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I've worked with a couple of chapters at campuses like yours (one of them possibly yours!). Over and over I'd hear that PNMs would often say they didn't even know the school had a Greek system.
I'd like to add to AGDee's wise suggestions that commuter schools need to publicize, publicize, publicize. Publicize recruitment, publicize activities, wear your letters on campus, ads in the school newspaper, ads in the city newspaper.
Heck, even billboards! Banners in high traffic spots. Anything to get out the message that 1) there are fraternities and sororities at your school, 2) they're fun, 3)they add to a student's college experience with friendships, group activities, philanthropic activities, 4)they encourage higher grades and 5)they're affordable.
And you need to do this CONSTANTLY, not just before recruitment sign-ups, and not just a designated week or month or two. Does your school have a freshman orientation? Add info to their packets, have a table with info, ask for a time to speak. Do it as a group: Panhellenic, IFC, NPHC etc., even Greek-wide. You may get turned down at first, but keep asking. Find ways to be there during sessions. And make sure your info shows how sororities can be worked into a student's life - be upfront with time requirements, but also the benefits of membership.
Probably the most important is your Panhellenic Web site. Make sure it doesn't just give recruitment dates and where to sign up. It needs to sell sorority life, and how to work it into a student's daily life. Costs, time and grade requirements, benefits - all that needs to be on the Web site, 24/7, year-round.
You have to do this because commuter schools have non-traditional students. 1)A greater percentage of students are the first in their families to attend college - they may not even be aware that there are sororities...or even that there is such a thing as sororities.
2)They're already working part-time or full-time and think they don't have time.
3)They may be married or a little older than the usual student.
4)They are watching their pennies closely because they're more likely to be footing all the bills themselves, or have limited family funds.
I found that the sorority experience at commuter schools is just as valuable as at traditional residental schools - maybe even more because commuter students tend to be a little more isolated. They need sororities!
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