University of Arkansas Rec Letter Help

[AnchorAlumna]

I haven't seen in school directory in almost 20 years - privacy concerns. Which is a bummer because when you start to plan your class reunion, you have NOTHING to go on.
And phone books are becoming less and helpful, since people left and right are dropping their landlines.
Try whitepages.com. If you have an address, check the "address and neighbors" tab. Some people think it's creepy, but for decades there were city directories that listed this publicly-available information. I've been know to check the county tax assessor's office to find property owners.
Also google their name, with the city or state. You never know what might pop up.
And don't be discouraged if they don't answer their Facebook messages. Just yesterday I discovered a who 'nother message list that had messages 3 years old.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by AnchorAlumna

And don't be discouraged if they don't answer their Facebook messages. Just yesterday I discovered a who 'nother message list that had messages 3 years old.

OMG I KNOW THE LIST YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT AND I HATE ITS GUTS!! It's basically a dumping ground for group messages, some of which I would have really wanted to know about if I'd gotten them in time. I hate that the majority of the groups don't work anymore.

And that brings me back to what the OP is asking - if all you truly have is FB info, don't send them a message. Post on their wall. Don't post your number, just that you are looking for recs. That being said, how old are your "old" teachers? I thought everyone over 40 was like me and kept their land line just because they can't imagine not having one.

[AnchorAlumna]

I dont' think you can post on someone's wall unless they friend you. Is that right?

[33girl]

Originally Posted by AnchorAlumna

I dont' think you can post on someone's wall unless they friend you. Is that right?

It depends how their settings are set. Some people have their pages so that you can't message them, either, for that matter.

Which brings us to what we are all saying, get off the computer and get on the phone and use it as it was originally intended!

[Titchou]

Join LinkedIn.com and see if any teachers, preachers, etc are there.

[wavycutchip]

Just FYI - here are the Arkansas Panhellenic Recruitment Rules: http://uagreeks.uark.edu/documents/R...pril_2012).pdf

Great idea about Linkedin.com, Titchou!

[Titchou]

You can receive messages unless you turn that option off.

[33girl]

That's what I mean - some people go on uber lockdown and set their pages so that they won't get messages from people they aren't friended with, won't get friend requests - there are many options. Lots of people want to make it so that they are the only ones doing the initial contacting.

[tpiazza]

What I meant by that was the graduated girls I have talked to have yet to reply. I am not allowed to talk to any current members about anything Greek related anyway because our school has very strict summer rules and I don't want to feel like I'm toeing the line. It would be very easy for me to get cut from rush on suspicion of "dirty rush"
When I say that I am the first person in my family to go Greek, I mean literally the first. No one in my family has gone Greek. No grandmothers, aunts, cousins or extended family members.
I have contacted a fraternity alum and he is asking some of his friends, but he just got back from his honeymoon so it has been a slow process.

[arrowlady]

Originally Posted by tpiazza

What I meant by that was the graduated girls I have talked to have yet to reply. I am not allowed to talk to any current members about anything Greek related anyway because our school has very strict summer rules and I don't want to feel like I'm toeing the line. It would be very easy for me to get cut from rush on suspicion of "dirty rush"
When I say that I am the first person in my family to go Greek, I mean literally the first. No one in my family has gone Greek. No grandmothers, aunts, cousins or extended family members.
I have contacted a fraternity alum and he is asking some of his friends, but he just got back from his honeymoon so it has been a slow process.

But maybe one of your Grandmothers, Aunts or cousins know someone who is greek from their current friends and neighbors?

[gee_ess]

Originally Posted by tpiazza

I have contacted a fraternity alum and he is asking some of his friends, but he just got back from his honeymoon so it has been a slow process.

This is a decent step but very passive aggressive. Call your frat friend back. Ask him for the names and numbers of the women he knows. He has had time to think. It is not that hard. Then YOU call and introduce yourself, explain you are Frat Boy's friend, and ask for help with recruitment. Offer to meet for ice crem so the women can get to know you, etc.

Now, after all of the help, advice you have gotten over two days, I really hope your next post is one where you tell us that you followed at least one of the very specific suggestions that have been given here. Not trying to be ugly, but we have literally given you a step by step process and I don't think you have followed any of it- in the way we told you to do so.

[Greek_or_Geek?]

Originally Posted by gee_ess

Now, after all of the help, advice you have gotten over two days, I really hope your next post is one where you tell us that you followed at least one of the very specific suggestions that have been given here. Not trying to be ugly, but we have literally given you a step by step process and I don't think you have followed any of it- in the way we told you to do so.

I think this one feels like if she comes back with enough excuses then some kindly Greek Chat members will take pity on her life that's devoid of anyone Greek and provide her with recommendations.

[Titchou]

Originally Posted by Greek_or_Geek?

I think this one feels like if she comes back with enough excuses then some kindly Greek Chat members will take pity on her life that's devoid of anyone Greek and provide her with recommendations.

NOT!

[arrowlady]

Originally Posted by gee_ess

Now, after all of the help, advice you have gotten over two days, I really hope your next post is one where you tell us that you followed at least one of the very specific suggestions that have been given here. Not trying to be ugly, but we have literally given you a step by step process and I don't think you have followed any of it- in the way we told you to do so.

Thank goodness I am not the only one feeling this way! I was just wondering if I was getting cranky

To the OP you have been given some great advice here, go forth and use it!

[Sciencewoman]

Originally Posted by gee_ess

This is a decent step but very passive aggressive. Call your frat friend back. Ask him for the names and numbers of the women he knows. He has had time to think. It is not that hard. Then YOU call and introduce yourself, explain you are Frat Boy's friend, and ask for help with recruitment. Offer to meet for ice crem so the women can get to know you, etc.

I agree with this, except it's just passive. There's nothing aggressive about it! The OP needs to be assertive, what with the clock ticking!

We have the Director of Career Services speak to our student teachers every semester about the job search process, and one thing she emphasizes very strongly is this (this is her direct advice, not my interpretation): network, network, network about possible openings, but do NOT rely on others/mutual friends to make the contacts. Let's say you run into someone you know who tells you, "my friend is the principal at X Elementary and they have a 4th grade opening." Don't ask the friend to put in a word for you...now you're putting the ball in the 3rd party's court and you've lost control of the situation. Instead, ask if you can use the friend's name as an icebreaker when YOU make the call, stop by the school with your resume, etc.

It's just not a priority for these friends and many will not follow through. It's not intentional; it's just not on their front burner and you're asking them to go out of their way. In this case, you're expecting your fraternity friend to make multiple contacts for you...and then get back to you? I don't see that happening, plus you'll still have to make a follow up contact on your own anyway, to get these women your packet. Time is wasting! Ask if YOU can use his name when YOU make the contact.

Plus, I'd be much more impressed by a friendly, direct contact from a young woman than by a "I'm calling for my friend" contact.