I agree with FSUZeta. Initiation was something to look forward to after Christmas break. All of our sororities held intiations in January and thats just how it was - never thought another thing about it.
Why was the pledge period shortened? I guess I'm really out of it in my old age
As far as offices go, we could serve on a committee right after initiation. We couldn't be a committee chair or officier until the 2nd semester of our sophomore year. Again, it gave us something to look forward to.