panhellenic age limits

Drolefille · #1 11-03-2006, 10:11 AM

While a chapter could have limits (or just feel uncomfortable about pledging someone a lot older). I don't think Panhel can.

So I agree with all of the above.

Someone who's 25 and is more of a traditional student (stretching the definition a bit) would have a better shot than a 39 year old non-traditional student. But that's all campus culture and such.

tunatartare · #2 11-03-2006, 10:19 AM

I agree that it's a matter of campus culture. If a school has a high percentage of non-traditional students, I'm sure that age doesn't matter as much as it would in a very conservative, traditional college. With that said, I don't see a 37-year old with a child getting a bid at most colleges.

33girl · #3 11-03-2006, 10:25 AM

There is NO age limit on going through rush, and I'm guessing not to join any sororities either (unless it's a minimum, not a maximum). If there was, the NPC sororities and national Panhellenic would be in a world of trouble and age discrimination lawsuits.

Kaydee_cutie · #4 11-04-2006, 03:08 PM

We have a 25 year old new member this fall and she is an amazing addition to our chapter!!! Also, a few years back another chapter on campus pledged a 40+ year old woman, mainly because she was a legacy of sorts. Her daughter was a member of the chaper a few years prior. She obviously wasn't very active in the chapter, but it is possible to get a bid...

#5 11-04-2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaydee_cutie

We have a 25 year old new member this fall and she is an amazing addition to our chapter!!! Also, a few years back another chapter on campus pledged a 40+ year old woman, mainly because she was a legacy of sorts. Her daughter was a member of the chaper a few years prior. She obviously wasn't very active in the chapter, but it is possible to get a bid...

The 40+ year old woman went through rush and initiated as a collegian? Interesting. Personally, I wouldn't extend a bid to someone I knew wouldn't be active with the chapter. I'd save that space for someone who actually wants to be there.

While your campus culture allows for non-traditional aged women to go through rush and possibly get a bid, the same thing can't be said everywhere else.

AchtungBaby80 · #6 11-04-2006, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTW

While your campus culture allows for non-traditional aged women to go through rush and possibly get a bid, the same thing can't be said everywhere else.

That's what I was getting ready to say. I know the age issue has been discussed on here before, and there's not just one answer. On my campus, for example, there was a 26-year-old who went through recruitment one year and everyone in my chapter was talking about it. We just couldn't believe someone that old would go through! That's because where I went to school, most ladies rushed and pledged as freshmen or sophomores and it was practically unheard of for older students to join. Now, at other schools, it's obviously different.

REE1993 · #7 11-04-2006, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AchtungBaby80

We just couldn't believe someone that old would go through! .

I am now giggling at "that old". I understand the context and thus the surprise, but I would love to be "that old" again!

Enjoy your youth!!

ZTAngel · #8 11-04-2006, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTW

While your campus culture allows for non-traditional aged women to go through rush and possibly get a bid, the same thing can't be said everywhere else.

Yes. While 26 or 27 isn't that old at some schools, I will say that this woman most likely will not get a bid to any sorority at UCF. It's harsh but it's reality. Rush is competitive and the chapters can afford to be picky as to who they bid since there's almost 1,000 smart, beautiful, young girls going through.

ASUADPi · #9 11-04-2006, 07:27 PM

I remember in 2001 the chapter at ASU actually took a member who was 21 or 22. She was a freshman, just started college and decided to rush. She stayed involved until she got married a few years later (and then decided to go alum, although I'm pretty sure (but don't quote me) ADPi does allow a sister to be married and stay active, but I'm not 100% sure on that

). I've seen her at some alum events, so she is still somewhat active.

UCFalumna · #10 11-05-2006, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZTAngel

Yes. While 26 or 27 isn't that old at some schools, I will say that this woman most likely will not get a bid to any sorority at UCF. It's harsh but it's reality. Rush is competitive and the chapters can afford to be picky as to who they bid since there's almost 1,000 smart, beautiful, young girls going through.

I agree! It certainly is reality. Within the last decade, I can personally remember several older PNM's going through at UCF and not receiving bids. There was one particular older PNM who tried going through formal a couple times and then tried to COB at practically every house that participated. I'm not saying that it's right that someone in this situation not be given a fair chance, but that's simply the reality of UCF recruitment. It's too competitive of a situation for a house to give up a place for a potential 4-year member to someone who may not be able to commit as much time or energy.

All of this being said, I can see how someone at that age who is "young at heart" or living a typical college life style might choose to expand themselves with sorority membership. I can also see how important that PNM's attitude and presentation would impact their ability to actually be extended a bid.

FatalDSTination · #11 12-27-2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

There is NO age limit on going through rush, and I'm guessing not to join any sororities either (unless it's a minimum, not a maximum). If there was, the NPC sororities and national Panhellenic would be in a world of trouble and age discrimination lawsuits.

absolutely! I was 25 when I crossed and one of my line sisters was older than me.