Why is Rush so Cut-throat on the Sororities' End at Big Greek Schools?

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally posted by 2017law
Something needs to be clarified about quota-

Quota is set before Prefs. So girls at UF for example find out who they have been invited back to and can choose up to 3. If she doesn't like any of the 3 and drops out, she is still in the number a chapter can take, "quota" and that messes up the whole system.

True, but you are assuming a SORUSH computer program. It is a little different with PRUSH.

After the round prior to pref, the women rank their chapters in order of preference. Quota is then set by the number of women who rank that night. Therefore, if some women know at this point that they have no intention of attending preference, they are not counted in quota.

Right before pref, they go to their RC groups and are handed their schedule. Sure, some of them will not get their top choices, but once you are dressed and ready to go to prefs, most women will at least give them a shot (at least, that is the theory behind PRUSH).

Of course, if women do not sign their bid cards after pref, you have the same problem, but if a girl goes to your pref and still really, really can't see herself in your chapter...it is probably for the best.

[ZetaLuvBunny]

I’m not sure about other Southern schools, but at MTSU the sororities (and fraternities as well) are competitive when it comes to getting the new members with the best GPAs, most athletic ability (for intermural sports), and musical/dancing talent (for the annual All Sing competition), as well as girls who have pageant experience so they can win Homecoming Queen, Miss MTSU, and the sorority's name will be associated with them, etc.

It has been especially important in the last several years for the MTSU Greek chapters to maintain high overall GPAs and to be involved in plenty of charity work in order to maintain a good reputation with the faculty and non-Greek students. The intermural sports are pretty competitive, so PNMs who were on sports teams in high school or the community definitely have an advantage as well.

In a way, the sororities at MTSU have an advantage in that there are only 7 NPC organizations and often between 300 -500 PNMs (last time I was involved directly) at the start of rush, and only about half of those girls will get into a sorority, but all 7 still “fight” for the “best” girls.

There is also a factor to consider where sometimes the girls with the best GPA, sports involvement, etc, decide they won't have the time (or money - or both) to commit to a sorority, so everyone loses out then. It's all about trying to sell Greek Life in general as WELL as selling your own GLO.

[PhoenixAzul]

Originally Posted by ZetaLuvBunny

I’m not sure about other Southern schools, but at MTSU the sororities (and fraternities as well) are competitive when it comes to getting the new members with the best GPAs, most athletic ability (for intermural sports), and musical/dancing talent (for the annual All Sing competition), as well as girls who have pageant experience so they can win Homecoming Queen, Miss MTSU, and the sorority's name will be associated with them, etc.

It has been especially important in the last several years for the MTSU Greek chapters to maintain high overall GPAs and to be involved in plenty of charity work in order to maintain a good reputation with the faculty and non-Greek students. The intermural sports are pretty competitive, so PNMs who were on sports teams in high school or the community definitely have an advantage as well.

In a way, the sororities at MTSU have an advantage in that there are only 7 NPC organizations and often between 300 -500 PNMs (last time I was involved directly) at the start of rush, and only about half of those girls will get into a sorority, but all 7 still “fight” for the “best” girls.

There is also a factor to consider where sometimes the girls with the best GPA, sports involvement, etc, decide they won't have the time (or money - or both) to commit to a sorority, so everyone loses out then. It's all about trying to sell Greek Life in general as WELL as selling your own GLO.

I think your post brings up an interesting point, something I've said many a time here...perhaps we shouldn't be looking for the pre-made super sorority girl. The captain of everything, cured cancer at 12, debutante queen, beautiful and nice and legacy to everyone and a founder. Yes, those girls are great, and truth be told, they'll end up whereever they want under their own steam with little persuasion and be a real asset to their chapter...likely joiners.

But perhaps more energy/attention should be paid to the non-limelight girls. It's not that they are "worse" PNMs, but maybe are a first time college student, a first time rushee, from out of town and doesn't know about the Greek tradition...they may or may not have had a ton of time for sports and activities after school for various reasons (Family, work, etc). I think these girls can be a real asset to chapters, simply because they have more to gain from the sorority experience (leadership positions, group work, etc). The likely joiners will, 99% of the time, plow on to success with or without sorority life, but the non-limelight girls can use the sorority and Greek Life to their benefit and growth.

then again, Ive got no way to impliment this, and no suggestions other than "give the little guy a chance". Just something to think about.

[zzazbama]

So at an advisor luncheon the other day, the Greek Life Advisor at Bama said that Bama would be looking to expand in 3-4 years, hopefully sooner, if the chapters on campus that were struggling to maintain membership continued to grow and strengthen number wise. He also said that they would want 2 sororities to come on.

Although the question still remains where to put the houses. Possibly behind sorority row in the parking lot? I don’t think there is any plan to expand the stadium any more right now. Apparently doing another end zone expansion would not allow the grass to get enough sun light so there would have to be a switch to turf (this tidbit is from the Alabama Football boards). I had also heard the rumor that AOPi and Theta houses would be torn with the next expansion, but I’m think that was just rumor.

[AnchorAlumna]

Thanks for the update, Zzazbama. Yes, the crux will be WHERE 2 additional houses will go. I don't see the university footing the bill for building houses. Unless there is some change of philosophy - a smaller house with less overhead, or the university "kicking out" all the sororities to use the land for something else (right! in your dreams!!) and designating a different area for sorority row. Frankly, I think ALL the sororities are violating fire codes or something. How can they cram that many girls into a chapter room for chapter meetings?