Feeling Misled by Sorority

[MaggieXi]

I believe some campus Panhellenic's have dry new member periods, and was under the impression (maybe mistakenly) that this is an upward trend due to risk management issues. I thought it was to curb pressure on NMs to drink (whether hazing or peer pressure) after joining an organization, plus its illegal to drink alcohol if you are under 21.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by MaggieXi

I believe some campus Panhellenic's have dry new member periods, and was under the impression (maybe mistakenly) that this is an upward trend due to risk management issues. I thought it was to curb pressure on NMs to drink (whether hazing or peer pressure) after joining an organization, plus its illegal to drink alcohol if you are under 21.

If they aren't 21 they can't drink anyway. During pledge activities you aren't drinking anyway. But if you had a NM who WAS 21, and she got in trouble for, say, being at the local Applebee's and having a beer with dinner, or couldn't get served at a mixer held at a third party, she would definitely have a hazing case against the Panhellenic who made a "dry NM period" rule.

I realize at many schools this is a moot point as there aren't many pledges under 21, but the schools are setting themselves up for a lawsuit if that exception to the rule DOES come along.

[KALee94]

I really appreciate this thread. I am planning on attending a major party school in the SEC, but only because they have the best program for my major in the state. I really wanted to rush because of the sisterhood, philanthropy, and academic bent of social sororities, but I was worried about rushing when I don't drink or smoke or anything. Again, thanks for the thread and the replies.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by KALee94

I really appreciate this thread. I am planning on attending a major party school in the SEC, but only because they have the best program for my major in the state. I really wanted to rush because of the sisterhood, philanthropy, and academic bent of social sororities, but I was worried about rushing when I don't drink or smoke or anything. Again, thanks for the thread and the replies.

Good luck! As long as you keep an open mind, you'll be fine. Just wait for the excitement and newness of partying to wear off a little bit and find the girls in the chapter that feel the same way you do (there WILL be some). Be courteous to everyone, and be careful not to judge and you'll have a great experience.

And don't be afraid to go to parties and events. Just put some Coke in a Solo cup and have a good time.

[sydney bristow]

Originally Posted by Alumiyum

And don't be afraid to go to parties and events. Just put some Coke in a Solo cup and have a good time.

I'm 21 and I STILL do this. As long as you have a cup in your hand nobody is going to know what's in it and you'll be just fine.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by sydney bristow

I'm 21 and I STILL do this. As long as you have a cup in your hand nobody is going to know what's in it and you'll be just fine.

I did and do do it on nights when I have work/class the next morning and it's a great way to keep people from asking repeatedly if you want beer.

[TSteven]

Originally Posted by KALee94

I really appreciate this thread. I am planning on attending a major party school in the SEC, but only because they have the best program for my major in the state. I really wanted to rush because of the sisterhood, philanthropy, and academic bent of social sororities, but I was worried about rushing when I don't drink or smoke or anything. Again, thanks for the thread and the replies.

Well, that narrows it down to twelve schools.

[itb2a]

Don't sweat it.

The most respected brother in my fraternity did not drink or smoke. He did go to every party and event; and he (and his dates) always had fun.

If you stand by your principles, you will be respected.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by itb2a

The most respected brother in my fraternity did not drink or smoke. He did go to every party and event; and he (and his dates) always had fun.

Please note the bolded.

No one will care if you don't drink if you participate and are a fun and festive person. If, however, you use it as an excuse to not go to things or stand around like a bump on a log, you won't be very well liked in your sorority.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by 33girl

No one will care if you don't drink if you participate and are a fun and festive person.

Agree, and I'd add that being a fun person means not making any deal at all over either the fact that you're not drinking or the fact that others are.