[banditone]

Here are some suggestions I was thinking about recently. Most are probably known and used by many chapters, but maybe not. I'll add new ones if I can think of them.

* Rush Chair: Depending on chapter size, I'd suggest at least 2 Rush Chairs (one as the main). We had a Tulsa and an Okla City chair (since both cities sent the most kids). The Rush "Team" consisted of 10 members to help out (of course the rest of the brothers would chip in when asked).

* Summertime: We had a "Rush Apartment" or a "Rush House" in our campus city during the Summer. The chapter house was closed except for end of Summer parties. So we'd meet at the Summer place. One Summer we had about 6 brothers go in on a Rush House (lease) with a pool. It was a deal closer. I only went back to my hometown for 1 Summer. The other Summers I lived/worked in my campus town to be near the rest of the chapter and help with Rush.

* Utilize technology over the Summer. Definitely look into Vonage for your Rush chairs places. Since they do a TON of calling, why not spend $25/month on Vonage (unlimited local and long distance).

* Can't stress this enough: Contact chapters that you are near. Get to know their officers. Help one another out. Sigma Nu is a very strong national fraternity, and should work together to bring everyone to the top of their campus.

* Alumni!!! You probably have Alumni that can help you in every aspect of Rush. Build up communications. Find the lost brothers. Reach out. The strongest chapters have incredible Alumni Relations.

* If you are going to do something, make it the best. Rush Videos, postcards. Don't half-ass anything. That's for other fraternities.