Is Colony Recruitment Worth It?
 

Deleted because school was figured out!

I don't know why a colony would be that much more expensive unless it is a situation like at Alabama or Arkansas in which the new group needs a house pretty much immediately, and if you're at a school that doesn't use recs a lot, that doesn't sound like the case.

But let me get this straight: if you join a Greek org, your parents will cut the amount they're giving you towards tuition, in other words punish you? I can understand saying "we won't pay for dues" but that is hella effed up.

I can only speak for my own small campus, where many moons ago, my suitemate and I rushed for the new colony being formed. It was a very exciting time to see the foundation being laid for this wonderful organization and the enthusiasm the recruitment team brought. I wound up taking a different path, but my friend became a charter member of the new Alpha Gamma Delta chapter. We had a great time comparing our new member periods, symbols, pins, etc... As far as cost, her dues were right in line with mine. Now, we had our housing in a university dormitory, which made sororities very affordable on our campus. If you're already paying your room and board, even if you have housing costs, a lot of members at the Big State U chapter up the road tell me it costs about the same as living in the dorm. Plus, they say the food is better.

Now, the second part of my post, because last time I took too long and I got logged off. My friend went back to our alma mater this spring for the 20th anniversary of their charter and first initiation. The pride she and her charter member sisters feel in the legacy they helped create was very easy to see on their faces in the pictures she showed me. The first composite still hangs in their chapter room, her name is there on the charter, those are some pretty awesome things to be a part of.

I'd do it. You sound like you've got a good head on your shoulders, and if you don't check it out, you very well may spend the next few years wondering what if?

I served as the general advisor to a colony and they did not pay extra dues because they were a colony. They had to pay the same new member fee as any new member would, they paid an initiation fee just like new members at established chapters and of course, each new member(whether joining an established chapter or a colony) must purchase a badge. Being a colony member is a unique experience that few get to experience. Give it a shot!

Hate to be the dissenter here, but if your parents are cutting the purse strings and you're going to be at a financial disadvantage, I'd opt to take on a different activity and not have to work or be in debt, rather than join a sorority. Yes, Greek Life is a great experience, but not if it means your parents are cutting off support just yet.

Deleted because school was figured out.

Something to consider: for the vast majority of sorority women, their collegiate membership period is not just positive but really enhances their college experience. While your mother has a very negative opinion about sorority life, that may well change as she sees your leadership skills improve, your base of friends get larger and more diverse, your time management abilities get even better than they are now, etc. I of course can't tell you she'll come around, but she wouldn't be the first person to have her mind changed when reality confronts stereotype.

To answer your question about competitiveness, it can be VERY competitive to get into a colony. But in your favor, the sorority will want girls from all 4 years of undergrad, but most of the girls who express interest will be freshmen and sophomores. In other words, possibly less competitive for juniors and seniors.

Another thing in your favor is your campus involvement. If you've already demonstrated leadership and organizational abilities, that will make you an attractive candidate.

Like many of the other posts, I can't imagine the cost of a new colony being much more expensive. I know a young lady who was part of my sorority, Sigma Kappa's new colony at Mizzou, and has told me what an AMAZING experience it was.

I honestly think that if this is something that you really want to do, go for it. My wonderful experience in the Greek community changed me and made me who I am today, and I personally can't put a price on that. But in the same breath, I can't imagine the conflict with my parents. My family was very supportive of Greek life, as most of my family are also involved with Greek organizations.

I think if you are confortable with your decision to move forward with this colony, then go for it. Best of luck!

And even though upper classmen have a tougher rush experience, you might consider going through formal rush. 1-you might find a great match among the existing chapters and 2 (and more important in my thinking)-it will give you practice in the type of conversations you'll have during colony recruitment. The process is different, but a well-versed conversationalist is critical in both situations.

If you experience tough cuts during formal, you don't have to take it too personally and you can consider it well-earned experience. And if it goes great for you, then you don't have to wait and see if you would get accepted into a colony.

Perhaps you can convince your parents to read this:

http://www.sororityparents.com/

No one has mentioned this in all the discussions about money, but remember too that your sorority membership is for life. You will have sisters wherever you go and they can introduce you to a new city, new people, etc. if you move after graduation or even later on down the road. I loved my four years as a collegiate, but serving as a chapter advisor and getting together with my alumnae sisters (who all pledged at different universities, by the way) is even more fun! Go for it!

If you are an adult and paying for your sorority I don't understand why that would be your parents' business if you are keeping up with your grades and everything else.

It doesn't matter why. If they are going to punish her because of something bad she's doing (which is their perception), then the OP has to work within that construct. Is it wrong? Yes. But that's what she's got to work with so the best we can do is give her advice to deal with it.