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For us, they do have to attend a meeting once a week. They do have to participate in any required event that happens to occur during their time as a new member (usually this ends up being only one sisterhood retreat, Trick or Treat for Diabetes, and new member activities in the fall, and even less in the spring). However they are not coming dressed every chapter, they aren't holding office, they really do not have much opportunity to see the inner workings of the chapter, and they are given a lot of leeway when they mess up. They're also, of course, given gifts and a LOT of attention. I think it is a problem, and it shows. Most members that drop do it not long after they are initiated. I'm not entirely sure how to fix it, though. I'm not sure that a few weeks are enough time to truly understand what being a member is going to be like. The hardest part is realizing that you won't be getting presents and attention all of the time after initiation. You'll be held to tougher standards, and you'll take office or complete tasks that no one will appreciate you for. That's real life, but the transition is immediate, and I think it IS pretty hard to take. Freshmen are going to be a little more idealistic.
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