A "Nu" Story

[misscherrypie]

Yep.
It seems to be: Beta Sigma Phi is not a member of NPC/IFC/NALFO/NPHC. No actual title IX exemption stamped by the US Department of Education.

Since we don't have the first, we couldn't be recognized as Greek. If we're not recognized as Greek, then we would be unable to use a Title IX exemption, even if we had one in hand.

The organizations that exist as Greek on campus were grandfathered in before these rule changes.

Another suggestion that was offered to us is that we petition to affiliate with a different Greek Organization that meets both criteria.....the mere mention of that resulted in *That look* from myself and my sisters.

[FSUZeta]

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

Yep.
It seems to be: Beta Sigma Phi is not a member of NPC/IFC/NALFO/NPHC. No actual title IX exemption stamped by the US Department of Education.

Since we don't have the first, we couldn't be recognized as Greek. If we're not recognized as Greek, then we would be unable to use a Title IX exemption, even if we had one in hand.

The organizations that exist as Greek on campus were grandfathered in before these rule changes.

Another suggestion that was offered to us is that we petition to affiliate with a different Greek Organization that meets both criteria.....the mere mention of that resulted in *That look* from myself and my sisters.

Why?

[adpiucf]

I agree. First of all, I understand you are excited about BSP and the FV, and you are really excited to be in a sorority after the disappointment during your fall NPC recruitment. You found a great organization in BSP, regardless of whether you would have joined an NPC.

This isn't intended to sound harsh, but here are the facts. You haven't been a BSP for very long, so I think you're being a bit dramatic about your loyalty and love for the organization. I'm not saying you don't love it or you're not dedicated to it, but you've only been a member for a few months and you've been pretty much on your own with a few friends who have agreed to join or who are excited to join. If, out of 80 interests, 33 women who were offered bids declined (except one who's on board in name only until her schedule improves?), that should tell you that there isn't that kind of demand on your campus for this group. You're also trying to shoehorn a community sorority into your vision of an NPC, and clearly the infrastructure is not there and that is not BSP's intent.

This suggestion to affiliate doesn't impact your membership one bit. You have only a few members and your membership isn't compromised by the suggestion. Additionally, even if your group were absorbed by another, you could all retain membership in BSP/recruit them for BSP. BSP is not a local; it's a national non-collegiate sorority and its members may have dual membership in an NPC or other national collegiate organization.

If you're looking for an opportunity to recognized by campus, this is the way to go. A national collegiate organization would provide the stability and support you felt was lacking in BSP. I would follow their advice. You have absolutely nothing to lose and it won't affect your current membership because you may have concurrent membership.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

That was the first interested PNM. I was trying not to cry over the scrapbooks….seeing my sisters and what they did together so long ago really touched my heart and kindled an even deeper love for Beta Sigma Phi

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

The knowledge that we would soon be sisters, for the rest of our lives....joined to the chain of BSPhi sisters<snop>made we want to cry.

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

We did have a deadline. It was last Friday.
The bid extended to Michelle was the equivalent of a snap bid.

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

All of our sisters have shown their commitment to the organization, exemplify our ideals and are fiercely proud of being a Beta Sigma Phi, and forever loyal to our sisters. If we simply welcomed any and all women who desired to go Greek, then...what would our sisterhood mean?
<snip>

Friendships are one thing....but my sisters astound me daily and I treasure them more and more as time goes on.

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

The fact that Beta Sigma Phi International offers almost no guidance to those charting new chapters, other than sending the needed documents to fill out and send back to international is something that I know annoys the snot out of Beta Sigma Phi members in general. It's a major gripe among us Beta Sigma Phis across the planet and one that I personally think that International ignores.

Originally Posted by adpiucf

This isn't intended to sound harsh, but here are the facts. You haven't been a BSP for very long, so I think you're being a bit dramatic about your loyalty and love for the organization. I'm not saying you don't love it or you're not dedicated to it, but you've only been a member for a few months and you've been pretty much on your own with a few friends who have agreed to join or who are excited to join. If, out of 80 interests, 33 women who were offered bids declined (except one who's on board in name only until her schedule improves?), that should tell you that there isn't that kind of demand on your campus for this group. You're also trying to shoehorn a community sorority into your vision of an NPC, and clearly the infrastructure is not there and that is not BSP's intent.

I agree. I think it's time to stop trying to make "Fetch" happen and either accept the organization for what it is (and isn't), and/or move on to other pastures.

[erica812]

I did feel a little uncomfortable with how our organization was being portrayed. That's why I jumped in to clarify, but I think misscherrypie's feelings are normal. And she was just letting her thougths roll. I don't fault that.

Sister, your apology was very gracious.

I didn't realize Reno had a City Council. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!!!!! In a major metropolitan area, a City Council is going to have great events. They probably have a very formal Founder's Day event. They are likely to have a Valentine Ball. When I FV'd back in 2002, we didn't "join" the City Council, but we did attend their Founder's Day. It was SO inspiring to see the older sisters, and we made many positive contacts that way. You can learn so much.

You're going to have to decide what you really want, and I think even the BSP sisters who have volunteered to help you can see that BSP might never meet your expectations. That's okay. If you decide not to worry about campus recognition and just love the BSP experience, then you can relax about recruiting for a bit. As long as you have sent in your forms for seven founding sisters, you can move forward. Conduct your pledge ritual per International's design (it's lovely!), and then as you are developing your sisterhood and doing your pledge training, you can be gaining new members as you go.

ALL of my FV members came from word-of-mouth. We did do a table once, and we did not gain members that way. We were on a college campus, but we didn't try to affiliate with the university. We tried hard to never look like we were trying to compete with the campus Greeks, and I think it worked to our advantage.

I truly wish you the best, sister.