Indiana University 2014 Recruitment

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by Sigmapsimom

I really can't complain about the last-minute change in the recruitment schedule. They had to make a decision very quickly about how to handle the weather situation, and I don't think there were any good options. It definitely was grueling and far from ideal, but I don't see how it would give one PNM an advantage over another. I really can't complain about how sorority recruitment works in general - it is a hard, ego-crushing process at any university. But I CAN complain about IU's unique bed-quota system. It is a blemish on an otherwise outstanding university. I know it can't be changed overnight, but I really wish the chapters would consider at least gradually increasing their pledge class sizes and allowing more live-outs. I think the benefits would FAR outweigh the disadvantages for everyone.

And to the sorority where the Active said "we really hope you will consider us" and then didn't ask her back, that bothers me - why would they say that when they don't intend to consider you?

Thanks for listening to my vent

I think your entire post was fair, and well-thought out, and I think most would agree that IU is a special, unique, and frustrating snowflake.

To respond to what I've quoted above: I completely agree about the live-outs. I can only give my fairly unknowledgeable opinion about their entire process, but I wouldn't be surprised if some girls are turned off from the idea of sorority life entirely because they may be required to live in a house, and that's a shame.

But that's all that is - my opinion. Of course, the people who have been immersed in the system may have a different one, and may understand things about living in at IU that I don't. So that's all I'll say about that.

As for what was said to your daughter - keep in mind that only ONE sorority member said this to her. Even if that one sister LOVED your daughter, I can almost guarantee that she's not the only one with a say in who is chosen for membership.

[Cheerio]

Originally Posted by KDCat

If being in a GLO is that important, don't go to IU.

Who's up for using this as their new GC siggy?

And: when IU added three new NPC groups they gave OVER 350 ADDITIONAL WOMEN the opportunity to become well-rounded students and leaders for life. Greek membership MEANS SOMETHING to these 350+ women. HOUSING was not their issue when they joined, MEANINGFUL SISTERHOOD prevailed.

[Sciencewoman]

Originally Posted by carnation

I am picturing alums and actives of the IU sororities sitting back and congratulating themselves on their special snowflake situation and snottily telling the administration and NPC, "Sorry, we're unique and this is how we do it."

And then years later, their daughters get cut from recruitment.

Like!

[stbemtpynest]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Quote: And to the sorority where the Active said "we really hope you will consider us" and then didn't ask her back, that bothers me - why would they say that when they don't intend to consider you?"

I don't feel qualified to speak to your other concerns, but as to this - the active may very well have been very enthusiastic about your daughter, but the chapter as a whole didn't share her opinion. Chapters always have to cut girls they may wish to consider, but the numbers simply mean they have to cut.

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

As for what was said to your daughter - keep in mind that only ONE sorority member said this to her. Even if that one sister LOVED your daughter, I can almost guarantee that she's not the only one with a say in who is chosen for membership.

Very good point, thanks! I will share this with my daughter.

[pinkmama]

Please remind your daughters to look at the pnms at each party they attend today too because those girls could be their potential sisters. They forms substantial bonds in their pledge classes in every house they find girls they truly connect with! It just happens and usually within the first two weeks of being a new member. Even at bid day!

[FSUZeta]

To the IUmoms: I am so sorry that your daughters are disappointed. All we moms want is for our children to be happy. But......if they are able to put that disappointment aside today, they may find happiness in a chapter where they did not expect to. You all advised your daughters to go in with an open mind and heart and give each chapter they will see today a chance. If you are able to speak to them before they sign their bid cards, you might remind them that here on GC we have read several rush stories where the PNM accepted a bid somewhat reluctantly, but did accept it, and over time, they came to love and cherish the sisterhood they joined. It really can happen, but sometimes those PNMs must sort of make it through their first year, and the second year, as they work with their sisters preparing for recruitment, homecoming and other big events on campus, it clicks for them and they are sold: ABC was the right place for me after all.

[FSUZeta]

And to the mom whose daughter is considering DPhiE: If her heart leads her there, then she should go through their recruitment. Being a member of a colony is a very special opportunity.

[cinder1965]

Where to begin...here we are again, another year of IU rush and broken hearts. I advise at my chapter at Purdue (NOT a recruitment advisor!). The houses at Purdue do allow live outs and uses the formula like every other campus (I forget what its called) to set the pledge calls quota for all houses. From my point of view, it works just fine. I don't get the obsession with having all members live in the house all years. Granted , my sorority experience was 30 years ago but by the time I was a senior, I was kind of done with communal living. It didn't mean I didn't love my chapter and still wanted to participate, but living in an apt didn't sound too bad but I didn't even have that option. As an advisor, I am keenly aware this has to be controlled because the fact is you have to have a full house to financially make it.

Today's collegians have so many different family situations, opportunities, etc that it seems prudent for sorority systems to be flexible. Plus not using bed quota offers so many more women the opportunity to participate, which I think is a GOOD thing.

IMO, this culture at IU makes no sense to me, it seems very old school and back ward thinking. I don't mean this to be demeaning to anyone that went to IU, I just don't understand why it wouldn't seem more desirable to have a system that expands opportunities.

[cinder1965]

Originally Posted by pinkmama

Please remind your daughters to look at the pnms at each party they attend today too because those girls could be their potential sisters. They forms substantial bonds in their pledge classes in every house they find girls they truly connect with! It just happens and usually within the first two weeks of being a new member. Even at bid day!

VERY good point!!!!

[cinder1965]

Originally Posted by FSUZeta

To the IUmoms: I am so sorry that your daughters are disappointed. All we moms want is for our children to be happy. But......if they are able to put that disappointment aside today, they may find happiness in a chapter where they did not expect to. You all advised your daughters to go in with an open mind and heart and give each chapter they will see today a chance. If you are able to speak to them before they sign their bid cards, you might remind them that here on GC we have read several rush stories where the PNM accepted a bid somewhat reluctantly, but did accept it, and over time, they came to love and cherish the sisterhood they joined. It really can happen, but sometimes those PNMs must sort of make it through their first year, and the second year, as they work with their sisters preparing for recruitment, homecoming and other big events on campus, it clicks for them and they are sold: ABC was the right place for me after all.

THIS.

[Mom64]

How strict are the chapter's GPA requirements? My daughter knows a few PNMs who do not have the minimum GPA requirement set by houses they have been invited back to today. Why invite them back when others with the required GPA have been cut?

[carnation]

What percentage of PNMs usually get bids at IU? And I'm also wondering what % drop out before initiation.

[pinkmama]

They shouldn't be asked back if they don't make the GPA. I know our recruitment advisors were super strict on that even to the point that girls got cut who had grades but if we needed to cut say another 30 girls then the bottom 30 GPA were the ones to get cut. I remember someone's best friend got cut by our advisors and we had no say we didn't even know it until we got our list and she wasn't on it.

[Sigmapsimom]

Originally Posted by KDCat

If you know this isn't true, you shouldn't be lamenting your daughter getting pref invitations to chapters without houses. She may be disappointed, but you know that she can have a good experience in an unhoused group.

I'm sorry for your daughter and the other PNMs. The system at IU is painful.

Thank you. I wish it was different. Lamenting isn't the right word. I am angry at a system that intentionally disenfranchises hundreds of girls. I was upset and concerned about it even before recruitment, but yes now it's personal unfortunately, so I am seeing the damage done first hand.

I can't really compare my experience with the IU unhoused sororities because we did live together on campus. It wasn't a traditional house, but we were together on our dorm floor, were given chapter rooms and decorating freedom by our university. Being together was essential to the experience. It was also the norm on my campus. Each campus is unique.

So you're right in a sense that it's not the "house" that makes the sorority close, but having that common place to go to and hang out, day after day, whether it be in a house or a dorm is a good thing.

[pinkmama]

I think it's about a 65 percentage get placed. If there is roughly 1500 or 1600 I think about 900 to 1000 get placed this accounts for those who drop out of rush, those who don't make grades and those who go bid less. With the newly added sororities it may be a bit higher now