My question

[Sistermadly]

I'd venture to say that most don't - but I'm starting to think that they should.

(I'm trying to think of a diplomatic way to say this...)

I think that as more people become aware of alumnae initiation, that there might be some changes in policy made. If I'm not mistaken, some (if not all) NPHC groups require that the women who join at the alumnae level be college graduates -- I know my friend who joined one NPHC group as an alum had to submit her transcripts. I know that comparing the NPHC to NPC is like comparing apples to zebras, but it's a good policy, in my opinion.

If you were denied a bid as an undergraduate for your grades, I don't think you should be allowed to come in as an alumna. It's harsh, but it's how I feel. Even though NPC groups are social organizations, they also support women's academic achievements -- that's why collegiate PNMs have to meet academic requirements. I don't think those rules should be bent or disregarded just because a PNAM wants to join.

At the same time, I know that there are certain women (house mothers, mothers of collegiates) who, although they are not college educated, have made outstanding contributions to a particular chapter. Maybe there's room for two levels of alumna initiates: those who were college educated (and thus have to meet certain academic requirements) and a special "honor" category for those who didn't matriculate but have demonstrated support for the ideals and for a particular chapter.