New to the site - looking to start a local and need help!

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by xxstardust

Well, to be honest if we are a local sorority without a Greek life system on our campus, we wouldn't be allowed to give out bids. We can have a "rush week" of activities to see who's interested, but in order to be recognized, we must take absolutely everyone who wants to join.

Because of the way our club/organization system is set up (or, at the moment, NOT set up - it's in the process of being overhauled and rules are changing drastically in terms of what clubs can and can not do), we've been advised by the director of ResLife that we may be significantly better off to not go through the student activities approval process, to remain an unrecognized group of students who are interested in Greek life while those of us who are working to get Greek life approved get that process in order, and colonize a national group when that time comes. It's trickled down that the administrators may be more accepting of national groups because of the idea that there are more people watching over what we do, insurance, risk management, etc.

Just because you might have to accept every interested person, you CAN set up standards that New Members/Members in Training must adhere to, in order to be initiated. This can weed out people who aren't willing to do the work required to sustain the organization.

This can be learning creeds, history, passing a written test, maintaining GPA, performing study or service hours, attendence at meetings, etc. Just be careful that any requirements that exist support your reason for existing/motto or values/etc., and that they do not humiliate or draw unwanted attention to the pledges/new members/Members in training (ie. scavenger hunts, performing seductive dances for boys, having to interview actives - something that often creates an atmosphere of having to "earn" the interview/signature). For a better list of what might constitute hazing, a google search can come up with a list and examples and explanations as to how the activity is considered hazing or harmful mentally/emotionally/physically.

[xxstardust]

As ridiculous as it sounds, any group listed as a club really CAN'T do any of those things. We could choose not to initiate them, but we can't tell them that if they aren't initiated they can't come to meetings or events, unless we simply don't tell them they're happening.

We've been working with our adviser about progressing towards a meeting with the deans. They've been very positive and supportive of our efforts when our adviser met with them himself, and we've got a meeting tentative scheduled for the week of 10/12. We've also got a Meet the Greeks event scheduled for 10/9, which is SO soon, but we didn't have much say in the date. The group working with the NPHC fraternities/sororities is planning/sponsoring it and already set the date, but has invited us to collaborate. So we have to work VERY quickly to invite representatives from chapters at nearby colleges to come and represent their organization to our campus! I know of at least a few who will definitely come because I have friends in the organization, but the time crunch still makes me nervous. If anyone is a member/knows a member of an NJ chapter of any group, or an NY/PA group that's close to NJ, and would be interested in coming please let me know!