[nosnow2012]

Originally Posted by ElieM

You can de-pledge, but are you fine with not being greek anymore? And potentially not being Greek in the future?

Just because some buddies say you'd totally fit in and get a bid at their chapters, doesn't meant it will happen

I understand that I risk forfeiting my chances of becoming Greek in the future by depledging, but I also have to take into account that I was capable of functioning for 18 years of my life before pledging and I will be able to function for the rest of my life if I do get rejected from other fraternities.

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

But I do think you should consider 2 things. The chapter probation period will end at some point and the douchy older guys will graduate...////But nothing IS what you could end up with.

I agree with your suggestions for consideration, but I am just very skeptical of where the future of this fraternity lies. Apparently we were on the verge of being shut down by the University four or five pledge classes ago. It seems as if there is a pattern of negligence and I just don't want to regret joining a house that ultimately fails in the next few semesters. We are constantly told that the house is what we make of it and that our pledge class can really "turn things around for our status on campus." I don't want to have to strengthen the house, I want the house to strengthen me! Also, the past brothers have severely frayed relationships with various sororities throughout the years. I have been told that there is an unspoken rule in which members of my house are not allowed to even speak with women of some sororities (pretty bogus in my opinion).

You are right, I could end up with nothing, but so far I haven't had problems with making friends outside of my current fraternity, in fact, I want to meet as many people as I can all over campus.

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Is there a chapter advisor or someone like that from whom you could get the real scoop on probation and whatever else? If the advisor is trying to save the chapter, he's obviously biased himself, but maybe he could at least get you some facts.

Also, do you have an idea of how the situation is perceived on your campus? In most cases, spending an entire semester with a fraternity and then dropping could look bad when you rush elsewhere. However, if the chapter is really on its last legs, I think other chapters may be more understanding of your reasons for leaving.

There is a chapter advisor I have access to, but I can only picture him steering me to continue with the fraternity as he is an extremely devoted alumnus of the house. I often see him arguing with the current brothers when I'm at the house during their Chapter meetings. It's as if he ardently disapproves of nearly everything the recent cabinet has been doing which also concerns me.

Originally Posted by 33girl

This is SO important as far as any future Greekdom for you is concerned. If the majority of the campus is not going to give a shit if these guys fold, you're OK, but if they're popular in spite of being a bit of a clusterfuck, your social status might be zero.

This fraternity sounds a lot like one I hung out with for a while in college. The guys who fit in there loved it and are all still really tight after decades, but the guys who wanted something more than sitting around smoking up and watching Monty Python, not so much, and they probably wonder what if.

I go to a very large school where greek life is abundant. I don't know of nearly any of the brothers at my house interacting with members of other fraternities, so I'm not sure if word of my departure would spread hardly at all. Through what I've gathered during my first semester here, the house is not very popular. When talking about it with cousins who were involved in greek life at my school, they have not even heard of the house or give a quick grimace.

I fit in with the friends I've made so far, but they are a lot like those I had in high school who smoked. They are awesome to hang out with and are good guys, but at some point, I'm striving to be a part of something better. I like to think I have a ton of ambition and it would be awesome to be in the company of those who share my aspirations for success.


Thank you all for responding.
Again, sorry I write with lots of detail. Just my thinking of your responses.