informal recruitment

[Alumiyum]

It is pretty frustrating when PNM's just don't listen...I was on the Recruitment Team twice and we made it a point to drill into their heads from the beginning of the week that if they listed those sororites and signed a bid card on pref night they were stuck. And always, some would still act surprised when they got their second choice and wanted to COB their first. We also made sure to explain very clearly that nothing is guaranteed and thinking they're a shoe-in doesn't matter, and a sorority member can't promise a bid because not only is it against the rules, but she can't KNOW a PNM will make the list.

On the other hand with a Recruitment Leader that is telling a PNM she's "sure to get the first choice" who knows if they were given accurate information. PNM's should NEVER be told that.

My chapter took seniors occasionally, but they were always women that knew many members for a few years and were around the chapter frequently (they often were women who lived on our hall as independents or lived on the floor under us and were therefore around a lot). And they all had superb grades. The attitude was that unless the girl was so amazing we couldn't let her go, it wasn't worth the paper work to pledge a woman who would only be a collegian for two semesters.

To the OP, it's probably unlikely that you'll get a bid now, but once the calendar year is up, if you have the time and want to attempt to COB, go for it. Spend your time prior getting to know sorority women on campus, and be open minded. If it's really important to you to be Greek you'll have to remember beggars can't be choosers. If you've known a certain group for a long time now and can only see yourself there, but understanding if they do not extend you a bid. It's not common to give a senior a bid, since they will only be active for a year.

And just let this be a lesson learned. Always read the fine print and be proactive about asking questions. Trust what's written instead of what someone tells you-if there's any question later you can go back and justify your actions. You won't be able to get out of the one calendar year hold just because the RT member said what she did...it isn't fair, but it's life.