trying to charter
 

I'm with Colony 758 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. We have been trying very hard to charter but it seems almost impossible to reach that magical number of 35. We've been the largest fraternity on our campus for about 6 years. What the International fraternity doesn't realize is by blocking us from chartering all they are doing is hurting us. The only thing our competition has to use against us is the fact that we don't have our charter and they tell prospects that we are not a real fraternity. it has cost us some men. The guys on our campus still hang out with all their buddies from high school because they are all going to school here. Which means alot of them aren't interested in going Greek. We're only allowed one rush event a semester and that is a Formal Intrest Meeting that is our campus' rules. If we try to have any other social events the same fraternity always goes and snitches on us whether we get it approved or not. We have to submit paperwork a month in advance before we do anything in our room beside a Colony meeting. It would be nice if the Tekes around us would help us, but I'm through barking up that tree. They just want to come to the party when we do charter. It would be nice to have some help or understanding from the International fraternity. oh well I guess that's wishful thinking. Any help and/or advice would be very appreciated. I'm the Rush Chair and trying to plan out how we are going to pull and large group of guys in the Spring because it is always the hardest semester for us because most of the guys that wanted to pledge pledged this semester. Thanks in advance. YITB

I guess no one has any advice.

What's the average campus size? If it's 20, for example, your HQ shouldn't be pushing the 35 thing. You have to work that out with them though.

You don't need "events" to rush. Go to phiredup.com .

If your asking the average fraternity size it's like 12. We're sitting at 20.

We here at colony 848 have been trying to charter as well, I think you and I are the same boat. One of the biggest things we have learned in the past few weeks is that we need to stop playing fraternity. Everyone should be 'rush chairpeople' because you need to get those numbers up to 35 before you can have a chapter at your school. Our university here is a commuter campus so its very hard to get people interested in joining, but I think the biggest help is getting involved on campus and going out and joining some intramurals on your campus, and you don't have to affiliate with your colony status. This way you are able to rush 24/7 and invite new guys out to your intramurals, if not to play, then just to meet the guys, then going out for some food after. It really helps to create a less formal attitude. People join people, not the fraternity, so you got to meet as many people as you can, be their friend first and then later if they fall into the love, charity, esteem that tke represents then you present them with the bid. Works like a charm.

From TKE at UGA

We have been trying to hit the magical number 50. unfortunatly the avg size on our campus is like 80 so we are fighting against rather large groups. I suggest rushing year round. Inviting potentials to watch sports or just go out to eat might be good to try if yall can only have one official events. Invite them to parties. Also, if you have to hit 35 to get chartered, you may want to try an open rush. I know it sucks not to have pledges, but you have to weigh the pros and cons. Open rush and charter and be stronger, or continue to struggle and try talking with nationals. By the wya, talking with nationals never works. We've tried to too.

YITB

Don't take men who aren't into doing the work or who people don't really like just to get your chartering numbers. You'll end up with a weak foundation and the group will end up closed in a few years anyway.

I keep hoping things will come together and work out. I completely agree with you 33girl about not just letting people who won't help do the work just to get the chartering numbers. Plus you have to think about when other guys come in after them they will take after their bad example. Getting help is really hard to do. The rules are the rules and they aren't bending, regardless how much it would help you.

To charter is a hard thing but once it is done you will have finally become a chapter in Tau Kappa Epsilon. As for the number issue nationals requires 20 to become a colony and minimum 35 men or the average of men in other fraternities no lower than 35. Best of luck and if I can be of help let me know.

YITB
Nick
Epsilon Sigma (Beta Omega 1004)