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I'll start from end and work backwards.
We are very secretive in a lot of the inner working but since i'm not saying names here i don't have a problem saying stuff but we do not tell them how much dues are. however we tell them they are less then the 1 other main fraternities dues. (they are pretty much public knowledge, $300ish) The thing is, 99% of the people that end up passing the pledging process pay dues, 2 or 3 semesters later they decide to stop. Not having money is rarely the reason not to pay. Coming up with $70 or $80 once a semester is pretty easy for most people. I know Alumni have paid for people that honestly can't pay.
What our dues goes towards is pretty much pledging, and that is all we need them for, events that invite outside guests normally generate money so at most they will just need money to be fronted.
We are based in NYC and we pay for the entire pledging process. Our pledging process is a little different then most. We attract pledges with a sudo rush week and then anyone who wants to continue pledging takes the oath and we start the real process which is 9 major events from teh second or third week of school till the end of the semester. Over this time we drop pledges that don't fit.
The money goes towards food for about 35 or 40 people at 3 of these events. metro cards ($4.50 each event per pledge) for 3 events for pledges, liquor for 50 people for 2 of the events, and a few things here or there. Also a pin and shirt for each pledge that makes it to the last event.
overall the process costs between 1350 to 1500 depending on the semester, and size of class ect... Some alumni do donate money and we thank them for it. They also donate their houses for a party 2 times a semester. So we would not be able to survive very well without them however do don't require money from them.
At most, we have 50 to 100 left over at the end of pledging but other times we are negative. (we have saved up a bit of a treasury, a few hundred to cover this)
As far as telling them not to come to open social events, it's pretty easy and they respect that or at least they pay the non greek cover but people have a problem telling their friend or roommate even, "sorry i know this is the pledging ceremony, but you didn't pay you can be here, go home" (the ceremony is followed by the second party)
In a very large group, say 90 people this is a lot different then say 30 people that are active members still int eh school.
Dedication as a whole seems to be wavering a bit, so i'm really looking for any suggestions that could help. I will continue to try and push either no entery or an entry fee for those that didn't pay due.
Thank you,
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