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.