OK, I’m Interested…What’s Next?

This is a big step. The process of considering a fraternity should be a fun and eventful process where you are meeting new people, learning about the chapter, and considering whether you feel like the chapter members are men with whom you can work and live.

At no point during the recruitment or new member process should you feel pressured to make any decision too quickly. Joining a fraternity truly is a lifelong commitment that will become much more than “something I did during college”. The fraternity community can be an intimidating thing. Large groups, chants, unfamiliar letters, and common misconceptions can make these groups seem aloof and removed from the everyday campus experience. In fact, fraternities constitute one of the most important parts of campus life and are comprised of some of the top students on campus.

There are several ways to actually go about joining a chapter. Some campuses have formal recruitment, some have “rush” weeks, others have a completely open process that allows chapters and individuals to make decisions on their own time. Let’s cover a couple of the most common.

THE RELATIONSHIP

Fraternities are societal by nature.  You will see the men around campus, in your classrooms, at a hall meeting, or out around the community.  If the fraternity has a quality recruitment program in place then the first step would be to communicate with one of the guys about what it means to be a fraternity.  Odds are he will be able to answer a lot of your questions if you express some interest in his chapter.  Keep your mind open and don’t feel pressured to join right away.  He’ll probably want to introduce you to some of the other guys in the chapter.  Take advantage of this time to learn about what the chapter values and measure whether these guys have some of the same interests as you.

FORMAL RECRUITMENT

Many colleges and universities still have a systematic method of introducing students to the fraternity community.  Formal recruitment is a “marked” time (usually at the beginning of the semester) when each fraternity on campus holds events in an attempt to teach potential joiners what the fraternity community and their chapter is like.  The advice from the NIC would be to keep an open mind through this process and truly be honest with yourself about what you see.  You are not going to join an organization because they gave out the best chicken wings at formal recruitment.  Measure your decision by using your own personal values and the values of the organization.

GREEK ADVISOR

On most campuses there is a professional staff person who is responsible for working with the fraternities.  This position is most commonly referred to as the Greek Advisor but may also be called a Director of Greek Life, Associate Director, or Dean.  Usually the office of Greek Life is located with campus activities and the other student organizations in the student union.  You can also utilize your college or university website and search for “Greek Life” or “fraternity”.  The Greek or Fraternity and Sorority Life Professional on your campus is a great resource who can give you insight into each fraternity and help you make the decision that best fits you.

BUDDY SYSTEM

You will make friends from your first step onto campus.  You’ll find men who are seeking an avenue through which to settle into the college experience.  Many men join a fraternity because they decided to go through the recruitment process with a friend.  It also may be the case that once you get to know some of the guys in the chapter that you want to introduce the chapter to your roommate.  This is completely normal and, actually encouraged!

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

On most campuses the fraternities have an advocacy body called the IFC.  Whether they call themselves the governing body or something different this group is comprised of all the chapters on campus and seeks to ensure that fraternities have a common voice and stand by the same standards.  The IFC can be a great resource to learn about how the fraternities are involved in the community and on campus.  Your campus Greek Advisor should be able to put you into contact with the IFC.  They should also be listed on the website and in the campus directory.

Trust me…this is the time to be selfish.  Ask self serving questions like “How much time will I need to put in?” and “What type of scholarship programs does the chapter offer?”  If you aren’t satisfied with the answers, SAY SO!  And then, ask some more.  You should not be surprised or caught off guard when you begin the pledge or new member process.  The period of time before initiation is used to teach about the fraternity history, the values, traditions, and uniqueness.

What’s Next?

Remember that there is a wealth of information out there about fraternities and the chances are strong that during your first few weeks on campus you will see a lot of marketing materials around campus.  If you’re thinking to yourself that I didn’t specifically answer your question then you’re probably right.  There are around 800 campuses that host fraternities and each one has its own special culture and traditions.  I would encourage you to ask around, to gather plenty of information, and to make an informed decision about joining.  Should you have general questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at the NIC, at 317-872-1112 or nic@nicindy.org.