Greek Welcome Day

ksig600 · #1 08-07-2002, 06:00 PM

Everyone,

I am Greek Council president for my school, and I wanted ideas for an event to welcome freshman to our campus.
In the past we helped at freshman move-in, but this year I was told that people didnt like us being at move-in because we only help PNM's (total bs). Therefore, this year there will be no greek presence.
It's now my job to come up with a kick-ass way to make the greek presence known on our commuter campus, and get all of the councils involved (IFC, NPC, NPHC, MGC). I would really like to hear what you all do on your campuses.

Thanks

FuzzieAlum · #2 08-07-2002, 06:07 PM

I just want to say that "only helping PNMs" sounds so bogus! I mean, I'm assuming you help any freshman who will accept your help. I can't imagine you saying, "Hm, thinking about rushing?" and when they say "no," just dropping their stuff on the stairway and leaving! Really, every new student is a PNM. And even if you did only help the interested PNMs, how does that hurt anyone else?

Grr.

Anyway ... have a party, picnic or BBQ on campus during orientation sign-ins ... make sure Greeks sign up to be orientation leaders ... flyers and chalking ... do you have the budget for a mass mailing to all new students?

Good luck!

chideltjen · #3 08-07-2002, 06:42 PM

each semester we have a new student orientation where current students can volunteer to help move in or be tour guides. there is usually an "organization fair" for all organizations on campus. This year... the guy in charge (also a kappa sig) is throwing a luau. I am stoked. those are always so much fun.

TKE Paco · #4 08-07-2002, 06:50 PM

Set up "Ask Me" booths around your campus for the first week of school during the day. Sorta like informational stands where they can ask directions to a building, how good the food is, etc... It's something we do @ our school, and we always have like 340930948 clueless freshmen come up for help.

Eirene_DGP · #5 08-07-2002, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ksig600
Everyone,

In the past we helped at freshman move-in, but this year I was told that people didnt like us being at move-in because we only help PNM's (total bs). Therefore, this year there will be no greek presence.

Oh, now this is FUNNY as HELL!!!!LOL!!!! Let me tell you how it works at our school. All greek orgs. HAVE to help with freshman move-in. If you show up and decide, "The hell with it!" Our school doesn't give you your key to move your stuff in. (Our school is somewhat small and it is easy to keep track of who is working and who isn't) We have to arrive at 7am and move freshman from 8am-2pm, then we can get our keys at 2pm, not a minute before.

As far as other ideas, the organizational fair that Chideltjen mentioned is a good idea. We are participating in that, and most schools have some type of "Welcome Back" activity. All of our greek orgs. go to the welcome back cookout and all welcome week activities and wear letters.

BSUPhiSig'92 · #6 08-09-2002, 03:07 PM

A lot of schools it seems don't want Greeks helping with move-ins anymore. It's that way with Housing on my campus. Fortunately, they are really the only office that actively discourages Greek participation. I'm in charge of Orientation on my campus (as well as being the Greek Advisor) and I actively recruit Greeks to help out with our Freshman Orientation (which happens the weekend before classes start). Also our Alpha Kappa Lambda chapter is planning a big "Welcome Back Concert" with 4-5 local bands for the Saturday night before classes start. In my office (Student Activities) we are actively promoting the concert to students. Also our Greek Council is holding a big, campus-wide carnival in September, so that should give our system lots of good exposure.
I think offering some type of fun activity that will appeal to a lot of new students is a good way to go.

psusensei · #7 08-09-2002, 03:23 PM

I would say have anything that involves FOOD! Free food is always a way to get peoples attention...you can get cheapo cookies, or just tons and tons of cheap candy and crowds will draw, especially boys.

Katey Alpha Gam · #8 08-09-2002, 06:59 PM

At Eastern we have an All Greek Barbecue. It is the best!! Not only is it a fun way to see everyone you haven't seen over the summer, PNM's can come by and grab some food and learn a little about each org. It was always my favorite back to school activity!!!