Trusting the system when there is bad situation

[PinkPaisley]

I would like to seek some advice for my daughter who will be a PNM this fall at a mid sized school with a small but growing Greek presence on campus. She will not be a legacy at this school- at another she would have been. There are 5 NPH sororities on campus, 4 of which are strong in community service, GPA, etc. Their numbers and retention is growing steadily. Then there is a sorority which is either on warning (or possibly probation) for grades. Their GPA is quite low and plummeted in the past two semesters. The chapter is at this time half the size of the others. They did little to no philanthropy last year, do not participate in Greek events, there have been altercations (physical brawls) with these girls and others while out on the town and other behavior that may be deemed a bit over the top. We live in this college town, and these situations are commonly known.

Of course I would love to say that all they need is some strong leadership and a few good years and strong PCs to improve and get back on track. I could actually see this as a given in a bigger school; but here, I am not sure that it will or even could happen, there has already been talk of the chapter being closed. Their downward trend started several years ago and has progressed. They have never been the strongest chapter.

My daughter has committed to being 100% open minded about the process and not picking favorites, honestly she believes she could fit in with any of the other 4- yet she still has some concerns about this house. Her concerns are NOT based on the "I don't want to be in this sorority because... " mindset, they are more along the lines of, "what happens if they fold in the next year? Where would I be then?" I think this is a valid concern on her part. So the advice I seek is a hypothetical situation- what to do if this chapter shows up on my daughters pref list. Take the risk, and put them down as a choice or suicide (yikes).

As I said, this is completely hypothetical, rush is weeks away for her, and there is no telling who will be on her pref card (maybe she won't even get to the pref rounds- who knows!) Yet I would like to get some insight from some knowledgeable ladies who may have heard of this type of situation before, and maybe it will be a good discussion.

Thank you in advance.

***Please note**** I am on NO WAY saying that this chapter is closing, or implying that I think it is.