[AUAZD2001]

I've never had a problem with the term New Member. I believe that the moment you accept your bid you are a member. While you cannot know Ritual until you are an INITIATED Member, you still pay dues and attend all chapter functions. I am, however, a fan of extending the New Member period to a full semester. That way New Members could only be initiated if they proved themselves academically. 6-8 weeks is just too short to know if someone is a grade risk.