Going Alum
 

Ok girls, I am needing some help. I am recently engaged (YAY) and planning a wedding, taking 20 hours worth of classes and have a clinical internship I have to complete this year. It unfortunately doesnt leave much time for sorority events and things. I am debating and have been talking to a sister of mine about maybe going alum. She said that way I can go to what I can and join an Alum chapter in my area. This way it would fit into my schedule a little better.

I was just wondering what going alum would mean for me. I am not quite sure how that works because I haven't ever thought about doing it. The sister I have talked to doesnt know much about it either. What would I need to do? Is it even a good idea? :confused: I am so confused.

I hate to tell you this, but from my understanding, you don't fall under any of the categories for becoming an alum. From what I was told, you can become an alum three ways: Leaving school, temporary alum, if you're studying abroad for a semester or something like that, and emergency alum, like maybe you were in a nasty car crash or something. We had an issue like this come up last year in my chapter, and this is what we were told.

I do think, though, the 5th year seniors can kinda have the best of both worlds. I think you just have to go to meeting, and can pick and choose everything else you want to attend.

I am a 5th year senior which is why I was asking. I can and will still attend meetings but I do not like the thought of being held responsible financially for other events I miss due to my clinical assignment like I was last year. It cost me a fortune!

You're good to go, then. There is some paperwork that needs to be filled out, but talk with your VP of Membership and CCD about it, cause I think they need to sign it. I also think you may only have to pay half dues as well.

You definitely need to talk to your CCD (is it still Cindy?) about taking alum status by virtue of your 5th year senior classification. Unless things have changed very recently, please note that once you go alum, regardless of the reason, you are 100% alum, and are not allowed to attend the collegiate chapter meetings or activities without express invitation of the chapter (again, this may have changed in recent years, but I don't think so). Don't mean to sound harsh or discouraging, but since your comments state you will still attend meetings, I wanted to make sure it was clear that you would not be able to....some women don't understand the finality of going alum...only temp alum (which is granted for student teachers, those studying abroad, and I believe some internships) allows for a collegian to be relieved of the financial burden for a short time (but it also means temp alums don't get to attend the chapter activities during that time, IIRC).

The good news is, if you go 5th year or even emergency alum, you can join your local alum chapter once you are granted alumnae status-good standing, and participate in their activities (which bring lower dues, and less time-consuming activities). Being alum is very rewarding in a different way...and you'll be an alum for many more years that collegian!

Anyway, long story short, your CCD is the best source of information on this topic. I'm sure she deals with someone in the same or similar situation every semester. Good luck w/all those hours & your internship (and you wedding planning, of course!).