question of status

phimulady01 · #1 03-25-2003, 01:52 PM

Hi - I posted this on our private side, but thought I'd post it here, too...

I am a sister here at the Kappa Phi Chapter in LaGrange, GA, and will be transferring this fall due to another school having the major that I intend to get, where as LaGrange does not. However, this school's chapter is not one that I would particularly want to become active with. Mostly just because the bond that I have with my sisters here can never be replaced by any other girls. My question is this - where does that put me in regards to Phi Mu? Am I alum or just inactive? Also, I really want to stay involved with my chapter here in LaGrange. Are there rules on alum or inactive girls being able to participate in rituals, ceremonies, formals, etc.? Thank you!

PhiMuLady150 · #2 03-25-2003, 05:53 PM

Hi,
I know that if you transfer to another school with a Phi Mu Chapter, the Executive Office would really love it if you tried to affiliate. Basically you would use the first semester you were at your new school to get to know the chapter, establish a GPA at that school and learn about the chapter's requirements in terms of GPA and Financial Obligation. Then following that semester, the chapter would vote to have you affiliate with them. You would not have to be initiated or anything again. I would recommend this because going alumna status why still in undergrad is a little weird. I transfered to a school with no Phi Mu chapter so I had to take alumnae status and join the alumnae chapter. It took me a while to get used to things because all the other women in the alumnae chapter are out in the "real world" etc., When you leave your current school, you must sign a blue card that your treasurer or President can give you. Basically you fill out all the information and check the box that pertains to you(I think there is a box for withdrawl or transfer). You then sign it and return it to the treasurer who sends it in. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU TIE UP LOSE ENDS BEFORE LEAVING YOUR CURRENT CHAPTER. Basically, make sure your bills are paid. This must occur if you wish to remain in good standing with the National Office. I would do this then use the semester at your new school to see if you would like to be with that chapter before deciding to go full fledge alumna status. Hopes this helps!

pinkyphimu · #3 03-25-2003, 10:33 PM

plus, you might find that you might really miss having sisters that live in the same building. my friend transferred to a different school when we were juniors. she did affiliate with the chapter at her new school. she was very happy to be a part of two chapters! at least give it a chance before you make up your mind. the girls from your current chapter will always be your sisters, but you will get the opportunity to have more! you are not replacing your old sisters....but gaining new ones!

good luck!

orchid2 · #4 03-30-2003, 04:42 AM

Hey there PhiMuLady01,

I'm a sister of Kappa Sigma chapter, at Jacksonville State. Although I don't know the ins and outs of transfer affiliation, I would really like to encourage it you to think it over some more! One of my very best friends in our chapter is actually a transfer affiliate, but if you met her you'd think she's been here all along! You see, Phi Mu girls have a special bond no matter where we go, and affiliating at another school can help you adjust and feel at home so much more quickly.

I know some people at Lagrange... I've heard some wonderful things about your chapter! I'd love to visit someday!

Love In Our Bond,
Brianna

phimulady01 · #5 03-30-2003, 03:10 PM

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions. I do have a lot to think about. A lot more than I realized, I guess. Please come to visit us anytime you are in or near LaGrange. Even if I'm not there, my sisters would LOVE to spend some time with you. Wish me luck with all of these decisions. I'm so glad that I have sisters like you!

LIOB,
Sara

phimugirlie01 · #6 03-30-2003, 06:27 PM

I transferred from a chapter in SC to one here in OH, and I love my sisters in the new chapter!! Trust me, when you are in a new place it helps to have something famillar to fall back on, and Phi Mu was that for me. I think just about any chapter is excited to welcome a transfer. It's great to swap stories and ways of doing things. My advice to you is to give affiliation a chance. Maybe post a note or something on private side about it and see if you get responses from the girls in the chapter. Stop by the house and meet them. They are, after all, your sisters!!! Think of all the great new friendships you could create. If you've given it a chance and don't feel comfortable, you can always take alumna status. Best of luck to you and keep us posted!!

DeltaBetaBaby · #7 03-30-2003, 07:40 PM

Usually, you are expected to wait a semester before affiliating anyway, so use that time to make your decision.

Keep in mind that the new chapter also has to vote you in, and sometimes this odes not happen, for a variety of reasons that may be out of your control.

As far as your old chapter, it depends what status you take. If you are an alum, you can not attend social events where there may be alcohol. You are always welcome at rituals and meetings, however, with the exception of membership selection.

phimuliz · #8 04-01-2003, 02:46 AM

Please consider transferring to the new Chapter. I did it and while it was rough at first I have deep close sisters in both chapters. I am so glad I expierenced both. I have a little sis from both places so my family tree is in Two states (how cool is that). I expirenced the same rituals but was able to see different ways of doing things. For instance at Phi Kappa Muhlenberg College we didn't have a house big enough for the entire sisterhood while at Zeta Alpha Baker University, everyone sophmore and above lived in the house. It totally added to my Phi Mu expierence. I hope you will be open to the possibility. You never know which sisters you'll have to keep in touch with over the years. Email and phones keeps me close to my sisters all over the country.
Liz Conway
Pink is my signature color