questions a PNM should ask during rush

adpiucf · #1 05-21-2007, 10:40 AM

Check out this thread. I compiled a list of questions based on feedback from PNMs and sorority members.

dgdramadawg · #2 05-21-2007, 08:23 PM

At every house during round one I asked if there were any girls in the chapter involved in theatre and/or other time-consuming outside activities. Since I was going to major in it it was important to me to know that I would have time for both in my life. Often it resulted in my being introduced to a drama major/minor or someone who did community theatre (and a couple of times it resulted in "Ew, you do DRAMA?"). Either way it helped me to find out something that was important to me when looking for a fit.

Make sure you find out everything you need to know about finances and other commitments during recruitment. I can't tell you the number of girls I've known who have pledged various houses only to say "Hey wait, it's HOW much?" or "OMG I have to live in the HOUSE?"

sunnyhibiscus · #3 05-22-2007, 02:53 AM

Thanks guys. I was wondering what questions I should ask the sisters during the parties. In the beginning, I was worried that if I ask about finances, I might get cut of something. But now I understand. Thanks again, guys.

AlphaFrog · #4 05-22-2007, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunnyhibiscus

Thanks guys. I was wondering what questions I should ask the sisters during the parties. In the beginning, I was worried that if I ask about finances, I might get cut of something. But now I understand. Thanks again, guys.

When you ask about finances (although, I would hold off until after the treasurer does her presentation), it doesn't hurt to mention that either you have a part-time job that will help you cover your dues, or if mommy & daddy are paying "I'm so glad that my parents support my joining a sorority" (I would use "support" instead of "are paying for"). Honestly, there are groups out there that will cut girls if they think they won't be able to pay for dues. It does them no good to offer a girl a spot, and then have her drop because she realizes that she can't afford it.

AOII Angel · #5 05-23-2007, 08:12 AM

I ditto that, Alpha Frog. Nothing turns a rusher off more than to hear a rushee ask lots of questions about money. In the south, it's often considered rude to bring up money in polite conversation. Though we've had many an argument about archaic ideas of good manners, lots of questions about money makes people think that you have a money problem. No one wants to ask a girl to join just to have to beg her to pay dues later. Know before you go into rush how much it will cost on your campus. Panhellenic should have those figures. Automatically expect to pay a bit more for extras....that being said, these things are EXTRA...if you can't afford it, don't buy it!

AlphaFrog · #6 05-23-2007, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Automatically expect to pay a bit more for extras....that being said, these things are EXTRA...if you can't afford it, don't buy it!

Nothing kills me more than a girl with 50 sewn letter shirts, 3 totebags, etc who can't pay her dues.

ClassicBeauty · #7 05-23-2007, 02:46 PM

Yeah, I didn't think asking about finances would be appropriate during rush until they told us.

I'm just wondering, do we have to pay extra for all of our shirts and stuff we get, or are they included in the dues you pay? Or is it different for every sorority?

ΑΓΔSquirrelGirl · #8 05-23-2007, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I ditto that, Alpha Frog. Nothing turns a rusher off more than to hear a rushee ask lots of questions about money. In the south, it's often considered rude to bring up money in polite conversation. Though we've had many an argument about archaic ideas of good manners, lots of questions about money makes people think that you have a money problem. No one wants to ask a girl to join just to have to beg her to pay dues later. Know before you go into rush how much it will cost on your campus. Panhellenic should have those figures. Automatically expect to pay a bit more for extras....that being said, these things are EXTRA...if you can't afford it, don't buy it!

What good is it to get a new girl who has to drop because she can't afford it and didn't know? I think it's pretty bad if she can't ask how much dues are a semester and are extras included...that's one pretty basic question. Panhellenic figures are not guaranteed to be updated and accurate at all times.

That IS archaic if she can't ask that much without being cut. I'm very much southern myself but do not see the offense in asking a very important question like that.

KSUViolet06 · #9 05-24-2007, 12:02 AM

I always thought that (per an NPC rule), sororities had to disclose money info during recruitment (even if it's just a ballpark figure in the recruitment book).

At my alma mater, during Day 2 of Recruitment we all were required give the PNMs brochures/pamphlets with all of our financial info in them, including the following:

*Dues (local/national)
*New member fees
*Initiation/Badge fees
*Parlor fees
*Room/Board fees
*Whether socials were included (if not, how much out of pocket)
*Fine information (whether the chapter fines & what for)

In addition, each chapter's Treasurer did a short (3-5 min) presentation about the stuff in the pamphlet and about whether the chapter offered scholarships or payment plans.

Yeah, we got some girls with a little "sticker shock" since we have to include alot of figures. But at least all of the info was out there and they could take it home, look it over, and think about whether they can afford it. That way, girls could see everything they'll have to pay in black & white, and there'd be no surprises after they got bids.

Of course we're in northern OH, so I'm sure our money discussion etiquette is different, but I think it made for FEWER money questions during rush because anything you needed to know was on the paper.

I think this might be a good practice for some of the more competitive schools.

AOII Angel · #10 05-25-2007, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I ditto that, Alpha Frog. Nothing turns a rusher off more than to hear a rushee ask lots of questions about money. In the south, it's often considered rude to bring up money in polite conversation. Though we've had many an argument about archaic ideas of good manners, lots of questions about money makes people think that you have a money problem. No one wants to ask a girl to join just to have to beg her to pay dues later. Know before you go into rush how much it will cost on your campus. Panhellenic should have those figures. Automatically expect to pay a bit more for extras....that being said, these things are EXTRA...if you can't afford it, don't buy it!

Notice I did say LOTS of questions. The occasional well worded question about finances is not a problem, but like other people have mentioned, if you ask every sister who rushes you a question about money, at the meeting that night, you may be remembered as the girl who won't be able to afford dues. This may not be correct, but it's an assumption I'm sure a lot of people will make when cuts are made for less!