Legacy Policy FAQ
Below are some answers to our most frequently asked questions about the changes to Alpha Xi Delta's legacy policy.
What change was made to Alpha Xi Delta’s Legacy Policy?
Effective July 29, 2020, Alpha Xi Delta has eliminated all preferential treatment given to legacies during the recruitment process. The previous policy stated that legacies must be invited through the first round of invitational events. In addition, any legacy who attended the chapter's Preference event had to be placed at the top of the bid list. All chapters will now treat legacies equally to all potential new members during recruitment.
Does Alpha Xi Delta still recognize legacies?
Yes, legacies are still defined as any granddaughter, daughter, sister, or niece of an Alpha Xi Delta member in good standing, as well as step- or half-relations resulting from blended or other non-traditional family structures. Potential new members who meet our legacy definition will still be considered a legacy and celebrated after a bid is extended. However, chapters will no longer be permitted to give them preferential treatment throughout the recruitment process.
Why did Alpha Xi Delta make this change?
By making this change to our Legacy Policy, we want to ensure Alpha Xi Delta can be a welcoming Sisterhood to all women. In 1893 women were just starting to be invited to colleges and universities. While this was groundbreaking at the time, it’s important to remember that these opportunities were not afforded to those who were not White. Because of this, much of our history and membership has been based on the perspective and ideals of White members. In order to make lasting change to be more inclusive, Alpha Xi Delta is removing barriers for potential new members whose mothers, grandmothers and sisters did not have the same access to higher education or the ability to join organizations like ours. We are most hopeful that this change will allow for greater opportunities for membership.
COLLEGIATE CHAPTER INFORMATION
What action should be taken by our chapter for potential new members that identify as a legacy?
You will no longer give any kind of preferential treatment to legacies – including invitations to the first invitational event and bid list placement. All potential new members should be given a fair opportunity to join Alpha Xi Delta and treated equally.
Does our chapter need to verify legacies with Fraternity Headquarters?
No, legacies that report their Alpha Xi Delta connection through their Panhellenic recruitment registration or self-identify do not need to be verified. Legacies will no longer receive any kind of preferential treatment during the recruitment process; therefore, we do not need to verify the Alpha Xi Delta member.
What should we do with Member Recommendation Forms?
Alpha Xi Delta does not require recommendation forms for recruitment, and we do not have a policy that gives potential new members with a recommendation form any preferential treatment. Member Recommendation Forms provide beneficial information and an introduction of a potential new member to a chapter. Having a recommendation does not guarantee an invitation during recruitment or membership in Alpha Xi Delta.
If our chapter has further questions about the changes to Legacy Policy, who should we contact?
Please connect with your Recruitment Territory Director, National Recruitment Director or Fraternity Headquarters.
ALUMNAE INFORMATION
Should I still submit a Member Recommendation Form for a potential new member?
Yes! Submitting a Member Recommendation Form helps a chapter recognize potential new members and select strong women for membership in our organization. If you know an outstanding woman who could be going through recruitment at a university that has an Alpha Xi Delta chapter, you may fill out a Member Recommendation Form for her on our website here.
Do I have to be a member of an alumnae association to write a Member Recommendation Form?
No! Any alumna member in good standing with the National Fraternity is able to submit a Member Recommendation Form for a potential new member. Additionally, any initiated collegiate member in good standing of her collegiate chapter and the National Fraternity may submit a Member Recommendation Form for a potential new member at a different university than her own. Additionally, non-members may also fill out a Recommendation Form for a potential new member.
Will my legacy be able to join Alpha Xi Delta?
Membership in Alpha Xi Delta is not guaranteed to any woman. We know that sisters, mothers, aunts and grandmothers will continue to share their cherished Alpha Xi Delta memories with potential new members preparing for sorority recruitment. Alpha Xi Delta affirms the family connections that the legacy relationship holds, and these special bonds will be celebrated in other opportunities after an invitation to membership has been extended by the chapter.
Will I receive information on potential new members going through recruitment?
No. Alumnae will receive no information about the status of any potential new member (including legacies) or information on the membership selection process. All membership selection decisions are strictly confidential at the chapter level and will not be shared.
Is the Rose Petals Program still active?
No, the program is not active. We found it often led potential new members and their families to believe the legacy was guaranteed a place on a bid list.
In addition, this program has not been very popular in recent years with our membership and has declined significantly in the number of participants.
How can I support Alpha Xi Delta’s recruitment policies and changes?
It is important to understand the changes made to the policy and how it will be implemented. Throughout recruitment, legacies will have the same opportunity as all potential new members to join by eliminating preferential treatment in the invitation process and bid list placement. We encourage you to share your Alpha Xi Delta experience with any potential new member and encourage them to consider joining a sorority.