My alma mater was a small school, and even though being Greek was a big deal, our house totals were only 50. Quota was usually around 14. We had a legacy in my pledge class, and she was treated like royalty because her sister was a VP and very active sister. We had a legacy come through following that who also had a very active sister, but the girl wasn't exactly a good fit for us. Okay - she was, and we bid her, but she was VERY cocky all during the parties. She would start telling the other PNM's about all the "AXO" stuff (like - that's their badge, its designed after the first instrument played by the gods) -- that type stuff. We discussed it, but we really knew that we would bid her. Being such a small system, we couldn't really turn her down.
I do know some schools with HUGE systems that cuts legacies because they say if they didn't, the whole pledge class would be legacies. I know that for me, if any of my 4 nieces go to a school and want to be an AXO and don't get it, I would be MOST disappointed. Yeah, you can say "well what if she doesn't fit" but still - I can't imagine that conversation. Of course the oldest is 5 and the youngest 4 months, so I guess I have time...
My take on retention is that the parent, grandparent, whatever REALLY REALLY needs to do their part -- I liked whomever said "home rushing" -- not so much a "if you don't go my chapter I'll be mad" thing, but a "I love my sisters/brothers so much that I can't imagine not having them" thing. My life is surrounded by AXO - my best friends are AXO's, my involvement with both alum and collegiate chapters is high, etc. And that's something my nieces already see. They come to visit and they know my friends. They love to listen to us sing and play with our badges. So although they are too young to know or care about a sorority, as they grow, they will continue to interact with the people in my life that are AXO's. So I think its always a big help if the person is able to talk about how wonderful being an "XYZ" is and helps the PNM to see why.
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