Dual Membership

[MysticCat]

Welcome, and congrats on your initiation! There aren't many of us around here, but I'll give you my two or three cents.

Originally Posted by Glen Coco

I have a question for all of you. I was recently initiated into Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. My chapter is relatively small and while we have a lot of great ideas, we don't have a lot of follow through. Our chapter is also not "recognized" by my school because we aren't "social".

I'm trying to understand exactly what you mean here about not being recognized because Sinfonia isn't social. Phi Mu Alpha is a social fraternity, but not a general social fraternity. Do you mean not a member of the campus IFC? And do you mean not recognized by the school at all, or not recognized as a social fraternity? Are you classified as something different. And I assume your province governor is aware of your situation?

After being intitated I have been really impressed by some of the other "social" fraternities on campus. I have recently been thinking about rushing a social fraternity. What are you guys' opinions on being a Sinfonian and a member of a social fraternity? Is it shameful, or just a viable option for someone in love with greek life.

There is nothing in our Constitution or General Regulations that prohibits dual membership in Sinfonia and a general social fraternity. In my experience, how acceptable it is depends largely on the chapter (and perhaps province) and campus attitudes. In some chapters, it's not considered that big of a deal. In other chapters, it's considered a very big deal and is heavily frowned upon. (I assume that for those chapters that are part of their campus IFC, it is forbidden.) I can't tell you how your chapter brothers would react or what the attitude on your campus would be. You may want to feel a few of them out on the subject.

Picking up on the first things you said -- chapter is small, great ideas but not a lot of follow through -- I'd encourage to add these to your equation of things to consider: What can you do to strengthen the chapter and make it better? How can you encourage (or lead) the chapter to provide the experiences you're looking for?

You might find your ultimate answer in your answer to these questions. You might not. But at least you'll have a better idea of what you're looking for and why, and how to talk with your brothers about it.

Good luck!