I was just wondering about some of the advantages or disadvantages of joining a Grad chapter. What things are different from the undergrad experience versus the graduate experience? I know that people who join Grad also make friends and are involved even more than undergrad, but what would a graduate person miss out on if they didn't pledge undergrad. Anyway, just curious about what your take is on this.
Thanks you guys for sharing your opinions. I wonder why many undergrads don't continue on with Graduate? I know people might disagree with this statement, but I've heard that when you go to the Graduate level that is when things become more serious. I guess it becomes more serious on the philanthropy side of the organization. I do have to agree with FAMU Dva (sorry if I mispelled) on the statement that Graduate members get to know their members about as well as undergrad. Some graduate members form a closer bond with their members. Also, they are able to travel and do all sorts of things because they are probably more financially able to do so, than they were undergrad.
There are certainly VARIOUS reasons why some greeks don't continue on a graduate level. But, in the end, I see that as the most important topic to think about when thinking about going greek and/or accepting new members... The work and membership is a LIFETIME committment... and while folks are worrying about who's paper and who's not... they haven't even thought about how they will be active past graduation.
I mean... come on... But like C_Nels said, it's a whole different beast to discuss.
... and while folks are worrying about who's paper and who's not... they haven't even thought about how they will be active past graduation.
That right there is one of the problems. When you have division like that, there's no unity. Even Jesus said that a house divided will fall. How can a organization be on one accord when they are focused on foolishness of that nature? I have heard and seen girls separate themselves from other girls in the org if they weren't hazed. It is like a small clique within a big clique. That right there is something I never understood, why Greeks have division among themselves within a org. Maybe you can share why this happens within these orgs. I know you can't be a spokesperson for every Greek member, but I'm just interested on what your take is on why Greeks do this. Cnels, you can share your perspective on this also!
That right there is one of the problems. When you have division like that, there's no unity. Even Jesus said that a house divided will fall. How can a organization be on one accord when they are focused on foolishness of that nature? I have heard and seen girls separate themselves from other girls in the org if they weren't hazed. It is like a small clique within a big clique. That right there is something I never understood, why Greeks have division among themselves within a org. Maybe you can share why this happens within these orgs. I know you can't be a spokesperson for every Greek member, but I'm just interested on what your take is on why Greeks do this. Cnels, you can share your perspective on this also!
Honestly in my experience it's those that aren't even active that are "divided" or concerned. If you're truly doing the work of your org, you don't have time to be concerned with that...
You have to remember that Greeks are just people plain and simple. So, issues that a person would have before they are greek, would follow them... example: If someone is petty before they go greek, 9 times out of 10 they will be petty after going greek.
Honestly in my experience it's those that aren't even active that are "divided" or concerned. If you're truly doing the work of your org, you don't have time to be concerned with that...
You have to remember that Greeks are just people plain and simple. So, issues that a person would have before they are greek, would follow them... example: If someone is petty before they go greek, 9 times out of 10 they will be petty after going greek.
Joining grad you'll miss out on more road trips. Undergraduates will road trip in a heartbeat....provided they have a car and gas. lol Graduates focus more on their family and career and have less time to go to a coming out show, step show or "just hangout" on someone else's yard an hour or so away. Joining grad you miss out on leading and following at the same time. Undergraduates are the leaders of their chapters but they are following the guidance of their Graduate advisor at the same time. If you do something wrong, students are more forgiving than folk in the real world. Joining grad you miss out on building your entrepreneurial foundation. If you need money as an undergrad, throw a party, have a donut sale, have a pageant, etc. In graduate chapters, you more so seek corporate sponsorships for your events/funding. Joining grad you miss out on getting to know most of the members in your chapter. Undergrads see each other almost every day. You never know when you'll see your fellow grad members outside of chapter meetings. I hope that helps.
So, let me give my prospective. lol! I agree C, you do have Alumni/nae members that are never heard from AFTER they cross.. but let me say the SAME is true for those who cross undergrad. Membership is a LIFETIME committment and service through your organization doesn't stop when you graduate. Too often those who cross undergard miss the link of continuing service via their graduate chapter. A true testiment is ANY member (whether they crossed undergrad or grad) who has REMAINED active and FINANCIAL with their organization throughout their membership. That is what is key and important... Now, on to the list of things you said folks "miss" out on by crossing grad.... 1) Joining grad you'll miss out on more road trips. Uhh, not true... LOL! Although, some folks who join through grad are older, that doesn't mean everyone is 40+ with kids and a spouse. Plenty of younguns go grad... due to VARIOUS circumstances. So, please know that's a myth 2)Joining grad you miss out on building your entrepreneurial foundation. I don't know where you got that one from. LOL! Again, it ain't completely true. I mean, undergrads can search for corporate sponserships too. And believe that some grad chapters DO throw parties to fundraise etc. I can't speak for all orgs or even chapters for that matter, but I can sy that this statement is not completely. 3) Joining grad you miss out on leading and following at the same time. Again, I have to disagree... I can't tell you how much there is to learn and teach on the grad level. Working in committees in your org is key. Trust me, you WON'T miss out on this in grad. 4)Joining grad you miss out on getting to know most of the members in your chapter. I must admit, this one is the FUNNIEST to me. Not sure where you got that one, but again, I can only speak for my org/ chapter... Again, I TOTALLY disagree. Bottom line, memberships is what YOU make it regardless of where you cross. There are certain differences on BOTH fronts, but the walk from one person could be TOTALLY different than another, whether grad or undergrad.
Well spoken. I could not have said it better myself. BTW, I am one of those under 40 year olds who "PLEDGED" grad chapter when I was 26 years old.
Not sure where you got that one, but again, I can only speak for my org/ chapter... Again, I TOTALLY disagree. 
