Requesting Advice from fellow Betas

Coramoor · #1 02-06-2003, 03:46 PM

We just had rush at WVU...and it definitly left something to be desired.

Unfortunatly, it seems to me that the people that should have been in charge were not doing their jobs. This has really become apparent b/c we have an extrodinaryily small pledge class this spring. However, since the rush chair isn't pulling his own weight, I have taken up the slack and requested an additional three weeks to rush perspective recruits.

I have a few ideas, but I would definitly welcome more from Betas from other chapters. I can't set anything up that is too involved b/c I only have about 2 weeks to plan and execute, plus a very limited budget.

Secondly, I'm not sure if anyone is involved with the IFC at their school, but I just joined the Development Committe. It is basically a committe that will shape what IFC will be in the future. I would like to know how involved IFC is on other campuses and what sort of activites they handle.

Thanks.

-Kai-

ZZ-kai- · #2 02-07-2003, 02:34 PM

Sorry to hear about the results.

I know my chapter has extended rush in the past due to low numbers. We had various events such as laser tag, pizza night, going out to eat at a restaurant with the rushees, sorority functions....etc.

I don't want to sound discouraging, but maybe it is the best thing NOT to add three more weeks to rush, for several reasons.

1. It may be covering up bigger problems, like apathy in the chapter, guys not doing their jobs, bigger problems in the chapter. Adding three more weeks just to get more guys may not solve bigger/deeper problems. If there are bigger problems, then they need to be addressed ASAP.

2. Reputation is important, as you know. You don't want to extend rush three more weeks just to get numbers. Other Greeks may frown upon that, and you don't want to be known as "that" fraternity. None-the-less, that reputation could affect rush in the years to come also. Guys hear "that" rumor and don't want to be part of "that" org.

Don't forget, it is EVERYONE'S job to make rush a success, not just the Rush Chairman. I understand if he didn't do his job, but it is up to the WHOLE house to get a decent pledge class.

Thanks for stepping up and wanting to make Beta Psi a better place, that shows a lot about your character.

.....Remember, extending rush may result in bad decisions in members, which may result in a 20 man pledge class with only 8 good guys. It is always better to be a small elite fraternity, rather than a big shitty fraternity. Make the right decision.

JerzeeBoy26 · #3 02-08-2003, 06:41 PM

I think its imperative to extend rush. I mean, being "that" house is not a good thing but being a really small house aint good either. it depends on how big your chapter is relative to other houses and if having a small class will really set you back and hurt you in the next few years. go with whats more important

Betarulz! · #4 02-09-2003, 10:34 PM

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

Coramoor · #5 02-09-2003, 11:05 PM

Quote:

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.

I totally agree...ufortunatly I can't convince a lot of the others. They want to give the person a chance, and if it doesn't work ball them. However, it always ends up that the person is never balled, even when the persons actions have shown that they should not be a Beta.