[adpiucf]

Here's some ideas that may help you with your new member retention.

In new member sessions, our new members would take weekly quizzes based on the material they were learning, to help prepare them for our written initiation exam. At the end of each quiz, there would be a little survey; ie: On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being best, answer the following questions--- I would rate my relationship with my [Big] sis as _____, I feel that I able to prioritize schoolwork ____, etc. Or fill in the blank answers, etc.

If there are challenges with big/little, the new member coordinator can help resolve that, or if the new member is feeling overwhelmed. If school priorities are making the new member feel that she doesn't have time for the sorority, help your new members by holding a workshop on time management-- maybe give them all planners with your letters on the front (these can be great homemade gifts!) and you can pencil in key sorority dates.

Another way to help integrate your new members, so they don't feel so overwhelmed--- make sure that all your dates (meetings, rituals, etc.) are established prior, and the new members are aware of these dates so that they can schedule their school, family and personal obligations accordingly, too. I know that not all of the locals like to disclose these dates, but it really does help lessen the stress level and helps your members learn time management. You have the luxury of being to able to amend your rules and traditions more quickly than we NPC's when you see something might not be so effective! I envy you that!!!!

Also, you might want to put a cap on your new member sessions-- maybe they can't exceed 40 minutes, and there will be no more than 6 sessions. Maybe you can incorporate an open discussion or craft into each session-- something with takeaway value that allows the new members to bond, and also leaves them with something to take home that they can keep to remind them of that special bond. Invite your initiated members to new member ed to help teach songs, history, etc., so the new members get to know the older members.

Above all, try to encorage sorority unity above new member class unity. Integrate your new members into chapter life as much as possible. You will have less cliques to worry about, b/c the pledge classes won't be competing with each other-- instead, there will be one harmonious group working toward the same goals.

Good luck!!!