[AZ-AlphaXi]

Total is the maximum number of women that a chapter may have in all. Total is set by the collegiate panhellenic and is usally held at that number of several (many) years. Quota is the maximum number of women that may be pledged from formal recruitment. Quota changes yearly and is based on the number of women who participate in formal recruitment.

The catch to all this is that a chapter may always pledge quota number of women even if that will put them over total. As well, they may pledge (thru COB) more women than quota if they are under total.

Example:

Campus total is 100 and quota (this year) is 30

Chapter A returns with 80 members
pledges 30 new members (quota) from formal - chapter now has 110 and may not pledge any additional members this year (unless enough women quit to bring them below total)
pledges 25 new members (not quota) from formal - chapter now has 105 members but may pledge 5 more new members during COB to make quota

Chapter B returns with 60 members
pledges 30 new members (quota) from formal - chapter now has 90 members but because they are under total may COB 10 additional women for a total new member class of 40
pledges 25 new members (not quota) from formal - chapter now has 85 new members but again may COB 15 additional women to reach the total of 100.

Hope this helps