Already initiated, possibly transferring?
 

Last fall I initiated a sorority that at first I really loved, but during the past semester it became a really disappointing experience. I'm highly considering transferring to another university after this upcoming fall semester. So my question is, if I drop my sorority that I'm in right now (for fall semester) and transfer, can I still be considered to be a member of the same sorority just a different chapter - if the university I transfer to has it?

I just want to point out that I don't mean join a different sorority just a different chapter in a different state.. Thanks! It's been really stressing me out.

If you "drop" the sorority, you are no longer a member.

I think she means if she leaves the university (and thus chapter) she is currently attending and goes to another university, can she transfer her membership.

The answer is...it depends. Some chapters will welcome you with open arms and some might be more skeptical of you. Go, introduce yourself and see what they have to offer, and what you can offer them as a member. Otherwise, you can take alumna (did I get that right??) status and will always be a member of that group in that capacity.

Also, search around on GC...there are several threads about this already.

Here is a thought: Contact the national/regional/district body of the sorority and find out.

If you are for sure transferring to another school that has your chapter there and you wish to affiliate, you will need to let your current chapter know you are transferring. You may have to sign paperwork depending on your sorority to change your status. Your HQ may also require you to be in good standing with your current chapter before being allowed to affiliate with another chapter (pay anything you owe/have a zero balance, have grades, not under any disciplinary terms, etc.).

If you are wanting to affiliate, you will need to contact that chapter. Depending on your sorority they may take you or they may have the option not to if they don't feel you are a good fit. All sororities are different in how this works. It is also possible that you may not like that chapter at the new school and you may choose not to affiliate. You would still be a member of your sorority though regardless if you choose to affiliate or not. This may change your status to either inactive or alumna depending on your sorority. You need to contact your HQ and find out what your sorority's policies are on this.

It is important that if you wish to remain a member of your sorority as a whole that you don't sign a membership resignation form. That will terminate your membership and you will no longer be a sorority woman (and you wont be permitted to go through recruitment again and try to join another). Not fully understanding what you are signing won't be an acceptable excuse.

Hope this helps.

It will probably be a good idea to keep this ^ disappointed feeling to yourself throughout any discussions with members of your chapter, any consultants / advisers / HQ reps, and members of the chapter at the school you'll be transferring to. Mentioning this feeling may raise the question in others' minds, "how do we know she won't get bummed out at a different chapter?"

^^^exactly right.

My interpretation of what the OP wrote: She is continuing at her existing university for the Fall semester and then transferring to another school in the Spring. She wants to know if she can "drop" (drop out of/not participate) her chapter at her existing school for the Fall (I mean, it's disappointing now and clearly she doesn't want to participate in a disappointing chapter), and then join a different chapter of her same sorority at a different school in the Spring. Aside: not sure why another school/chapter wouldn't also be disappointing.

I'll save my lecture about the "disappointing experience", including that she might be able to contribute positively in her existing chapter. Then again, she might have been part of what created the disappointing experience in the first place.

OP, do what DrPhil recommended.

My daughter will be transferring in the fall and just completed all the transfer paperwork for her sorority. As already mentioned, contact a regional advisor/coordinator/HQ for the proper process for your sorority, but I would be happy to share how my daughter when about her transfer. In January she decided she wanted to transfer. February she had her acceptance into the new university. She decided to spend her spring break at the university she was transferring too since their break was a different week then her own. She contacted the president of the chapter there and made all arrangements to stay in the house for the week. She arrived Monday and left Friday. After her visit she was positive she wanted to affiliate with the new chapter. Fortunately enough, while visiting the CLC was visiting as well and gave her all information about transferring. The process consisted of a chapter vote from her current chapter and a chapter vote from the chapter she would be transferring to. Once both votes were completed, the paperwork was sent to HQ for finalization. My daughter just last week received word she has officially been transferred to her new chapter complete with a new member number (we didn't realize she'd get a new number).

My advice once your sure your going to transfer, figure out ways to get to know the girls in the chapter you would transfer to. My daughters visit during spring break was her ticket. It was a great opportunity for her to get to know all the girls. Stay active and in good standing with your current chapter. There is the possibility that chapter votes on you transferring and could vote it down.