Rush at UCSC - Page 8

shadokat · #**106** 10-09-2001, 02:28 PM

OK, without a Greek Advisor or Greek Life office, you are going to have to rely on Gamma Phi Beta to help you out. I think it's the only way. Gamma Phi Beta should welcome the fact that you want to bring more Greek Life to campus. I mean, being greek is not only about belonging to your organization, but to the greek community as well.

With that said, I would approach one of the Gamma Phi Beta sisters that you know well and are friendly with, and tell her what your plan is. I mean, they cut how many girls from their own group, and in true panhellenic fashion, should want as many women to succeed at joining a sorority. Ask them for a list of women who went through recruitment but did not receive a bid from them.

I wish I knew more about the campus, but unfortunately, if I were in your shoes based on the information you're providing, this seems to be the way to get interested women. Approach Gamma Phi Beta. They should welcome the opportunity to expand

wishinhopin · #**107** 10-09-2001, 03:11 PM

I think I have sort of a personal block against talking with Gamma Phi. Even though I know it's dumb, I still feel lame and.....rejected in reference to them. So I can't help but think that if I try to talk to them, they're going to be sitting there thinking about how I'm so pathetic that I couldn't get into their organization, and I have to try to make my own. Ugh. I know that's unreasonable but it's hard to control what you feel deep down inside. Another problem is that I have one friend from Gamma Phi who I was pretty close with. She gave me lots of advice and help, and we emailed eachother back and forth all last quarter last year through the beginning of rush this year. She gave me all kinds of encouraging comments, and I really thought (in large part because of her) that there was no doubt that I would get in GPhiB. I wrote to her last right before rush started, and she never wrote back. I didn't expect her to write during rush, but I thought maybe after I got cut, she would have said something. Especially since she was so confident that I would be in. Anyway. So my feelings are hurt because I think it really sucks that she didn't even take the time to attempt to maintain our friendship. But she's the only person in Gamma Phi I would feel comfy talking to, so I don't know. I should email her or something but it feels so akward. But if I want this to work I guess I kinda have to talk to her. The whole thing just makes me nervous! I'm getting ready to call the student organizations office as soon as I'm done with this post, more soon!

amycat412 · #**108** 10-09-2001, 04:35 PM

Corina-
If you feel so uncomfortable talking to the Gamma Phis, why not get together the group of women you have contacts for and start dividing the duties of getting your new sorority off the ground? Someone who does not feel uncomfortable can be in charge of relations with Gamma Phi.

Good luck!
Amy

33girl · #**109** 10-09-2001, 07:39 PM

Hi Corina! amycat has a great idea (which is par for the course!

) I know even in good circumstances, there were women uncomfortable about doing "panhellenic relations." And there were some women who loved it.

I've seen campuses where the other sororities welcomed a new group with open arms and some where they were downright vicious. You never know until you try. I'm sure the Gamma Phi's will be somewhat uneasy, but on the other hand, they might welcome having another NPC around since the rest of the groups are local.

GOOD LUCK!!

SoCalGirl · #**110** 10-09-2001, 09:30 PM

From what I saw on their website, GPhi started as a local w/ the intention to affiliate. So that could be a great way to start.

I would post fliers EVERYWHERE on campus. Especially the Res Halls. But remember, great sisters come from all walks of lives. So even the girls you think won't be interested at all could be your biggest assets!

Definitely get an advisor. Preferably a Greek one, male OR female. They'll have great advice and good conections.

I would email the girl you know in GPhi just to let her know what your up to. Just keep it to the point. An FYI. But, I wouldn't count on them for names. If they want to help; they'll come to you.

You'll do great!

wishinhopin · #**111** 10-10-2001, 03:26 PM

So here's an interesting development. I got in touch with John, a guy who is in charge of student affairs or something. I'm not sure what his title is but he's the guy I need to be in touch with. And he thought this whole process was great and he wants to meet with me and blah blah blah, so I'm happy. And then he wants to meet tomorrow, because tomorrow he has a meeting with his intern for Greek life on campus- a new position that just opened up this year, which is why I totally forgot about it until now. And then I remember that- ironically enough- the girl who holds that position is the very same girl I was talking about earlier, the one who was my friend but hasn't been in touch with me. So now I have to be in touch with her. I have class tomorrow at two, so I can't make the meeting at three, which is unfortunate. It would help me out alot if I could be there. Maybe I could skip the second half of class? Things are so complicated! If I decide not to go in tomorrow it doesn't matter so much because I have a meeting with him on Tuesday morning. But this is really the time that I need to go. I'm nervous. Please someone help me out here, if I'm going to go I need to get in touch with him soon!!!

amycat412 · #**112** 10-10-2001, 03:33 PM

Skip the second half of class, its to the benefit of your goal!

Amy

AOIIBrandi · #**113** 10-10-2001, 03:36 PM

Most people will tell you that academics are the most important thing, and they are. But if the class is something that it won't really affect you to miss half the class I say go for it!

Good luck with this, and know that we are with you all the way

aopirose · #**114** 10-10-2001, 03:36 PM

I'd skip the second half too. Arrive early so that you can get a seat right next to the door. That way you won't make too much commotion when you leave. Also, try to get in touch with that teacher before class to see what assignments you will need for the next class. It shows the teacher that at least you are thinking a head. If not make sure there is someone who can tell you what the next assignment is.

Good Luck!!!!!

PenguinTrax · #**115** 10-10-2001, 03:43 PM

Corina,
Is you class of a type if you miss the last half, you won't be too far behind? If you are on good terms with your professor, I would tell him that you have an on-campus meeting that is very important and would need to leave class early. Sit in the back of the room so you don't disturb anyone when you leave.

Hope it works out for you - it really sounds like things are going great!

Barbara

maggieaxid · #**116** 10-10-2001, 03:45 PM

I totally think you should skip part of the class if you can....and go for it. I would just come with all your information and write down a mission statement or a statement of purpose so they both know why you are there.

wishinhopin · #**117** 10-10-2001, 03:52 PM

I'm skipping class, and I just called him and left a message with his secretary making sure it was alright that I met with him tomorrow. He's going to call me back. New question: should I email my (ex) friend and let her know what I'm doing ahead of time? I'm going to be seeing her tomorrow, so maybe it would be good to give her a heads up and let her know why I'm doing this? It's very complicated at this point, I'm freaking out I'm sure for no reason! I need to calm down, I'm sure this isn't as big of a deal to her as it is to me. Whatever. Any advice?

maggieaxid · #**118** 10-10-2001, 03:56 PM

If I were in you shoes I would be freaking out too. I'm not sure your relationship with this girl either, its possible she feels really bad and thats why she hasn't gotten in touch with you....in that case, i think you should drop her an email. If not, and she is doesn't care if you got in or not and she was "dirty rushing" you or something (and i am not saying she was!!!) then just show up with your plan in hand.

lilith · #**119** 10-10-2001, 04:13 PM

Wishinhopin-

Be honest! The Gamma Phi girls really have no good reason to be miffed with you for trying to bring a great experience to the women who were not selected to join their group. Be sincere and let them know how much you admired their group and actually wished to be a part of something that you thought was wonderful. (a real compliment) And let them know that now you've realized there are many other girls who feel the same way abt. missing out on such an opportunity and would like to invite them to share in creating a new org.that would allow more women to share the joy of sisterhood. In all honesty, they should be flattered that you had been so disappointed to not be selected to join their group and should understand the feeling of wanting to belong to something so amazingly special. Remember to let your heart be your true guide. Don't allow the passion and virtue with which you started this endeavor to be swayed by petty power-plays and ignorance. You are doing a powerful thing. Be strong, be filled with love, be honest.

wishinhopin · #**120** 10-10-2001, 04:16 PM

I'm still freaking out. I emailed her and was nice but a little distant- I don't see the point in either of us pretending that everything is just all wonderful and friendly still. But I'm glad I sent it, just so I feel like I have all bases covered. I'm now working on gathering names of interested women so I can bring it to the meeting, and I'm also writing up a list of goals. Today I'm going to pick up the rest of the paperwork for making a new student organization, and I'm also going to talk to my friend in DG about some of her higher ups (that I know) writing some kind of letter of recomendation or something. So I feel like I'm going to go into this meeting with alot of information and everything. Maybe I'll also print up copies of all the correspondence between NPC and DG and I. Hopefully all of this will work out!!