sororities/fraternities underground which sounds bad. ok thank you for the help it's a sad realization but I guess I'll rush the on campus sororities even harder next semester and hope I can find my match

That's your best bet. My campus didn't have any "underground" organizations, but joining an organization that the school's administration doesn't recognize seems like a bad idea in and of itself. Becoming an alumna is also important because though the collegiate years are amazing, they are four out of your next 60+. Go through recruitment and be open minded and you'll likely have a good chance of meeting a group of girls you like.

In regards to the hazing rumors you mentioned, take them with a grain of salt. If you for any reason do experience hazing, you can always resign from the organization and report it to the university. (And should).

I suggest that you look at the websites of the national organizations to see if the chapter at your school is listed. If it is not, the group at your school is not recognized by the national organization and anyone joining it will not become an initiated member of the sorority. I am unaware of situations where NPC sororities recognize chapters that are not recognized by the school, but I suppose it could happen.

HOWEVER, no NPC sorority tolerates any form of hazing, and I would not join or recommend that a woman join a sorority that does. That goes for the chapter that you are most considering, as well as all of the others.

I can't speak to joining a chapter not recognized by the school, but if this is a group that was formerly an NPC sorority that had its charter pulled, it is a very bad idea to join it.

I agree about the alumni aspect, that's what made me think to write on here and as for the hazing rumors the only reason I'm not more skeptical is because people here seem almost proud to have made it through although I agree people like to exxagerate.
thank you for your help!

@kd4me - thank youu i agree I checked the official website and my school isn't listed. It's disappointing but hopefully it'll all work out and I'll find the right sorority for me with time

edit: by "here" i mean at my school not this forum of course :) haha

I think the comment from the girl about hoping to go back on campus as soon as the older gals graduate is a little off, and I don't want you to get your hopes up on that one. A recolonization (and that's what it would be) is a big deal, requires approval and enthusiasm from the school's panhellenic, the administration and the sorority's national. It also requires a great deal of money. It seems the common time span lately between a chapter closing and recolonizing is 10 years or more. That's not to say it CAN'T happen. I just wouldn't plan on it. And pledging a sorority that was kicked off campus (for hazing, maybe?) is just inviting trouble, and you have no security net of the old broads (like me) protecting you from potential harm. And I'm sure Alpha Phi is NOT happy to hear this group of gals is still using their letters.

If the other NPC sororities on campus are maybe not as sexy, but completely legit, I'd probably focus your energies that way.