Huge problem with transfering into a new chapter...HELP!!

[skylark]

Okay, I think if you read the sentence before that it will make sense as a whole. I am trying to say that even in situations where sorority ABC isn't even at your new campus (a worse situation than even Giggle is in) you cannot join another group.

Also, forgive me for not knowing this, but what is =/= short for?

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by skylark

Also, forgive me for not knowing this, but what is =/= short for?

Does not equal. Is not the same as.

[AChiOhSnap]

Originally Posted by giggle528

yeah, no im just going to stay....yah ur right i would feel too guilty to re-rush. i was just getting soo turned off by my chapter back home.

Good because everyone else is right. Once you were found out, you'd get kicked out of your "old" sorority and kicked out of your "new" sorority.

Originally Posted by giggle528

so im guessing people have seen girls who have not been affliated with the chapters at their new school, where their letter any? wouldnt they be made fun off, because they are not really a ABC at the school?

No.

When you are initiated into a sorority, you can wear the sorority's letters. Period. You are a member (unless you attempt to rerush and get kicked out). It's not like individual chapters have jurisdiction over whether or not women from other chapters can wear letters within ten miles of that school.

That said, it WOULD look pretty desperate if you transferred from a non-competitive Greek System to a so-called "top tier" or "popular" chapter just for the status and wore your letters around before affiliation in hopes of being seen as a member of the "popular" chapter. I'm assuming that's not what you did.

BTW, how are you even sure that you're going to LIKE this new chapter better than the chapter at your old school? Have you even met the women yet? You sound pretty confident that this is going to be a good match. I'm not saying it won't, but chapters can differ drastically even between in-state schools. The AXO chapter 75 miles down the freeway from my school was nothing like my chapter.

Maybe you should wait and see if you even fit in with this new chapter before you get on the phone with your mom and "scare" people at HQ.


ETA: And please take that to heart. Don't piss off HQ. You may need their help later on, especially if the chapter at your new school denies your affiliation request. The new chapter and HQ hold the cards in this situation, not you.

ETA Part II: I want to AGAIN stress (because your general tone leads me to believe you're having trouble checking your attitude because you're so frustrated) that you catch a lot more flies with honey than vinegar.

My chapter advisor had eyes and ears all over HQ and at chapters around the state. She knew EVERYTHING that was going on. I'm just saying, if we had a girl attempt to affiliate with us and she was being a pain in the ass or rude to HQ/members of her old chapter, it would very much hurt her standing in our mind. All HQ owes you is your badge, if you paid for it, and a membership certificate. Anything else beyond that is extra help. It's unfortunate, but the "Catering to Frustrated Affilliation Candidates" department at your HQs is probably horribly understaffed.

[skylark]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Does not equal. Is not the same as.

Well, I guess since I haven't personally read every NPC organizations rules I feel a little wary of saying "can't ever" and figured the point was as clearly made by the word "usually" but maybe it would be more accurate to say I have never heard of a situation where someone was allowed to be initiated into two NPC groups for any reason.

I'm sorry to anyone who read my post and somehow discerned that I thought that being initiated into two NPC groups was ever okay. I've certainly never felt at odds with someone I completely agreed with more and if my reluctance to use uniquivocal language caused any confusion -- I am so sorry.

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by skylark

Well, I guess since I haven't personally read every NPC organizations rules I feel a little wary of saying "can't ever" and figured the point was as clearly made by the word "usually" but maybe it would be more accurate to say I have never heard of a situation where someone was allowed to be initiated into two NPC groups for any reason.

It's not Sigma Kappa's decision. It's not Zeta Tau Alpha's decision. It's not Alpha Chi Omega's decision. It is the National Panhellenic Conference's unanimous agreement.

Originally Posted by skylark

I'm sorry to anyone who read my post and somehow discerned that I thought that being initiated into two NPC groups was ever okay. I've certainly never felt at odds with someone I completely agreed with more and if my reluctance to use uniquivocal language caused any confusion -- I am so sorry.

No prob. We just wanted to clarify so that others wouldn't read that post and think, "Well, skylark said 'usually' so maybe I can be an exception and rerush".

[AnchorAlumna]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Just explain "I was initiated at Moose Head College, but when I transferred here to Deer Butt University, the chapter was a lot different.

ROFL!!! Send me applications forms!!!

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by skylark

Well, I guess since I haven't personally read every NPC organizations rules I feel a little wary of saying "can't ever" and figured the point was as clearly made by the word "usually" but maybe it would be more accurate to say I have never heard of a situation where someone was allowed to be initiated into two NPC groups for any reason.

I'm sorry to anyone who read my post and somehow discerned that I thought that being initiated into two NPC groups was ever okay. I've certainly never felt at odds with someone I completely agreed with more and if my reluctance to use uniquivocal language caused any confusion -- I am so sorry.

If you read the sticky that's called "Duel Memberships", and some of the old threads, you'll see why we're such sticklers for using definitive language. It seems like every time someone starts a thread about "I'm not happy, can I re-rush" or "I joined an NPC, but I really should have joined an NPHC, can I still do that" someone will chime in with a "but I know someone who did" or a perceived loophole, even though it is 100% against the rules of both Conferences. You don't want to give people even an inch when it comes to that. That's all.

[skylark]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

It's not Sigma Kappa's decision. It's not Zeta Tau Alpha's decision. It's not Alpha Chi Omega's decision. It is the National Panhellenic Conference's unanimous agreement.

Well, I know there are at least some NPC "unanimous agreements" that are, in fact, not unanimous (despite the label). An example is the agreement that some of the orgs have passed on social events with non-dry fraternity houses. Some NPC orgs subscribe to certain parts of the agreement, some NPC orgs subscribe to it in its entirety. Some NPC orgs subscribe to it in its entirety, but then allow for exceptions if you apply first to your HQ and ask for one.

Maybe I should just leave contributions to these forums to others that obviously know more than I do in these areas. I was under the impression that as someone who was on the chapter-side of an affiliation issue while I was an active that maybe I could contribute to the conversation since the OP herself seemed pretty lost. I thought that knowing more than at least she did was enough reason to contribute, but next time I'll just wait for someone more experienced to put their two cents in.

[kddani]

It's pretty basic info that once you are initiated into one NPC sorority you can never join another one, no exceptions. I think we learned that in our first week of new member ed when I pledged.


OP, if you are over the age of 18 your mother has no business making any calls like this on your behalf. That certainly couldn't have made a good impression.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by skylark

Well, I know there are at least some NPC "unanimous agreements" that are, in fact, not unanimous (despite the label). An example is the agreement that some of the orgs have passed on social events with non-dry fraternity houses. Some NPC orgs subscribe to certain parts of the agreement, some NPC orgs subscribe to it in its entirety. Some NPC orgs subscribe to it in its entirety, but then allow for exceptions if you apply first to your HQ and ask for one.

Each group passed its own policy. About 3 said you can only mix with dry fraternities, 19-20 said the event itself has to be dry but the fraternity itself doesn't have to have dry housing or any sort of alcohol free policy, and 3 just passed the "support" policy which is basically saying alcohol free is nice but we can still drink at mixers. These may have changed since their initial adoption.

The only unanimous part was that the groups would "support" dry fraternities (i.e. they wouldn't stop mixing with them just because they were alcohol free) but that was it. And even that was a resolution, not a unanimous agreement.

I'm sorry if you felt jumped on, but as AF said, some people in this situation given an inch will take a mile. "OMG skylark said usually....that means if you're special like me you can rerush another sorority!!" It's not against you, it's to prevent the wrong impression.

[SydneyK]

Originally Posted by giggle528

i didnt know what to do..so i called them to ask them what to do. i then heard nothing back, so i had my mother do it, because classes had started. I mean i really dont have to justify myself.

Like many have already said, your mom has nothing to do with this. If you asked her to do it because classes have already started, that makes it sound like you couldn't possibly fit a phone call into your hectic schedule. If that's the case, then you should just avoid sorority life altogether, because it's going to require much more time than making a simple phone call.

Am I the only one wondering if this girl is for real? I mean like, HQ is telling her stuff no HQ would like ever say, and like, maybe she's hoping she can fake having been initiated so she can, ya know, just be, like, smuggled into the bestest, most popular sorority evar. Cuz, like, what's a girl whose been, like, part of the biggest paperwork snafu to do?

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

Am I the only one wondering if this girl is for real? I mean like, HQ is telling her stuff no HQ would like ever say, and like, maybe she's hoping she can fake having been initiated so she can, ya know, just be, like, smuggled into the bestest, most popular sorority evar. Cuz, like, what's a girl whose been, like, part of the biggest paperwork snafu to do?

You forgot to misspell a few words, mix up homophones, and leave out all punctuation.

And, no, you're not the only one.

[giggle528]

Originally Posted by AChiOhSnap

Good because everyone else is right. Once you were found out, you'd get kicked out of your "old" sorority and kicked out of your "new" sorority.



No.

When you are initiated into a sorority, you can wear the sorority's letters. Period. You are a member (unless you attempt to rerush and get kicked out). It's not like individual chapters have jurisdiction over whether or not women from other chapters can wear letters within ten miles of that school.

That said, it WOULD look pretty desperate if you transferred from a non-competitive Greek System to a so-called "top tier" or "popular" chapter just for the status and wore your letters around before affiliation in hopes of being seen as a member of the "popular" chapter. I'm assuming that's not what you did.

BTW, how are you even sure that you're going to LIKE this new chapter better than the chapter at your old school? Have you even met the women yet? You sound pretty confident that this is going to be a good match. I'm not saying it won't, but chapters can differ drastically even between in-state schools. The AXO chapter 75 miles down the freeway from my school was nothing like my chapter.

Maybe you should wait and see if you even fit in with this new chapter before you get on the phone with your mom and "scare" people at HQ.


ETA: And please take that to heart. Don't piss off HQ. You may need their help later on, especially if the chapter at your new school denies your affiliation request. The new chapter and HQ hold the cards in this situation, not you.

ETA Part II: I want to AGAIN stress (because your general tone leads me to believe you're having trouble checking your attitude because you're so frustrated) that you catch a lot more flies with honey than vinegar.

My chapter advisor had eyes and ears all over HQ and at chapters around the state. She knew EVERYTHING that was going on. I'm just saying, if we had a girl attempt to affiliate with us and she was being a pain in the ass or rude to HQ/members of her old chapter, it would very much hurt her standing in our mind. All HQ owes you is your badge, if you paid for it, and a membership certificate. Anything else beyond that is extra help. It's unfortunate, but the "Catering to Frustrated Affilliation Candidates" department at your HQs is probably horribly understaffed.

I havent worn any of my letters yet..i've just been wearing my bracelet that i always where. I didnt want them to be like "whos that ABC girl? where is she from" thats what i was thinking though about how they will probably wait until after rush so that they can give their bids. but my old prez told me that i have the upperhand, since im already a member of ABC. is that true? and the transfer lady at HQ told me that they kinda have to accept me, and that to her knowledge no one has ever been denied even if they are at total.

and ur right i might not even like them, i mean i am going to give them a chance..i have to. ill most likely try to become close to their new members since im new too.

im going to the interest meeting tonight..should i introduce myself??

[giggle528]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

Like many have already said, your mom has nothing to do with this. If you asked her to do it because classes have already started, that makes it sound like you couldn't possibly fit a phone call into your hectic schedule. If that's the case, then you should just avoid sorority life altogether, because it's going to require much more time than making a simple phone call.

Am I the only one wondering if this girl is for real? I mean like, HQ is telling her stuff no HQ would like ever say, and like, maybe she's hoping she can fake having been initiated so she can, ya know, just be, like, smuggled into the bestest, most popular sorority evar. Cuz, like, what's a girl whose been, like, part of the biggest paperwork snafu to do?

you really dont need to make fun of me...each organization is different....my org happened to actually say that, because of the situation of papers and money and membership forms not being in yet. and the fact that i was just initiated, which is why they gave me that option..
its not HQ fault at all, and im not blaming them, my old prez has just been irresponsible, b.c HQ would call her to tell her to do it and she still wouldnt.

[adpiucf]

If the sorority never sent in any initiation paperwork to their HQ on you or your pledge sisters, then none of you are initiated members. The initiation was not conducted with the consent of HQ. If simply going through the initiation ceremony would make you a member of ABC, we wouldn't need chartered chapters and "underground chapters" could operate.

If, however, HQ, processed your initiation paperwork from scratch (and why they would take you at your word as being a member without any verification from the chapter is beyond me!), then your paperwork is filed, and you are an initiated member.

Contact your chapter adviser from the former university and talk to her. Get a hold of those transfer forms, even if that is not your duty. Fill them out and flap where signatures are needed. Mail the forms to the chapter president via certified mail and include a self-addressed-stamped envelope so she has an easy method to send it back.

You need to stay on top of this with phone calls, and in-person meetings as much as possible. Email is not a reliable form of communication from which to gain a response, except to serve as a paper trail.

There is no guarantee that the chapter at the new campus will accept your transfer, nor that you will like the chapter at the new campus, even if the paperwork is processed.

Good luck. Make this a priority if it is important to you.