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

[*winter*]

This thread has been very interesting. About 8 or 9 years after college, I started hanging around here and reading about sororities. I was shocked to find out that many of the things I did to get into Gamma Sigma Sigma would now be considered hazing! We did pledge books, interviews, pledge projects/activities, tests, etc. Of course none of it was done in a "hazing" sort of way...but there were points assigned and it was expected that you would WANT to get to know the history, the other sisters, and the organization. I personally liked the interviews, we got to make up our own questions so I found out some interesting things about people. I'm shy so it was a good conversation starter and a great way to discover connections with active sisters (shared major, interests, etc.) From there things develop into spending time together studying or sharing those interests, then into real friendships.

I get why anti-hazing is important, but I think we've reached a point where we are throwing out the baby with the bath water. People don't feel connected to organizations or to their "sisters" so why stick around? You can use these sorts of activities as "hazing" opportunities, but then again, even with all the "bans" on this, that and the other thing...people still get hazed. If people are that intent on hazing their NMs they will find a way...

[DGTess]

Originally Posted by *winter*

This thread has been very interesting. About 8 or 9 years after college, I started hanging around here and reading about sororities. I was shocked to find out that many of the things I did to get into Gamma Sigma Sigma would now be considered hazing! We did pledge books, interviews, pledge projects/activities, tests, etc. Of course none of it was done in a "hazing" sort of way...but there were points assigned and it was expected that you would WANT to get to know the history, the other sisters, and the organization. I personally liked the interviews, we got to make up our own questions so I found out some interesting things about people. I'm shy so it was a good conversation starter and a great way to discover connections with active sisters (shared major, interests, etc.) From there things develop into spending time together studying or sharing those interests, then into real friendships.

I get why anti-hazing is important, but I think we've reached a point where we are throwing out the baby with the bath water. People don't feel connected to organizations or to their "sisters" so why stick around? You can use these sorts of activities as "hazing" opportunities, but then again, even with all the "bans" on this, that and the other thing...people still get hazed. If people are that intent on hazing their NMs they will find a way...

I agree with you.

I nearly lost it when I was told one of my most cherished traditions as a collegian was eliminated because "someone" "might" consider it hazing. It had never (to the best of my knowledge) been anything but a pleasant occasion for any of the sisters in my year groups. I had not heard of any issues, but since there was no "education value" to it, it went away. I thought sororities were supposed to be another form of education, and never wanted to see a pledge period as just another class.