Initiation Ceremony: what if you can't attend??

[littleowl33]

I agree with most of what's been said - the scholarship is more important.

Have your daughter check the timing, because often Initiations are at weird times, like early in the morning or at night. She may still be able to make both.

If not, have her tell the New Member Chair right away. If it's a small pledge class or there's some flexibility, they may be able to move the ceremony to accomidate her.

If worst comes to worst, she can be Initiated at another school if there's a chapter nearby with a similar schedule, or they'll get her Initiated at a later ceremony. Our Nationals frowns on doing two Initiations in one semester, especially if it's just for one or two girls. A few years ago 4 girls out of a smaller class were at a meet, so we held another Initiation the weekend after. This year 2 girls of a bigger class had conflicts, and we were told they just had to wait and be Initiated next semester with our COR class since no other chapters close by were having Initiations. A pain in the butt for the girls, but not a big deal in the long run. They were treated as regular sisters, but just didn't know the ritual.

[PeppyGPhiB]

Originally Posted by littleowl33

If worst comes to worst, she can be Initiated at another school if there's a chapter nearby with a similar schedule, or they'll get her Initiated at a later ceremony. Our Nationals frowns on doing two Initiations in one semester, especially if it's just for one or two girls. A few years ago 4 girls out of a smaller class were at a meet, so we held another Initiation the weekend after. This year 2 girls of a bigger class had conflicts, and we were told they just had to wait and be Initiated next semester with our COR class since no other chapters close by were having Initiations. A pain in the butt for the girls, but not a big deal in the long run. They were treated as regular sisters, but just didn't know the ritual.

This ^.

Initiation is a lot of work for the chapter and everyone is required to be there. I wouldn't want to plan more than one a semester.

[texas*princess]

Originally Posted by kddani

I would suggest that this is something for your daughter to figure out on her own.

I agree.

[33girl]

Just a note that everyone's initiation is different in terms of complexity. Doing a second initiation can range from "no biggie" to "need dispensation from Pope." So definitely talk to your NME ASAP and find out what your options are.

ps: I do agree with OP that it sounds like the funding person for the scholarship is being a dick, but you really can't argue with them if you don't want to lose it.

[XAntoftheSkyX]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

NO!!!

Just have her talk to somebody in charge at the sorority. I know one of my Brothers at another chapter had to work the same day of initiation and they just did a separate ceremony for him. I;m sure they will be willing to work with her.

^ This. Two of my brothers and I were initiated after the others in our class because of academics/funeral arrangements. It is completely possibly to have a separate ceremony for her.

[pbear19]

Depending on the amount of local alumnae support, and depending on whether the chapter has their ritual down or not, perhaps they could be sold on doing a second initiation sooner than later as an initiation workshop. Something more informative and educational than normal. Our local chapter did that last year, and they seemed to really enjoy the educational aspect of it. Just a thought.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Just a note that everyone's initiation is different in terms of complexity. Doing a second initiation can range from "no biggie" to "need dispensation from Pope."

This just put a great image in my head.

[lilzetakitten]

One of our NM one year RSVP'd to a wedding that ended up being the same day as initiation. We just held a much smaller initiation ceremony for her the next day. Your daughter should talk to the new member coordinator ASAP.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by XAntoftheSkyX

It is completely possibly to have a separate ceremony for her.

Like 33girl said, maybe it is completely possible, maybe it isn't. We don't know what org the OP's daughter pledged, so we don't have any idea whether the daughter's chapter would consider it no big deal.

Originally Posted by lilzetakitten

Your daughter should talk to the new member coordinator ASAP.

This. Move to end debate before we have 5 pages of "I agree, she should talk with her new member coordinator."