University of Mississippi - Ole Miss 2014 Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment

[WCsweet<3]

Since neither option (going through recruitment this year or waiting to go through as a sophomore) is that viable, is the Alpha Phi colony her best choice? She has time to get her grades up since it isn't until next year, though I'd hate to put all her eggs in one basket.

[DubaiSis]

If she has gotten accepted into the school with her current grades, I'd probably go through in the fall and make the best of it, fully understanding what will probably happen. Then when it does, go about getting/keeping outstanding grades along with a full social life. If she has the grades as a sophomore and has made friends with sorority women along the way, she could have an unexpectedly successful sophomore experience. If she doesn't have outstanding grades at the end of her freshman year, then sorority involvement at a school like this probably isn't in the cards for her.

But she might as well give it a shot.

[Sciencewoman]

She could try it this year...if it doesn't work out and she manages to get good grades, she might be appealing the next fall during the colonization -- she won't have the "we already cut you last year" baggage with Alpha Phi.

[MaryPoppins]

Due to the limited desire for grade risk PNMs, it's important that the PNM keep an open mind or she risks not being Greek at all, whether as a Freshman or as a Sophomore. Some Ole Miss Chapters do not consider Sophomores at all.

[MaryPoppins]

And since the season for sending out recruitment packets is here, I thought I would add more detailed information on that subject.

The importance of Letters of Reference, Recommendations, et cetera, is twofold: 1) to check a box that the PNM has one; and 2) to let the chapter know about the PNM. The amount of PNM support a rec/ref provides is dependent on the quality of the rec/ref itself, and therefore dependent on the writer and the PNM. If it's bland or pro forma it will just fulfill that box check requirement.

The crux of the matter comes when the PNM seems attractive to the chapter and the chapter now wants to know more about her. If she is already known to the chapter then the pro forma rec/ref is fine. If she is not well known, or perhaps unknown, then a informational ref/rec is needed. The unknown/less well known PNM needs the additional boost to go beyond the chapters mere interest. Chapters use all information received to study the PNM, they use that information in recruitment to connect with her, and if she is a rush crush to promote her within the chapter.

It is old school to look at the number of ref/recs or letters of support when evaluating an PNM. I cannot speak to how old school any of the chapters here at Ole Miss are as that is clearly a membership selection area. Since recruitment gifts of food and flowers in support of a PNM are no longer permitted, the extra letters and rec/refs may now seem the only avenue available. I cannot know how additional letters and rec/refs would be received at the various chapters at Ole Miss, but I think that I would make certain that there was quality over quantity in any rec/ref, resume', or materials sent in on one of my daughters.

Depending on the NPC Chapter, there are legacy introduction forms that Alumnae fill out for their legacies, and yes, it is appropriate for a relative to submit those forms. It's the only way the legacy chapter has of knowing that you have a special relationship to them. Mother-daughter and Sister-Sister seem to be universally accepted as legacy relationships. Grandmother-Granddaughter and Aunt-Niece may be accepted as legacy relationship by some chapters. Your relative needs to investigate with her headquarters if your relationship requires a legacy introduction form or perhaps it might instead require a letter of recommendation/reference.

By the way, if it should happen that your legacy relative has passed away, it may be possible for another member of that NPC chapter to submit the legacy introduction form on the deceased members behalf.

Each NPC Chapter has it's own rules, and those are subject to change from time to time, according to the constitution and bylaws set forth by each organization. The alumna member vouching for the PNM has the responsibility to be sure that they are familiar with the current rules and policies on legacies and letters of recommendation/reference.

[pinksequins]

I understand it (left hemisphere of brain), but it just boggles my right hemisphere that some ginormous Ole Miss new member classes. Consist. Only. Of. Freshmen.

[OleMissGlitter]

Originally Posted by pinksequins

I understand it (left hemisphere of brain), but it just boggles my right hemisphere that some ginormous Ole Miss new member classes. Consist. Only. Of. Freshmen.

Yes it is crazy. Especially when only 18 years ago my pledge class had about 54 in it! Since enrollment is still going up I think we won't really see that big of a change in new member classes until Alpha Phi gets here in 2015. I think quota will still be at least 100.

[DubaiSis]

This is another school where they waited too long before starting the expansion process. I honor them for being patient to make sure each one goes well before moving on, but tick tock! They could easily add 5 or 6 and STILL have big pledge classes.

[ElvisLover]

I advised a dear friend (and sorority sister) a few years back whose daughter had a low GPA as your friend's DD, MP. My advice was 100 times NO, don't rush! We knew the cuts would be harsh, and even though her daughter knew that going in, it would still hurt. As it turned out, her DD went to Ole Miss and made good friends without going through, but she still was unable to keep up her GPA and transferred to a CC the next year. You can use my story if you would like to convey this to your friend. I don't think most moms realize how excruciatingly competitive Ole Miss rush is, and I would hate for her daughter to have to experience that type of rejection straight out of the gate. Just my two cents.

[33girl]

I know we talked about how Texas has the spirit groups and such that are very sorority-like - is there anything like that @ Ole Miss?

[OleMissGlitter]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I know we talked about how Texas has the spirit groups and such that are very sorority-like - is there anything like that @ Ole Miss?

No spirit groups at Ole Miss. But I think there are enough clubs and orgs where a young woman can find "something else to do" besides joining a sorority. I know some of the new Residence Halls do have interest groups who are very active on campus and in the Oxford community. I do think a young woman can survive socially at Ole Miss without being a sorority.

[ElvisLover]

Not that I'm aware of, but I could be mistaken.

[Low D Flat]

Are the new residential colleges succeeding in providing an ongoing social community for their non-Greek students?

[OleMissGlitter]

Originally Posted by Low D Flat

Are the new residential colleges succeeding in providing an ongoing social community for their non-Greek students?

Yes from what I have heard they do provide that for non-Greek students. Of course there are Greek freshmen infiltrated in all of the halls on campus. But you can survive if you get involved with other groups.

Bluebell4, that's a great idea too. Summer School can help your grades and that could be an option. Plus that's another way to meet sorority women.

[Bluebell4]

Has she thought about enrolling in summer school? If she did well it might help with grade worries and would also lighten her load for fall and spring.