University of Alabama Fall 2014 NPC Sorority Recruitment

[DGTess]

I guess it is what it is, but there's no way I'd give up my phone. Turn it off, yes. Not give it up.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by DGTess

I guess it is what it is, but there's no way I'd give up my phone. Turn it off, yes. Not give it up.

If you were 18 years old, a PNM who desperately wanted a bid, and you didn't want to be seen as "that girl" who refused to follow the rules, you might think differently.

I'm not saying I agree with the policy, but as you said, it is what it is. And I'm willing to bet there was a good reason for taking PNMs' phones. It only takes a few people to ruin things for everyone else.

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by DGTess

I guess it is what it is, but there's no way I'd give up my phone. Turn it off, yes. Not give it up.

What is the big deal? We didn't have cell phones when I was in school and doubt you did either.

While I think it's extreme to even think the moms would influence their daughter's decision and interfere with her happiness, I guess panhel needs to resort to this at Bama.

[catfan]

They also take the phones to keep PNMs and chapter members from texting each other. I know for a fact, that after the PNM's get there phones back, they text friends at the chapter to tell their friends how they ranked. It's one of the realities of easy communication these days. Much like social media being an influence in everyday life.

[PearlGirl13]

Originally Posted by catfan

They also take the phones to keep PNMs and chapter members from texting each other. I know for a fact, that after the PNM's get there phones back, they text friends at the chapter to tell their friends how they ranked. It's one of the realities of easy communication these days. Much like social media being an influence in everyday life.

Though I completely support the idea of PNMs making decisions without influence from Mom, boyfriend..., I think that what catfan says is the real basis behind this policy. One irresponsible text between a member and a PNM ("you're in") can have serious ramifications.

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by PearlGirl13

Though I completely support the idea of PNMs making decisions without influence from Mom, boyfriend..., I think that what catfan says is the real basis behind this policy. One irresponsible text between a member and a PNM ("you're in") can have serious ramifications.

Yes, though one irresponsible text at any point in the week -- when PNMs do have their phones -- can also have serious ramifications.

[ChioLu]

Originally Posted by catfan

They also take the phones to keep PNMs and chapter members from texting each other. I know for a fact, that after the PNM's get there phones back, they text friends at the chapter to tell their friends how they ranked. It's one of the realities of easy communication these days. Much like social media being an influence in everyday life.

Um ... so Panhellenic doesn't know you can PM friends on facebook or text someone from your computer???

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by Benzgirl

What is the big deal? We didn't have cell phones when I was in school and doubt you did either.

While I think it's extreme to even think the moms would influence their daughter's decision and interfere with her happiness, I guess panhel needs to resort to this at Bama.

The reason phones are in time out probably has more to do with PNMs communicating with other PNMs, roommates, friends, boyfriends, etc. The PNMs are not even supposed to talk to each other.

The girls cannot ask anyone advice on what choice to make, and their info on questions that might arise (take SIP, for instance), will come from the Rho Chis, not parents or other PNMs.

[DGTess]

Originally Posted by Hartofsec

The girls cannot ask anyone advice on what choice to make, and their info on questions that might arise (take SIP, for instance), will come from the Rho Chis, not parents or other PNMs.

I don't understand this, either. If they're old enough to ask and consider advice, they're old enough to consider the consequences.

Anyway, I'm done. That the majority (of adults!) is willing to give up individuality (at least at these big schools; I don't know about everywhere) in order to "fit in" says a lot about our society.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by DGTess

I don't understand this, either. If they're old enough to ask and consider advice, they're old enough to consider the consequences.

Anyway, I'm done. That the majority (of adults!) is willing to give up individuality (at least at these big schools; I don't know about everywhere) in order to "fit in" says a lot about our society.

Now you're being silly. They're not giving up individuality. They're giving up a phone for a matter of hours.

Did you read my rush story? I mentioned my friend who ended up not being Greek at all because she kept listening to everything everyone put in her ear - some of them being completely well meaning, I believe. Well take that and enlarge it to Godzilla size and put it on steroids, and that's what these girls are dealing with at Bama. Not to mention the pressure that the girls in the chapters feel to get the "best" PNMs.

I mean, not everyone can have a pen pal writing them letters for a year and then in a complete non-surprise, decide to pledge that sorority, especially with 2200 women rushing. If taking phones prevents one girl from getting dirty rushed or making a choice out of pressure (well-meaning or not) it's absolutely worth it.

ChiOLu - silly goose!!! Facebook is for old people now

[DGTess]

Originally Posted by Benzgirl

What is the big deal? We didn't have cell phones when I was in school and doubt you did either.

While I think it's extreme to even think the moms would influence their daughter's decision and interfere with her happiness, I guess panhel needs to resort to this at Bama.

I don't even understand mothers' obsessions with their daughter's rushes, but that's beside the point.

I am, and have always been, independent and strong-willed. I've been a civil liberties activist well before the term was generally understood, and confiscation of private property -- by ANYONE -- is simply a no-go. I (and my daughter, I'm reasonably certain) would leave my phone locked in my car, or in my dorm-room safe, before I'd comply.

Different strokes, I guess. It's not like I'll influence the process, but I won't participate either.

(And what kind of women are we sending to colleges if they don't understand and follow appropriate behaviors? Don't give me "they're 18" -- that means they've had 18 years for education first.)

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by DGTess

I am, and have always been, independent and strong-willed. I've been a civil liberties activist well before the term was generally understood, and confiscation of private property -- by ANYONE -- is simply a no-go. I (and my daughter, I'm reasonably certain) would leave my phone locked in my car, or in my dorm-room safe, before I'd comply.

I have to say that this is an interesting thread twist -- speaking out against Phone Control.

[Nanners52674]

Originally Posted by DGTess

I guess it is what it is, but there's no way I'd give up my phone. Turn it off, yes. Not give it up.

Good grief, really. My chapter used to collect phones before meetings and honestly it was great, things moved a lot faster and everyone was focused on what was going on at chapter and not a million other things.

[UAmommax2]

Talked with my daughter tonight and the rho chis said the PNMs would have 10 minutes tomorrow after getting their party list. So they will be able to let moms, or whoever, know which 3 they're going to before the day starts & turning over their phones. I'm glad because the wait would've made me crazy! Honestly, not to talk her through her ranking/voting. This decision has to be hers and hers alone! The girls will get them back as soon as their voting is over!

[Titchou]

It's not like they leave them in the PH office. The Rho Chi is there and has them. If something happened and it was needed, it would be there. They make them leave them outside during parties. This is just PNMs not transporting the phones between parties and to bid signing. Good way to enforce "silence."