[KSUViolet06]

I don't think smaller chapters necessarily have better retention rates. Depending on how small the chapter is, every member usually holds a chair (or 2) or an office. Freshmen don't get to "sit back and observe" after initiation and sometimes are asked to take on 2 chairs or an office immediately. As a result, by senior year, that member is burned out.

I also wonder if part of the retention issue is the idea that joining freshman year = best?

I know I'm living in a crazy fantasy world here, but I wonder if things would change if it were more the norm to join maybe in sophomore year?

I say this because I joined in 2nd semester of sophomore year, and by graduation, I wasn't nearly as burned out as the girls my age in chhapters who rushed as freshmen and had been in their chapters all 4 years.