Does a shorter associate program lead to more drop-outs?

[Mevara]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

^^^This is why I was SUPER happy that when we launched Essential Sigma (switching from just NM ed to total member ed) that we kept our New Member Test as a component of the NM sequence of the program. I feel like it impresses important info into your brain because you have to pass to initiate.

When I was in the chapter I was in charge of Initiation one year. I tried to give the NMs a test about our history,founders etc. and was told I could not. Giving them a test was considered hazing and we were very good about not hazing. Ever since then I have felt the NMs (and later as actives) knew very little about what our sorority on a local or national level really was about.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by Mevara

When I was in the chapter I was in charge of Initiation one year. I tried to give the NMs a test about our history,founders etc. and was told I could not. Giving them a test was considered hazing and we were very good about not hazing. Ever since then I have felt the NMs (and later as actives) knew very little about what our sorority on a local or national level really was about.

Yeah, the only reason it's not for us is because it's a part of the program. I don't know if every chapter does this, but mine had initiated members re-take it every year with the NMs too, just as a refresher.

Also, and this is just my own opinion here, I feel like there's a link in retention and the Big-Little Sis program. Too often, I think the Big/Little relationship becomes mostly about gifts and chapters don't use it to its full potential as a MENTOR relationship, which is what I feel it's meant to be. My Big did WAY more for me than just give me presents. I am who I am today in Sigma because she modeled involvement to me and I said "I want to be like that."

[thetalady]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

Also, and this is just my own opinion here, I feel like there's a link in retention and the Big-Little Sis program. Too often, I think the Big/Little relationship becomes mostly about gifts and chapters don't use it to its full potential as a MENTOR relationship,

AMEN!!! I agree that the Big/ Little program is absolutely key to retention, a cohesive chapter and even involvement as an alum after graduation.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by thetalady

AMEN!!! I agree that the Big/ Little program is absolutely key to retention, a cohesive chapter and even involvement as an alum after graduation.

I'm glad I'm not the only person with that opinion.

It's SUCH a valuable tool that chapters don't use to its fullest extent/potential. So many positive things can come out of taking it to that mentorship level instead of letting it just be a presentfest.

[AOIIalum]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

I'm glad I'm not the only person with that opinion.

It's SUCH a valuable tool that chapters don't use to its fullest extent/potential. So many positive things can come out of taking it to that mentorship level instead of letting it just be a presentfest.

YES!!! It's so not about presents, although it's nice to get a bunch of letter items or sorority gifts. It's also not (necessarily) about being best friends, either. If you get your New Member programming correct--and continue to build on that throughout the years I believe it'll be a lot easier to retain those members. Member education and attention just doesn't end after initiation!