Seems I am the lone opposing voice, although that's never stopped me before...
Quote:
Originally posted by SSS1365
In my opinion, we subtly addressed a situation in a mature manner, by not pointing fingers or making any direct accusations.
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Well, um, no you didn't. In an invitation addressed to alumnae - ALL the alumnae - you take a very negative tone telling them not to do something that hasn't happened yet? I would be VERY offended if I was an alumna and received that email. If there are a few who have been pains in the butt, they should have been addressed directly, preferably by a senior or another active who is close friends with them. Plus, a general apology should go out ASAP, before any more damage is done.
I went up to our house a lot as an alum and even if we slept in the living room (that would qualify as our chapter room) we kept our overnight bags and stuff in an individual sister's room. I would never think of leaving things out in the open, one because it makes it look messy, and two because all sorts of people are tramping through there - I mean I don't want some random fraternity man rigling through my underwear. I would think it would be even more so in a residence hall. Maybe from now on when people come up, just let them know they need to keep their belongings out of the common area.
As far as the drinking, was this a problem that was going on when they were actives? If so, that's when it should have been addressed. But if it wasn't, guess what, you're stuck with it, unless you want to try to discipline an alumna. Not only that, Longwood is small enough that I would assume people will know they're Sigmas whether they're in letters or not.
Try and see things from their point of view - they worked hard for the chapter (and from what you've said about numbers problems, that is stressful enough right there) and now they want to come back and have sisterhood be about fun without the stress. They need to blow off steam that they couldn't while they were in school, and unfortunately it is getting blown onto the actives. Please try and get this fixed as soon as possible (and saying "@$%# them" does not qualify as fixing it) because angry alumnae is a situation that tends to snowball. Some of them may be pains in the ass now, but 1) they may tell sisters who would have been supportive alumnae, their view only, and there goes your support; and 2) they may settle down 5 years from now and have the money and time to support the chapter but decide not to. Please don't think I am saying put up with outright abuse or policy violations (which they are not committing) because they are alums, but this situation should have been handled more delicately.
And for everyone who hates putting up with their alumnae
be careful what you wish for, or you will surely get it, and those alums might not be around, just when you need them most.