In Germany we are confronted with the lack of interest in fraternities since the late sixties students revolts.
That's why we couldn't afford to do rush or we would probably die. So we accept new members on a year round basis without any fixed schedule. Therefore, we basically try to "rush" them all year round and that works fine, with initiation always being 2 semesters after the begin of pledging.
What we do to get attention on campus is therefore:
a) an information desk at the beginning of the semester including handing out info flyers to possibly interested people. However, you really have to walk up to people and give them the stuff, they usually don't come to the desk.
b) organizing on campus events like scientific talks with invited speakers, publicly advertised on campus - that get's you known
c) most of our other events in our house (parties and such) are also open to the public and advertised - on these occasions you get to talk to interested people
d) invite really interested people to events that are by invitation only - then you can focus on them
and then again, as otheres stated, the word of mouth is extremely important and for our chapter the rule has been lately that pledges are the best to draw new pledges.....
We currently have 10 pledges which is definitely above average for German freternities.
Maybe some of the strategies help you, too
cheers
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