Lots of questions! :)

laura.lynn · #1 05-05-2013, 11:05 PM

Im new with LOTS of questions!

Background on me: I am 28 years old attending a community college to get my Associates degree in business. After I complete this, I will be transffering to University of Houston- Clear Lake, to get my bachelors degree in marketing.

It took me nearly ten years out of high school to finally get to college. I am holding a 4.0 GPA and may even take the LSATS to possibly attend law school when all is said and done. I am a very driven person, and if I want something I typically go for it! I am also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

I have always wanted to be a member of a sorority, the friendship (sisterhood), and community service really stand out as a wonderful purpose to join one. Of course at the same time, I never imagined it would take me to the age of 28 to be in a place where I could join one. I have many questions!

1. Am I too old? I dont want to join a sorority for the parties and games. I wish to join one for the sisterhood and community service. I am aware that a majority of the group will be younger than me, perhaps I could be useful in a way as a leader or story of "what not to do."

2. There seems to be only one sorority on campus at U of H - Clear Lake, it was apparently started last year and its showing as a multi-cultural sorority. Does that mean that because im white, I would not be eligible?

3. If I am not eligible for the multi-cultural sorority. What is involved in starting a chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi or another sorority that is also Panhellenic? (Please be specific)

4. Do all sororites require people to live in a house with all the other girls? I have a fiance, and no children, but we have our own home, and I wouldnt want to move out of it.

I know I have a lot of questions, and most people with this many questions would just say, "screw it," but I am very serious about wanting to be involved in greek life. Its in my heart and mind, and I have to make it happen.

Dnpgopenguins · #2 05-05-2013, 11:09 PM

Hello to a fellow phi theta Kappa, like meeting fellow members.

I have read a lot of posts about starting an NCP sororities, try searching for it.
Good luck

laura.lynn · #3 05-05-2013, 11:32 PM

I am reading "Top Newbie Questions," and am laughing my ass off at the questions that people have asked, I hope that my questions aren't irritating or as repetitive as these.... I dont think they are.... but I am only on page 6 lol!

Thanks Dnpgopenguins!

BAckbOwlsgIrl · #4 05-05-2013, 11:49 PM

In order to bring a sorority to campus, it must first be open to expansion.

Even if the campus is open for expansion, Alpha Omicron Pi, or any other sorority may or may not be interested in that campus for whatever reason.

laura.lynn · #5 05-06-2013, 12:08 AM

Thanks Backbowlsgirl!

DubaiSis · #6 05-06-2013, 12:27 AM

But to cut to the chase re question 3, you are too old to join or start a collegiate NPC chapter. There are other, more age appropriate sisterhood opportunities, but NPC isn't among them.

AnchorAlumna · #7 05-06-2013, 12:46 AM

Multi-cultural means just that. If they won't take you because you're white, then they're not multi-cultural.

AZTheta · #8 05-06-2013, 12:47 AM

1. Probably.
2. No.
3. This link tells you specifics about expansion
4. If a chapter has a facility, generally speaking, living in is a requirement of membership. It depends on the chapter bylaws.

laura.lynn · #9 05-06-2013, 12:51 AM

I really appreciate all the feedback. I realize that you guys took the time to answer my questions and I reallllllly appreciate it. I have decided that it probably isnt realistic to join a "sorority" at my age, especially since there is a lack of options in the schools that I am attending to begin with. I guess I will just join clubs and other volunteer projects and hope that it fufills my desire for friendship and philanthropy.

I again, appreciate your feedback. You really helped me make the decision.

PhiAlpha05 · #10 05-06-2013, 02:04 PM

Welcome! It sounds like Beta Sigma Phi could potentially be an option for you--I'm not a member but, as I understand it, it's an international sorority whose chapters aren't tied to universities and don't have age limits. I believe there are several BSP members here who could tell you more about it. (The option was brought up when we were establishing our local at Michigan, and though we went a different route, it seemed like a really nice organization)

33girl · #11 05-06-2013, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

But to cut to the chase re question 3, you are too old to join or start a collegiate NPC chapter. There are other, more age appropriate sisterhood opportunities, but NPC isn't among them.

Absolutes don't wash. If I recall, several GCers of that age were charter members of a Phi Sigma Sigma chapter at one of the Cal State schools.

That being said...

according to Wikipedia, your school is only beginnning to offer freshman and sophomore classes in 2014. I don't know of any NPC that will colonize at a school where all 4 years of college are not included.

If you want to do community service, look into already established opportunities through the college and the community (such as Jaycees). You can build great friendships without slapping Greek letters on everything.