Advice for a possible PNAM?

[MelodyCat]

Hi, everyone. I never went through formal rush or COB for a NPC org in college for several reasons. A big one was that I was quite nervous about going through rush at my undergrad college - I won't name the school, but it's a big Southern school with a very competitive rush. I was always curious about Greek Life, and did pledge a MCGLO, but I realized it wasn't the right place for me during the pledge process and dropped out before initiation. In retrospect, that was a good thing, as the chapter of that org had a lot of problems and lost a good deal of their membership the next two semesters.

I graduated from college in December and moved, and now I'm pondering AI. I'm looking at two orgs in particular, neither of which was at my undergrad school, but both are at the school I may be taking graduate classes at this fall.

I'm wondering about a couple of things:

1.) How do NPC orgs view someone who did what I did - i.e. pledge a MCGLO but not initiate?
2.) Do any NPC orgs actually initiate graduate students as full actives, or would AI be the best option?

[CutiePie2000]

Originally posted by MelodyCat
I'm wondering about a couple of things:

1.) How do NPC orgs view someone who did what I did - i.e. pledge a MCGLO but not initiate?
2.) Do any NPC orgs actually initiate graduate students as full actives, or would AI be the best option?

1.) I guess, my advice would be to be "cautious" and say less rather than more, so I would not mention the MCGLO pledging. You were never "fully initiated into membership" with the MCGLO so IMO, that chapter is over, closed and behind you.
Besides, if you had pledged an NPC sorority, but not initiated into full membership, then you are still a "free agent" and can initiate with an NPC.

2). Graduate Students..hmm, that's a toughie and to be honest with you, I don't have a lot of knowledge about Grad Students approaching NPCs. I think Phi Sigma Sigma initiates grad students, but I think it may depend a lot on the "climate" of the campus. (i.e. in general, the South is a more conservative than the North, but do not despair...we've had successful "Southern" AI's so it can happen!)

If you wanted to PM me for further advice or private "consultation", I am all ears and ready to listen!
Thank you for coming to this board, it's always wonderful to hear from women who are thinking of becoming a prospective alumna initiate! :D
P.S. Be sure to check out My Advice to Prospective Alumnae Initiates (http://forums.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20287) and then come back with any questions! We are here for you. If you'd like, I will add your name to the Roll Call of Alumnae Initiates and Prospective Alumnae Initiates (http://forums.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26873) as well!

[adduncan]

Paging CutiePie2000, you're on!!

Welcome MelodyCat. Just wanted to invite you to pull up a chair and pour a fresh mug because the people on here will shower you with some honest and constructive thoughts.

Since I'm not that well versed on MCGLOs, I'm going to defer to the others who are. I just wanted you to know you're not alone in this PNAM boat.

Hey, does this make the GC PNAMs a PNAM pledge class???? ;)

Have a great one!
Adrienne (PNAM-2003)
:D

[33girl]

Melody - I know for sure that Phi Sigma Sigma will initiate a grad student as an active rather than alumna. There might be other groups but PSS has been confirmed on here. :)

[CutiePie2000]

Originally posted by MelodyCat
I'm looking at two orgs in particular, neither of which was at my undergrad school, but both are at the school I may be taking graduate classes at this fall.

You did not mention which 2 orgs that you were interested in (and I would caution you not to post it publicly on the board...best to be discreet and not "show your slip" as it were ); however, if you wanted to elict any advice or feedback, I will try to help. I've been on this board for (coming up on) 3 years, so I've been in touch with many AI's, and know their stories, etc. I try to keep current on "The State of Alumna Initiation" across the 26 NPCs. :D
GOOD LUCK and we hope that you post again, soon!

[MelodyCat]

Thanks, everyone, for your warm welcome! :) I haven't contacted the orgs I'm interested in yet, but I'll be sure to keep everyone posted when I do. :)

adduncan, I'm about to PM you. Your sig tells me you might know a bit about the school I may go through the AI process at. :)

[doubleblue&gold]

You should definitely pursue A!. We just had initiation at the college chapter I work with. There were 2 Alum initiates. One of the women had pledged when she was in college but didn't return the next semester and was never initiated. (back in the days when you pledged one semester and were initiated the next, after you made grades). THat did nothing to keep her from getting approval to initiate with us-----actually we heard on her paperwork after only 2 weeks!

Two years ago, we initiated a grad studet as an alum. She was married and didn't feel like she could devote the time as an active member. Since that was already decided, we didn't have to find out whether the college chapter had to agree on her initiation. But I would think if you were going to try to be active,the college members woud have to invite you to join----I just don't kow about that aspect.

Good luck in whatever you decide and do!

[Sistermadly]

Do it, do it, do it!

Joining Alpha Phi as an alumna initiate was one of the best things I've ever done. Women have so much to contribute after their university days are over, and I for one would love to see unaffilated alums "join up".

Best of luck to you - and may you soon join the ranks of the initiated!

C. (PNAM Success Story - 2003)

[navane]

Hi MelodyCat!

Congratulations, you've come to the right place!

I am one of the veteran PNAMs here at GC. In case you are wondering "PNAM" stands for "Potential New Alumna Member". :)

There are loads of people here who can offer you advice and support and cheer you on while you go for it.

The fact that you previously pledged a MCGLO is irrelevant in my opinion.

Please do browse through this forum and check out the various threads regarding AI. CutiePie2000 has already given you links to some of them.

In addition, there are a handful of people like me who are more than happy to discuss this with you in private if you like. Please do not hesitate to PM me if you have any questions or just want to chatter away about it! :)


PNAM,

.....Kelly :)

[MelodyCat]

I'm bumping my old thread (after three months of lurker status!) because I do have a small update to make. I contacted the Executive Office of Group #1 this morning, so I'm hoping to hear back from them soon.

I've expanded my search to three organizations, as well. :)

I think maybe I'll call them by the names of candy bars: Twix, Snickers, and Butterfinger. Mmm, chocolate. :D So, by that logic, I emailed Twix this morning.

[tinydancer]

TOO CUTE, Melody!!! Welcome to the PNAMs and good luck with Twix!!!


Lizz (PNAM tinydancer)

[LouisaMay]

Congratulations on this first big step. How exciting! We're in this together, so stay in touch.

LM

[MelodyCat]

I went out for the evening and came home to an email from Twix's Executive Office. EO gave me the contact info for the president of the local alumnae chapter, so I'm going to send her an email and see where things go from here. :) Wish me luck!

[Jen]

I believe that Sistermadly (and she can correct me if I'm wrong=) is a grad student.

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Good Luck and please let any of us know if we can help.........

[Aphigurl]

Melody,

I wish you continued Good Luck in your AI journey.:) Hopefully you will from Group #1 soon.;)

[bsp-mich24]

Good Luck in your AI search!!!:)

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Originally posted by SmartBlondeGPhB
Good Luck and please let any of us know if we can help.........

Ditto what Melanie says -- check out this thread as well:

http://forums.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37706


Let us know if we can do anything OK?:)

[MelodyCat]

I've heard from Twix's local alumnae chapter president! We're trying to make plans to meet for coffee. :) The first big alumnae chapter event is Founder's Day celebration in October, and she said I might be able to come to that. I'm really excited! :D

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Originally posted by MelodyCat
The first big alumnae chapter event is Founder's Day celebration in October, and she said I might be able to come to that. I'm really excited! :D

THAT narrows it down.........

[GeekyPenguin]

That does narrow it down! Here's the NPC orgs founded in October:

ACW
AEF
AF
DZ
KD
KKG
ZTA

Now we just need to figure out who among those orgs does AI. :)

Edited to add that I got this information from my GFB history book so it should all be accurate.

[Ginger]

I think all of them do, except for Kappa and ZTA (without an extenuating circumstance)

[PenguinTrax]

Originally posted by Ginger
I think all of them do, except for Kappa and ZTA (without an extenuating circumstance)

ZTA does alumnae initiation - I helped organize one about 2 years ago.

[Ginger]

I stand corrected!

[sugar and spice]

AEPhi doesn't do alum initiation either.

Kappa just did their first AI, I think, but I don't think it's going to become very common in their organization, at least not right away.

ZTA does, but I think it's rare . . . at least in comparison with some of the other groups like Alpha Phi or Gamma Phi Beta.

[GPhiBLtColonel]

I bet it's Alpha Phi!!!

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Originally posted by GPhiBLtColonel
I bet it's Alpha Phi!!!

LOL

That was what I was going to say too. I was actually going to say:

"Those of us who've been on the boards a while can probably make a REALLY good guess on this one".

[ajuhdg]

Originally posted by GeekyPenguin
That does narrow it down! Here's the NPC orgs founded in October:

ACW
AEF
AF
DZ
KD
KKG
ZTA

Now we just need to figure out who among those orgs does AI. :)

Edited to add that I got this information from my GFB history book so it should all be accurate.

Okay, not to throw you off too much more y'all....but DG was founded in December, however, we celebrate Founder's Day in March! I don't know if that changes those groups too much!

aj

[MelodyCat]

Wow, all these guesses. . .I can neither confirm nor deny a guess. I've found out one of the officers for the local alumnae group for Twix is here on GC, so I'd rather keep things quiet for now. I love that everyone's having fun with it, though. :)

[pinkyphimu]

melody- good luck with your choices! i hope you have a blast at your event!!!

[LouisaMay]

I'm so excited for you, Melody! I just ate a KitKat...is that one of your choices?;)

LM

[MelodyCat]

Wish me luck - I'm meeting the co-presidents of Twix's local alumnae group tomorrow. I'm stressing out over what to wear! I'm thinking a pair of dressy brown pants with a nice brown and burnt orange diagonally striped blouse, but I'm also considering a knee-length black skirt with a pink floral print and a pink top. I just know I'll change my clothes 5000 times before walking out the door!

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by MelodyCat
Wish me luck - I'm meeting the co-presidents of Twix's local alumnae group tomorrow. I'm stressing out over what to wear! I'm thinking a pair of dressy brown pants with a nice brown and burnt orange diagonally striped blouse, but I'm also considering a knee-length black skirt with a pink floral print and a pink top. I just know I'll change my clothes 5000 times before walking out the door!

I think you should dress in Twix's colors (and if brown is one of their colors, my complements on your choice of sorority ;)). Seriously, either of those outfits sound good - but where is the meeting? That will help pick outfits.

[MelodyCat]

I finally settled on nice khakis and my favorite pink top for this afternoon - which went wonderfully. :) I met the co-presidents of the local alumnae group, and they were so warm and welcoming - I felt right at home talking with them. I'm really looking forward to future events with them!

[DZHBrown]

A pink shirt for a DZ meeting would be great! :D
Seriously though, good luck where ever you are going!!

[DZHBrown]

I thought APhi was founded in September? :confused:

[Jill1228]

http://www.superbabies.homestead.com/files/poke.gif

How did the meeting go?

[MelodyCat]

I thought I'd posted that already. Jill, do you have a good "OOPS!" smiley?

It went super-well. :) I hit it off great with the co-presidents of the local alumnae group. We actually lost track of time because we were so deep into conversation. I'm excited about the event next month, but I wish it was sooner!

[MelodyCat]

I finally have an update. :) I went to brunch with several ladies from the alum chapter, another PNAM, and one of Twix's regional coordinators. It was so much fun, and I'm really looking forward to future events with them. :)

[Celestia*Shine]

Hello! I have been reading up on your posts! I was wondering if you had any updates??!! I am excited to hear about your search as I have just begun mine!

[MelodyCat]

A couple of weeks ago I went on another outing with Twix - wine tasting. I've met more people, and everyone's been really welcoming and friendly. I've felt right at home.

I can't really say much else right now, but I'm happy with how things have gone thus far. :)

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

It sounds like things are going pretty much like they should......:D

[MelodyCat]

Well, things are going great. :) I am getting things ready to send to HQ. :D

[Jill1228]

Bout damn time you updated us! :D

[pinkyphimu]

that is a very great sign! good luck!!

[MelodyCat]

My paperwork is going to the executive office tomorrow! :D If it all goes well with them, I could be initiated in April!!!

I promise, I will spill all as soon as I hear something from executive office. :D

[Sister Havana]

Wooohooo! That's wonderful!

[breathesgelatin]

OMG! Can't wait to find out!

[navane]

[Kelly does the "Hurry up and Spill the Beans" dance]

:D


.....Kelly :)

[Jill1228]

Woo hoo! Can't wait to find out where you are gonna lay your hat! :D

[tinydancer]

YEA!!! We'll be waiting to hear where your new home will be:)

[MelodyCat]

I heard from Internationals, and I've got the green light and my new member packet. . .

as visions of silver and bordeaux dance through my head. . .

and I'm bouncing around the room. . .

because I'm just so excited to be an. . .

ALPHA PHI!

I'll be initiated at Bentley College the first Sunday in April. :) I went dress shopping this weekend, and it looks like I'll need to make a second trip since I didn't find anything the first time.

I can't decide which badge to order! I'm leaning towards the white gold with the raised pearl, though.

I just can't thank the wonderful women of GC enough for all their help. lauralaylin, who is my wonderful sponsor and a really great friend, my fellow PNAMs for all their advice and support, Jill1228 and Sistermadly for their PMs, and everyone else that I am forgetting in my excitement. Thanks to all of you. *huge massive hugs*

[sageofages]

Originally posted by MelodyCat
I heard from Internationals, and I've got the green light and my new member packet. . .

as visions of silver and bordeaux dance through my head. . .

and I'm bouncing around the room. . .

because I'm just so excited to be an. . .

ALPHA PHI!

I'll be initiated at Bentley College the first Sunday in April. :) I went dress shopping this weekend, and it looks like I'll need to make a second trip since I didn't find anything the first time.

I can't decide which badge to order! I'm leaning towards the white gold with the raised pearl, though.

I just can't thank the wonderful women of GC enough for all their help. lauralaylin, who is my wonderful sponsor and a really great friend, my fellow PNAMs for all their advice and support, Jill1228 and Sistermadly for their PMs, and everyone else that I am forgetting in my excitement. Thanks to all of you. *huge massive hugs*

I can't think of a better reason to go shopping!!!! than to buy a dress as important as the one you are initiated while wearing!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALPHA PHI!!

[ladyj39]

Originally posted by MelodyCat
I heard from Internationals, and I've got the green light and my new member packet. . .

as visions of silver and bordeaux dance through my head. . .

and I'm bouncing around the room. . .

because I'm just so excited to be an. . .

ALPHA PHI!

I'll be initiated at Bentley College the first Sunday in April. :) I went dress shopping this weekend, and it looks like I'll need to make a second trip since I didn't find anything the first time.

I can't decide which badge to order! I'm leaning towards the white gold with the raised pearl, though.

I just can't thank the wonderful women of GC enough for all their help. lauralaylin, who is my wonderful sponsor and a really great friend, my fellow PNAMs for all their advice and support, Jill1228 and Sistermadly for their PMs, and everyone else that I am forgetting in my excitement. Thanks to all of you. *huge massive hugs*

YAY!!! WELCOME HOME!!!

[Sister Havana]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!

Another happy ending! :D

[Cluey]

Congratulations!

I am so happy for you and Alpha Phi!

Welcome to the Triad! :)

[Jill1228]

OK, I can finally stop being quiet! (Trust me, that ain't easy!)

http://geoparent.com/graphics/emoticons/woohoo.gif http://geoparent.com/graphics/emoticons/woohoo.gif http://geoparent.com/graphics/emoticons/woohoo.gif

Congrats to you and welcome to ALPHA PHI!

PS. You got your packet pretty quick! I told ya SISTER! :D

http://geoparent.com/graphics/emoticons/woohoo.gif http://geoparent.com/graphics/emoticons/woohoo.gif http://geoparent.com/graphics/emoticons/woohoo.gif

[SATX*APhi]

Congrats and welcome to Alpha Phi! :)

[ms_gwyn]

congratulations on finding your home with


ALPHA PHI

[PhiPsiRuss]

Congratulations on finding your home!

[MelodyCat]

Thank you so much, everyone! Y'all just don't know how excited I've been all day long - and I've read the NM packet cover to cover!

[tinydancer]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Oh, I just had a feeling that it was Alpha Phi!! I'm so happy for you - welcome to the Triad!:)

[AUDeltaGam]

Congrats on ALPHA PHI!!!

[Sistermadly]

Welcome to the family, sis. I'm so glad you're here! Man, our Ivy Vine is growing like CRAZY these days!

SING IT IVY, SING IT IVY SING IT TO THE SKY
SHOUT IT IVY, SHOUT IT IVY, SHOUT IT 'TILL WE DIE

With an A
With an A
With an A-l-p

With a P
With a P
With a P-h-a

With an A
With an L
With a P-H-A

ALPHA PHI!

[pinkyphimu]

congratulations!!! i am so excited for you!!

from one boston alumna to another....

[breathesgelatin]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[polarpi]

Congratulations to you in your membership with Alpha Phi! I'm so excited to see another PNAM find her home! :)

[TriDeltaGal]

Congrats to you and Alpha Phi! They are gaining a wonderful new AI!

[navane]

Woo hoo!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations on your invitation to Alpha Phi!!!

:) :D :cool:


.....Kelly :)

[ZTAngel]

Congratulations to you and to Alpha Phi!

[CutiePie2000]

Hooray! I've updated "THE LIST (http://forums.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?s=&postid=549258#post549258) " with your name on it! :D

I just wanted to say a big
CONGRATULATIONS
to MelodyCat, for being invited into
AF

I am so thrilled and happy for you to be wearing the lovely monogram of Alpha Phi! :D
http://www.mastersofdesign.com/images/Product/img1-420.jpg

It's always wonderful when we all can celebrate YET ANOTHER alumna initiate success story for GC!!

[bsp-mich24]

Congrats!!!:D :) :D

[Unregistered-]

I've been following your story from the beginning, and I am so glad your finally found your home.

Sending you lots of hugs and congratulations from a fellow Syracuse Triad sister!

[Tom Earp]

AHHHHHHHHh, another quest that has a happy ending!:D

Yea To You And ALPHA PHI!:cool:

A hand in glove is what I picture!:)

Any Badge you will get will mean everything to you!:)

[JennRN]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Alpha Phi is so lucky to have you!! I am so so happy you have found your home!! :D :D

[adduncan]

More congrats from over here!!!

I'm wearing this saying out, but I swear it's the truth, the best things in life are worth waiting for.

Cheers and enjoy your new life as an Alpha Phi!!!

Adrienne
:D

[LouisaMay]

Oh my gosh!!!! How did I miss this??? I was so caught up in my own stuff that I totally missed the fact that MelodyCat found her home!! :D :D :D :)

I'm so excited for you. I was just browsing along when I saw your signature.

Hooray for MC and Alpha Phi!

LM

[Jen]

Congratulations to you and Alpha Phi! (Seems APhi and GPhiB are snapping everyone up lol).

[MelodyCat]

Thanks again for all the support and congratulations. Love you all :)

I'm sorry I've been slow about posting since the big announcement. Graduate school took over - I should be working on a paper instead of posting!

I've got my badge picked out - I'm going with the one with the single raised pearl. I love how elegant and classy it looks. :) I'll be sending off my badge order form as soon as I get paid this week.

I'm still in a bit of a hazy shock about it a week later. I'm just so excited! :D

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Congratulations Melody Cat!

[bsp-mich24]

OK MelodyCat your next in line to AI into Alpha Phi!! :D :D

[MelodyCat]

Initiation's two weeks from today! :D I have my dress ordered, my badge order form sent out, and all I need to do now is go buy shoes. I'm counting the days!

[SATX*APhi]

woo hoo! I am excited for you! :)

[Jen]

Which badge have you ordered? =)

[MelodyCat]

I'm getting this one (http://mastersofdesign.com/Multicatalog.asp?CAT=1&CL=9&C=49&P=825). :)

[MelodyCat]

Bumpety bump bump bump!

4 more days! I am SO excited! :D

[Jill1228]

Melody is being initiated today! Woo hoo!

[MelodyCat]

I just got home from initiation. I have been smiling for three hours straight. I fought back tears during the ceremony, and now looking back on it, I'm misty-eyed. It was beautiful.

I want to thank so many people - lauralaylin, my big, the Alpha Phis who provided advice, and all the other PNAMS and alumnae initiates who provided support.

To my sisters: AOE. :)

To everyone else, all my love. :)

- Jen

[midwesterngirl]

Congratulations and welcome! :)

[navane]

Congratulations Jen! :*) :*) :*)


.....Kelly :)

[Sistermadly]

Meet 'em, greet 'em, win 'em, pin 'em! GO ALPHA PHI!

Welcome to the family, Jen!

[bsp-mich24]

YAY another happy AI ending -- Congrats Jen!!!:D

[tinydancer]

Congratulations, Jen! It's nice to be all "official!"

[Jill1228]

Congrats Jen! Hope you got some pix

AOE

[PhiPsiRuss]

Congratulations on finding your home!

[polarpi]

Congratulations on your initiation! :)

[MelodyCat]

Thanks for all the warm wishes. :)

I didn't get any pictures, though. :( I had my camera with me, but it slipped my mind to take any pictures until it was too late to do so. :/

[Sister Havana]

Congratulations!

I am so happy for you! :) :) :)

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Congratulations! Welcome to the Syracuse Triad family!:D

[mshoole]

Congrats as all have said on your initation...Please dont hestiate to share with any newbies on how long it took you to accomplish such a memorabile event...Congrats

[MelodyCat]

It took a little less than a year from when I first started thinking of AI to initiation. That includes the summer months before I'd actually contacted anyone - that's when I did my homework and narrowed down who I really wanted to contact. My journey was very short in comparison to those of others.

[mshoole]

Well congrats again...I have heard wonderful things about Alpha Phi...Good luck with the future