Obsession with total...why?

[kiqualey12]

I believe that retention is key as well. What good does it do if you have a bunch of people drop throughout 2 years? You don't have enough members who truly know the chapter and how everything works to train others, who just drop anyways. Quota on our campus is 50 and we have 32. We're not freaked out, but our internationals is pushing us to be at total hard core. We COB a lot and are doing a lot better, but that's because internally we are a lot better. Girls see us get along and be happy and have fun and they want to be apart of that. I also tell pnm's my experience with everything, including ritual and most are intrigued and want to know more. Someone said earlier that people we know around us are great pnm's, but not everyone is. Sometimes people may be great friends, but not sisters. I don't know if anyone knows what I mean, but I think it's true and discovered that recently with someone we pledged. Made a great friend, but not really there for the right reason's. Total is important, as we found last year when we had like 12 graduate and 5 disaffiliate due to RA and AX stuff. Anyhow, just thought I'd put in my 2 cents.

[adpiucf]

Originally posted by ktsnake
I've seen it... quantity breeds quality!

So true! Unfortunately, the lifespan of a collegiate member is 4 years, so it's hard for a collegian to understand the bigger picture--- the longevity of the chapter!

Get bodies to fill those beds, better distribution of leadership roles, campus visibility, less burnout, more funds for social/house improvement, etc.

Patience is a virtue.... and in the long run, the greatest "quality."

[33girl]

Originally posted by adpiucf
Get bodies to fill those beds

**shudder**

I guess I had it all wrong. I was looking for sisters to fill my life instead of bodies to fill beds. Silly me!

I understand that if you have a large house you do have to think somewhat in those terms, but if I was a recently pledged sister, I think I'd be a little taken aback to know I was referred to in that way.

[XOMichelle]

Originally posted by FuzzieAlum

Some reasons against worrying too much about total:

A) You bid Suzy just to make quota, even though she's questionable - and even one bad member can turn away many PNMs, thus reducing numbers in the long run.

B) You start to focus on rush instead of keeping members. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

I have never heard truer words spoken!