Quote:
Originally posted by AGDee
But, if you spend that semester in the chapter being separated from the rest of the group then you don't learn either. Attending meetings is a good way to learn it. No, new members don't attend ritual, that is the difference between them and the initiated members. But, there is no reason that they can't sit on committees and begin to learn the whole process. This is the perfect opportunity to begin teaching them about how we have to handle risk management, what types of activities give us a good reputation on campus, how to plan, how the budgeting works, etc. It also begins developing their leadership skills so that they are able to step into offices sooner. I also always hear study hours thrown out there as "hazing". They are only hazing if the whole chapter isn't required to do them. And why wouldn't you require study hours of the whole chapter? And why not make study hours integrated so that a new member who is struggling with a class has someone available who has taken that class already? I would say that making them do a philanthropy project on their own, without guidance and assistance from the other members gives them too much responsibility too soon. Put them on the philanthropy committee and have everybody do it together! Integrate them into the chapter as much as possible so that they see the more positive leadership role models of the juniors and seniors (if the class is mainly freshmen). Don't make it so that this is just the responsibility of the big sisters (sister-mothers in AGD) or the officer "in charge" of them.
AGDs official stance is that they become sisters when you extend a bid and they accept. If you were unsure about them, you shouldn't have extended them a bid. They are not probationary members, they are new members, who have a lot to learn about the organization in their first few weeks of their lifetime committment. And, we should strive to continue to treat each sister as we do during Recruitment. That doesn't mean you "take anybody" and it becomes just like "any other club". It means you are very selective during Recruitment.
The women who were initiated members when I was a new member knew what they were doing. They were always telling me that they saw me in big leadership positions. I think they "groomed" me to be a leader by boosting my confidence up and helping me find those skills within myself. They expected the best out of me and I gave it to them. If they had treated me like I was a lower life form, I probably would've fulfilled those expectations. We did do some of the silly things that are considered risky now (like a scavenger hunt) but I honestly can't say that it built up our unity. It was just a silly thing to do on a Friday night.
Dee
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This is exactly how I feel (and from the impression I've gotten, how Phi Mu feels) about the Phi program. I just wanted to state my support for your ideas. The entire point of the new member period is to create a smooth transition into the chapter. Our new members (with the exception of ritual) do everything that chapter members do. That way, when initiation comes along and it's time for their first chapter meeting as an initiated sister, there's no big surprises. I think it really aids in retention, because it is a big difference between 6-8 weeks of sugary sweetness and presents and then 'POP' the Phi Mu bubble bursts after Initiation.
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