Transfer Issues - Page 2

macallan25 · #1 03-24-2008, 12:09 AM

It all just depends. If he's a good guy and fits in with who they are looking for it shouldn't be a problem. They are an extremely good house though, for sure.

Rushing as a sophomore is not unusual, it's done all the time.

bowsandtoes · #2 03-24-2008, 12:47 AM

We'd (we meaning most UT chapters) would take a look at him but it doesn't automatically mean acceptance. And re-affiliation also doesn't equate to skipping pledgeship. He'd have to go through pledgeship with that year's guys.

That's not really a bad thing though, it would suck to join a chapter without having any pledge brothers. And there are quite a few sophomore in each pledge class.

violetpretty · #3 03-24-2008, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowsandtoes

We'd (we meaning most UT chapters) would take a look at him but it doesn't automatically mean acceptance. And re-affiliation also doesn't equate to skipping pledgeship. He'd have to go through pledgeship with that year's guys.

That's not really a bad thing though, it would suck to join a chapter without having any pledge brothers. And there are quite a few sophomore in each pledge class.

So, you're saying that if a member already initiated into UTA, transfered to the UT chapter, which accepted him, would have to "pledge" at UT as well? That just reeks of hazing, to tell a BROTHER, not a pledge, that he has to "pledge" because you don't know what his pledge period was like at his initiating chapter.

I see the argument that you want a transfer to feel like part of a group, but if you want to integrate him into the chapter, I think he'd be able to form friendships by being active in the events, and it would sure help if brothers reached out to him too. I don't see why it is so important to feel connected to a pledge class, as long as a member is making connections in the chapter.

Is that your fraternity's (inter)national policy, by the way?

bowsandtoes · #4 03-24-2008, 01:33 AM

I have no idea if that's the national policy, just that's what we'd probably do.

And yes, making sure he's part of a group is 99% of it. Yes he would still make friends if he just walked in one day, but they wouldn't be the same kind of bonds that a pledgeship would produce. And no, I made no mention of any kind of hazing.

violetpretty · #5 03-24-2008, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowsandtoes

And no, I made no mention of any kind of hazing.

Oh I know you didn't say anything directly about hazing. The implication is that a pledge class has to suffer together to form bonds. A chapter that doesn't haze simply wouldn't ask a transfer brother to pledge at their chapter.

knight_shadow · #6 03-24-2008, 01:54 PM

I actually go to UTA, and you'd be surprised how many people on the CAP program end up staying. I'd suggest telling your friend to wait it out and just get to know the guys at UTA.

If he decides to stay, then he's already made some connections when UTA rush rolls around. If he decides to transfer to UT, he can at least say "Hey, I met some of your brothers when I was at UTA" which could work in his favor.

KEPike · #7 03-24-2008, 06:04 PM

I advise the Pike Chapter at UTA. I will tell you that the experiences of the two chapters (UT & UTA) is very different.

As knight_shadow eluded to, many CAP students (even those who make their grades) end up staying at UTA. Generally, they are very good students and want to get involved which can lead to them getting scholarships and on the fast-track to prominent campus positions here.

The advice given here is solid, FIJI and SigEp are both good houses at UTA. I've heard that depending on the standing of the guy, chapters at UT will make them repledge. I don't agree with the practice, but I would definitely take that into consideration. Again, it is up to that specific chapter. Perhaps he should ask the UT FIJIs or SigEps or whomever if they would frown upon it. As different as the two Pike chapters are, I would assert that the ATO, Beta, Phi Delt and Sigma Pi chapters are even more different.

Having said all that, most will tell you that the UTA social scene lacks severely outside of Greek Life. There are only 4 NPC sororities, so there is some competition to see who can mix/hang out with these women. Generally speaking, the top fraternities are the ones who consistently hang out with these girls. Greek Life at UTA is by no means perfect, but it isn't horrible either.

Worst case, he finds a group of men at UTA with whom he share similar ideals and values and he joins that organization for life. Even if he isn't an active member of the UT chapter (or there isn't a chapter at UT), he would be a brother of that organization. I know at least a few UTA Sigma Chis are helping re-establish Sigma Chi at UT...so it can be done!

bowsandtoes · #8 03-24-2008, 06:23 PM

Sigma Chi is supposed to be coming back next year, their nationals was renting the house to Phi Psi since they were kicked off but they're getting it back come August I've heard.

If he really is dead set on going to UT, he probably shouldn't pledge at UTA. The majority of people who use CAP to go to UT do so through UTSA, and its much closer to Austin. As for making someone repledge, that would likely be a decision made on an individual basis.