Rush at UCSC - Page 36

wishinhopin · #**526** 03-18-2002, 08:14 PM

Alright, here's the extended version of the update. I placed a call to AZD's extension coordinator, because I felt so strongly about how well they would click with NBO. She called me back today, and let me know that AZD wants to colonize at UCSC. So, if we decide to invite them back (which I'm guessing we will, since they are my absolute top choice and so far the only of our six top choices to respond positively), then they will come to campus and make a presentation and interview with each member of both Nu Beta Omicron and Alpha Psi. From there, NBO and A Psi will decide which of the four organizations that presented they feel the most attached to, and we'll put them on a bid card...I think we rank them, I don't know if we can put up to four or how many options we can pick. Anyway, AZD and the other three organizations decides if they want to colonize NBO or A Psi or not at all. Then if there's a match, everything is great and we procede. Now, in terms of matching: NBO definitely has some hurdles to jump over. We're at less than half of the size of A Psi, although we are anticipating a good turnout at our Spring recruitment and we are willing to take a max of ten women then. So presumably we could bump our numbers up to 17, which would be more than doubling our membership in one formal recruitment period. That would look really good to any NPC organization we decide to go with. A Psi has about twenty women I think, but, as Marissa (women I spoke with from AZD) pointed out, they've been on campus for thirteen years and are significantly behind Gamma Phi Beta's quota of like 45-50. So our initiative and potential ability to successfully recruit women would speak volumes about us. This is not the part I'm worried about. I think that AZD will pick us if we're the right match, and that's something that we will have to be sure of after we see presentations also. However, Marissa explained to me that they won't necessarily just take our entire organization. This seems wierd to me but it also makes sense. They basically will interview every women, much like in a regular recruitment process, and then choose the women who they feel would best fit with AZD and would be able to carry the responsibility, be good sisters, etc. Now this makes sense to me in that I wouldn't expect an organization to just automatically take girls they didn't feel were "AZD material" just because they're in a local sorority. However, I don't know how I feel about our sisterhood potentially being split up. I have confidence in all my girls, I wouldn't have agreed for anyone to be in NBO if I didn't totally love them and feel they would be awesome sisters...but what if somehow AZD doesn't see what I see and asks to split us up? I think I'm not going to worry about that now because there's nothing I can do about it now except talk to my sisters and try to work it out. Anyway, Marissa is going to call Mary (I don't know why I call her Mary, her name is Mariko and I'm so impressed and thankfull and proud of what she's done for us, I don't think I need to use a fake name for her anymore). Marissa is going to call MARIKO and I know Mariko will put in an amazing word for us and help everything get worked out the way it should. So I think that's all for now. I'm going to go check my mail and see if I got any other info from any organizations. Thanks so much for listening and reading, and, as always, I'll let you know as soon as something new happens...whether you like it or not! Ok gotta go.
love, Corina

TriSigmaTX · #**527** 03-18-2002, 08:40 PM

Corina,
Just in response to AZD's answer about how they may not take everyone in your local organization, it just really depends.....
This is very normal. AZD and Tri Sigma are very similar organizations in almost every way, especially expansion. Since I work with colonizations, I can give you some examples. Sometimes when asked to colonize at a school we may take the local group, but some members may not fit our Naitonal Standards (each NPC group is different, but they basically are: financial, grades, conduct, personality, etc.) For example: If a sister does not meet the national GPA, then she may not be eligible for the new group, but she can always work on her grades. This is just one example.

In colonizing, the NPC group may not even take a local group, even if that's why the entire thing came about, I know, weird...hard to explain, but it happens sometimes. And sometimes, they take the local group and a group of new women on top of that to make a great colony. It just really depends, so like you said, don't worry about it now. Just get this process going, because I can guarantee you, if there's Fall Recruitment any NPC group will want to get in asap to start recruiting their core group and start the colonization process so that they can attract new women in the fall.

aephi alum · #**528** 03-19-2002, 11:23 PM

Hmm... I'm puzzled by your statement that AZD wouldn't necessarily accept all the members of NBO.

When my local went AEPhi, all of us were automatically accepted. We met as a group with some of the national officers, mainly so that we could mutually decide if our ideals and goals were in line with each other's, but we were not interviewed individually.

Maybe that's just AEPhi's policy, I don't know - but why would AZD or any other national want to break up an established local? Even if they only accepted some of you, couldn't you just turn around and bid the rest? I can understand a national turning away women who hadn't made grades or are unable to meet the financial obligations, but I can't understand a national turning away a member of a local because "we don't like her".

I may have missed something, but what were the other 3 organizations besides AZD that expressed an interest? You mentioned something about XO?

Good luck - things seem to be going great!

FuzzieAlum · #**529** 03-20-2002, 12:56 PM

AEPhi, the grades, like you mention, are really the only reason they would turn away a member of the local - barring odd things like they found out a sister was a felon or something. I'm not sure if AXD interviews all members individually or not (I know we do when we're starting a chapter without picking up a local), but it's not just "they don't like her."

Nationals probably made that statement so if a girl has to be turned away for grades, the sisters wouldn't be shocked and alarmed.

wishinhopin · #**530** 03-23-2002, 02:07 AM

Hi everyone,

I've been at home, thus why I haven't been posting at my usual frequency. Anyway. I really am conflicted on this AZD thing...I love the org and I truly feel that it's the best match for NBO...not just from their website but also from conversations I've had with AZD sisters, as well as the convo I had with their director of expansion. But what if AZD decides they want to affiliate Alpha Psi with them? Or neither of us at all? And what if none of the four locals want to affiliate with us? I'll be so bummed. I know I shouldn't stress right now because it won't do any good, but I can't help but worry a bit. I just want everything to work out well. But if grades are the only reason why a member would be turned away, then I don't feel like we have anything to worry about. Basically the general minimum is a C average right? It gets a little confusing at UCSC because we have this whole option to take classes pass/no pass, but I don't see grades as being an issue. Financial might be another matter altogether. Does anyone have any idea what the financial expectations would be for a new colony with no house? I'd like to give my sisters an idea of what to expect. But anyway, I'm super excited that these amazing organizations are even interested in Santa Cruz, because that's the first step in all of this...and I'm really proud of myself and my sisters so far, we've been working our butts off. Any thoughts?
love, Corina

volgirl2376 · #**531** 03-23-2002, 02:16 AM

I think you should keep your options open. First you said you were meant to be with Chi Omega and now you say that you are meant to be with AZD. I think anytime anyone says that they are meant to be with a certain group...before knowing everything...it almost sets you up for disappointment. I know its hard not to get excited and hopeful - but I dont want to see something not work that you have your heart set on. Remember to keep an open mind, and the real organization that is truly meant for you will find you!

wishinhopin · #**532** 03-23-2002, 03:57 AM

I thought I explained the Chi O thing...I'll explain again though. My feelings for Chi O were akin to a crush, grasping at an organization that is awesome, but not necessarily the best for me. I had a moment (which, I might add, may have been influenced by the fact that I had been studying for 24 straight hours, which I don't recommend!) where I felt like we could really work well with Chi Omega. I posted it here because this is where I write all my mometary thoughts about anything regarding NBO or greek life in general. But, if anyone looks over my post, they can see how many times I've mentioned AZD, and how attached I have grown to this organization. I know you shouldn't do that, but can anyone honestly say that they don't do that, not even a little? It's hard to honestly say that I'll be happy with whatever organization we choose, because that isn't necessarily true. I wish I had never posted that Chi O thing because it's like no one takes me seriously anymore...but the bottom line is that carefull research and a whole lot of thought have convinced me that AZD is the best match for NBO...this isn't a whim, and I made this decision for the right reasons. Things like philanthropy, founding principles, reputation, personality of members I have spoken with, general ideals, and the information I have been able to find, all tell me that AZD is a wonderful organization which would mesh really well with NBO. I'm not saying it's the only choice, I'm just saying that in my heart I feel it is the best choice. Maybe that will change, obviously that's why we're having presentations and interviews and whatnot, but I really hope you all can understand what I'm feeling right now. And besides, at this point, my hopes for AZD aren't really interfering with this process at all. Choosing who to invite for interviews is as simple as reviewing all the information and making an educated decision...and it wasn't until I did all of this that I let myself fall for one organization. If NBO doesn't affiliate with AZD, then it wasn't meant to be. But right now I'm really hoping we will!
love, Corina

AchtungBaby80 · #**533** 03-23-2002, 02:34 PM

No, it's OK, I totally understand. You don't have to explain yourself. You've taken on a lot of responsibility, and you have the right to change your mind!

I've never done anything that requires anywhere near the amount of initiative what you're doing takes, but when I was going through rush I changed my mind a LOT. Up until Pref, I had a totally different sorority picked out than the one I ultimately put at the top of my bid card, but that's all right. I'm so glad you're sticking with this and I really admire your dedication, and I don't think anyone has any room to criticise.

volgirl2376 · #**534** 03-23-2002, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AchtungBaby80
I'm so glad you're sticking with this and I really admire your dedication, and I don't think anyone has any room to criticise.

I dont think I wasnt being critical. I hope if she really feels AZD is the perfect fit with NBO that it works out for her! I just wanted to point out that she hasnt been looking long, and since NBO has had so many personal problems thus far, it would be benefitial to slow down a bit and choose carefully as a group while continuing to work on some sisterhood issues.

justamom · #**535** 03-23-2002, 06:08 PM

Corina, we are all following this. If others are like me, we feel we "know" you and anything we say or you say is just an exchange of thoughts, just like in a family or when we get a little "sisterly" advice. I think you KNOW how we admire you and your efforts AND, if everyone didn't believe in you and your goals no one would read, much less respond. Don't worry about anything you've said and don't take anything written for less than the heartfelt concern and support we all feel for you! We only want success for you-scratch that-you have success-what we want is for you and your sisters is to find an org. you can call your own. Then, some very lucky ladies on GC will be ably to call YOU "sister".

wishinhopin · #**536** 03-23-2002, 06:13 PM

Hey everyone,

I'm just feeling a little sensitive I think...it's a hard process. I don't really need to be reminded of my faults at a time where my self esteem on this issue is lagging a little, so having someone point them out- with the best of intentions and concern- just stung a little. Ultimately I know that we'll do the best thing for us and come out of all of this stronger. But until then, it's going to be stressfull still. But, as I've said all along, I'm sure things will work out how they're meant to. I don't know if that's a faith in a higher power or just fate or what, but I really do think that things happen for a reason and everything will be ok! Thanks for understanding everyone, and for being kind enough to remind me of things I might otherwise forget- good or bad!
love, Corina

dzsaigirl · #**537** 03-23-2002, 06:47 PM

Corina, do y'all have a website yet ?

volgirl2376 · #**538** 03-23-2002, 10:42 PM

I have worked a little on the website- but waiting on some new stuff and other copy for the "new" nbo

I think most of the text I have is from the first few weeks - not to worry though, I hope to have something up late this week - Im taking Monday off for my initiation

wishinhopin · #**539** 03-27-2002, 09:22 PM

Hi all,

Agghhhhhh my life is so crazy right now! Sorority stuff is a billion times more difficult and time consuming than I ever anticipated. This, combined with trying to get into all the classes I need, going through complex job interviews for what is essentially my college dream job, breaking up with my boyfriend

, and trying to go national, is driving me crazy! But most of it is good stress, like I'm accomplishing something. Anyway, just needed to vent. Got a very nice email from DG saying that they are all booked up expansion wise...oh well. We have a great group of organizations to choose from, so I'm excited. As it stands right now, by this evening I will have compiled all of my girl's choices on who their top three national orgs are, and then I can officially let everyone know who we will be inviting back! Ugh I have to go to a math placement exam now. More later. Just wanted to say hi and let everyone know what's up. Rush starts this coming Monday!
love, Corina

AchtungBaby80 · #**540** 03-27-2002, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by volgirl2376

I dont think I wasnt being critical. I hope if she really feels AZD is the perfect fit with NBO that it works out for her! I just wanted to point out that she hasnt been looking long, and since NBO has had so many personal problems thus far, it would be benefitial to slow down a bit and choose carefully as a group while continuing to work on some sisterhood issues.

Whoa, I didn't mean to sound harsh.

I was having a rough day, I guess. What I should have said was, I am proud of what she's doing and she has the right to change her mind (or maybe I'm just biased because I'm the Queen of Mind-Changing). You do have a valid point. Didn't mean to bite your head off there!