Legacy Question for the Boys
 

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The word legacy fits all greek chapters, how you treat them is different. I know that your sorority (AXiD) has to offer bids to a legacy, and if not, you have to notify your Nationals as to why not (my wife is an AXiD).

As for fraternities, I'll speak for my own. We had a legacy or two come through my chapter, some made it, a few didn't. Why? Well, they weren't Beta material. We took the standpoint of "if you are not Beta material, you're not going in.....no matter if you are the Presidents brother".

Then again, we did have a couple of legacies who were brought in by their brothers/cousins, and they were attended to very much, because we knew that they would be great assets to our chapter, and probably had friends that would join along with them.

Every chapter does things differently, that is just a synopsis of how my chapter does things.

Re: Legacy Question for the Boys
 

My chapter had a Legacy who pledged in Fall 1995. he didn't get any special consideration as far as I know. He became a great addition to the Chapter even though he attended school for a short time before moving to Kansas.

Phi Psi's legacy is upheld by those gentlmen who preserve, and strengthen our fraternity. While some chapters place a high a value on legacies, and have members that are 6th generation Phi Psi, the fraternity only recomends that any legacy be given the same consideration as other prospects.

In general, most fraternities consider legacies as the son, grandson, or brother of a member in good standing. Many fraternities - Sigma Chi being one - include nephew as well. Also, having a cousin or a brother-in-law as a member, does not hurt.

As for special consideration, yes, legacies do get special consideration. Even more so if they are a legacy to the specific chapter. However, being a legacy does not guarantee a bid.

Also, most campuses do not have a formal fraternity rush structure like sororities have. And with few exceptions, most chapters do not have quotas or chapter totals to worry about. (Oklahoma and Arkansas come to mind as exceptions.) As such, extending a bid to a legacy isn't going to "take away" a bid from someone else who might be a "better fit".

Thus extending a bid to a legacy - IF HE IS WORTHY! - is a bonus with respect to recruitment. In most cases you are getting someone who already understands what it means to be a member of your fraternity and *wants* to be a member. But he has to fit and meet your ideals etc.

Yes, we do have the legacy thingy. Our newest signee is a legacy, his big brother is in 2000 pledge class from our Charge.

One of my lil bro is a legacy of Theta Delt, D Chi, Delta Sig and Kappa Sig (I think). His grandfather is a Theta Delt in William and Mary, and he referred him to us, then he joined us.

Yes, we have legacies. There are specific relatives that qualify (I don't want to look it up right now though :D)

Basically, we're "encouraged" to bid them and voting for final membership works a little differently.

I'm a legacy. My father is an ATO (from my chapter too). I'm almost positive ATO considers only sons, grandsons, and brothers as legacy. The only "special consideration" given is a slight difference in election to pledgeship and membership and HQ highly reccommends we take a good look at them.

It is my personal opinion that you should try to get your legacies (if they are worthy of membership of course) because in doing so, you can usually secure the alumni support from his/her relation. I know when I pledged, my father was much more active than before, and he has been even more involved now that my younger brother has pledged. In fact, his involvement has brought in some of the brothers from his undergrad days that he has remained close too.

Jason

To my knowledge, Phi Gam has no specific policy regarding legacies, and we were not held to some type of requirement to pledge them. However, FIJI does have a program called "Sires and Sons", which gives special recognition to fathers (or grandfathers) and sons who are both FIJIs.

Delt has legacies. Sound pretty much like Sigma Chi's (See T Steven's post above)

Some very good points.

Legacies do help with alumni support and involvement. Which is another reason why I feel that most chapters are encouraged to extend a bid. But only if the chapter feels the man is worthy.

Frankly, I think a greater "value" is placed on a strong recommendation than a legacy. Especially if the recommendation comes from HQ or alumni of the chapter. And obviously, a legacy with a recommendation is going to have a leg up over others. Again, he needs to be worthy to be extended a bid.

FYI: I'm a legacy via two older brothers. (Different chapter)