Didn't get invites, what are my options?

utcutie315 · #1 08-22-2008, 08:09 AM

1

Lightning Bug! · #2 08-22-2008, 09:30 AM

First a couple of questions:

1) What year are you in school? How many years do you have left at UT-C? Did you transfer, or did you not rush your first two years? And if you did transfer why didn't you rush at your old school? And if you didn't transfer...i.e., you're a freshman...when did you finish high school, and why are you just starting college now? There are perfectly reasonable answers to these questions, but they are questions sororities probably wondered about.
2) Are we talking about a high school or college GPA? If it isn't that high, do you have a slew of extracurricular activities and community service to make up for it? Did you do something really interesting between high school and college or in the summers?

Okay, so really your question was about your options now. Here they are:

1) Let the Panhellenic Office know that you are interested in COB/Spring Rush opportunities. Some groups may be interested in picking up a few extra members, but your age still make work against you, as may your GPA, and I am telling you to inform Panhellenic just on the off chance that an opportunity becomes available...I wouldn't get your hopes up.
2) Find other groups to join...are there any service fraternities on campus? Non-panhellenic women's groups? And what are you interested in...chances are there is a group on campus (drama, debate, music, etc.) that covers your interests in addition to providing a social outlet...and if you have some time left at UT-C, you might start your own organization if none of the ones that are left fits your needs!
3) Just get out and meet other people...a sorority may not be in the cards for you, but you still can have fun in college, go to parties, and have lots of friends!

Good luck!

Dionysus · #3 08-22-2008, 09:54 AM

You should pursue AKA and 'em.

utcutie315 · #4 08-22-2008, 10:26 AM

I'm starting my 4th year at UTC. However, I'm still considered a sophomore. I have at least 3 years left at UTC. I'm not a slacker by any means though. My mom was extremely sick my first two years and almost died twice. Thats how many times the doctors called us in to say our goodbyes. It was really hard on me and my family. I didn't take full loads and at times I couldn't be here at all. Out of it all I failed two classes but have since then replaced them. My GPA isn't the greatest but it is above what is being asked. I've been working really hard to get it that way. I waited and didn't pursue so that I could give it my all and be a part of a sorority. I know it takes time and I wouldn't have been able to dedicate my time before now. I have talked to my Pi Chi (Rho Chi) and she knows I'm still interested. Snap Bids were mentioned to me yet I do not know how that works. I really really wanted this and was really disappointed when I got the news. I just hope its not to late for me.

Zillini · #5 08-22-2008, 10:26 AM

I don't know the typical minimum GPA for chapters on that campus. But it is not uncommon for a Panhellenic to state a minimum that is far below what the chapters actually use.

utcutie315 · #6 08-22-2008, 10:37 AM

The GPA that is required to RUSH is a 2.5. And each sorority has there different GPA for initiation.

carnation · #7 11-27-2020, 12:39 PM

Hm. Somehow ended up on this thread. I can't tell if the OP was a troll.

Zillini · #8 08-22-2008, 10:57 AM

OK. But new member periods are only about 6 weeks long. So unless a semester/term ends in the middle of a new member period, the minimum GPA to initiate will be the same as the minimum to bid.

All GLOs have a minimum GPA required for new members and actives. On the campus I advise we are committed to academic excellence. Plus recruitment competition is ridiculously fierce. My chapter has set our minimums far above what our own Inatl requires. Again, I have no idea what it's like on this particular campus.

I'm just saying that Panhellenics too often set their minimum GPA for a PNM to participate in Recruitment below what the chapters are actually looking for. In my book it's equivalent to telling PNMs that Recs aren't required and/or chapters will obtain them for a PNM, when in reality chapters cut those who don't have them.

jwright25 · #9 08-24-2008, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zillini

OK. But new member periods are only about 6 weeks long. So unless a semester/term ends in the middle of a new member period, the minimum GPA to initiate will be the same as the minimum to bid.

All GLOs have a minimum GPA required for new members and actives. On the campus I advise we are committed to academic excellence. Plus recruitment competition is ridiculously fierce. My chapter has set our minimums far above what our own Inatl requires. Again, I have no idea what it's like on this particular campus.

I'm just saying that Panhellenics too often set their minimum GPA for a PNM to participate in Recruitment below what the chapters are actually looking for. In my book it's equivalent to telling PNMs that Recs aren't required and/or chapters will obtain them for a PNM, when in reality chapters cut those who don't have them.

FWIW, UTC is one of only a handful (if that many) of campuses that require a semester-long pledge period AND a 2.5 GPA in order to initiate. If a new member doesn't make the 2.5 her pledge semester, she gets held over. (Yes, you can imagine the extra burdens that this puts on the chapters.) So to some chapters, a low college GPA might be an extra risk that they'd rather not take given that they will have to keep you as a pledge until you make a 2.5.

OP, you have received some good advice: make sure your recruitment counselor and the Greek Office are aware of your interest in membership. If any chapters fail to match quota, they will have the option to Snap Bid to quota any woman who participated but did not receive a bid - it is their discretion whether or not to invite someone that they previously released. It is highly unlikely that any chapters will be below Total after they take quota. Spring COR may or may not be an option depending on chapter size, transfers, etc. Good luck.

Zillini · #10 08-24-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwright25

FWIW, UTC is one of only a handful (if that many) of campuses that require a semester-long pledge period AND a 2.5 GPA in order to initiate. If a new member doesn't make the 2.5 her pledge semester, she gets held over. (Yes, you can imagine the extra burdens that this puts on the chapters.) So to some chapters, a low college GPA might be an extra risk that they'd rather not take given that they will have to keep you as a pledge until you make a 2.5.

My apologies. I didn't know.

But that does raise another issue/question. Does a University have the right to overrule I/natl(s) policies?

breathesgelatin · #11 08-24-2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zillini

But that does raise another issue/question. Does a University have the right to overrule I/natl(s) policies?

Yeah, no kidding, my thoughts exactly.

jwright25 · #12 08-24-2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zillini

My apologies. I didn't know.

No problem! It is certainly rare. I am not a fan of it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zillini

But that does raise another issue/question. Does a University have the right to overrule I/natl(s) policies?

On this policy, yes. UTC requires that a woman earn a 2.5 in order to become an initiated member, so they have to do a full semester program. I wish they would just go to a deferred recruitment if they are going to hold to that requirement. Then the university could prohibit women with low GPAs from participating and chapters could initiate within their inter/national guidelines.

Quota was 51.

utcutie315 · #13 08-22-2008, 11:04 AM

So what are my options? Will I be able to be in a sorority or is it looking pretty slim for me? I really wanted this. There were a few snap bids handed out last year. hopefully I will receive one this year, if not what other options are there?

33girl · #14 08-22-2008, 11:26 AM

That pretty much is the option. Just stay in touch w/ your Rho Chi and let her know you're interested.

honeychile · #15 08-22-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utcutie315

So what are my options? Will I be able to be in a sorority or is it looking pretty slim for me? I really wanted this. There were a few snap bids handed out last year. hopefully I will receive one this year, if not what other options are there?

Work on your grades (I know, easy for me to say), and let the Greek office know that you're open to COR both this term and next term. There could be an opening that an improved GPA will allow you to grab!