pledge period

[GKaye13]

ok guys, i really need some input here. The virginia tech alpha phi colony is having some problems with developing our pledge process. A lot of the guys feel the pledges are not doing enough to show their dedication to the fraternity and that they should be initiated. Right now we get the feeling that our pledges already think they are getting in, they have no doubt. The general feeling is that our pledge process is a cake walk. This is only our second pledge class so we honestly are still figuring things out. What I really want to know is what kind of things you guys have your pledges do throughout the process that builds brotherhood and showed devotion without being considered hazing. I am going to be VP next semester so I really want to make sure our program is strong. Any help you could give maybe even a description of your pledge program to help us get on our way. I appreciate the help you guys will give. Thanx.

[Betarulz!]

What types of things are you doing right now?

If you want to make it harder without actually having to do a lot more...make your pledge program last until you get grades back and require a higher gpa than the 2.5 the GF asks for. Here at Nebraska, we have full semester long pledge program, (with summer rush, we already have our pledges by the first day of classes). We wait until 2nd semester to initiate and require as of right now a 2.6 GPA to initiate (B- average).

That's the easiest thing to do right there. Let me know some details about your chapter house, the chapter itself, timelines for stuff and what you currently do and I'll be able to get back to you.

[ECUJacob]

A few simple things we've come up with at EA:

Our pledges interview all the actives, and as many alumni/advisors they can find. They come up with 10 random questions of their choosing, and have to get their interviewees to sign. It's becoming normal practice now for the brother being interviewed to reciprocate the same questions to the pledges as the interview progresses.

We have also created what we call "Kai Week". Since we do not have a house (yet), the pledges spend an entire week sleeping and spending time at brother's house/apt. They are usually there from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Each host brother is responsible for entertaining the pledges for that night. We do movies, cook, go bowling, make t-shirts, allow them time to study and talk, etc. It's actually been the best part of all of our pledgeships.

Hit me up on IM some time...I'm always interested in meeting brothers from other chapters...especially neighbor chapters (NC, SC, VA, TN, etc).