Debt owed by a pledge and Collections

housed98 · #1 11-28-2007, 12:23 PM

I pledged a fraternity for an entire semester, and became a neophyte. The chapter balled me, (for not paying any dues and other reasons... I was about to drop as a neophyte anyway, I didn't have the money).

Now the fraternity is telling me I still owe them $600 of the pledge semesters' $755 (the extra $155 is the initiation fee which I obviously won't be there for).

They have told me that if I don't pay before December 10th, they are sending my debt to a collection agency. I believe that this chapter uses the Omega system by the way... if that makes any difference.

Do they have a right to do this? CAN they do this? I refuse to pay for something that I am not a part of, but I am seriously worried about having my credit ruined by some sleezeball collection agency. What information does this chapter need about me to send my debt to a collection agency? What can I do?

dxp_tiktok · #2 11-28-2007, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by housed98

Do they have a right to do this? CAN they do this? I refuse to pay for something that I am not a part of, but I am seriously worried about having my credit ruined by some sleezeball collection agency. What information does this chapter need about me to send my debt to a collection agency? What can I do?

Hopefully other people can help out here, but I believe they can take you to collections depending on the verbage of any documents you signed. Organizations have their pledges sign some sort of contract at the beginning of the new member process that outlines requirements that you have to agree to, which includes paying dues. So if you signed it - it is legal and binding.

AlphaFrog · #3 11-28-2007, 12:32 PM

ONE POST IS PLENTY.

NutBrnHair · #4 11-28-2007, 12:47 PM

I say you owe it because you were a part of it for the semester. Personally, I think they should have dealt with your non-payment earlier in the semester, but they didn't. If they choose to go through a collection agency -- that's their call.

If you got a credit card at the beginning of the semester and used it for 3 months and then decided -- I don't want that VISA anymore (or, VISA decides they don't want you!), you are still obligated for the charges during the time you were a "card-carrying" member.

Cane94G8r97 · #5 11-28-2007, 12:50 PM

Sorry for the hijack, but ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by NutBrnHair

If you got a credit card at the beginning of the semester and used it for 3 months and then decided -- I don't want that VISA anymore (or, VISA decides they don't want you!), you are still obligated for the charges during the time you were a "card-carrying" member.

What a GREAT analogy! I am going to use it if you don't mind. I am financial advisor for a chapter, and you have no idea how many parents want to get their money back when their daughter decides to quit. I think this is a terrific analogy to the GLO due situation. Thanks!!

OK... end hijack.

NutBrnHair · #6 11-28-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cane94G8r97

Sorry for the hijack, but ...

What a GREAT analogy! I am going to use it if you don't mind. I am financial advisor for a chapter, and you have no idea how many parents want to get their money back when their daughter decides to quit. I think this is a terrific analogy to the GLO due situation. Thanks!!

OK... end hijack.

I don't mind at all -- I'm honored. I was a local advisor back in the day & used it then too!

SthrnZeta · #7 11-28-2007, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cane94G8r97

Sorry for the hijack, but ...

What a GREAT analogy! I am going to use it if you don't mind. I am financial advisor for a chapter, and you have no idea how many parents want to get their money back when their daughter decides to quit. I think this is a terrific analogy to the GLO due situation. Thanks!!

OK... end hijack.

That would piss me off to no end if I were in your position! UGH! THAT's why I was never treasurer, lol.

amanda6035 · #8 11-29-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cane94G8r97

Sorry for the hijack, but ...

What a GREAT analogy! I am going to use it if you don't mind. I am financial advisor for a chapter, and you have no idea how many parents want to get their money back when their daughter decides to quit. I think this is a terrific analogy to the GLO due situation. Thanks!!

OK... end hijack.

AHHHHH!!!!! YES, I agree 100%....I was FVP for 2 years and I'm now a financial advisor.....I LOVE it.

And to the OP.....I dont know if they can force you to pay the initiation fees. However, depending on what the breakdown of the other items are - monthly dues, semi annual dues to FHQ, etc etc, they could send to collections, and probably will. If they get you to pay initiation though, that's lame.

lilmuslimah1987 · #9 11-29-2007, 09:32 PM

If were a neo for one semester then you should pay. Im sure this was said to you in begining," This a business". Frats and sororities are not hobbies. Take responsibility for your actions.