VTMom

[Buttonz]

Originally Posted by WVU alpha phi

Wow yeah that is pretty costly, our first semester dues are usually $600-700. Do most of the sororities at VT has first semester dues that pricey?

I took a quick look at them earlier, APhi is the most expensive but most of the mare in the $600-$700 range...which to me is still very pricey!

My NM dues were around $325 and we were the most expensive on campus

[GeekyPenguin]

Once again, it all depends on what you're getting for the dues - that could include meals, all parties/swaps/formals/banquets, favors and shirts from all those parties/swaps/formals/banquets, your pin, etc.

[WVU alpha phi]

Originally Posted by GeekyPenguin

Once again, it all depends on what you're getting for the dues - that could include meals, all parties/swaps/formals/banquets, favors and shirts from all those parties/swaps/formals/banquets, your pin, etc.

Agreed. We have one of the more expensive first semester dues on campus, but they also cover 3 date parties, one semi formal, one formal (including bus transportation), rush t-shirts, and a lot of other things that most sororities ask their girls to pay for outside of dues. My freshman year it used to be "we're having a party with Pike on Thursday, everyone pitch in $3", so I like it much better this way.

[Drolefille]

And sometimes the chapter with the most expensive first semester dues has the cheapest dues for the rest of your active membership. SK was like that on my campus. We were 6-7 maybe for the first semester but my junior and senior years dues were only 300 a semester.

[VTMom]

no longer wish to post

[AChiOhSnap]

Originally Posted by VTMom

OK -- All this talk about $$$$$$$$$$$$$ sent my back to the Va Tech Panhellenic Website. I have read the information several times now. Each group seems to have different amounts of money they require. But the parents' guide wants me to ask "What are the costs, including bid acceptance dues, pin fees, new member fees, member dues, and parlor fees?" (What in the heck is a parlor fee?) Usually, what is the total cost per semester? My husband and I are not millionaires for sure. We have saved for college, so that is not a problem, but all the extra this may cost may be a bit taxing. Who do I ask about this before hand? And the same site encourages my daughter to "to research the chapters to find a good fit. Help her decide which chapter would provide the greatest degree of opportunities." I have pretty much exhausted the Va Tech site and have looked at each sorority's individual web site (I could only find 13, and one sorority Pi Beta Phi did not have a working local website) All the groups seem like they have such pretty, happy girls all involved in such worthwhile things! But how does she research them? Can she visit with them when she gets to college? I learned from the Va Tech website that they have their recruitment in the spring semester. So can she meet them in the Fall? I know I probably sound silly to all of you, but this is so foreign to me!!

During recruitment, your daughter should be asking the sororities (if this information is not automatically presented by the Treasurer/VP Finance) about the dues. This is not a rude question and the sororities are prepared to answer it. There is no "general" amount of money per semester, but suffice it to say, it seems like your daughter should be prepared to pay several hundred dollars ($500-900) the first semester and a few hundred dollars every semester thereafter. Your daughter can also ask whether or not the fees are all inclusive, or if there are extra costs she should be aware of.

Unless there is some specific clause on the VATech campus that precludes freshmen from going, sororities will often have open houses or something of that ilk in the fall. Sororities host tons of philanthropic events, this would be a good way for your daughter to support a good cause and meet the soroity women before recruitment. Panhellenic will also sometimes sponsor philanthropic/social events with all the sororities, these are another good option. And of course, your daughter can try to meet sorority women in her classes, athletic teams, campus events, etc. This is the best "research" your daughter can do to familiarize herself with women in the various chapters.

Your daughter can research the sororities by going to the various national websites. On the national websites she'll get information like the sororities' various mission statements, philanthropies, etc. All of this information could be potentially useful.

You're doing everything right already. Your daughter will be getting more of this information in time, some of this stuff she won't know until she's actually on campus. You probably don't need to figure all of this stuff out in advance. The best thing you can do is to just be there for your daughter... you can best help her by listening and counseling her through what can be a crazy, sad, exciting, stressful process. Have fun!

[UGAalum94]

If I'm not mistaken, "parlor fee" is a fee that members who don't live in the house pay for house maintenance.

[VTMom]

gone

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

If I'm not mistaken, "parlor fee" is a fee that members who don't live in the house pay for house maintenance.

Yep, that's what it is - I come from a smaller chapter (when I was there, we had 7 girls living in a 4 bedroom house) and we asked everyone in the chapter who didn't live in to pay parlor fees to help cover the electricity, cable, internet, and incidentals around the house since they were often there and using them. Our parlor fees also included laundry privileges at the house.

[LPIDelta]

I am certainly not saying that the costs are not worth it--the group cited was the most costly for first semester and the average dues per semester for actives was also among the highest. VTMom--you are right to ask questions, and, as others have indicated, the dues may include all kinds of "extras". This eliminates the need to pay for things as you go, which can be very helpful when trying to stay on a budget. Also, many organizations offer payment plans so that is something to consider. All the dues were listed on the VT Panhellenic (NPC) website.... someone provided the link earlier.

Best of luck to you and your daughter. There were some great recruitment story threads last year....from BamaDad DZ and TexasMom (I think that's right). Read and enjoy!

[MSKKG]

Generally, the 1st semester dues for new members are the highest because of all those one-time fees like their badges. KKG does not assess, so whatever the dues are that are listed would be the bottom line. Of course, optionals like T-shirts and pictures are not included.

[alum]

VTMom,

I freely admit that I was an executive secretary (some might say helicopter parent) for my daughter's recruitment experience: collating info, making initial contacts. Since your D is so busy during her last semester in hs, you may want to do the same. Even though VATech has deferred rush, your D would want to make the initial contacts by June so she has plenty of time to interview with the alums throughout the summer. She may not have an opportunity to interview in your area when she's in Blacksburg.

There was a Virginia father/GCer whose daughter had a very successful recruitment at Alabama this past fall. Although there was no Greek affiliation in the family, they did pursue the recs and made sure she had one to each house.

One thing I really like about VATech deferred rush is that the groups have casual get-togethers in the fall. There may be a Grey's Anatomy viewing at the Kappa House one night and then an OC night at the Alpha Phi House. I think this promotes a more natural environment and conversations are less stilted.

[PenguinTrax]

Originally Posted by Heather17

It better be amazing for the $816 for first semester dues!

that's nothing..check out the finances for the chapters at FSU:

http://greeklife.fsu.edu/PH/finances.html

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Originally Posted by VTMom

AchiOSnap -- Thanks for some excellent and eloquent advice. I am the type of person who needs a handle on everything -- especially where my daughter is concerned. And especially on something that can seemingly be so rewarding and at the same time (as these recruitment stories tell me) hurtful. Of course such is life. As I speak, my daughter has taken a break from homework and is reading this website with me. It seems like a journey she wants to take, so my next step is contacting the local Panhellenic chapter for recommendations. And I am sure I will have many more questions stored up to ask the office of Greek affairs this summer when we go for orientation. Thanks for your help. It is deeply appreciated.

The local Panhel might also have some recent graduates who could answer some general questions for you as well.

[FSUZeta]

please check you pm's.