Multiple New Member Classes

[ASTalumna06]

I apologize if this has been discussed before (and I'm sure it has), but I couldn't find anything on it.

Anyway, does anyone else have multiple pledge classes in a semester?

I know that obviously it would be difficult to do, but I keep hearing that it might be a good idea, especially with our pledge classes never totaling more than maybe 5 people.

When would you fit in a new class? What's the process? And how much extra time and effort does it take?

Would it be wise to bid girls after Thanksgiving and before Christmas, and then to have them start after winter break? (having an induction ceremony for them the first week back at school?)

Or would it be smart to bid girls in advance, but have them start with the next new member class. Example: Bid them before winter break, but have their induction ceremony and new member activities start after recruitment the following semester with the new class. Or is that making them wait too long to really jump into things?

I understand there may be obstacles to deal with concerning the National Organization and possibly school rules, but putting those aside for now and assuming they don't exist, what would you suggest? Or what does your chapter do in order to have multiple pledge classes?