Joining the Charter Chapter After Dropping Out of Recruitment

ALynnJ · #1 10-01-2013, 10:41 AM

Sorry for the long title, and no, I didn't drop out of recruitment, but I just have to get something off my chest. This is mainly for PNMs, but initiates definitely can put their two cents in.

During recruitment this year I heard of some girls who dropped out because they were only invited back to the "lowest" sorority, and they decided to just go through the chartering chapter's recruitment. Now, just to let you know, the "lowest" sorority on our campus is only considered low because they value sisterhood over looks, so they're not the prettiest girls but they love each other. My issue is: first of all, if you dropped because you wanted to be in a prettier sorority you made a good choice because you really don't deserve to be in a sorority, and second, if you join the charter sorority, you're going to be in a worse situation. From stories I've heard on this forum, I know that the charter class will be very diverse and they won't have an identity on campus. And next year, after everyone has welcomed you to the campus, you'll be on the bottom and have to work hard to make it all the way to the top and work even harder during recruitment because a lot of PNMs will go in thinking, "Oh that's the new sorority. Good luck to them..."

So basically this isn't a post to convince you NOT to do the charter chapter. I realize it's a huge honor to be a charter member. This post was basically telling you to think about why exactly you are going through recruitment. Don't sabotage your new sorority's legacy because you expected it to automatically be on top. Maybe by your senior year they will be, but definitely not during their first year on campus.

ramsey · #2 10-01-2013, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALynnJ

Sorry for the long title, and no, I didn't drop out of recruitment, but I just have to get something off my chest. This is mainly for PNMs, but initiates definitely can put their two cents in.

During recruitment this year I heard of some girls who dropped out because they were only invited back to the "lowest" sorority, and they decided to just go through the chartering chapter's recruitment. Now, just to let you know, the "lowest" sorority on our campus is only considered low because they value sisterhood over looks, so they're not the prettiest girls but they love each other. My issue is: first of all, if you dropped because you wanted to be in a prettier sorority you made a good choice because you really don't deserve to be in a sorority, and second, if you join the charter sorority, you're going to be in a worse situation. From stories I've heard on this forum, I know that the charter class will be very diverse and they won't have an identity on campus. And next year, after everyone has welcomed you to the campus, you'll be on the bottom and have to work hard to make it all the way to the top and work even harder during recruitment because a lot of PNMs will go in thinking, "Oh that's the new sorority. Good luck to them..."

So basically this isn't a post to convince you NOT to do the charter chapter. I realize it's a huge honor to be a charter member. This post was basically telling you to think about why exactly you are going through recruitment. Don't sabotage your new sorority's legacy because you expected it to automatically be on top. Maybe by your senior year they will be, but definitely not during their first year on campus.

Holy QFP Batman!

irishpipes · #3 10-01-2013, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALynnJ

From stories I've heard on this forum, I know that the charter class will be very diverse and they won't have an identity on campus. And next year, after everyone has welcomed you to the campus, you'll be on the bottom and have to work hard to make it all the way to the top and work even harder during recruitment because a lot of PNMs will go in thinking, "Oh that's the new sorority. Good luck to them..."

So basically this isn't a post to convince you NOT to do the charter chapter. I realize it's a huge honor to be a charter member. This post was basically telling you to think about why exactly you are going through recruitment. Don't sabotage your new sorority's legacy because you expected it to automatically be on top. Maybe by your senior year they will be, but definitely not during their first year on campus.

Wow.

carnation · #4 10-01-2013, 12:26 PM

I've seen many new colonies take off with a bang and shoot to at least the middle of the pack, if you're into tier talk.

ladybug12 · #5 10-01-2013, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnation

I've seen many new colonies take off with a bang and shoot to at least the middle of the pack, if you're into tier talk.

Totally agree Carnation!

Hate to see a Newbie spout out her opinion with a limited background. But, lots of us have years of experience under our belts and know better.

I'm willing to give her a pass because she is coming off a tough recruitment experience...but trashing a new colony is not necessary. Some of my GLO's
Colonies in recent years have been home runs, some a work in progress...but all are going well in the long run due to support from our fraternity. We support our sisters!

knight_shadow · #6 10-01-2013, 12:23 PM

Wut.

ALynnJ · #7 10-01-2013, 01:07 PM

I'm just saying that these girls just seemed like they were in it for the wrong reasons.

carnation · #8 10-01-2013, 01:44 PM

What would the right reasons be? A lot of freshman wouldn't have this plotted out or even on their radar ahead of time. They just want to rush and see what happens.

AOII Angel · #9 10-01-2013, 02:19 PM

Don't worry so much about the motives of others. People all have different reasons for going through recruitment. Most women are looking for friendship, some are looking for parties, some are looking for status. What ever floats their boats. The status girls wouldn't have been good members for your chapter so don't cry over spilled milk. Most of the women going for the colony are looking for friendship just like most people who go through FFR. Don't feel like this hurts your chapter. It probably won't. New chapters scare weaker recruiting chapters, but in many (of not most) cases those chapters benefit from increased interest on Greek Life generated by the new chapters.

DeltaBetaBaby · #10 10-01-2013, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

New chapters scare weaker recruiting chapters, but in many (of not most) cases those chapters benefit from increased interest on Greek Life generated by the new chapters.

They also benefit from a lower quota/total, in many cases. A new colony helps to staunch a growing difference between the smallest and the largest groups.

AOII Angel · #11 10-01-2013, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

They also benefit from a lower quota/total, in many cases. A new colony helps to staunch a growing difference between the smallest and the largest groups.

True. That's the goal. Sometimes we've seen it not workout that way, but that's what everyone is hoping for.

amIblue? · #12 10-01-2013, 03:57 PM

I don't even begin to understand your point. Whatever.

In thinking back, I can remember not wanting to be a member of a chapter when I was going through rush because there was an active who stole my boyfriend, and then there was another chapter in which there was an active who asked my best friend's boyfriend to her formal while he was still dating my best friend. So that knocked that chapter off my list, too. (In retrospect, not the best decision making skills I've ever employed.) All PNMs aren't motivated by tiers, and young women don't always have the best judgment. That being said, the PNMs are the ones who have live with the decision they make. Sometimes they drop, and then they don't get invited to join the colony. Why is it that you felt it necessary to come here and post this?

DubaiSis · #13 10-01-2013, 09:31 PM

Pretty =/= unsisterly and ugly =/= friendly, sweet, generous or sisterly.

robinseggblue · #14 10-01-2013, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

Pretty =/= unsisterly and ugly =/= friendly, sweet, generous or sisterly.

Calling someone ugly in the first place is rude. And just because you don't find someone attractive, doesn't mean that someone else doesn't find them attractive or that they are ugly at all.

I think it would have come off better if you had said that everyone has both good and bad characteristics, from physical appearance to personality traits, and that no one can judge anyone else at first glance or after only meeting them briefly. Recruitment isn't real life and there's no way to know what the chapter is like unless you're in it (though you can get an approximate idea depending on the situation).

ALynnJ,
At the end of the day it is the individual that must live with his/her decisions. Make the best ones for yourself and don't worry about what other people are doing so much. Be true to yourself and do what will help you become a better person down the road.

TurtleloveUCLA · #15 10-02-2013, 12:12 AM

Join a sorority for the right reasons! My daughter wanted to drop formal for colonization. I knew it was not for her, and we discussed that. She didn't drop and is thrilled to be in her house. More pnms should not have dropped thinking "grass is greener" etc. Colonization is hard work and doesn't fit for those who want an out.