University of Alabama sorority rush to be both in-person, virtual this fall

[SigmaCat]

I'd guess that a big reason for making round one online from the jump is pure CYA; it sets up the framework for all-virtual in case crap happens and they're forced to scrap in-person rush activities again. I agree that whatever happens, the chapters and PNMs will adjust and things will be fine. Online rounds aren't ideal, but neither is a traditional first round. Even if all it does is make life a little easier during rush, I'm all for it. And I'm kind of sick of the "Ha ha, I lose my voice every rush!" ridiculousness, tbh. The system needs to be smarter about shoving people into mega-crowded parties where they have to scream to be heard and the flu or worse is lurking around every corner.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by SigmaCat

I'd guess that a big reason for making round one online from the jump is pure CYA; it sets up the framework for all-virtual in case crap happens and they're forced to scrap in-person rush activities again. I agree that whatever happens, the chapters and PNMs will adjust and things will be fine. Online rounds aren't ideal, but neither is a traditional first round. Even if all it does is make life a little easier during rush, I'm all for it. And I'm kind of sick of the "Ha ha, I lose my voice every rush!" ridiculousness, tbh. The system needs to be smarter about shoving people into mega-crowded parties where they have to scream to be heard and the flu or worse is lurking around every corner.

Ironically, I came across this letter today. It looks like virtual first-round recruitment is being encouraged by the NPC for a few different reasons. Whether they're legit or not, I don't know. I'm simply posting NPC's statement.

https://npcwomen.blogspot.com/2021/0...Ri7T7xmpFB7gfo

As part of the larger Cost of Membership initiative, which I addressed in my April message, NPC is examining the costs associated with Panhellenic recruitment and has already begun to offer recommendations to address the growing concern. These recommendations include a policy addition to remove tiered registration pricing and late fees, as well as a new best practice that encourages a virtual first round whenever possible, helping decrease costs related to space rental, transportation, décor, attire, etc., while also focusing on substantive conversation between PNMs and chapter members. Additionally, an updated best practice encourages a minimal administrative fee to cover only essential recruitment costs.

[33girl]

I think this is bullshit. I can hear the excuses now. “Oh sorry I missed Turdy Tau’s online rush party, my service went out.”

[carnation]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I think this is bullshit. I can hear the excuses now. “Oh sorry I missed Turdy Tau’s online rush party, my service went out.”

Hahahahahaha! Turdy Tau!

[honeychile]

33girl just won the GC internet for the day (if not year)!

[*winter*]

LMAO @ 33...tried to quote it, but idk where it went. My niece would try this with online school if she thought I wasn’t paying attention. “The connection is bad”...go in and see if it working...”yeah, nice try...”

[FSUZeta]

Originally Posted by *winter*

LMAO @ 33...tried to quote it, but idk where it went. My niece would try this with online school if she thought I wasn’t paying attention. “The connection is bad”...go in and see if it working...”yeah, nice try...”

Constant vigilance.

I remember reading that there were internet issues at several school last year-Bama and FSU for sure.

[33girl]

In all seriousness the only way a virtual first round would work is if they make all the rushees come back to school and sit in their dorms. In case NPC missed it one of the more stressful things about the pandemic was the fact that a lot of people live in areas with crappy internet service.

[Cheerio]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

https://www.al.com/news/anniston-gad...outputType=amp
Interesting that they're still planning to host a hybrid recruitment. Does anyone think that parts of virtual recruitment could last long after COVID is gone? Perhaps the virtual portion isn't even replacing rounds but somehow is included in addition to the traditional recruitment process to allow more interaction between sorority members and PNMs prior to decision making?

Just a thought.

Originally Posted by Cheerio

Ironically, NPC Chair Carole Jones just released her final online post as chair. It is entitled "A Reflection On Increasing Access And Equity In The Sorority Experience".

The post explains the NPC Board of Directors has commissioned five recruitment reform projects for the next year, including recommendations for "a new best practice that encourages a virtual first round whenever possible."

[If someone with better computer skills than I will please link the Carole Jones item into this thread, I'd be grateful!]

Is memory serving correctly that one or two GreekChat members served NPC on its Access Equity Advisory Committee [or AEAC] and if so, might they please chime-in with their thoughts.

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

Ironically, I came across this letter today. It looks like virtual first-round recruitment is being encouraged by the NPC for a few different reasons. Whether they're legit or not, I don't know. I'm simply posting NPC's statement.

https://npcwomen.blogspot.com/2021/0...Ri7T7xmpFB7gfo

Thank you for posting the NPC's recent recruitment statement, ASTalumna06.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by Cheerio

Thank you for posting the NPC's recent recruitment statement, ASTalumna06.

Looks like I missed your previous post. Glad I could be of service!