Questions...
 

Hey I'm new i guess i should give some background before i start with the questions. I'm a junior (senior in December!! although it'll be another two years before im out of here) I'm a double major in Communications and English. I've been wanting to rush for about a year and a half now but everytime that i go to the Smoker i get all insecure and end up leaving.

Over the last year i've been looking fairly hard at the fraternities on my campus, watching who they pledge, who they turn away, what activities they do, how active they are in the community, how well are they recieved in random conversation, looking at National Websites and local sites for those that have them, driving by their houses to see if they are taken care of, kept up on any violations hazing or anything else on that line, and just the actions of the brothers in various situations, and most importantly how the brothers treat independents and myself in class and social situations.

Well anyway I've narrowed it down to one fraternity thinking that if i did that then i could put most of my focus on Rushing that particular GLO. Well according to another thread this isn't such a good idea. Since i was a freshman in 99 there have been 3 "new" fraternities to come onto my campus, Sigma Nu recolonized in the spring of 2000, Kappa Sigma came in the spring of '01 and Delta Sigma Phi came this semester. Each of these are very respected fraternities but it seemed as though there was no real brotherhood there at the beginning because they needed people and would take anyone that signed, not saying that they didn't get good people believe me i know a lot of them but there are a couple of people that I know didnt quite meet up with the ideals that they were preaching and i think that if they had been settled these people would have been turned away.

I know what I want, i know that i'm old (well to be pledging) I know that being a double major is tough and might pose a problem, i think that my question is am i wasting my time? I'm asking that if i go up to the booth come January and say "hey I'm interested" (oh another reason i have set idea is because last January I went to the last public rush event late on Friday night, i only met a couple of brothers, i had no expectation of a bid Sunday morning, but while touring the house and listening to the brothers tell me what they were about and what they expected to make the fraternity into and what they expected to get out of it just made me feel so at home. I know that's cheesy and many are probably rolling their eyes but it's true, even though i was there late on Friday night and obviously not a chance of being considered i was still treated with respect and given the information, i was invited to stay for the party they were having and told to come back the next semester.) Ok back to the question if i go up and say hey im interested being a senior by then will i be smiled at and maybe be pushed aside for the freshmen? I feel i have a lot to offer and want to give a lot so how do i say this without saying it with an attitude? I dont want to over do it. I think im just rambling now, but if anyone has any advice besides "just do it" i'd be happy to hear it. Thanks - Cowboy :confused:

Welcome, Cowboy!
 

Hey Cowboy,

First of all, welcome to GreekChat! I'm glad to know that you're interested in Greek Life, and you've definitely come to the right place to find out more and to ask questions!

I'll be very honest with you, rushing as a senior is difficult on many campuses. Fraternities are looking for members who will bond with their brothers and be an active participant in fraternity events - that includes social activities as well as philanthropic ventures. So, the fact that you're going to be a senior may be a barrier because you aren't going to be an active collegiate for very long. HOWEVER, I would strongly encourage you to rush and show the brothers that you are interested in them and committed to being an involved member.

Tell them upfront that, yes, you're a senior, but that you really feel that you have a lot to offer the fraternity - and give examples! Do you have a good GPA? If so, point that out. Academics is a big part of Greek Life.

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, tell them about it! Fraternities are looking for men who will be leaders, men who will give back to the community and be a good example to brothers who pledge after them.

Also, point out that you plan to be an active alumnus once you graduate and plan to be a lifelong, dedicated member of the fraternity. Showing the guys that you aren't getting involved just for a year of parties may help you get a bid.

I say GO FOR IT! Show your enthusiasm and prove that you are serious about joining. And keep us on GC updated!

Good luck!
Carrie :)

Thanks!
 

Thanks DZRose I like to feel welcome. Most of the things that you mentioned I had already thought of, I am going to be here for more than a year though at least another year and a half probably 2 years minimum. I have tried to become more involved with my extraciricular activities, I do RSA (resident student association)im part of our campus TV station, i'm a member of the creative writing club and i'm hoping to be an Orientation leader this summer, and my GPA is 3.60. Geez i feel like im bragging just typing this i don't know how i would say this stuff without looking like some nerdy overacheiever. I'm not really a shy person i just don't have the ability to say i do this this and this without seeming obnoxious. Thanks again - Cowboyduff

Re: Thanks!
 

Cowboyduff,

You're not bragging at all... The whole point of rush is to sell yourself -- to prove to the guys that you will be a benefit to the fraternity. They need to hear these things, and I guarantee you that they'll want to hear them because they'll need to get to know about you in order to determine if you'll be an asset to the fraternity. It sounds like you've got a lot going for you!

On the other hand, the fraternity is also selling itself to you. So, make sure that the principles that the group was founded upon are ones that you believe in, and that the men in the fraternity are ones you would be proud to call "Brother". Ask questions during Rush, find out what the fraternity's strengths are and what they stand for. What philanthropies do they get involved in? What's their chapter GPA? Do they seem close to each other, do they know where their brothers are from, what their interests are, etc.? All this information will help you decide if the fraternity is right for you.

Again, good luck! And keep us posted! :D

Welcome duff...
 

Welcome to GreekChat. I hope you find it to be a source for many of your recruitment questions. We are a large "extended" chapter here and do our best to help out any newcomers. We come from all over the continent, and have many like Arya and MatthewG who are from over-seas. Also we have every age group from 60 (Tom Earp) down to high school students (newbie). Additionally we have people from Local GLO's (Greek Letter Organizations) - (like localsororities) to members of virtually every inter/national fraternity and sorority. You have come to the right place to have your questions answered.

I cant speak for everyone. I also do not know where you go to school, and the size of your campus/greek community. Those are important factors for us to know because it would affect the environment the chapters operate in, i.e., rushing in the south vs. rushing out west. A large state school vs. a small private school.

It does seem to me that you have done your research. Good for you. Thats the most important thing. You have gone beyond what has been "spun" to you and looked for reputation and achievments. You also seem to have a lot to offer a chapter. Good thing.

If you were rushing my house, and it was on the table to extend you a bid, the age thing would come up. So remember to present it as not that you are a senior, but that you'll be there for 2 more years (In essence you are a soph/junior in you time commintments to the univ) Also pimp your GPA. That would probably be the deciding factor for my house. Busy guy, involved and a 3.6. I think (on paper) we'd snach you up. Just remember its a mutual selection process and they brothers have to feel comfortable around you too. Thats why I preach what Panhellenic (the gov. body for sororities) practices. Dont limit yourself to one org. Maybe have 2 that you are deciding on (its OK to have 2 choices, a first and second) that way if things dont jive w/your first choice, and your second choice offers you a bid, you still have an opportunity to go greek and have a lifetime of memories and experiences. Remember, if someone extends you a bid, they are already thinking of you as a member, and would welcome you as such. ALSO, ask around on GC. Many of us love our orgs, but this wasnt where we thought we'd end up. And it has been the best thing.

Good luck and if you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask.

Remember, you have the following in your favor:

1. Fraternities don't have a quota. If they give you a spot, it is not at the expense of someone else.

2. Fourth-year members get apathetic anyway. Some of the best alums I have seen are ones who pledged late, and became alums before they burned out.

So be sure that you explain you will be there for two more years. Also, play up how much you think it is a lifelong commitment, and talk about how cool you think it is that five years from now you can still help out.

I just wanted to welcome you to GC, I really can't add anything, since you have pretty much been told everything! Yeah, our 'experts' give GREAT advice! But I will repeat, don't keep your heart set on just one. Please be openminded about the other organizations on your campus, and let them know you will be there more than just one year-that is what will really help you. So good luck, and don't be afraid to ask questions!! Welcome to GC!!

Thanks!
 

Thanks for all the quick and good advice you guys are awesome! The biggest hurdle now is getting up the courage to go up to the table and say HEY this is me! Look at ME! and not either screw up royally or get embaressed and start randomly rambling on something not important!

Remember, the fraternities are just as nervous as you are. They want to be liked too!

Re: Thanks!
 

well if that is uncomfortable for you, how about this. Find a way to meet one of them, in class, in student government or whatever and start chatting with them. It might take a time or two but eventually it will come out in the conversation that you arent yet affilliated. THEN use that as your opportunity to mention that you "think you are going to rush this up-coming semester" and that "You've seen all the cool stuff the chapters on campus do and want to be a part, and make a difference." I gurantee one of themwill then ask you to come by the house or whathave you. If that doesnt work, just sign up for formal rush and your presencethere will lettheguys know you are interested. Go for it!! Good luck and keep us posted.

lifesaver, I love the way you can change hats. You can be silly. romantic and suddenly turn into an advisor. You are some special guy!

Cowboyduff-lifesaver is giving you some great advice (as are the other respondants) so here is a goodluck wish to you!

Re: Questions...
 

What do you mean by that? :confused:

Re: Re: Questions...
 

I think Cowboyduff is referring to the fraternities' reputation on campus and how people outside of the fraternities view the members. :) Am I right, Cowboy?

Re: Re: Re: Questions...
 

Oh, thanks for clarifying.

exactly
 

yep you nailed it! I would casually mention XYZ and see how friends and classmates would respond