[adpiucf]

Originally Posted by ktsnake

Most of our organizations at this point have instituted some form of national programming in place of our more traditional pledging programs. This programming is designed in large part to give the chapters an alternative to more traditional programs which probably involved hazing in some way, shape, or form.

Does your organization have a program? Is it widely utilized? Do you feel like your headquarters places much emphasis in the program's support?

Yes. Total Membership Education was introduced in the early 90's and a few years ago, the sorority added the Well Balanced Person Program. From our website: "The goal of the program is to have programming better correlated to the needs of chapter members during each year in college." The New Member Program is an important part and is supported by our Grand Council.

Originally Posted by ktsnake

Do you perceive that there are any strengths or weaknesses in your programming?

We have a very strict interpretation of hazing. Most see this as a strength because of our zero tolerance policy. I'm sure there are others who view it as being too PC.

Another plus-- sponsor sisters are assigned almost immediately to the new members. They have an immediate personal guide. This is helpful because new members are initiated within 4-6 weeks. Some view the downside as this meaning that your "Diamond Sister" isn't necessarily your best friend. The purpose of our sponsor program, however, is not to instill Big/Lil relationships-- we hope that members will seek out mentor/mentee relationships and strong friendships with one another without any cause for ranking that relationship into something exclusive (no "families"). Once initiation has passed, the Diamond Sister program has concluded. Those members who have shared the program will enjoy that bond for a lifetime. In theory, you would say "She WAS my Diamond Sister." On the local level, Diamond Sisters function very much as Big/Lil in other organizations.

A newer feature of the new member program implemented over the last few years: active learning. The members do individual online training modules on their own and spend new member ed discussing the lesson and getting to know each other as well as fun sorority traditions through various activities. I think this helps greatly-- the new member period is so short, and the education sessions now focus on sisterhood and friendship rather than just spouting facts. The new members do take pre-initiation exam, and initated members take an International Exam each year they are in college.

All new member activities must be approved by the chapter exec board and international officers. New member activities may not deviate from the plans; if they do, they must be approved. This is to ensure that the program is being followed. There is still plenty of room for fun and creativity.

New members enjoy all the same privileges as an intiated member with the exception of participating in ritual or a position of leadership requiring participation in ritual. I like that the new members are on equal footing with the members-- they come to meetings, may hold leadership positions, wear letters, etc.

The TME programs preach the importance of team work and utilizing committees. I think this is helpful-- non officers are engaged in chapter decisions and in training to become future leaders.

I have noticed one overall weakness in the sorority system overall-- it is hard to keep women in the chapter for all 4 years. I think the Well Balanced Person Program addresses this issue, but it is a new program and too soon to tell if it will be effective in senior retention.

Originally Posted by ktsnake

Has it given your chapter a viable alternative to what it was doing 20 years ago?

Absolutely-- it sets some strong guidelines and helps the chapter to function, as well as giving individual members life skills they can take beyond the sorority into their personal lives.

Originally Posted by ktsnake

Are there any other organizations besides your own which have programming that you'd like to see your organization adopt?

I think many of the other organizations are doing a fine job. I am an alumna, and believe the current collegiate programming does a good job of educating our members, keeping them safe and helping them to make good decisions.