Classification v. "Years Left"

[Zillini]

At my chapter it makes no difference if a PNM plans on being in school longer than her classification says. We do not take that into consideration during Recruitment. Why? Because our GLO's policy is regardless of the classification (Fr, Soph, Jr, Sr) when a member joins, after her 4th (senior) year in school she is considered an alum. A member may submit a written request for 5th year active status.

Over the years I've heard tons of PNMs and actives say they plan on being 5th year members. They probably have every intention of doing so at that particular point in time too. Yet in my 13 years of advising I've never had an official request. Again, why? Because typically when the time comes all they want to do is graduate, prepare for LSATs/MCATs/etc, look for a job, get into a grad school program, etc. They are happy not to have the obligations (time and money) of being an active sorority member any more.

Then again please keep in mind Bama has an upperclassmen quota. But before that came into place, it still wasn't taken into consideration for the same reasons stated above.

[deltalove16]

I've always wondered...what is the justification behind cutting girls based on classes? In my experience, the only issues came when a junior rushed and the only person who took her as a little was a sophomore, so the little graduated before the big. Still, not that big of a deal. Is there any justification behind only taking freshmen?

[Zillini]

Originally Posted by deltalove16

I've always wondered...what is the justification behind cutting girls based on classes? In my experience, the only issues came when a junior rushed and the only person who took her as a little was a sophomore, so the little graduated before the big. Still, not that big of a deal. Is there any justification behind only taking freshmen?

This is also a long term numbers and financial aspect to it. Here's what I mean, at Fantasy U quota is the same every year and there's 100% retention.

ABC chapter pledges quota of all freshmen in the fall every year. Therefore they lose the same amount of seniors every year after graduation as they pledge in the following recruitment.

DEF chapter also pledges quota every fall, but they have a mix of years in their class. After time some classes (year in school-wise) get larger than others. You can end up having more graduating seniors than next recruitment's quota. Then chapter total decreases which means less collected in dues, and/or budget cuts, and/or COR (time, effort and expense there too).

[epchick]

I think i've mentioned this before in another thread where a PNM said she was a sophomore/junior but had X more number of years left.

I come from a very small Greek system, and while I can't speak for what happens during recruitment, we have accepted sophomores, juniors and seniors.

BUT, my executive office does take into account what year you started school. So even if you are a junior but still have 5 years of school left, that DOES NOT mean you'll have 5 years in the sorority. To our executive office, you are a junior---which means you'll get 2 years out of the sorority (your junior year and your senior year). If you are lucky, you might get a 5th year.

I'm not sure if that is the same with the other 25 NPC organizations, but I think the PNMs need to be clear on that. They think that they can be an active member for as long as they are an undergrad, and many times it doesn't work that way.

[SunnyFLGirl]

Originally Posted by epchick

BUT, my executive office does take into account what year you started school. So even if you are a junior but still have 5 years of school left, that DOES NOT mean you'll have 5 years in the sorority. To our executive office, you are a junior---which means you'll get 2 years out of the sorority (your junior year and your senior year). If you are lucky, you might get a 5th year.

But, what if you're a transfer student and it's your first year at this school? For instance, I'm rushing as a junior transfer at a university next year, but I've been in community college for more than two years (changing majors kills). I'm assuming you mean the year you started at the university because otherwise, girls in my situation would only get one year (or none) if it's going by the year you started college in general.

[SigKapSweetie]

Originally Posted by SunnyFLGirl

But, what if you're a transfer student and it's your first year at this school? For instance, I'm rushing as a junior transfer at a university next year, but I've been in community college for more than two years (changing majors kills). I'm assuming you mean the year you started at the university because otherwise, girls in my situation would only get one year (or none) if it's going by the year you started college in general.

My understanding would be that they are counting full-term semesters of undergraduate work, regardless of the institution at which that work is performed. However, to the best of my knowledge, going alum as a fifth year is an option in my org, not the rule - my little sis did a five year master's program, and chose to go alum the fifth year because of the work load, but was given the option.

[SoCalGirl]

Originally Posted by SigKapSweetie

My understanding would be that they are counting full-term semesters of undergraduate work, regardless of the institution at which that work is performed. However, to the best of my knowledge, going alum as a fifth year is an option in my org, not the rule - my little sis did a five year master's program, and chose to go alum the fifth year because of the work load, but was given the option.

As far as HQ is concerned, it's not an option.

[SunnyFLGirl]

Originally Posted by SigKapSweetie

My understanding would be that they are counting full-term semesters of undergraduate work, regardless of the institution at which that work is performed. However, to the best of my knowledge, going alum as a fifth year is an option in my org, not the rule - my little sis did a five year master's program, and chose to go alum the fifth year because of the work load, but was given the option.

I'll have to check with my school (UCF) about this and see if it works the same way. I'll have 7 full-term semesters of undergraduate work already when I transfer, so I don't think I'll even bother rushing if that's the case. I don't think chapters will be very eager to give a girl a bid who can only be a member for a year at most and it doesn't seem worth it to me.