Pledging Undergrad vs. Graduate

[Jazz86]

Hello, I am not a member of any Black Greek Org. but I am someone who has been interested for quite sometime. There has been two occurrences where I wasn't able to see my dream into fruition, but now at the Graduate level I am encouraged to give it, yet, another shot. My question: What is the difference between the two? I have heard many Black Greek members(mostly frats) and have done personal research, where it is said they do not respect graduate members? I just done't understand the big deal? My reason for wanting to join Grad is jus as valid as an Undergrad, so why should I be ridiculed? I am hoping someone could enlighten me on the stigma, I have heard several rumors and would like some input from others. Thank You and God Bless.

[Jazz86]

*don't

[knight_shadow]

[Jazz86]

what does that mean?

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by Jazz86

Hello, I am not a member of any Black Greek Org. but I am someone who has been interested for quite sometime. There has been two occurrences where I wasn't able to see my dream into fruition, but now at the Graduate level I am encouraged to give it, yet, another shot. My question: What is the difference between the two? I have heard many Black Greek members(mostly frats) and have done personal research, where it is said they do not respect graduate members? I just done't understand the big deal? My reason for wanting to join Grad is jus as valid as an Undergrad, so why should I be ridiculed? I am hoping someone could enlighten me on the stigma, I have heard several rumors and would like some input from others. Thank You and God Bless.

If you do a search you will find threads about this.

[Velocity_14]

..................

[sigmadiva]

From what I was told (keep in mind that this comes from hearsay - so DO NOT consider what I say as truth, "Bible", or 'the law').

Joining undergrad meant that you achieved a high academic standing in college to be considered for membership. And, through the MIP you had a better chance of bonding with your line. You all were young and free with no other worries and got to enjoy all the silly stuff undergrads do while a member.

Joining grad meant that all you did was pay the fee and you may not have bonded as closely with your line, because now you are busy with other more pressing things in life like family and job.

But, I can assure you that in reality neither case is absolute. Meaning, you will find plenty of exceptions in each case.

If you know that the time is right for you at this moment for whatever your reasons may be then do it. No one has the right to question why you are doing what you are doing. It is a personal choice.

[Jazz86]

Thank you very much Sigmadiva that is probably the most "real" answer I have ever received. Its just a little disheartening to those who weren't given the opportunity undergrad, but still have the zest and desire while furthering their education. I suppose it is the norm to be in Grad school with a family and working full time, but I defy those norms(I am a fulltime student, work part-time w/no kids....my only priority is school) and was hoping to find a sliver lining. My reasons go beyond the "undergrad experience", of course it is a plus and benefit, but the lack thereof does not discourage me in anyway. Its just hard for me to fathom the rumors I have heard about the concept behind joining at the graduate level.

[Jazz86]

Appreciate your input as well, Lady Greek and after I posted this thread I did start looking at others(backwards, I know lol) but the ones I found(so far) was not as helpful, I was hoping for some fresh perspective. Thanks to anyone who took the time to reply.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by Jazz86

Thank you very much Sigmadiva that is probably the most "real" answer I have ever received.

You're welcome. I wish you all the best on your journey.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

Joining grad meant that all you did was pay the fee and you may not have bonded as closely with your line, because now you are busy with other more pressing things in life like family and job.

In DST there are no exceptions to this because it does not hold true in our process. The alumnae process is the same as the collegiate process.

[sigmadiva]

My post was in no way to imply that anyone's org operates that way. That is why I said my disclaimer first.

One of my implied points though was that there are things that you may be willing to do at 19 - 20 that you would never do at 30 - 35. Hence, the perceived difference between joining undergrad vs. grad.

We all remember the silly and fun things that we did when we were young and tend to look back on those events fondly. Well, I do anyway. Joining undergrad can be part of that youthful exuberance.

[Velocity_14]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

In DST there are no exceptions to this because it does not hold true in our process. The alumnae process is the same as the collegiate process.

Thank you, LG.

To the OP: Never presume assumptions to be facts. Don't let the concern you expressed in your initial posting hold any weight regarding potentially becoming a part of an organization that is bigger than any undergraduate or graduate member or chapter.

Good luck to you...

[mccoyred]

This is why we don't discuss membership-related topics....too much lane-swerving.

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

My post was in no way to imply that anyone's org operates that way. That is why I said my disclaimer first.

One of my implied points though was that there are things that you may be willing to do at 19 - 20 that you would never do at 30 - 35. Hence, the perceived difference between joining undergrad vs. grad.

We all remember the silly and fun things that we did when we were young and tend to look back on those events fondly. Well, I do anyway. Joining undergrad can be part of that youthful exuberance.

[treblk]

Thank you all for all your input. To those with the same question, ask those on know, if you don't know anyone..then you are not doing what you need to do..to get where you need to get