De-Pledging -- Who, What, When, Where, Why and How?

[billiejean1031]

I have officially decided that I want to de-pledge my business frat.

So my questions are:

How should I go about de-pledging without burning bridges -- Set up a time to talk to the person in charge of membership one-on-one via email? Or will just via email suffice?


Is there any appropriate way to thank the few girls that I know seemed excited about me becoming a member for their kindness and hospitality either before or after I de-pledge -- or would it be a better idea to avoid them at all costs? Those are the bridges I am worried about burning.

FYI -- I am not planning on pledging/rushing anything else again in undergrad.

[FSUZeta]

Meeting the membership officer in person would be the stand up thing to do-you can arrange the meeting through email. After you talk to the membership officer, it would be thoughtful to let the women who made you feel welcome know that you have terminated your membership. This can be accomplished either in person of through email.

[LouisaMay]

Please don't avoid them! No. Be direct and honest and friendly. Just as you said here, express that you appreciated their kindness and hospitality. It's an honor for someone to think that you should be in his or her fraternity! Focus on the positives. You don't owe them every nitty-gritty detail of why you are quitting, but be honest that the organization isn't going to work out for you but you would like to continue your friendship. Good luck!

[billiejean1031]

Thank you both for all your help