Non Traditional Student

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by Greek2B

Question 2: Would I fit in better with a group like Alpha Phi Omega? My understanding is they are strictly service oriented.

Service organizations are good to look into, however, please consider the type of experience you're looking for. Alot of people who are interested in a sorority join Alpha Phi Omega thinking that it will be the same experience as an NPC sorority and it is not. It provides a different (good, but different) experience.

[Greek2B]

Makes sense, but if I'm too old for an NPC experience what other choices do I have! I definitily want to get involved in my college community in some fashon.

Thanks KSUViolet

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by Greek2B

Makes sense, but if I'm too old for an NPC experience what other choices do I have! I definitily want to get involved in my college community in some fashon.

Thanks KSUViolet

You're welcome, like I said, there is no hard in just going through recruitment and seeing what happens, it's just probably not likely.

And Alpha Phi Omega is a good group to check out, as long as you are aware that it is not the same type of org as a sorority.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

Like many have said, if you would like to try, there is no harm in it. Like most other things in life, the worst you'll get is a no and you can just move on.

My chapter (not at your school) pledged a woman who was thirty once a while back. (I recently met her and now I see why. [She's awesome!]) Would it happen now? Not as likely, but still a small possibility.

Everyone is welcome to rush. Bids, however, are not guaranteed. If you feel something more service-social than social-service or academic-social (ala AKPsi or BAPsi or what have you) rather than social-academic is a better way for you to branch out, then by all means investigate those options at your school.

[texas*princess]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

Service organizations are good to look into, however, please consider the type of experience you're looking for. Alot of people who are interested in a sorority join Alpha Phi Omega thinking that it will be the same experience as an NPC sorority and it is not. It provides a different (good, but different) experience.

Very true.

The same holds true for professional GLOs.

[Greek2B]

Well, I still have time to decide how much humiliation I'm willing to endure being the "old lady" at Rush. Maybe I'll amuse everyone here and post about my experience if I go through with it. Although at that point I'll probably need a new screen name! ;-)

[Greek2B]

Originally Posted by BabyPiNK_FL

If you feel something more service-social than social-service or academic-social (ala AKPsi or BAPsi or what have you) rather than social-academic is a better way for you to branch out, then by all means investigate those options at your school.

Looks like I have more research to do! Thanks!!

[bear_down]

I don't mean this to come off as rude, but at 29, you have no possibility of receiving a bid at Arizona. There really is not an easy way to say that. It may be the west, but we have one of the most competitive recruitments outside of the SEC. Greek life is extremely traditional and so is the age range of the members.

Also all chapters have a live-in requirement. Would you really want to spend two years living with the daily drama of a bunch of 19 and 20 year olds? Trust me. It's hard enough when you're the same age range!

[ThetaPrincess24]

Is Arizona big into recommendations for recruitment?

[ASUADPi]

I'm not sure if U of A is big on recommendations. What I do know is that recruitment numbers (girls participating) has gone up, chapter sizes have gone up and that is why we were asked to come back a year early. I heard that about 1000 girls go through recruitment, not sure if that is true or not.

I'm 30. I love being in my sorority. I am absolutely thrilled that my chapter of initiation is back at U of A, but quite honestly I can't imagine being an active member now, at my age. I say this mainly because their priorities as an 18-22year old, are completely different then mine.

Also, as bear_down said, the chapters do require a 2 year live in. So you would need to ask yourself, "can I live with 18-22 year olds for 2 years". On the other hand though, age is just a number.

Now, with everything that has been "said" and you still are like "I wanna try it", I say go for it! Yes, you might not get a bid, but you will meet new people and since you have stated that quite a few of your friends are people in this age range, you might make some new friends.

None of us can speak for the chapters and how they will respond to you. As OTW said, recruitment is a mutual selection process.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[AZ-AlphaXi]

Originally Posted by ASUADPi

I'm not sure if U of A is big on recommendations. What I do know is that recruitment numbers (girls participating) has gone up, chapter sizes have gone up and that is why we were asked to come back a year early. I heard that about 1000 girls go through recruitment, not sure if that is true or not.

this is true .. last year over 1100 women signed up for recruitment.

[bear_down]

Originally Posted by ThetaPrincess24

Is Arizona big into recommendations for recruitment?

Yes.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by bear_down

I don't mean this to come off as rude, but at 29, you have no possibility of receiving a bid at Arizona. There really is not an easy way to say that. It may be the west, but we have one of the most competitive recruitments outside of the SEC. Greek life is extremely traditional and so is the age range of the members.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I was going to say, just from what I've learned about the school on GC. Don't embarrass yourself, and don't put the rushees in the position of having to feel bad about cutting you.

Join Alpha Phi Omega IF AND ONLY IF you are committed to service and joining for service first and foremost. It is not a social Greek substitute.

Most schools have some sort of an organization for nontrational students - I would look into those.

[ThetaDancer]

Originally Posted by Greek2B

Makes sense, but if I'm too old for an NPC experience what other choices do I have! I definitily want to get involved in my college community in some fashon.

Keep in mind that at a school that large, there are likely to be tons of organizations you can get involved with...colleges can have clubs for just about every interest/hobby/goal imaginable and membership is often open to any student. Are you already at U of A or will you be starting in the fall? Keep your eyes and ears open for clubs and groups that may be of interest to you. Good luck!

[texas*princess]

If you are really into service, maybe check out the Junior League in your area. Being involved w/ the JL still affords you the opportunity to make new friendships while helping others.