alternatives to the word "pledge"

[AnchorAlumna]

I believe (and am pretty sure I was told) that the terminology change and the shortened pledge/new member periods for NPC groups came about due to pressures from university administrations in an effort to reduce hazing. We can all probably query our international NPC reps to find out the background.

For NPC sororities, hazing incidents are not the norm. When they happen, they are against all teachings of that group and chapters are generally dealt with vigorously and swiftly. But administrations don't differentiate between fraternities and sororities, so the same changes were demanded of both.

At any rate....our pledge class did not get initiated until mid-February after a September pledging, so I was glad to see a shortened pledge period....but six (official) weeks? It's insane! I've been surprised that the lack of a grade requirement hasn't backfired. But I think a longer new member period would do a world of good toward properly educating our new members and to them bonding with their sisters.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AnchorAlumna

I believe (and am pretty sure I was told) that the terminology change and the shortened pledge/new member periods for NPC groups came about due to pressures from university administrations in an effort to reduce hazing. We can all probably query our international NPC reps to find out the background.

For NPC sororities, hazing incidents are not the norm. When they happen, they are against all teachings of that group and chapters are generally dealt with vigorously and swiftly. But administrations don't differentiate between fraternities and sororities, so the same changes were demanded of both.

But many fraternities still use the word "pledge." If the change really was something that university administrators demanded, it would appear that the demand was ignored by many fraternities.

[NutBrnHair]

Chi Omega remains the only NPC group who waits for grades to initiate the following semester (except with deferred recruitment -- they've already "made" their grades). I believe we started using the term "New Member" in the early 2000's.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

But many fraternities still use the word "pledge." If the change really was something that university administrators demanded, it would appear that the demand was ignored by many fraternities.

I don't think that administrators demanded a new word. I think they demanded an end to hazing, and NPC sororities tried to distance themselves from fraternities.

[DubaiSis]

Or in other words, it wasn't even throwing the baby out with the bath water. It was throwing the baby out because flat tire. Solution had nothing to do with the problem. And in the meantime rushees think that they have very much of a say during rush (their opinion is minimal) and they get cranky when the singing, clapping and tears stop. And yes, they think initiation is automatic, but in reality it pretty much always was. Still, I don't see a problem with making the girls think they need to earn it. Not via hazing, but in having to learn the history, policies, tenets, etc. and dare I say get tested on it.

I say turn them back into pledges and turn down the gifts. Not off, god forbid, but just dial it back to something less of a 24/7 party for 6 weeks.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

I don't think that administrators demanded a new word. I think they demanded an end to hazing, and NPC sororities tried to distance themselves from fraternities.

Yes, that I could easily believe.

[33girl]

^^Although that will never happen, as much as so many NPC big cheeses would love it, because the plain fact of the matter is that most women in sororities like to associate with men in fraternities.