As several posters have already stated, clearly each GLO handles legacies differently according to their bylaws and policy and procedure statements. My organization offers a form for the member to complete that essentially "introduces" the potential member to the chapter. I know that many chapters receive these forms as the potential member is arriving to school the first week for freshman year "just in case" the woman is thinking about recruitment!
I think the issue is perhaps more about common sense and courtesy. Chapters are not mind readers- if you have a legacy attending a college with your organization on campus, just let them know. It shows you took the time to recommend (or not
) your legacy and the chapter has the rec in their records ahead of time so they can extend the courtesy that is offered to them as legacies. But, as long as normal recruitment procedures are being followed, if a chapter drops a legacy according to their needs, and this women finds a home at another house, then who really is the loser?
Please also note that there have been situations where potential members say they are a legacy and they are not. There have also been members who think they they are a legacy because their sister's husband's aunt was a soririty member. So i think there is room for improvement on all sides!