I'm an older student, can I still join/pledge?

[AChiOhSnap]

I echo everything that AlphaFrog and adpiucf said. I'm pretty much going to say the same thing I've said on this topic before, but even on top of the age difference being a huge automatic barrier (at least at most schools -- there are some out there that wouldn't mind) a sorority can be a taxing time commitment.

At most schools, sorority new member periods require a set number of hours a week (I averaged about 15 hours a week with mandatory/"pretty much" mandatory activities when I was a new member) and I'd imagine that would be a huge strain on top of being a full time student and mother of two young kids. At least with NPC sororities, the new member timeframe isn't really all that flexible, unless you have a *very* small new member class. Even if the sorority was completely willing to work around your schedule, you'd still have fit in all those hours a week somewhere.

To cut to the chase, all this is really neither here nor there -- I'm pretty much going to say that there aren't really too many traditional Greek systems that would bid a woman of your status. It all depends on your school but an NPC sorority system that bid a woman of your status would be an anomaly.

That's not to say that you can't try to find a sisterhood. In fact, there are many community/non-collegiate sororities whose members come from all walks of life and that may be better tailored to your schedule/mommy duties. Beta Sigma Phi is one and you can go to betasigmaphi.org for information. Good luck.

[REE1993]

Does your college have NPC sororities only?

We had a mom pledge, who was around 30. I will tell you that she had some time commitments issues - kids getting sick, school events, etc. She did her service time and made some meetings, but as a pledge class, we did have to work harder to schedule "mandatory" meetings and events (some things had to be done with every member of the pledge class, in order to make it to initiation).

She did initiate, but soon after, became less involved, doing only what was necessary to stay active.

You may need to show that you can commit to "mandatory" meetings and such, and be available on the spur of the moment any time of day or night (that may be considered hazing now).

You also need to consider how you may feel having a 20-year old telling you "what to do", and feel silly doing some of the "less mature" activities.

Some professional GLOs may get together less frequently, and have less "mandatory" events and activities. Worst case scenario, you don't get a bid (if you are rushing NPC). If you can handle possible rejection, go ahead and do your best.

Lastly, there are non-collegiate GLOs out there.
I wish you luck in your search.

[barbino]

There are several issues here that need to be addressed. First, as a former "rush counselor" I would encourage you to go through formal rush if you really desire sorority membership. It is a great way to see the houses, and learn what each is like. You will meet the GLO members, and make make new friends from your group, which is important when one is new on campus. This way you can learn what chapters you might be interested in, and which chapters would be interested in having you as a member. However, many GLO's automatically cut juniors, even if they have outstanding GPA's.
Every set of circumstances is different, depending on the chapters at your campus. I have heard of houses that have embraced an older sister with children to the extent of babysitting if needed. NPC sororities have learned that modern life is not always "traditional." If you don't at least give it a try, you will never know just what might have been. If membership in a sorority is your heart's desire, don't hold back. Let your enthusiasm show. Good Luck, and let us know what you decide!
Barbino

[KSUViolet06]

It varies from sorority to sorority. There is no age limit to participate in recruitment, however there's no guarantee that you will receive a bid (invitation) to join.

Something to keep in mind is that most collegiate sorority members are women in their late teens/early 20's (like 18-22 or 23). Many girls in that age group might not be able to relate to someone who is 30 with children. You should also consider whether you can really relate to women in that age group as well.

Also, the new member program is very time consuming. For example, when I was a new member, we had weekly mandatory NM meetings.and weekly all chapter meetings as well. In addition, we needed to attend 85% of all chapter events each month (which includes other chapter's community service events, Greek Life speakers, etc). We also had overnight events like Chapter Retreat.