Eliminating Courting

[STL Kappa]

Usually we end up in triads because the fraternities outnumber the sororities... and the fraternities are randomly paired in order to come up with similar totals so that no one triad has the advantage of having much more people than another... kind of similar I suppose.

[RedRoseSAI]

Originally posted by STL Kappa
the whole concept of Homecoming was founded at Mizzou so it's a HUGE event for us.

<hijack>

It's funny how many schools lay claim to being the "first" to ever have a homecoming-type event. I know of about 4 universities that SWEAR they were the first ever. Mostly likely the concept took root at all of those schools around the same time.

</hijack>

[STL Kappa]

Haha... yes, and for all I know, Mizzou "founding" Homecoming could be one big lie. But I'm a Greek, and I've lived in Missouri my entire life... so it's been drilled in my head by sisters, alums, etc.

[exlurker]

Update, Oct. '05: Missouri Panhellenic Changes "Courting"

Sororities at the University of Missouri have voted to revamp the “courting” process substantially, essentially eliminating the highly competitive previous system, which was described as --

During the courting process, chapters send Interfraternity Council chapters gifts, such as cakes, flowers and pizzas, in hopes of being selected as partners in Greek competitions such as Homecoming and Greek Week. Competition runs high among sororities to win the fraternity of their choice . . . .

According to one of the campus papers, at least some of the fraternities don’t like the changes that Panhellenic has made. Panhellenic apparently was concerned about the degree of competition involved, and when the Interfraternity Council did not agree to proposed changes, Panhellenic decided to make changes itself.

See the article at --

http://www.themaneater.com/article.php?id=22412

[TigerOwl]

Perfect! Good news to hear. It was getting way out of line on two fronts--------money and time.

[Tom Earp]

Guess I have been out of School to long!

Used to be that each Org. did their own thing and Floats were fantastic, not drug by a car or pickup truck. But cost has to be a big thing in any Houses budget.

Mizzu always does things differently. Change Arena from a Twit to Mizzu Arena! Damn, a lot of imagination there!

Courting a Group to be partners with for H C? Wow, I am getting to Mature for this !!!!

As for Mixers or run outs, the social chair got with another social chair and said Hey, want to do a run out?

Everything is so PC!

[STL Kappa]

Originally posted by TigerOwl
Perfect! Good news to hear. It was getting way out of line on two fronts--------money and time.

I disagree. I'm saddened that courting is no longer allowed. I feel like some members were very much influenced to vote in favor of the amendment, specifically new members who knew nothing of courting and had no opinion but were asked to vote anyways.

Fraternities are still allowed to court, but it's unfortunate that we can't respond. It's a unique tradition that sororities no longer have... Plus, writing letters to fraternities to show that your interested in participating in an event with them has already proven problematic...

[UofISigKap]

The pulling names out of a hat just is amazing to me. Since there are so many houses at Illinois, having an event with every sorority/fraternity was out of the question. We didn't call it "courting," but serenade week was a HUGE deal when I was there a few short years ago.

Obviously there are some houses that everone wants to have mixers, football block, happy hours, BBQs, or Greek sing with, and therefore don't *need* to put forth as much effort. Some go for it anyway because it's fun! Everyone knew what night was the main sorority serenade night and what evening was for the fraternities, and everyone would be at their houses waiting for the show to begin! The remaining days were for the "courting."

I know that some groups would make dinner announcements to houses that consisted of bringing a big cookie and say, "the men/women of XYZ would like you to consider and vote for us for next sememster pairings." Often houses combined that with skits, Pokey Sticks, singing, dancing, flowers, offer Taxi nights, etc... to get their name out in hopes of getting the votes from the chapter to mix with the next sememster.

I can still picture the fraternity Muppet Show dances, the knock-off of the Chris Farley Chippendale skit, Who Wants to be a Millionare skits, live bands, and milk and cookies with a Dr. Suess book reading. I remember our songs, themes, and dances too.

LOTS of time went into these since it decided who you paired with, which can affect your recruitment in the fall. I can see why Missouri would want the change, but then again, I have some great memories from ours.

[afboiler]

At Purdue we did this but called it Butterups

A sorority and fraternity were paired up for an entire football season. We tailgated together

And then you were paired up again in the Spring for Grand Prix Week. Just a week of partying before a "go-cart" race.

There were rules that were "followed" It was my favorite time of year.

Then each house picked 3 houses and rank ordered them. Then whatever matched up they were "buddies"

[LightBulb]

We don't have courting at my current (at least I don't think we do, but I haven't been here long) or my former school, but it sounds fun. I'm sad to hear that they are watering down tradition... even to the point that the letters have to be pre-approved. Thumbs down!