This is a topic that my chapter has discussed quite often. My chapter very strictly follows our National rules on no hazing. We don't give our new members "pledge tests" or anything. Their new member meetings are at a time that is convient to all of them, but if a new member has other committments (sports, play practice, or academics) she is excused. They get their new member books, but since we can't test them on the material it is up to them to learn the material. (Personally, I went home and read the entire thing the night I got it
) Luckily our past two new member classes have had the motivation to learn all that they can and are making terrific chapter members.
I also come from a very small chapter (less than 15 members) and we have a awesome sisterhood since we all live in our chapter house. I think that so long as a chapter has a strong sisterhood or brotherhood bond that that energy will be passed onto new members even if hazing, in any form, is not allowed.