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Also, these things aren't as important to everyone as they are to others. So, dropping out of a social group carries less weight for one person than it does for another. It just depends on the person. I don't think it makes one lesser than another person. Greek Life isn't for everyone. And that's ok...
Regarding the concept of "Forever" being expendable... For example, look at the declining marriage rates worldwide.
Till Death Do Us Part really doesn't matter much these days.
I am in agreement that the new member period should be longer. I believe it was shortened as a risk management tactic-- it's not as tempting to haze your initiated members, you know? But as a new member of the Junior League, I had to wait a full year to become a member with full privileges, and I enjoyed having that year really getting to understand the organization, and participating in both active member and new member activities. If traditional college-age students could be trusted to act like adults... many can, but the unfortunate few who cannot ruin it for us all.
NPC needs to really look at today's sorority woman and what will compel her to remain a member for life. The world changes so quickly... we need to keep up.
For the orginal question from the adviser-- I would recommend doing weekly surveys among the new members about their levels of satisfaction with their experience. Also, the "big sisters" should be assigned sooner, rather than later, to help the new member feel welcome and looked after. The big sisters should also meet weekly with the new member coordinator to talk about the new members' happiness.
During recruitment, everyone puts on a good face-- the sisters want the PNMs to love them and the PNMs (ostensibly) want every house to consider them for membership. So it would be hard to tell until bids are issued who will stay for the long haul. I think it is important to recognize that once they have a bid, they shouldn't have to "prove" themselves-- outside of passing new member education-- they're in. But if a woman consistently seems like she isn't acclimating or fitting in, I don't see anything wrong with a heartfelt talk between her and the NMC, or her and the chapter president, her big sister, or all three. Everyone just wants what is best for the new member.
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