Just failed my new member exam- need some encouragement

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by Benzgirl

Why do I not remember taking an exam? Ok, so it was over 25 years ago.

Sisters, feel free to chime in. Was there a test?

Back in our day, sister, it was an oral quiz.. Oral Pledge Ceremony aka Fireside. We chose three questions from a bowl and answered them with the whole chapter looking on. These days, it's a written test that has to be passed (but not 100% like some orgs.. I think it's 80, but it might be 85). It is a national exam, cannot deviate from it, administered by an advisor. New members can retake it as often as necessary and it's usually given two weeks prior to Initiation so there is plenty of time. I think that's less nerve wracking than the oral one of our day!

I think the "no tests" policies are to avoid the hard nose "quizzing" of new members in inappropriate situations with hazing oriented consequences that used to happen in the old days. Like.. making someone do a shot when they get one wrong, asking insanely detailed questions like some absent senior member's dog's name, etc.

There was some discussion about getting rid of our exam with our new Alpha Experience program, but it was decided to continue it for now. Since we are moving to more of a "continuing education" through the years idea rather than a "learn everything when you're a new member and forget it by the time you're a senior" idea, it could make sense to do away with it, or to add exams each year on the material that should be learned that year. We'll see what the future brings

[FSUZeta]

we used to be quizzed during dinners when guests were not present, but actives-initiated sisters-could be quizzed too. believe me, if you were asked a question that you did not know the answer to, you definately knew it the next time around.

we had to learn the greek alphabet as well as the greek letters & we had to be able to identify the badges of each fraternity and sorority on campus(there were 18 sororities at the time can't remember how many fraternities there were). in addition, we had to know the names of all the fraternities and sororities on campus and to be able to recognize them written with their greek letters and know their colors and mascots/symbols.

we also had to learn the hometowns and majors of the initiated sisters. good times, good times.