In the United States, university fraternities are men's clubs that students join for various reasons, such as cultivating relationships, making friends, being more involved in academic and social life. Finding out which fraternity is right for you can be a challenging process, especially when trying to cut down on a long list of fraternities during recruiting week. However, if you know what you want from a fraternity and what to expect from recruiting, you can go through this process mindfully.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing a Brotherhood
Step 1. Decide which type of fraternity you wish to join
Sisterhoods may have similar goals when it comes to cultivating friendships and participating in campus life, but each of them approaches them in different ways. Each fraternity has its own charter, plans different events, and focuses on a specific aspect of campus life. If this is clear to you, you should meet a large number of fraternities as soon as possible during the recruitment process in the school.
Some fraternities are likely to place too much emphasis on social events, while you may be more interested in an academic and leadership oriented one, or vice versa
Step 2. Take part in the events promoted by the different brotherhoods
To pique the interest of potential recruits, each fraternity will promote various events at the beginning of the semester, in the period known as "recruiting week". Spend the first and second night of this week attending as many fraternity events as you can to determine which one best suits your personality and campus life goals.
- In addition to just meeting people, keep track of the kind of life that joining a fraternity will entail. The parties and free food of Recruiting Week are not necessarily representative of everyday life in the fraternity. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you find useful regarding the fraternity admission process: what expenses you might incur, the type of commitments you make for study hours and events on campus and in the community, and whether to enroll. it means living in the fraternity building or elsewhere.
- Not only will this help you decide which fraternity you really care about, but it will allow you to establish relationships with many people throughout the process.
- You will likely find listings of these events where university associations and groups are allowed to post announcements, such as bulletin boards, billboards, etc.
Step 3. Collapse the list
After you get an idea of a good number of brotherhoods and their purposes, create a shortlist of those that interest you most. Once you know the clubs you want to learn more about, you can plan the rest of the recruiting week to attend most of their events.
Step 4. For each fraternity on the list, meet as many siblings as you can
This depends on how many you have on the list, however try to spend an extra day of the recruiting week to meet with the brothers of the brotherhoods in the roster. You may discover that a brotherhood was not exactly what you thought at the beginning, or that you like its purposes, but you are not sure you can get in tune with the brothers with whom you will have continuous relationships.
- During these relationships, remember that their role is to promote their fraternity, and yours is to simply be yourself. Be friendly but frank with all the brothers you meet. Not being interested in their fraternity is fine. Pretending to be interested only to receive all possible proposals will ultimately be a waste of time for you and for them.
- Keep reducing your squad as you gather new information, but don't get busy enough to leave just one fraternity. As is generally the case with college enrollment applications, intense participation in a fraternity during recruiting week does not guarantee that you are offered to join. Leaving 3-4 fraternities in the roster increases the likelihood of being able to join one of them.
Step 5. Manage the proposals received
Based on the question asked of the fraternities on your list, they can wait until the end of recruiting week before making proposals to join potential recruits, or they can do so right away if they find people they think are ideal. Don't feel the need for an immediate answer. In addition to admitting or withdrawing a proposal, most fraternities allow you to make some sort of proposal reservation, while you continue to consider the different possibilities.
Make sure you understand the terms of your booking. Best not to lose a seat in the fraternity you ultimately chose, just for responding late
Step 6. Choose the fraternity
After spending time with the fraternities that seem most suitable, you will have the hope of receiving at least one proposal. Take the time to consider your options, and to choose the one that emphasizes your personality, life goals on campus, and the expected level of interaction.
When you accept a fraternity proposal, the process will be formalized with the signing of an "offer card", or similar document which may have a different name in the fraternity of your choice
Part 2 of 2: Joining a Brotherhood
Step 1. Know what awaits you
Once you have accepted a proposal, you still have to deal with the aspects related to initiation, and through these you can essentially deepen your knowledge of the brotherhood, and commit to respecting its traditions and expectations. Typically you will need to spend a lot of time organizing fraternity events, representing college events (such as sports), and doing business with charity organizations chosen by the fraternity.
Due to the very controversial history of initiation and its contents, many brotherhoods have now ceased this path. This means that you will have to work hard to learn about the community, and to respect its traditions, but you will not have to undergo an initiation process
Step 2. Consider a zero tolerance approach to hazing
While many college campuses and fraternities have cracked down on hazing practices, they have not been completely eradicated. In general, the brotherhoods believe that these practices are temporary and linked to the initiation process which demonstrates dedication and belonging to the group. However, there is a huge difference between showing your dedication and being subjected to humiliating or potentially dangerous acts.
- If you ever feel harassed by the brothers of your brotherhood during initiation, raise the issue with someone who is higher up. If you feel that the behaviors go beyond what the higher-ranking siblings would allow, talk to them. If you don't think you can, talk to someone at your college student office. The student secretariat will allow you to remain anonymous, if you want. It will also raise the issue with the brotherhood and will also make the police intervene if necessary. Never feel like a spy or a person who is unable to react to unacceptable behavior.
- You will have to decide for yourself what you consider an acceptable level of ridicule from the brethren as you earn your place in the organization as an initiate, but never allow yourself to cross a line beyond which you feel uncomfortable.
Step 3. Take some time
Even without hazing, initiation is still an intense process of continuous learning and integration into the life of the brotherhood. You can expect to have to dedicate six to twelve weeks as an initiate, depending on the fraternity.
Step 4. Engage in philanthropic activities
During the initiate period, the fraternity expects you to participate in the different activities they will take part in. This usually includes helping one of the philanthropic organizations that the fraternity supports. This may require your help to organize a fundraiser, or, in any case, dedicate time to the organization.
Step 5. Keep up with your study commitments
Many fraternities require members to maintain a grade point average (GPA) above a certain threshold in order to remain a part of it. Develop good study habits early on so you don't get stuck in unpleasant situations when it's time to vote. During the initiation period, the fraternity will likely suggest that you familiarize yourself with the assisted study rooms and the academic support they offer.
Step 6. Attend social events
In addition to philanthropic and academic responsibilities, fraternities also expect you to maintain a good level of participation in social events. They want to be well represented at campus activities, sporting events and other social events, and initiates can expect to be involved in several of these events. Initiates may also have to do tedious jobs to publicize fraternity events. Above all, be prepared to be active.
Advice
- Remember that you don't necessarily have to join a fraternity during your first quarter or semester on campus. You can more easily take the time to adjust to college life before taking on the commitment of a fraternity.
- Don't rely on nepotism when it comes to the fraternity you choose. The fact that your father was part of a particular fraternity does not imply that it is the right choice for you, nor does it mean that you will automatically be offered to join. You should choose and join a fraternity taking into account your merits.
- If you don't know which fraternities are on campus, you can ask the college student office. The secretariat keeps track of the fraternities authorized to operate on campus.
- Some college campuses have ceased with recruiting week practice; in these cases you can contact a fraternity and register at any time during the quarter or semester.
- If all the fraternities you have had contact with leave you in the end the feeling of too heavy a commitment, you can always give it a try with the associations present on campus, which will require less of your time, and in addition will allow you to customize the your experience based on your interests.
