11 Ways to Kill Fraternity Recruitment

Reprinted with permission from Foundations, a publication of the Miami University Office of Greek Affairs
 

1. Don't worry about your language. If a first-year student doesn't like what he hears, to hell with him.
    
2. If you have to knock another Fraternity to make a point, do it. After all, the truth should always be known.
    
3. If you see a prospective member on campus the next day and can't remember his name, simply ignore him and don't worry about it. He probably won't remember your name either.
    
4. If your prospective member is concerned about scholarship, tell him not to worry. He'll have ample time to study, in and around the candidate work sessions.
    
5. If the prospective member is nervous, introduce him to a large group of the brothers. He'll feel better talking to eight people at once.
    
6. Don't invite any alumni to attend your recruitment functions. But do tell the prospective member that Fraternity membership is for life and that your alumni are really interested in the chapter.
    
7. Never ask for or acknowledge recommendations from alumni. Most of their prospects wouldn't fit in anyhow.
    
8. Always identify the various items in the chapter house for the prospective member. For instance, when you pass by the trophy case, say, "This is the trophy case." The prospective member wouldn't have known if you didn't tell him.
    
9. If an objectionable person shows up at the house, leave him alone. He'll soon get the message and leave. Other prospective members will be relieved to know you aren't going to give him a bid.
    
10. Rely on three or four brothers who are good recruiters to sign all the new members. The rest of the chapter doesn't have that much to contribute to the effort.
     
11. There is no doubt that our chapter is tops on campus. We know it, and the prospective members should, too. We'll just let them come to us.