Quick Question - Time Conflict

rlg327 · #1 08-10-2010, 12:23 AM

Hey everyone - I'm rushing in just about a week, and I was wondering if you all think Preference is the most important day. I ask because I have a class the day of Pref, I'll be able to go from 5-7, but then I have a 3 hour class, and will end up missing the rest of the day. Is this going to be a big issue/cause me to be cut from a lot of chapters?

AZTheta · #2 08-10-2010, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlg327

Hey everyone - I'm rushing in just about a week, and I was wondering if you all think Preferentials is the most important day. I ask because I have a class the day of Pref, I'll be able to go from 5-7, but then I have a 3 hour class, and will end up missing the rest of the day. Is this going to be a big issue/cause me to be cut from a lot of chapters?

I assume you meant to say "Preference".

There are multiple variables to consider, including how many invitations you receive as the week progresses.

Regardless, yes, IMO Preference is not to be missed; but I'll be interested to hear from others.

rlg327 · #3 08-10-2010, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzTheta

I assume you meant to say "Preference".

There are multiple variables to consider, including how many invitations you receive as the week progresses.

Regardless, yes, IMO Preference is not to be missed; but I'll be interested to hear from others.

Ah yes, sorry, Preference

I'm still able to switch around my classes, so if it is absolutely imperative that I am present for all of Pref, then I think I'll just have to change my schedule.

Lady Pi · #4 08-10-2010, 12:57 AM

When a sorority invites you to Preference night, they are saying that they could see you as a new member of their organization and they like you and want you. In the same way, if you do not attend a Pref party that you were invited to, you are saying that you couldn't see yourself as a member of their organization and don't really like them. Preference Rounds are the most important, without a doubt. They are also very beautiful, and sometimes emotional ceremonies that can play a big part in your decision on which sorority to join. You wouldn't want to miss it and it could really affect your chances on receiving a bid.

Changing around your entire semester schedule just for one night seems kind of crazy though, couldn't you just skip that one night of that class?

rlg327 · #5 08-10-2010, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Pi

When a sorority invites you to Preference night, they are saying that they could see you as a new member of their organization and they like you and want you. In the same way, if you do not attend a Pref party that you were invited to, you are saying that you couldn't see yourself as a member of their organization and don't really like them. Preference Rounds are the most important, without a doubt. They are also very beautiful, and sometimes emotional ceremonies that can play a big part in your decision on which sorority to join. You wouldn't want to miss it and it could really affect your chances on receiving a bid.

Changing around your entire semester schedule just for one night seems kind of crazy though, couldn't you just skip that one night of that class?

I'm not sure, it would literally be my first day of classes at college, so I don't want to make a bad first impression (although I hear there are a lot of absences during the first week due to drop/add). I was thinking about switching out of that class anyway though because it runs so late. I really don't want to jeopardize my chances after hearing that Preference is the most important night and is very moving. Thank you for your post, it really cleared things up for me.

Alumiyum · #6 08-10-2010, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlg327

I'm not sure, it would literally be my first day of classes at college, so I don't want to make a bad first impression (although I hear there are a lot of absences during the first week due to drop/add). I was thinking about switching out of that class anyway though because it runs so late. I really don't want to jeopardize my chances after hearing that Preference is the most important night and is very moving. Thank you for your post, it really cleared things up for me.

The easiest thing to do is to get in contact with the Greek Adviser on your campus. If you don't know how to do this, start with Student Life and ask for them. Tell them your problem, who the professor is, and which class it is. They'll be the best source for advise on what to do.

Otherwise...

Some teachers are not Greek friendly, but if it were me, I would send the teacher an email saying that I cannot make it to the first class but that I will be prepared for the next one. It's likely that even if he/she is irked that you missed class for recruitment, your making a sincere attempt to attend all other classes, appearing interested, and doing all assignments will show them you are a serious student.

But try very hard to make it to Pref. It's a very important night and usually when you'll learn the most about each chapter's sisterhood. I think it will hurt your chances if you miss a Pref party. Class should come first from here on out, but you need to make it to Pref.

lovely1919 · #7 08-10-2010, 02:29 AM

Another thing to think about for that class is that it starts getting dark a lot earlier in the fall. Besides the conflict for Preference... an evening class also means you have to walk across campus, most likely by yourself in the dark when coming home. Maybe that's not a big deal for you, but that always kinda freaked me out.

Good luck with rush! Hope it works out for the best

Lady Pi · #8 08-10-2010, 02:29 AM

If you do wind up skipping the class, definitely send the professor an email first, but I wouldn't suggest telling them that Recruitment was the reason for the absence!

Xylochick216 · #9 08-10-2010, 07:37 AM

Be aware - some schools have rules about skipping class for recruitment events. If you skip a class for recruitment, you could be automatically released. Talk to your Greek Life office to find out the protocol, because you're not the first (and aren't the last) with this conflict.

AXOrushadvisor · #10 08-10-2010, 10:11 AM

Here is another thing to consider with night classes. You want to make sure they are not on meeting night. I'm not sure what day your Preference is, but if it is Monday night that is usually a night some Chapters will meet.

Here is the other thing to consider a lot of campuses stagger their preference parties so you attend 2 parties, but there are 3 or 4 slots. What happens if you are slotted for parties at 7-8 and 8-9? You would then miss both of your parties which would be no bueno.

angels&angles · #11 08-10-2010, 11:58 AM

If they DO stagger Pref parties, though, TELL YOUR RHO CHI. She may be able to get whoever's doing scheduling to put you in the first two parties so you don't miss anything.

Pref is important. Class is more important.

rlg327 · #12 08-10-2010, 01:36 PM

I spoke to a Panhellenic Council member about this problem and she said "We know there may be classes in the evenings, when it gets closer to that time we will schedule your recruitment schedule around your classes. Send it in during rush week, your pi chi’s will help you as well"

I just changed my schedule a little, moving my class up from 4-7 instead of 7-10, so I'll only miss 2 hours of Pref day instead of 3, so I think this way it'll be easier to have my Pref day scheduled around my classes.

ree-Xi · #13 08-10-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlg327

I spoke to a Panhellenic Council member about this problem and she said "We know there may be classes in the evenings, when it gets closer to that time we will schedule your recruitment schedule around your classes. Send it in during rush week, your pi chi’s will help you as well"

I just changed my schedule a little, moving my class up from 4-7 instead of 7-10, so I'll only miss 2 hours of Pref day instead of 3, so I think this way it'll be easier to have my Pref day scheduled around my classes.

I'm no advocate of changing your life around one day, but what kind of class is this? Is it offered other semesters? Is it a prerequisite for other classes?

In my experience, the once-a-week, night classes were usually something in my major, which I could take at any time in my four years, or in one case, a science lab. Most of my major's (English/Journalism) classes above the 200 level were 3-hour classes, and a few twice-a-week 90 minute classes. In fact, my last four semesters, my classes were all on Tuesday and Thursday, so I only went to class two days a week. Those days were long, but it gave me time to space out my homework, job, and multiple activities.

None of the"freshman" or 100-level classes were once a week/3-hour classes. I'm mostly wondering if you want to spend your first semester bogged down one night a week. Be aware that you will likely miss cafeteria hours that night (that sucked - when I was in the dorms my only choice was to order out when in class during dinner time), and if you receive a bid, might miss new member class or sisterhood dinners.

Good luck, and I hope that it works out for you.

Drolefille · #14 08-10-2010, 02:06 PM

^^
On the other hand, I loved the one night a week classes. Meant I would avoid having to show up 2-3 times per week and saved me time during the day. But then I'm still a night owl by choice. I never felt "bogged down" and I didn't know anyone who ate at the cafeterias every night of the week anyway.

Just an opposite perspective on that.

ree-Xi · #15 08-10-2010, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

^^
On the other hand, I loved the one night a week classes. Meant I would avoid having to show up 2-3 times per week and saved me time during the day. But then I'm still a night owl by choice. I never felt "bogged down" and I didn't know anyone who ate at the cafeterias every night of the week anyway.

Just an opposite perspective on that.

I'm just thinking of first semester, freshman year. I knew no one, and meal time was a chance to meet more people or get to know them better. I seriously didn't miss a single meal my first semester. And it was usually after dinner that a lot of "plans" happened.

As I got more into my major, I too preferred the longer/one night classes, because I got them over and done with. Like I said, my last four semesters, all classes were either T/TH, T only or TH only. It was great. None of my freshman-year classes were one night a week. Though I much more preferred T-TH classes instead of M-W-F, where so much time was wasted just getting everyone seated. Early on, I didn't have too many choices.

At my first school, if you lived in the dorms (versus the on-campus apartments), you had two choices - eat at the cafeteria, or order food in. We weren't allowed microwaves, hot plates, etc. My first roommate had a dorm fridge but she only kept alcohol in it. I realize that times have changed, there are a lot more options for people in the dorms, but that was my experience. Second semester sophomore year, I had a single and no fridge. I had a 4-7 class every Monday and missed dinner, and I ordered in every week.