In college, joining a sorority often sounds like an enticing option that grants you lifelong friendships and fun activities. However, if you have ever been part of one, you realize that it is not all sunshine and butterflies. Instead, each group of people has its own set of expectations and problems.
That prompts us to address the question in this article: how can you drop your sorority? Firstly, you should acknowledge there is no shame in dropping it. You should not suffer under peer pressure if the group does not meet your expectations. Hence, we have compiled a list of all the vital questions regarding leaving a sorority.
Can You Leave a Sorority?
Can You Leave a Sorority?Dropping your sorority is challenging to do. In the beginning, after going through the recruitment and initiation, you feel the excitement surging through your body. After meeting what feels like a thousand members, having all the fun dates, participating in activities, and gossiping with others, things lose their spark.
After a while, the issues surface. The chapter fees may be too expensive, the dinner hours too long, or the members too mentally draining. Regardless, if you are optimistic about wanting to leave your sorority, then you can.
So, can you leave your sorority? Of course, you can. However, remember that there are moral and ethical obligations. Simply disappearing without a trace is not the solution, and you cannot immediately stop paying your fees. There is a process for terminating your membership, like any other subscription.
What Happens When You Leave a Sorority?
When someone considers dropping sorority, they must reflect upon the consequences. You will experience an awkward phase, especially around close members.
But what happens when you leave? First, you will not be allowed to wear anything with your sorority letters on it, and it will not be possible for you to attend any events. It is important to note that leaving your chapter entails letting go of anything you have gained from joining them.
That said, general emotions will surface after you make your final decision. Some outcomes resulting from leaving the sorority are positive, and others are negative. Below is a more elaborate explanation of both drawbacks and advantages.
Pros of Dropping a Sorority
Here are the top advantages of leaving your sorority.
- More Time: being part of a sorority is draining. It consumes your time and energy, especially if you are socially active. Hence, once you leave it, you will realize how much excess time you have on your hands. This enables you to focus further on your personal and academic aspects.
- Meet Other Friends: First, you will have more time for your non-Greek friends. Over time, you will forge friendships with individuals who have more similarities and interests in common with you. So, keep building meaningful relationships.
- Save Money: you will be saving up when dropping your sorority. Now, the fees differ according to the university. It ranges anywhere from $300 to $3000 according to Bank Rate. This added money allows you to use it in more exciting ways, such as going out with friends and trying new experiences.
- Lose the Pressure: you might feel pressured to fit into the group of girls with you. Over time, you might notice yourself “faking” your enjoyment in events and meetings. If that is the case, you will be relieved once you drop the sorority and façade.
Cons of Dropping a Sorority
There are also drawbacks of leaving your sorority, as listed below.
- Time-Consuming: when you make your final decision, you might have to go through a lengthy procedure to finalize your decision. Talking to prominent members, writing letters, and finding your bearings will take ample time. You might even need to seek a parking spot, meal plan, or other benefits separate from your sorority.
- Missing Out on Paid-For Events: Phi Delta Theta organization offers some event ideas others may use as inspiration. Now, once you leave, you will lose your privilege of attending said events, especially since a portion of your dues would go to the organization of those activities.
- Awkward Meetings: You are bound to stumble upon an old member now and then. Depending on how the member views your decision, this interaction might be awkward. Unfortunately, many individuals will need help understanding your choice, so randomly meeting them might be more uncomfortable than you want.
- Lose Some Opportunities: being part of a sorority is a benefit in numerous ways. You gain access to alums who could help you with your career. Once you leave, this privilege is immediately lost. Hence, it is an expense you must pay for your comfort and peace of mind.
How to Tell Your Sorority That You Want to Leave?
Dropping Greek life requires some dedication. While it is not difficult, you should remember that you must be respectful and go through the motions required by your institute. The process differs from one sorority to another, but the general guidelines are below.
Writing an official letter is always mandatory. You should send it to the Membership Vice President or the Chapter President, depending on the specific rules you provide. This letter is a formal one, stating the reasons why you are dropping the group.
Afterward, you might need to schedule an official meeting with one of the prominent members of the sorority. During the meeting, you will further elaborate on your reasons. Also, the person, such as the president, might attempt to negotiate the terms or convince you to stay. You will have to give general feedback as well, as the members want to reflect on your opinion.
An official contract officiating your termination is often part of the process. You sign the papers and hand in your letters, badges, pins, and house keys.
3 Ways to Drop Your Sorority
The method in which you leave your group differs slightly but often includes the above mentioned elements. But there are various times when you can leave, and there is never any restriction on whether you can drop it. Do you want to learn how to leave your sorority anytime? Below are three distinct moments where you can depart, and the consequences related.
Dropping After Bid Day
According to The Sorority Life, sororities celebrate activities, connections, friendships, and new members during Bid day. This is often when the initiation process commences. Hence, many individuals opt to join the sorority during the day but drop it off after the first meeting of new members.
If this happens to you, contact your New Member Educator, and explain what is happening. The process is simple, as you have yet to participate or gain any privileges.
Dropping Before Initiation
Once initiation is complete, you become part of the sorority for life, and it might be impossible to join another one. If you are hesitant before the initiation, we recommend dropping it so you can take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Dropping Senior Year
Dropping your sorority senior not only relieves you from the responsibilities, but it takes away all the benefits you had. Hence, you will lose your letters and the chance to attend any events. However, you can always opt to be an early alum, where you can still participate in events with the consent of your sorority officials.
Can You Drop Out of a Sorority and Join Another?
Sororities take their policies very seriously. Once initiation is over, you become a sister for life. Hence, you will not be able to join another sorority, even after leaving your current one. This is a universal rule among all the 26 Panhellenic sororities. For the complete list of Panhellenic sororities, refer to the following from The Sorority Life.
However, you have the option of joining a non-Panhellenic sorority after. Also, if you opt to transfer to another college, you will not be able to join a different one. Instead, you can join the same sorority you are currently a part of.
Remember, you cannot leave your sorority without notice. You might have to pay sorority fines. These can be costly and are often required when a member breaks a rule, does not attend an event, or goes against sorority policy.
3 Things You Should Know Before Dropping Sorority
There are not vital details left that we have not mentioned above. However, it is essential to go over some crucial facts discussed below.
Writing a Letter is Mandatory
You should find a sorority drop letter example to give you the gist of things to mention. One example is by Phi Gamma Delta, but remember, it might vary according to your chapter.
You Might Regret It
During times of weakness, you might regret leaving your sorority. However, you inevitably will remember the reasons you dropped out in the first place.
Explore More Opportunities
Yes, we all know how sororities provide you with multiple exploration opportunities. However, once you have not the obligation to a group, you will feel the relief of having the chance to roam around and find yourself within the college.
Wrapping Things Up: How to Drop Your Sorority: 3 Things to Know
The bottom line is that no one can obligate you to remain in a sorority. At any point during your stay, you have the chance to leave, but you should be aware of the consequences. First off, you will lose any sisterhood privileges. Moreover, you will not be able to participate in any group events.
That said, a person convinced of leaving their sorority has their reasons. It might be wanting more time, not enjoying the activities, or being in a toxic environment. Regardless, if needed, you have the list of items mentioned above to guide you through your resignation process.
