Quote:
Originally Posted by PrettyinPink204
I am member of a sorority in the northeast and went through some terrible hazing during my pledge process. My university is very small, only 10% Greek, and there are only four sororites on campus with no more than 50-55 members total (average new member class is about 10-15) and no house, but all the sororities haze just the same.
Now my neighbor, who will be a senior in high school this fall, has expressed interest in joining a sorority, but the schools she is looking into are very large schools where Greek life is very popular (Texas, Georgia, Alabama). I've been following this site for quite some time trying to determine if it is likely that larger sororities at larger schools where it is more regulated haze like I went through. It seems to me that just due to the shear size of pledge classes (60+ girls) this wouldn't be possible. Southern sororities seem to be more "classy" and wouldn't do this sort of thing? From my research it seems that although pledging at "SEC" schools is time consuming, it is by no means hazing but rather is more of a happy period where the pledges learn traditions and receive gifts.
I understand every organization is different, and every campus is different, and I know that the actual pledge process cannot be revealed, and that is not what I'm asking, but I'm curious as to if the pledge process at larger schools where Greek life is popular doesn't consist of much hazing? Am I correct in saying the pledge period is mainly for learning traditions - what would the average "day in the life" of a pledge be? I'm not interested in telling my neighbor any secrets, but I would just feel terrible supporting her pledging if I were to know that she had to go through some of things that I endured.
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When your neighbor decides where she is going to school, she can call the Greek Life Office and find out if there are any anti-hazing measures/programs. At Maryland, shortly after bid day, all Greek new members go to a Panhellenic-sponsored anti-hazing forum and learn about hazing; what it is, examples, why is it damaging to chapters and individuals, how to stop it, what to do if you think you are being hazed, etc. She should ask if her school does anything similar.
During recruitment, she should ask questions about the new member period. Asking about a typical week or favorite activities/memories is good. Flat out, she should ask if they haze. If they can't give her a straight answer, that is her answer.