Too Big Too Fast?

[33girl]

Originally Posted by ScarletBlueGold

This past semester was an incredible semester for Recruitment in our chapter. Our Chapter, the smallest Chapter in the IFC (21 Members), managed to recruit the second largest New Member Class of the IFC (23 Members)

Our members have been nothing short of amazing. Incredible, enthusiastic, and reliable. I really have no problem with any member in the class, and I am confident that they are all going to be a good contribution, but I am a little worried.

It seems like we did a great job with our Recruitment this semester, but brothers are talking about holding a second pledge class half-way through the semester. Other brothers are talking about trying to double again in the Spring.

We're now caught up, for the most part, with the other IFC Chapters. I guess I don't see a reason for pushing such a rapid expansion. I would like to have a larger chapter someday, and I don't want to discourage the chapter from excellent recruiting, but I don't want our chapter to lose identity either. Is there such a thing as getting too big too fast?

What do you guys think? Am I being reasonable, or am I just being one of those old guys in the chapter who refuses to accept change?

do you mean you just got these 23 guys now, or last spring?

Either way, I would wait until they're initiated/integrated fully in the chapter and pulling their weight before you want to do the same thing again. The last thing you want is "old guys" vs "new guys" or pledge class cliques.

[lucgreek]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Either way, I would wait until they're initiated/integrated fully in the chapter and pulling their weight before you want to do the same thing again.

Exactly. If the guys end up not being productive they are going to recruit more unproductive guys like them. Then you're chapter will have a ton of internal problems.

FWIW, I think this semester you will have some growing pains. A large increase in members will definitely change the dynamic of your chapter. Take recruitment slower and don't focus on sheer numbers. You don't want to bring 20 more new guys into a chapter that doesn't know how to transition from a smaller operation to a big one. It will just spell trouble.

Your biggest challenge now is brotherhood-related.