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I have seen both systems work, and have worked with chapters that transitioned from one to the other. As a chapter officer attending a school on quarters, we held elections at the end of march (end of Winter qtr) and still had the senior officers around for questions spring qtr. I liked that calendar then, and like it now for continuity of officers. It also accomodates the need for officers to be housed for their entire term. It does pose a quandry if the custom is to sign leases for the following academic year in January but if you really want to hold an office, would you not simply sign a housing contract with your GLO? That shows commitment to the organization.
BTW, contrary to the message that 33girl is getting from her national, Pi Beta Phi strongly prefers higher chapter officers to be seniors (elected during junior year) but it is the CHAPTERS who continue to elect sophomores. Yes, we want senior year to be one that meets the varied and different needs of senior members but that can include holding high office. In the past, our leadership seminars were held in the summer (at one time that did reach officers who were fairly new to their positions) but because the vast majority of campuses elect officers in Nov/ Dec, changed them to be held in Jan/Feb.
Can the college do this? Well, they are a private institution so yes, they can basically do just about anything they want. Many of the changes that have occured to new member programs over the past 25 years have been because of pressure from college administrations. It would still fit within the requirements already in place for Pi Phi chapters.
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