Recommendation Caution to PNM's

[ComradesTrue]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Stab in the dark:

Maybe it's because of the groups who don't require recs to pledge a woman or who are mainly at schools where recs aren't used? Like so it doesn't deter women from rushing at schools like that? As I said, just pulling that one out of the air.

This does make sense, however, I guess my (poorly worded, apparantly) question more deals with letting the organizations, schools and chapters decide for themselves if recs are important. Those groups/schools that do place high emphasis on recs can honestly advertise as such. Those that don't give a flying flip about recs can say that as well.

In other words, let the emphasis be on honesty, instead of trying to change decades and decades of how chapters have dealt with this. Zillini is right. The NPC can do what it wants, but campus culture is going to dictate how recs/invites are handled. This only further hurts those same PNMs mentioned above who do not come from Greek families, or who come from regions where importance is not placed on recs.

I saw firsthand these women, who could have been assets to any chapter, get released after first round from virtually all ten houses on campus simply because they trusted our Greek Life website. There was absolutely nothing wrong with them except that they were naive to the system.

ETA: to further clarify, I do think that recs are a very helpful measure for PNMs in larger, fall recruitments, and would hate to see that factor be eliminated from the selection process. However, I just want to be able to give PNMs the honest head's up that they need to secure these.

[33girl]

I think you're right. NPC needs to stop trying to be so freakin' politically correct and just accept that in some areas and schools, Greek life is what it is and it ain't gonna change even if the 26 NPC delegates voting are the most futuristic thinking women that ever have worn Greek letters on their boobs.

See also: "Rush with frills will be completely gone from campuses by 1995, I mean 1998, I mean 2000, etc etc etc..." That concept did so much for Panhellenic unity! Instead of the frills disappearing and conversation appearing, you got balloon counting, infractions for confetti on soles of shoes, and an additional way for already hypercompetitive Greek systems to fink on their fellow GLOs. Kum bah yah! Feel the love!!! If NPC would have just kept their mouths shut, who knows - maybe the collegians would have decided on their own (gasp) that spending the equivalent of a year's mortgage on fabric for the walls was a stupid idea.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I think you're right. NPC needs to stop trying to be so freakin' politically correct and just accept that in some areas and schools, Greek life is what it is and it ain't gonna change even if the 26 NPC delegates voting are the most futuristic thinking women that ever have worn Greek letters on their boobs.

Yep.

I personally see nothing wrong with NPC saying something like "there are some schools at which it is HIGHLY beneficial to secure them."

That'll never happen, and PNMs at schools like Texas, Bama, etc. will continue to be told that they don't need them.

[ForeverRoses]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

Yep.

I personally see nothing wrong with NPC saying something like "there are some schools at which it is HIGHLY beneficial to secure them."

That'll never happen, and PNMs at schools like Texas, Bama, etc. will continue to be told that they don't need them.

I was at my son's soccer practice last night wearing a new tee shirt from my chapter's founders day celebrations (I couldn't attend, but I did order the really cute shirt!).

Anyway, one of the other Moms aproached me and asked if I would be willing to be the AOII on her daughter's list of people for recs. Since I know her daughter I said I would be thrilled- but I didn't realize her daughter was that old ( thought maybe she just looked really young?). She responded that her daughter will be a freshman in high school next year, but it is never too early to start a list of people you know that are greek. I was a little surprised, since here in Indiana, recs aren't THAT big of a deal, but then I discovered that Mom was greek at the University of Texas. then it all made sense!

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by ForeverRoses

I was at my son's soccer practice last night wearing a new tee shirt from my chapter's founders day celebrations (I couldn't attend, but I did order the really cute shirt!).

Anyway, one of the other Moms aproached me and asked if I would be willing to be the AOII on her daughter's list of people for recs. Since I know her daughter I said I would be thrilled- but I didn't realize her daughter was that old ( thought maybe she just looked really young?). She responded that her daughter will be a freshman in high school next year, but it is never too early to start a list of people you know that are greek. I was a little surprised, since here in Indiana, recs aren't THAT big of a deal, but then I discovered that Mom was greek at the University of Texas. then it all made sense!

HA. How funny.

I'm in Ohio (which much like Indiana, doesn't see much of a need for recs outside of like 2 schools) but I have been contacted by parents whose kids are headed out of state to SEC schools. Granted, the SEC schools don't have Tri Sigma chapters, but I DO have buddies from other sororities that may be willing to help out.

That's why it's good for PNMs to ask ANY sorority member they know--even if their org doesn't have a chapter at the school the PNM is attending. You never know who they know!

[ForeverRoses]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

HA. How funny.

I'm in Ohio (which much like Indiana, doesn't see much of a need for recs outside of like 2 schools) but I have been contacted by parents whose kids are headed out of state to SEC schools. Granted, the SEC schools don't have Tri Sigma chapters, but I DO have buddies from other sororities that may be willing to help out.

That's why it's good for PNMs to ask ANY sorority member they know--even if their org doesn't have a chapter at the school the PNM is attending. You never know who they know!

I'm from Ohio and I can't even think of two schools there where you would NEED recs- maybe Miami but that is it? unless things have really changed... but yeah, the Mom said I was the first AOII she has met- although I'm sure she knows more, she just doesn't know they are greek. (and since my sister is an Alpha Gam I'm sure I can get her that rec too.) Seriously, it doesn't hurt to ask!

My niece is a senior in high school this year and has talked about wanting to rush when she goes to college. Now I'm just trying to encourage her to go to schools with an active AOII chapter...

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by ForeverRoses

I'm from Ohio and I can't even think of two schools there where you would NEED recs- maybe Miami but that is it? unless things have really changed... but yeah, the Mom said I was the first AOII she has met- although I'm sure she knows more, she just doesn't know they are greek. (and since my sister is an Alpha Gam I'm sure I can get her that rec too.) Seriously, it doesn't hurt to ask!

My niece is a senior in high school this year and has talked about wanting to rush when she goes to college. Now I'm just trying to encourage her to go to schools with an active AOII chapter...

I've *heard* of alot of PNMs having them at OSU, but I don't think they're "make or break." I tell any Miami PNM to get them.

Where did you go to school?