Protection vs. Privacy

On September 3rd, The Today Show reported a new social media program named Snaptrends is making its way into school systems. Snaptrends is being used in some Florida and California school districts to monitor student’s social media accounts to prevent school violence. School officials, parents and students have different views on this topic. Is monitoring student’s social media sites an invasion of privacy?

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media sites are a public forum. Anyone can see what students are posting with a few keystrokes. Orange County Public Schools stated “because social media can be the source of bullying, school threats or masked cries for help, we believe it is appropriate to monitor public sites where anybody can view comments.” With that being said, I agree with Orange County Schools. I do not think monitoring student’s social media accounts while at school or on school property is an invasion of privacy.

In this case, schools are also monitoring student’s accounts while they are off school property. I think monitoring social media accounts while students are at home could potentially be an invasion of privacy. Student Brooke Lynn Radcliffe says when school administrators are monitoring your accounts off-campus “is kind of like they’re inviting themselves to sit at your kitchen table at Sunday dinner. It’s not okay.” Monitoring what students do outside of school should be the responsibility of the parent, not school administrators and officials.

Of course Snaptrends has a few issues that need improved. For example, Snaptrends just combs through student’s social media looking for key words like kill, gun, knife, etc. One problem is you don’t know the tone of voice or the context of the situation which could lead to misinterpretation.

With recent tragedies like the Sandy Hook shooting and the Chardon High School shooting, it makes sense for schools to take extra precautions when it comes to protecting students and faculty. If any tragedy can be avoided by monitoring social media accounts, then so be it. It is better to be safe than sorry. 

5 Tips for a PNM

Many girls question Greek life. Is it for me? Will I fit in? What is it like? The only way to find out these answers is to go through recruitment yourself. In order for you to get the most out of your recruitment experience, here are 5 tips to make you the best PNM (potential new member) possible.


Do your Research
As a PNM it is important to do your own research. Check out each chapter’s national websites, social media, blogs or anything you can get your hands on. It is important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Educate yourself before you make a long-term commitment. Check out Ohio Northern University’s Greek Life page for more information about Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Zeta, Kappa Alpha Theta and Zeta Tau Alpha.

Relax and Be Yourself

I will be the first to admit that the recruitment process is scary. No one wants to feel judged by 80+ girls. This why it is important to just relax and be yourself. Sisters wants to get to know the real you! Don’t try to be someone you’re not. You are looking for sisters, so if you feel uncomfortable at any time, that should be a red flag that you don’t belong in that organization.

Keep your Options Open
Just because you’ve done your research doesn’t mean your decision is made. You may really like a sorority's values or philanthropy but after meeting some of the sisters, you may realize it wasn’t what you were expecting. That is OK and totally normal. Continue the recruitment process and give other sororities a fair chance. You never know what opportunities are waiting for you.

Do What is Best for You
Every round of recruitment, you will learn more about each sorority on campus. It is important as a PNM to make every decision for yourself. Don’t be influenced by family, friends, peers or alumni. It’s your decision! Just because all of your friends want to be apart of XYZ, doesn’t mean you have to

be. Choose the sorority where you feel the most comfortable.

Ask Questions
I can’t stress this enough! Joining Greek life is a huge commitment, so if you’re confused or curious about something, don’t be scared to ask. Sisters are there to help you and answer your questions. Not only is it good to have your questions answered, it is also impressive to current sisters. If you’re asking questions and engaging in conversation, it shows that you have done your research and thought about where you see yourself in Greek life.


If the recruitment process is over and you still don’t feel a connection with a sorority, do not pick one! Don’t feel pressured to make a decision just because everyone else is. Remember that Greek life isn’t for everyone. If you did find a home in Greek life, congratulations! Enjoy the time you have with your sisters and get as involved as possible. You won't regret it.