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A LOT happens!

Note: this varies widely by chapter and if you get a bid, your assigned NM Educator will provide you with exact details of your NM period.

After your Bid Day (in the next few days following), you'll have a new member ceremony of sorts which celebrates you/your class joining the sorority.

The time period between bid day and initiation varies by sorority. For example: Tri Sigma's NM period is anywhere from 8-10 weeks. Others are 6-8. There is one which lasts the entire semester.

New membership comes with EXPECTATIONS for you as well.

Each week, your NM class will have NM meetings with the VP of NM Education. You will learn about the history, founding, policies, etc. of your new sorority. It is important that you attend these, as your initiation is typically contingent upon that and participation is required.

Additionally, you will attend weekly chapter meetings with all of the initiated members where you hear about important upcoming events, have educational programs, etc. Again, attendance is important.

There will also be FUN stuff held for you guys to get to know each other like ice cream parties, etc. However, that shouldn't be the only avenue for getting to know your new sisters. Talk to them. Take initiative to invite some of them to do something fun. A common misconception among NMs is that everyone is going to magically be your best friend. False, you need to take time to get to know them and be proactive about meeting people.

In addition, there will be service/philanthropy events to participate in. Even though you are a NM, it is encouraged for you to attend these and even get INVOLVED with them. If someone announces a committee for say Anchor Splash planning, sign up! That's how you meet people and get started in leadership roles. Every chapter President started with a committee or small role!

Small note: most sororities have participation requirements for all members. Being an NM does not make you exempt from that. So just know that being an NM doesn't mean "show up when I feel like it." You are preparing to become an active, membership is a privilege so it is important to recognize that privilege by showing up on time, being positive, and participating fully in any event.

There is also Big Little Week, where you will receive some sort of gift every day and clues as to who your Big Sis is. Chapters usually reveal them in some sort of fun game/activity at the end of the week and it's a really fun time.

Retreats may vary. Some have retreats at the very beginning of the NM period while others have them toward initiation. At some point, you will probably be part of a retreat, either with your class or the entire chapter.

Depending on the sorority, there may also be a membership exam. Remember all the stuff you're learning in your NM meetings. Some sororities have an exam over that information, that must be passed in order to proceed to initiation.

Finally, pending that you have met all requirements for initiation (grades, participation, any tests) you are initiated and become an active member.