As an alumna, how WELL should you know a PNM in order to write a RecForm/Sponsorship?

[adpiucf]

I see nothing wrong with writing an info-only rec for someone.

I don't think a rec should take undue time to put together. I make sure the PNM does the research-- giving me the address for the sorority, fills out the fields I need and then by asking some questions about here, I can craft a simple letter stating the woman's interests and highlighting her accomplishments. I always close the letter, adding, "I hope you will enjoy meeting 'Patty PNM' and I wish you a wonderful recruitment and school year!"

If the PNM has taken the time and effort to learn about sorority life, recommendations and alumnae, I consider her someone who has a genuine interest in being Greek. I'd like to help her put her best foot forward.

I'd expect that during recruitment the chapter will learn if that PNM is the right fit, and should she become a member and turn out to be a bad seed, the chapter will deal with that person appropriately.

Also, I see my rec as the PNM's first real contact with the sorority as a potential member, and I'd like her to see that alumnae are kind people who are involved with sorority life post-college. Often we're the first point of communication and can set the tone for how the PNM will view the sorority coming into recruitment. Call us a goodwill ambassador, if you will.

Also if I have personal knowledge of someone who would not be a good member, I have no problem writing a no-rec. In the situation above where it involves a friend's daughter, she could write a no-rec and send it in. Her friend will never know that she wrote a no-rec-- what is the sorority going to do? Call the mom and tell on her friend?