Originally Posted by AlphaGamUGAAlum (Post 1477067)

I totally agree with this part, but I think what you may not realize is that every chapter we'd be talking about needing to worry about image is likely already doing those three things.

Officially, first round a lot of places is all about the benefits of going Greek generally. Within the official panhellenic circle, everyone wants to see each group take quota. But that doesn't have any effect about what people hear at parties or what fraternity boys or sorority girls say when telling their little biological sisters which groups they should try to join which then gets repeated to all her friends. We'd love for them to simply say "join the group that makes you happy" and leave it at that, but they don't always.

And you could see Tippiechicks post about chapter consultants and advice from nations for more about that.

As far as the talking as a chapter and resolving as a chapter to make certain efforts, I think it varies in it's implementation. I think the officers always put out the official word, but that at the big chapters, you may sometime run into people who disagree with the official word and kind of have their own recruitment plans.

I don't mean this in a condescending way at all (although I've been schooled in PM about disclaimers like that): but It's honestly sweet to me how idealistic you are. I'd really prefer to live in the world of your Greek Life.

Originally Posted by kathykd2005 (Post 1477071)

That's unfortunate that people decide to just go their own route with reference to recruitment. But if they go their own route, they have no authority as to who can and cannot be involved in recruitment, ie deciding who can and cannot be talking to women.

Originally Posted by SECdomination (Post 1477052)

My fraternity actually does this sort of thing already. The ridiculously obnoxious sweaty guy and the creepy transfer are kept busy with food duties and setup and stuff. It's nothing official, but every brother knows that we shouldn't let them talk to rushees. Not because they're not good brothers, but because they're not good for recruitment purposes.

Originally Posted by kathykd2005 (Post 1477071)

That's unfortunate that people decide to just go their own route with reference to recruitment. But if they go their own route, they have no authority as to who can and cannot be involved in recruitment, ie deciding who can and cannot be talking to women.

Originally Posted by dgdramadawg (Post 1477073)

It really is unfortunate. As alphagamugaalum said, I'd love to be on a campus like yours where it seems that every chapter can really go its own way.

Originally Posted by TSteven (Post 1477078)

I am so picturing Stork from "Animal House".

http://media.npr.org/programs/mornin...se/dkenney.jpg

Originally Posted by kathykd2005 (Post 1477080)

It's disheartening that so many campuses are not like the one where I initiated. However, I do have to point out that there were definitely a fair share of negative stereotypes that many (if not all) of the groups had to overcome, and it was difficult for all of them.

Originally Posted by AlphaGamUGAAlum (Post 1477084)

DramaDawg and I are from the same campus (although separated by ten+ years and not from the same chapter) so it may not really be as many campuses as you fear.

But it doesn't change the situation for the groups where it is true and it doesn't offer much hope that overall situation changes much over time (although the particular struggling groups may vary a little from decade to decade.)

Originally Posted by kathykd2005 (Post 1477085)

Well, it's not altogether hopeless, either. I have seen chapters on many campuses completely change and overcome stereotypes to become the best on a certain campus in a few short years. Again, I stand by my statement that sacrificing sisterhood for more members should not be an option. But I digress. . .

Originally Posted by AlphaGamUGAAlum (Post 1477088)

When the chapters overcame the stereotype, did another chapter get stuck with it or did it go away completely?

Originally Posted by Tom Earp (Post 1477102)

Actually, I cannot remember Storks real name but he grew up and is a good looking Dude!:D

Oh, Storks biggest statement, "You Morons"!

Originally Posted by TSteven (Post 1477110)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...dyshack_vi.jpg
Douglas "Stork" Kenny
:
(December 10, 1947 – August 27, 1980)
Cofounder of National Lampoon (the magazine)
Co-writer of National Lampoon's Animal House (movie)

Storks' full quote: "Well, whut the hell we s'posed to do, yuh mo-ron?"

Originally Posted by AlphaGamUGAAlum (Post 1477115)

I need to re-watch that movie. I saw Revenge of the Nerds recently. But I need to see Animal House again.

Originally Posted by kathykd2005 (Post 1477055)

First: Hold an emergency meeting with the chapter to discuss low return rates and what we, together, can do to improve those rates.

Second: Contact National Headquarters to see if they could have a Chapter Development Consultant come help with recruitment and attend recruitment itself.

Third: Meet with the other chapters of Panhellenic Council and discuss the issue of image "problems," and ask them to be supportive.

Overcoming a negative stereotype is a serious issue, but alienating your fellow group members to do so defeats the purpose of sisterhood and brotherhood. :)