Affiliation while not in college

[mwedzi]

I just found out something interesting about my sorority. I had always known there were special women who became part of AST because of their outstanding contributions, service, and assistance to the sorority. But I did not know other women could affiliate while not in college. I thought the only time of affiliation was during undergrad and you could associate with an alumna chapter only if you were in the org as an undergrad.

But on reading through the updated AST site, I discovered that women who have a least one year of college credit can affiliate at any point in their lives, whether or not they are in college at the moment. I knew this was possible for chapter advisors, but I didn't know it was so for family members of AST sisters. They still must be approved by National Council.

Is this true for your fraternity/sorority as well?

[This message has been edited by mwedzi (edited August 09, 2000).]

[33girl]

My org also allows this kind of affiliation, however, I don't think they even have to have any college. At least I've never seen it written anywhere.

The alum candidates' applications are processed thru our national HQ. The national council doesn't vote to approve or disprove.

I applaud these women for their support of Greek life, but I question the motives of nationals who don't set more stringent standards. The collegians have a rating/voting procedure that must be strictly followed; why is it not the same for alumnae membership? Easy money perhaps?

Just my 2.5 cents.

33girl,

I know that you had reservations about this topic before regarding a special designation for this type of initiate, i.e. they shouldn't be considered an Alpha Beta if they weren't really initiated into the Alpha Beta chapter as a collegian.

Anyway, have you made any progress in trying to get this changed? I know that things take time and if you do decide to pursue this, I wish you luck.

Originally posted by 33girl:
I applaud these women for their support of Greek life, but I question the motives of nationals who don't set more stringent standards. The collegians have a rating/voting procedure that must be strictly followed; why is it not the same for alumnae membership? Easy money perhaps?

[33girl]

Misty-

Honestly, I have just kind of thrown up my hands and went “plfffhhh.” If we were the only org that was doing it, I would pursue it more, but we’re not. I think this is being pushed right now because membership numbers are in a HUGE lull and we need something to bring them up. Once things turn around (which I believe they will) this will probably go back to being one of those things that exists but you don’t really talk about it or promote it.

Thanks for the support!

[mccoyred]

How can you be initiated into an org and not know FUNDAMENTALS such as membership classes, types and requirements???

Originally posted by mwedzi:
I just found out something interesting about my sorority. I had always known there were special women who became part of AST because of their outstanding contributions, service, and assistance to the sorority. But I did not know other women could affiliate while not in college. I thought the only time of affiliation was during undergrad and you could associate with an alumna chapter only if you were in the org as an undergrad.

But on reading through the updated AST site, I discovered that women who have a least one year of college credit can affiliate at any point in their lives, whether or not they are in college at the moment. I knew this was possible for chapter advisors, but I didn't know it was so for family members of AST sisters. They still must be approved by National Council.

Is this true for your fraternity/sorority as well?

[This message has been edited by mwedzi (edited August 09, 2000).]

This is something that a lot of nationals are pushing now. They have always had it but it was never really stressed to the undergrads.

AST just created a national staff position last summer to handle this "new phenomenon". Now that the position is filled, they actually have someone working to educate their members, and the public, about this program.

Besides, Mwedzi has been working in Korea for a long time now. Cut her some slack.

Originally posted by mccoyred:
How can you be initiated into an org and not know FUNDAMENTALS such as membership classes, types and requirements???

[Beryana]

I know that AOII has an Alum Initiate program. The candidates have to submit an application, be recommended by an alum or collegiate chapter, AND have the approval of the national office. I recently went through this process and was initiated this past March. I am currently on the advisory committee and housing committees for the collegiate chapter I was initiated into AND am also very active in my alum chapter. I guess I should also add that I went to some of the new member meetings (which is not required) with the class that I was initiated with (couldn't attend all because I live 1.5 hours away from the chapter and the meetings were rather late Sunday nights--and I have to work early MOnday mornings. . .)

I can understand why collegiates or those that were initiated as collegiates may harbor some resentment. Each situation is different. I know AOII's program has been in place for decades. I personally am an alum of a local sorority. Since graduation I moved over 700 miles and am not able to be actively involved with the local. I wanted to stay involved in greeklife and met AOII's since moving here. They invited me to join their sisterhood and I accepted. As I said, this may not be the same for all alum initiates. =)

[This message has been edited by Beryana (edited August 09, 2000).]