Alum Comfusion/Back to school
 

Two years ago, I went straight out of hight school to College. I joined a wonderful sorority, even though I wasn't expecting to rush. At the end of that year, I decided that I needed some time off (personal, academic). Now it's two years later and I am about to go back to college. While I was away, I joined an alumnae chapter in my local area. My dilema: When I go back, I really want to concentrate on school (I didn't last time) and it's now my number one priority. I would like to let both my alum and sorority chapter know, but I don't want to be the new alum that they depend on to attend functions. Do I tell them, or just quietly slip back on campus? I love my house and the wonderful women there, but I want to be a bit separated right now.

Mariposa,

Definitely join the local alumnae chapter! When you send them your dues check (if there is such a thing), please tell them that you are attending school and that while you may not have time to attend many functions, you do want to be kept on the mailing list and will attend functions as you have time. Then, make a point of attending one event each semester, just so you can meet some new folks and keep in the loop.

They will understand completely- and you will maintain your ties to your sisterhood.

Best of luck,
Barbara

Tell them you are there and would like to kept informed that your time is very valuable! They should respect your time and if you have time you will give what you have and if they do not respect that then you can back off! Do not just walk away as you may have some imprtant insight you mayhave that they do not as you have be there done it an did it!
They are your sisters for life! Only You know how much you can give!

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Tom Earp LX Z#1
Pittsburg State U. (Kansas)

So, here I am at School, and I finally have time to eamil my alum chapter, and although I get enthusiastic replies (good for you for going back!) I get one reply requesting that I come straight to the house and help out (rush week) This is exactly what I was afraid of. I joined through informal rush, and have never experience being on either side of rush, and I know if I go down, I'll always be the one who is called on. HELP!

Mariposa,
Forgive me if I misunderstand, but why did you join the alum chapter if you don't have time to go to any of the functions or participate in any way? Maybe it would be better to wait until you DO have the time. Of COURSE the actives asked you to help w/ rush... the houses always need a hand, and they probably wanted to welcome you. It seems as though them asking you to help out is an inconvenience? You can always say no, I don't have the time, and offer a hand at a time when you CAN participate.. like, hey I can't come to Rush, but on Mom's Day I'd be happy to come down and help welcome the Moms... something like that, when you can plan ahead for it.

Mariposa,
When alumnae help out during recruitment, they usually do things like fill water glasses, clean up after meals and the like. They do not and can not assist with the recruitment of the potential new members - it is (usually) against local Panhellenic policy and I'm going to assume you belong to an NPC group.

If nothing else, donate an hour of your time (that's not much) and go down to the house to help out. You'll get a chance to meet other alumnae, at the very least, and reconnect with your sisters.

If they continually ask you to help, be firm and polite...

"I'm concentrating on school right now and I can't commit to any officer/advisor/committee position at this time. I will attend events as my studies and work allow and pay my alumnae dues. Please keep me on your e-mail and mailing lists so that I know of events in advance. Once I graduate, I look forward to becoming more active in the alumnae chapter."

Even if you can't be active, you should join the alumnae chapter and stay in good standing with your national HQ. As alumnae chapter president of my local alumnae chapter, I'd take a dues-paying member that can't participate over an unpaid member that doesn't participate anytime. At least those that pay their dues recognize the importance of Fraternity, even if they can't attend our events.

Barbara

[This message has been edited by PnguinTrax (edited August 21, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by PnguinTrax (edited August 22, 2001).]

Barbara - when you say they "can't assist with recruitment," do you mean they aren't supposed to talk to rushees, or vote, or what? Does this apply to COB too?

In my Panhellenic experience, alumnae members are not supposed to talk with PNMs except when approached with a specific question that only an alumnae can answer; alumnae do not vote on membership selections, etc.

Panhellenics on other campuses may make up different rules that allow for alumnae assistance, but I've never heard of that. There is nothing in the Unanimous Agreements that prohibit alumnae from assisting, but it is very unusual.

This may vary and there may be exceptions - for example, a chapter that is extremely small may get permission to allow alumnae or members from other chapters to assist with recruitment but those women must be clearly identified as alumnae or from another chapter.

Barbara