Dropping Out After Initiation

[aKandaC]

I'm at Truman State University and it's a NPC organization. They said it's a colonization ceremony, but afterwards we are full fledged official members.

[IndianaSigKap]

Originally Posted by aKandaC

I'm at Truman State University and it's a NPC organization. They said it's a colonization ceremony, but afterwards we are full fledged official members.

Are you sure they didn't say full fledged NEW members? New member is the PC terminology for pledge.

[WhiteRose1912]

Originally Posted by aKandaC

I'm at Truman State University and it's a NPC organization. They said it's a colonization ceremony, but afterwards we are full fledged official members.

Although I support anonymity, you've said enough that it's identifiable as DPhiE, and that's an important fact. If not everyone is familiar with how they do things, here's some text from the publicly-available chapter constitution for their Alpha Pi chapter:

ARTICLE IV - NEW MEMBERS

Formal invitations/bids shall be extended by Alpha Pi Chapter to eligible undergraduate females to join Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority.

New members shall be initiated as sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority with all the rights and privileges associated with such membership preferably within three (3) days but no longer than five (5) days after invitations/bids are returned to the Chapter.

New members, until they complete the twenty-one pearl program established by the National Office of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, shall be referred to as neophytes. They shall be equal to the other sisters in every way and shall be treated by all members as equals.

Neophytes shall attend and participate in all chapter/sorority meetings. Participation shall include voice and vote on all issues of concern to the Alpha Pi Chapter. Neophytes shall be invited to all sorority affairs that other sisters are invited to and/or are expected to attend.

New members or neophytes, until they successfully complete the twenty-one pearl program, shall not (1) be allowed to enter a chapter meeting until after the ritual prayer that begins chapter meetings is concluded and (2) shall not be allowed to wear the official Delta Phi Epsilon sister pin until after the final ritual ceremony.

The new member education program, called the twenty-one pearl program, shall be completed within a six (6) week period.

Once a new member or neophyte has completed all twenty-one pearls, taken and passed the written test provided by the National Office, and paid all fees owed to the Chapter and National, a final or concluding ritual shall be held. The ritual shall include a swearing in ceremony and a pinning of the Delta Phi Epsilon sister pin.

Based on that, my understanding is that it is a pledging ceremony, and although it may be called initiation as per chapter ritual, what NPC would consider initiation is the "final ritual ceremony".

Any Deephers here who would know better?