[MaryPoppins]

And since the season for sending out recruitment packets is here, I thought I would add more detailed information on that subject.

The importance of Letters of Reference, Recommendations, et cetera, is twofold: 1) to check a box that the PNM has one; and 2) to let the chapter know about the PNM. The amount of PNM support a rec/ref provides is dependent on the quality of the rec/ref itself, and therefore dependent on the writer and the PNM. If it's bland or pro forma it will just fulfill that box check requirement.

The crux of the matter comes when the PNM seems attractive to the chapter and the chapter now wants to know more about her. If she is already known to the chapter then the pro forma rec/ref is fine. If she is not well known, or perhaps unknown, then a informational ref/rec is needed. The unknown/less well known PNM needs the additional boost to go beyond the chapters mere interest. Chapters use all information received to study the PNM, they use that information in recruitment to connect with her, and if she is a rush crush to promote her within the chapter.

It is old school to look at the number of ref/recs or letters of support when evaluating an PNM. I cannot speak to how old school any of the chapters here at Ole Miss are as that is clearly a membership selection area. Since recruitment gifts of food and flowers in support of a PNM are no longer permitted, the extra letters and rec/refs may now seem the only avenue available. I cannot know how additional letters and rec/refs would be received at the various chapters at Ole Miss, but I think that I would make certain that there was quality over quantity in any rec/ref, resume', or materials sent in on one of my daughters.

Depending on the NPC Chapter, there are legacy introduction forms that Alumnae fill out for their legacies, and yes, it is appropriate for a relative to submit those forms. It's the only way the legacy chapter has of knowing that you have a special relationship to them. Mother-daughter and Sister-Sister seem to be universally accepted as legacy relationships. Grandmother-Granddaughter and Aunt-Niece may be accepted as legacy relationship by some chapters. Your relative needs to investigate with her headquarters if your relationship requires a legacy introduction form or perhaps it might instead require a letter of recommendation/reference.

By the way, if it should happen that your legacy relative has passed away, it may be possible for another member of that NPC chapter to submit the legacy introduction form on the deceased members behalf.

Each NPC Chapter has it's own rules, and those are subject to change from time to time, according to the constitution and bylaws set forth by each organization. The alumna member vouching for the PNM has the responsibility to be sure that they are familiar with the current rules and policies on legacies and letters of recommendation/reference.