What to do about fines/dues?

[AGDAlum]

I was finance adviser to a collegiate chapter and we had our share of members with delinquent accounts. Since only a third of the members lived in the house, "denying privileges" (social probation) or peer pressure weren't always an effective incentive.

I'd impose a two/four/six weeks overdue policy and then refer the account to a collection agency. No ifs, ands, or buts.

More importantly, I would have a new member program on chapter finances -- given by the treasurer, the finance adviser, and the house corporation treasurer. Information to be presented: not only what each member's responsibilities are, but the chapter budget for the year and the house corp financial picture. Also the schedule of fines.

I'd also send that information to new members' parents. Even if the members are paying their own way, sending that information to the parents can't hurt. In fact, if the chapter is soundly managed then the parents should be impressed.

Finally, I think that "managing your money" is a good topic for a chapter program. (Maybe a Panhellenic program?) We hear how school kids learn so little about budgeting. Those that didn't get it by high school don't magically understand once they matriculate.

I remember an incident in the late 70's when the chapter to which I was an adviser was had a heated discussion about raising dues by $5 a month, or $45 per year. The collegians were protesting mightily. I asked them to look at their shoes and consider how much they'd paid for them. Even back then, most had paid more than $45.