Re-founding a frat

[Kevin]

EE:

I've seen both approaches on my campus. We came in in '99 using the more traditional colony model. An HQ advisor came to campus, recruited us, put us through the Sigma Nu LEAD program, (similarly required for colonies), then he left.

It took us 3 years to hit campus average in terms of membership, and we finally chartered in '02.

PKA on the other hand came in in '01 with a core of guys. As I recall, they had several paid HQ consultants available for that first semester. They hit campus average with their first rush. They also transferred in strong leaders from other schools. They chartered in (I think) 2 semesters.

We were founded during a hiatus in new colonization activity. In fact, we were the first new chapter Sigma Nu founded in 3 years when we received our charter in '02. Since then, we've founded quite a few chapters comparatively. I'm not privy as to whether or not they've changed methods, but I would be surprised to hear that's not the case.

[EE-BO]

Do you think this might be why some GLOs have been closing more chapters than opening lately?

I have a theory that GLOs are moving in this direction to bring in a new kind of rushee- specifically someone who is just as into good grades, philanthropy and gentlemanly behavior as they are into having a good time. Granted many of us were already like that- I like to think I was- but certainly rush as I have observed it among many houses was not geared that way in the past.

If a GLO can sweep in with an aggressive campaign and practically overnight build a chapter more in line with the ideals and balance expected by HQ and alumni, then I don't see the incentive for a GLO to take the long route with an existing chapter that is resisting change, or to allow a colony to take off on its own without much guidance- and risk unwanted patterns setting in early.

[Tom Earp]

One of the best coverages among the many.

ktsnake and I were in the same boat but different eras.

Granted, times have changed when I started a local. There was very little expansion among Frateritys then. The two who were expanding were LXA and TKE of which TKE was on campus at the time.

The main thing is to have a cohesive group of members and set a goal of who you want to try to affiliate with. Sometimes, there is actually more than one Fraternity so leave your options open as it were. Be sure to have an understanding of what you want to do and where you want to be.

You mentioned BTPi and not getting any pnms. How many Fraternitys are there on your campus? Just them? How about locals? What is the feelings of the College?

Many times as was stated, a GLO will want to come in and start from scratch to find the pnmers thay feel best reflects their dogma.

But, there may be some who you have been in contact with who will send a representative to check you out and vice versa.

Todays ideas of many Fraternitys have changed about expansion. They are working on a two pronged front. Expansion to new areas and rechartering closed chapters where they were a factor at one time.

A lot does depend on the atmosphere of the campus and the College to have a GLO to come to any campus.

I can only say the very best of luck to you. It will take a lot of hard work and many heart breaks to accomplish what you have set out to do.

But as one said, if and when it gets done, it will be the greatest experience of your life.

[rbwrath]

Originally Posted by ktsnake

EE:

I've seen both approaches on my campus. We came in in '99 using the more traditional colony model. An HQ advisor came to campus, recruited us, put us through the Sigma Nu LEAD program, (similarly required for colonies), then he left.

It took us 3 years to hit campus average in terms of membership, and we finally chartered in '02.

PKA on the other hand came in in '01 with a core of guys. As I recall, they had several paid HQ consultants available for that first semester. They hit campus average with their first rush. They also transferred in strong leaders from other schools. They chartered in (I think) 2 semesters.

We were founded during a hiatus in new colonization activity. In fact, we were the first new chapter Sigma Nu founded in 3 years when we received our charter in '02. Since then, we've founded quite a few chapters comparatively. I'm not privy as to whether or not they've changed methods, but I would be surprised to hear that's not the case.

wow. sounds like what you and i have gone through are pretty similar. it took us 5 years to get our charter back. very rough. the crazy turnover of directors of expansion didn't help at all. colonized in october of 2000, and chartered in may 2005.

colonizing and rechartering is not easy, no matter what situation you're going into. but it is much harder if you're going it alone or with little alumni support. if your chapter has a long history at your school, you need to tap into that support base asap. if they are really interested in helping out, the entire process is 1000x easier. but in either case, recolonizing and rechartering is definitely one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences you will have.

[ankh]

Thanks everyone for your input. I decided to join and stick around till the end. I found all your replies very usefull. We have a lot of work to do and already we are really busy with events and such.
Btw sorry that used the word "frat" in the topic name. As of now i actually know the difference between a frat a faternity.
Tx a bunch again. I will post some time later when we have some success.

[Tom Earp]

Congratulations on your decission!

The time frame can differ because of many factors. But, if there is a strong enough group of members they will be noticed.

Probably one of the shortest time framed beginnings was my local. Local began Fall Sememster of 1965 and Colonized Spring Semester of 1966. That was within the same school year.
It took 3 years to charter as certain requirments had to be full filled.

It can happen so good luck and go for it!