Questions for NPCers

[AngryApple]

Before I get into the questions, I should preface this:

Last fall (05) I was a transfer to a University; over the summer, I'd come across XYZ, a non-NPC chapter (rather, a UGC chapter). After the semester started (and subsequently, some research), I decided to participate in the sorority's Rush. I did get a bid, accepted it, and became a New Member. Long story short, I was de-pledged after about a week and a half.

Policies and Pledge requirements aside, I personally felt like I was not really welcomed into the GLO, despite the fact that it was a mutual decision. Perhaps I was, but I didn't feel like it; looking at the other (mostly NPC) sororities on campus, I felt like the NMs were not as cherished in the GLO that I was in as in others. And it was a small chapter: about 16 girls with five pledges (all of whom de-pledged; myself and another girl were the last ones finished and were informed by the chapter that they were halting our process).

I have no bad feelings towards them whatsoever.

However, now I'm seriously debating participating in the 2006 NPC Fall Rush. As a sophmore/junior, I feel even more nervous about it because of the nature of my college standing. Anyway...

My question is, how do you feel about recruiting new members? Is it exciting, or is it more burdensome? My main concern is that if I somehow make it through everything I may end up with the same scenario. Are my feelings completely unfounded, or is what I went through a less-than-usual experience?

I also want to find out if it was more awkward for upper(upper!)classmen to participate in Rush than it may be for underclassmen (Apologies; I realize this as been asked countless times in many different ways)? Is there necessarily more pressure, and are they/are they not held to the same standards as the underclass PNMs? Do Sororities feel like there is a different attitude/stigma/smell/anything? about upperclass Rushees?

One last (potentially repetitive) question: When you were rushing, did you feel that the GLOs tended to represent the core ideals of their Organizations pretty accurately?


Thank you guys a bunch, and I'm sorry for all the repetitiveness!

[PM_Mama00]

Everyone will probably say the same thing as far as how each GLO stands by their ideals. It varies chapter to chapter. In my own collegiate chapter, it varies sister to sister.

As far as rushing as an upperclassman, that also varies per campus. My campus, which was small and commuter (total for the NPCs is 45) was not competitive at all... so we never really looked at class standing and it was more of a "do we like her, do we feel comfortable with her as a sister, will she fit in" kind of thing. Other campuses, mainly in the south (from what I've gathered on GC) are competitive and do consider class standing... but I won't talk about that since I know nothing about it. To give accurate advice regarding that situation, we'd have to know either what campus you're at or what the campus is like.

In either way, good luck with your decision! I love being a part of an NPC and the history that Phi Mu holds, and I hope that you have your chance at becoming an NPC sister!

[SigKapCoug]

My chapter has no problem with pledging upperclassmen. There is a junior in my pledge class, and the current new members are a sophomore, a junior, and a senior (though, she won't graduate for a couple of years).

I say give it a shot.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

A GREAT deal of my pledge class (Fall 05) were older girls. There is a big variety of situations and class standings. I'm a junior as are some of my closest. We had some who were seniors, one that is 25, a couple of 23 year olds ( I don't know their standing) but we are a variety, although the majority are freshman I believe.

[Denise_DPhiE]

Assuming your location means near Dallas, you have to ask yourself how competitive the NPC groups are on your campus and DO they take upperclasswomen? TX is VERY competitive in many places in and around Dallas. The Greek Life office will have this info on how many upperclasswomen were pledged. You probably had a less than ideal experience and I am glad you are considering participating with NPC groups. I think you should start fresh and probably consider not elaborating on your experiecne this year with anyone else who might meet you in recruitment later (floor mates, friends of roommate etc).

Formal recruitment tends to be a little more of a "show" on some campuses (search threads called formal recruitment) but if you look past the outfits and decorations and listen closely, you will see if their true colors show and they embody their values. Have fun with it and be sure to give every organization your full attention and see where you might find your home. Don't be swayed by your friends who might drop houses for no good reason. Give everyone a chance and you will maximize your oportunity to become a member of an NPC group.

Denise

[PhoenixAzul]

My theory on these types of threads is "nothing ventured, nothing gained". Give it a go, if it doesn't work out, at least you'll know.