What do you do to interact with your PNM's during rush?

[ztafromuk]

Can you take over the side yard? That particular house doesn't really have as much front porch space as you might think, but there's the whole quad area to the side. You might have to fight the other fraternities for it, though. Does that house also have a small concrete patio behind the house?

A casino night? Set up some big screens and have the olympics going? Outdoor Rock Band tournament? Don't forget to think of some way to do things inside, in case of rain. Google is your here - find out what words at other schools.

We never called it cornhole either until a few years ago, and I'm from LEX. Now my church-lady senior citizen MOM talks about going to the neighbors for a cookout and cornhole.

[TSteven]

Good advice ztafromuk.

Just a few additional comments. Some of this may already have been considered.

Rush isn't until Monday, August 25th so the Olympics should be over by then. So instead of the Olympics, have a baseball game on in the background.

And I want to reiterate that any activates that you might have planned for outside, be sure that they can be moved indoors. Or at lease have some backup for indoors only. Cause it could rain. And speaking of rain, are y'all allowed to put up party tents in the quad? Even if it isn't necessary (i.e. no rain), it gives a territory or definition to your outdoor events. As I recall, there isn't that much space in the quad so this might be important to consider if other fraternities rush out of any of the other sorority houses as well. And if you haven't already, maybe get some Tiki lamps (torches) and fill with bug repellent. It can get nasty outdoors and if you are having outdoor events, you don't want the rushees being bitten by mosquitoes.

Finally, some "off the wall" things I've seen over the years. They can be hit or miss, so take them as you will. I've seen girls doing the hula-hoop outside of rush parties. Frankly, it had nothing to do with anything per say. However, a couple of girls "innocently" gyrating outside of the house sure as heck got guys to drop in. Another was a giant "wheel of fortune" thing (not sure what they are called) that was lit up. Everyone won a "prizes". Things that anyone would get by being there. Such as "Free Food", "Conversation with an ABC", "House Tour". On the surface, really lame stuff. But again, it worked in getting guys interested in stopping. Remember, it is a free for all so you first got to get them to stop at your party.

Best of luck and Go Cats!

[DamnProud1873]

Guys I appreciate all the help a lot! I'll be sure to mention to the rest of the chapter about the possibility of using our canopy in the quad. The Rock Band thing was a good mention, everybody loves that game and it isn't too intensive so guys can just play a round and then move back to talking to brothers or whatever. As far as the "off the wall" things you suggested Steven, those sound like a great way just to get guys in the place, but we have had problems with stuff like that attracting guys that aren't really cut out for greek life here, who last one semester and then drop out or kill our GPA. But thanks for all the suggestions.

[WJasonHines]

So, what Fraternity are you in at UK? Dare I say it, but I'm at UL. Our Rush week isn't until the 3rd week of school, so Sept 8th-11th. I was actually going to come to our chapter down at UK and see how Rush is done down there. I'm sure our Rush format is very similar though. I just wanted ideas for our Rush week.

[WhyGoGreek]

DammProud1873,

What do you guys do when you're hanging out and it's not a rush event?

My advice would be to do that.

You're looking to bring in guys who not only are interest in joining a fraternity, but in joining YOUR fraternity. What better way to help them meet you than by showing them how you act when you're not under the pressure of formal rush?

TSteven, et al,

I actually do like gimmicks, also. I personally have had good success with a live band (being a musician, it drew me to our house, and has helped draw other musicians) as well as other similar loud / visible icons that serve to set your house apart from the others.

As always, I hope I can help,