New NPC rules have made silence rules less strict. This should have been implemented last recruitment, but I know that some find it hard to make the change or are worried that chapter members will go from super strict silence to no-silence if given any lessening of the rule. But the NPC idea is to allow Suzy Sister to say hi, talk about class and tell Rita Rushee (just doesn't have the same ring as Rita PNM!) that she can't really talk to her. NPC is aware that strict silence was causing some women to feel alienated by the chapter members.
As for terminology - Recruitment doesn't bother me - it's just so long to type/write. Same for PNM - but I actually kinda like it better. I can't remember what the new one for "pref card" is but it's pretty long to. My pet peeve when it comes to names - calling chapters houses. I joined a chapter of Alpha Xi Delta - I didn't join a house of Alpha Xi Delta. If the house burned down and you built another one - are you still a member if you joined a house??
I agree with the rec stuff - while NPC and most Recruitment Rules says officially we as chapters are responsible for finding our own recs for each woman we are interested in - we all know it's not true. I guess that women need to realize that going through recruitment (which is why I guess recruitment is really the better term) is like going on the biggest job interview of your life. You wouldn't go there looking like you just rolled out of bed (which I've seen), you will have a completed application/resume (another pet peeve - you didn't do anything while in high school bu sleep and go to school???) and you have personal recs. Personally, I think recs from teachers/professors, clergy etc. are just as important as those from chapter alumnae who may or may not know the PNM. They often give more insight as they were written for college applications or the like.
As for frills no frills - NPC gave recommendations about that in the late 80's - of course they are just recommendations and some campuses have made the change while others have not. At my alma mater recruitment budgets are supposed to be about $10,000, but everyone spends more than that - some spend 3 or 4x more. I've never understood that, but until there is someway to make them stick to an actual budget it will go on. FYI, alumnae doantions are supposed to count into your recruitment budget. Only the use of items you currently have (say from prior recruitments) don't count.
The only way I can see to curb recruitment budgets is to not allow the chapters to recruit out of their chapter houses except during the "open house" round. If all other rounds were on campus in similar rooms and you were given a list of specific things you could have - then that would get it under control. But of course it won't happen.
I love the songs and most campuses have rules about so called "hot boxing". While it is different from campus to campus I would say 6 to 1 is a no no anywhere. Bid promising is another pet peeve and I have told any chapter that I'm at that I will have the persons pin if I find them doing it. It isn't fair to the PNM or to the chapter. One person cannot and should not try to speak for the entire chapter. Beside the fact that they can't really guarantee a bid and if the PNM doesn't get one they have just hurt the entire system.
As always, I have lots of opinions!!
