What is to be done?

[lifesaver]

Originally posted by PnguinTrax
I would take care of it right now. You're right, he could be 'talking big', but then again, he couldn't. It's easier to avoid a mess than have to clean one up.

I would approach it this way...talk about the chapter and all the things you are proud of, nationally and locally. Mention that one of the things you are proudest of is your substance abuse policy (zero tolerance, etc.) and why that makes your chapter stand out from all the rest, the benefits to this policy, etc. Unless he is completely an idiot, this kid will do one of two things: clean up his act and become a brother or back away and make the decision for you.

You should never, ever pledge a member with known problems, especially those relating to risk management. A chapter never needs members so badly that you can risk you entire charter or campus reputation on a single members' bad life decisions.

Barbara, thank you so much (and to everyone) for their advice. This really helped put things in perspective for me. and I love the phrase "You should never, ever pledge a member with known problems, especially those relating to risk management. A chapter never needs members so badly that you can risk you entire charter or campus reputation on a single members' bad life decisions." To that, Amen and Thank You Very Much.