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Old 02-09-2003, 10:34 PM
Betarulz! Betarulz! is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Down in the Gross Anatomy Lab
Posts: 1,497
I think you need to focus on being in line with the culture of your campus Coramoor, but keeping in mind your chapters needs.

What do I mean by this. Well here's the example of us at Alpha Tau (although it is not a great example which I'll get to). Since our major reorganization in 1996 we have not taken a spring pledge class. Meanwhile I know that this past year every other fraternity here except us and AGS went through with spring rush. For us we didn't need to get more guys and we are of the belief that the bonds of brotherhood won't be as strong for those guys coming in a spring pledge class b/c there will only be at most 6 of them, and they wont' be able to live in the house. So while our campus typically goes through spring rush, we don't. This is a poor example because this year only 7 guys signed up to go through formal recruitment for the spring, and in the past guys who have signed in the spring only has averaged about 2 guys per house offering bids. So spring rush is not that important at Nebraska.

If it is important for you guys then I think lengthening rush for three more weeks is a good idea. Things to do: Take them to a sporting event - like a hockey game or basketball game. Events at the house are important too. We also have an event at a local alum's house (someone who has a spectacular house) - which is a good way for Alumni to get involved in the rush process and reconnect with the house.

The biggest thing I can say is to echo what zz-kai- said: Rush should involve everyone. On top of that, make sure that everyone is going up trying to meet the rushees. That is something we stress here - everyone is to try to talk to all the rushees present at an event, and I know it makes us different than the other fraternities on our campus, where the only ones who talk to rushees are the rush chairmen. Don't know if it's the same way other places but most houses the brothers stick to hanging out with each other leaving the rushee on the outside thinking "well this looks like fun, once I'm in". You make a guy feel welcome at your house in a true fraternal sense and he's yours to lose.

The final thing I want to say is not to sacrifice quality just for numbers. If a guy isn't up to par than don't sign him. One thing they told me at Convention was a new way to consider "Once a Beta, Always a Beta, Everywhere a Beta". This way applied directly to rush. No matter how many guys you get, your pledge class will be awesome if you recruit guys who have always been Betas in their actions and deeds. In other words there is no such thing as Beta Material b/c you either are a Beta or you aren't - there is no making a Beta.

Congratulations on joining IFC. I can't tell you yet how IFC is run here, but I hope to get appointed as our IFC rep next week (either that or Ritual Chairman). Also I'm not really sure what you are asking about in the first place, so I'm not sure that I could answer you in the first place.

-kai-

Geoff
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