Advice Needed
 

I pledged last fall and have not yet been initiated because we got in trouble. The fraternity did not initiate us because they did not know if we were getting kicked off campus. As of now we are on social probation but we are still at risk of getting kicked off campus if we don't straighten up by the end of this semester. We have lost many numbers because of this conflict and are now a smaller fraternity. Initiation is soon and I am trying to decide if I should join, and take the risk of loosing the chapter and being a GDI for the remainder of college or if I should drop a pledge somewhere else next semester.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Personal, I wouldn't want a bad reputation from day one. But that's just me.

If the reason they are now at risk of loosing the chapter is something you're against, I'd show that by leaving. If you think it's bull that they could lose their charter, I would stay.

:)Technically, if you join and then your chapter closes, you would be an alumnus of the fraternity and not a GDI. But I don't think that is the concern here.

A few things to consider.

If you feel that the bonds you have now with the brothers and pledges is enough to see you through your college years, then by all means stick it out. Also, do you happen to know how long the chapter might be "kicked off" campus? Is it possible that the chapter might come back while you are still an undergrad? Regardless, chapters close and the brothers (or sisters as the case may be) continue to do stuff together, remain friends etc. They just can not do so as a GLO chapter of the fraternity.

Now if it is the whole campus Greek Life experience you are looking for (i.e. mixers, tailgates etc.) then you might want to consider withdrawing now. One additional thing to consider is how likely it will be for you to receive a bid from another fraternity.

Best of luck with your decision.

Where's the bad rep?

Being on probation is basically a necessity.

bump would appreciate any more advice

I think TSteven nailed it for me.

If you have found THE group for you, based on the relationships and bond with your brothers, then I think you should go through with being initiated. If the chapter is closed, then I assume you'll be granted alumni status and can continue forward in the fraternity in other ways.

If, on the hand, you would rather try to experience Greek Life with another group (thus admitting that you have doubts about the organization you are currently connected do), then you should explore other options.

I don't have any experience with your Greek system, but I also agree with TSteven in regards to thinking about the likelihood of another organization accepting you.

It sounds like these are stand up guys, just from the fact that they DIDN'T initate you and were honest about the probation/possible suspension. Not all Greek chapters would do that.