Chances for colonization

[Jane2016]

Hi all,

My daughter is a freshman at a large Southern university. She is from out of state, and doesn't know anyone in the greek system. She went thru formal rush and didn't get a bid.

She was valedictorian, four year varsity athlete, state champion, president of some high school organiations, pretty, slender, blonde, yada, yada, yada.....

There is a new sorority colonizing at her campus. She can get at least one recommendation from someone who has known her most of her life. Since she is from out of state and doesn't know anyone, would she have a chance?

[FloMo Mom]

Of course she has a chance! The colony is going to be looking for leaders to get the chapter established. But if she doesn't try, she'll never know if she can do it. Get the recommendation and get started. Read about colonization - it's different than joining an established chapter. Good luck!

[TXDG]

We answered your question on the other thread, but yes, she has a chance. Colonies recruit from all four classes and will be looking for a well-rounded group of women. Whereas an existing chapter may have just graduated a bunch of dancers or women who were tirelessly devoted to the philanthropy and be looking for dancers and women who have philanthropic passion to "re-balance" the chapter, a colony is looking for EVERYTHING!!

Colonies need a mix of women to be successful on campus:
-some who are 4.0 GPA's for the all-important grade rankings
-some who are dancers & musical & artistic to be able to compete in campus & Greek events
-some who are athletic for intramurals
-some who are passionate about volunteer work and helping others to support the philanthropy
-some who are proven leaders and can become the chapter's inaugural Exec Board and directors
-some who have specific skills for leadership roles, like a finance background for Treasurer/VP Finance or established relationships with other Greek organizations for Social Chair
-some who are super, super involved on campus already. Lends credibility to a colony to pledge some key upperclassmen who are Student Senators or the President or Exec Board of big campus organizations. Some of these women didn't know about the Greek system as freshmen but make outstanding junior or seniors for a colony
-some who represent a variety of majors on campus
-some who are religious and will want to start/lead a chapter Bible Study (every house has one on your daughter's campus)
-women from all areas of the state and out-of-state to start feeding a pipeline for future members! Especially in your state, members from key high schools are important!

Lastly, they'll look for personality and fit. You don't want a colonizing class of all "Type A's" or "Drama Queens" or women who are so shy they'll never get to know each other. They need leaders and followers, amiables and driven types, etc. So, it's resume + potential + personality/fit.

We can't tell you your daughter is a "lock" or guarantee to get a bid. The alumnae in charge of the colonization process are pro's at this, opening chapters every year across the country. They are in tune with what they need to do on this specific campus to be successful as well. But the good news is they need to fill a large class and are looking for a variety of women so hopefully your daughter will be just what they are looking for!

Let us know the outcome! I believe the colony recruitment starts soon.

[sweptbystars]

If you have any specific questions, I was a colony member of Chi Omega this past winter. We officially received our charter at this summer's convention! I get super excited when I see posts about this, since I can actually weigh in and I know a lot about (my specific chapter's) colony recruitment now being on the other side. Please feel free to send me a private message.

[FSUZeta]

That is not necessarily so. But colonizations have deadlines too, just like regular recruitment, applying to college, and enrolling in classes.

I hope she has expressed interest so that, should any colonists drop ( which inevitably happens), she might be considered.

[Ag_Sis]

Originally Posted by Jane2016

Thanks for everyone's responses. She did try to sign up for colonization, but apparently the signup deadline has passed. That would have been nice information to have on the website, but oh well. Maybe this sort of thing just isn't for her.

As a member of Aggie sorority life, I can guarantee you that the deadline to register for colonization has not passed. As a matter of fact, a cursory glance at the A&M Panhellenic social media accounts will show you that there are COB opportunities possible going on right now. And going on the social media sites will tell you how your daughter can get in contact with that chapter.

I hate to be that person, but are you SURE that your daughter was completely dropped? And didn't drop out of recruitment herself? Because she is passing some blatantly incorrect information to you about the AOPi colonization. To me, it seems like she thought that being a blonde, slender valedictorian should have netted her a "better" house and is giving you excuses as to why she isn't looking at the house COBing or signing up for colonization info. Forgive me if I am incorrect in my assessment.

[jolene]

If AOPi is colonizing, please give them a chance. I went through informal and was torn between them and Alpha Xi Delta. They are a fab org.

[Ag_Sis]

Originally Posted by Jane2016

I don't think she is giving me incorrect info. If you try to sign up on AOPi's website, it says that signups are closed.

Could you please link me to where it says that signups are closed? Because on AOPi's official website for TAMU

http://www.teamaoii.com/tamu/index

it lists several dates (2 per week every week of September) with times and locations where one can attend Information Sessions. Information Sessions do not require signups, you just show up to them.

After Info Sessions, from what I understand, usually come interviews and get-to-know-you sessions, each subsequent one invite-only. And then after that is the colony's form of a bid day. As Info Sessions are still going on, your daughter has a chance to still join.

http://www.alphaomicronpi.org/texas-am-colony

There is also an email that you can send for more info. If this is something important to your daughter, please have her use all the resources at her disposal to collect more info.

[DubaiSis]

Well, it all boils down to the fact that there are still opportunities. She (not you) maybe have to do a little legwork on her own, including making actual out loud phone calls. Best of luck to her in whatever she chooses to do.

[Titchou]

Originally Posted by Jane2016

I don't think she is giving me incorrect info. If you try to sign up on AOPi's website, it says that signups are closed.

She needs to contact the Greek Adviser and try from that direction. in fact, I'd go by the Greek Life Office in person.

[Sciencewoman]

Is it possible that sign up was a link for formal recruitment registration, which has passed? Since AOPi did present during the first round? I agree that contacting with a phone call or stopping by the Greek Life office are very good ideas. Or, contact AOPi through the contact info on the site. Extension teams don't close off interest at this stage of the game. They'll be casting a wide open net to lure in many potential members all through the info sessions.

[AZTheta]

I just clicked on the link that Jane2016 provided and it (signups) is NOT closed. Further, Ag_Sis is an active at TAMU so I would most definitely pay attention to what she's written.

[tcsparky]

I just tried it as well. Signups for the AOPi colonization events are NOT closed.

[DubaiSis]

But the fact that her daughter is saying it is is probably telling.

[Titchou]

Et moi aussi. Worked just fine.