Take a semester off?

[SoCalGreekChick]

When I rushed my chapter, we had a "policy" that members could take a semester off. I'm pretty sure this started because of members that would study abroad for a semester. It had been extended to people who needed to take a semester off for financial reasons. Girls who take semesters off do not have to attend anything, and are not supposed to attend functions that are paid for by chapter dues.

Taking a financial leave of absence, I believe, is different from talking to the financial officer and getting your dues adjusted. I know some girls only pay national dues and then pay extra if they want to attend any events funded by our chapter. They are still 'in the house' and are required to attend mandatory things.

Now, in this economy, our chapter has decided NOT to allow members to take a financial leave of absence. They have two options, pay dues or sign your resignation papers. It is my understanding, although I very well could be incorrect, that they are no longer adjusting dues for financial hardship either. For members already on financial plans, things will stay as-is, but no new people can be added.

Does anyone else have this issue? It makes sense to me that a chapter would rather let girls take a semester off and then return to the house and pay dues, versus dropping and being gone for good and not having the option of coming back. I know a lot of sisters (including myself) that are going to have to drop because they can no longer afford the sisterhood. It's not that our house isnt a priority or isnt important, we just cant do it anymore.

Does anyone know if this would be considered a chapter policy, or something sent down from nationals?

[Smile_Awhile]

Originally Posted by SoCalGreekChick

When I rushed my chapter, we had a "policy" that members could take a semester off. I'm pretty sure this started because of members that would study abroad for a semester. It had been extended to people who needed to take a semester off for financial reasons. Girls who take semesters off do not have to attend anything, and are not supposed to attend functions that are paid for by chapter dues.

Taking a financial leave of absence, I believe, is different from talking to the financial officer and getting your dues adjusted. I know some girls only pay national dues and then pay extra if they want to attend any events funded by our chapter. They are still 'in the house' and are required to attend mandatory things.

Now, in this economy, our chapter has decided NOT to allow members to take a financial leave of absence. They have two options, pay dues or sign your resignation papers. It is my understanding, although I very well could be incorrect, that they are no longer adjusting dues for financial hardship either. For members already on financial plans, things will stay as-is, but no new people can be added.

Does anyone else have this issue? It makes sense to me that a chapter would rather let girls take a semester off and then return to the house and pay dues, versus dropping and being gone for good and not having the option of coming back. I know a lot of sisters (including myself) that are going to have to drop because they can no longer afford the sisterhood. It's not that our house isnt a priority or isnt important, we just cant do it anymore.

Does anyone know if this would be considered a chapter policy, or something sent down from nationals?

QFP

I don't know your org, so I can't give you a answer pertaining to you specifically.

However, I know in our past that anyone on our national roster must have their national dues paid. It doesn't matter if they are on special status (taking a semester off, basically)- their national dues must be paid, as the chapter will be required to pay national dues for each person on our roster.

Frankly, I'm surprised that your chapter was able to institute this policy at all. I'd guess you're a larger chapter, if you were able to afford this. Maybe it's just a difference in national policy...

[Zillini]

Originally Posted by SoCalGreekChick

Does anyone know if this would be considered a chapter policy, or something sent down from nationals?

I sincerely doubt it is coming from your I/natl as most have some sort of inactivity policy and inactivity is allowed by NPC. I suspect it is your Exec Board making this policy. But you would have to check on that with your individual org.

I understand a chapter not being able to afford to lose any members due to financial inactivity. Budgets are set months beforehand based on the expected number of active membes paying dues. Depending on chapter size, losing even 1 member for a semester can create major financial problems for the whole chapter.

However, your chapter needs to keep in mind that the economy is in horrendous shape. By making a blanket policy statement of No Financial Inactivity whatsoever, you run the risk of forcing many members to simply turn in their pin. If mom and/or dad lost their job and the member can barely afford to even stay in school, the question for them may be "Do we pay our mortgage or our daughter's sorority membership?" When personal budgets need to be drastically cut, I'm afraid sorority life falls into the non-essential luxury category.

It is heartbreaking for the family, the member, and the entire membership to lose someone due to the inability to afford belonging through no fault of their own. It's especially hard on seniors who have committed years of their life to this org. They do not want to give up their membership and lose their alum status, but they simply have no choice.