Success in Pairs
SAGINAW, Mich. - Nobody’s doing more recruitment, why should we? The real question you should ask is why not? Because no other fraternity is continuing to put effort towards recruitment is exactly the reason you should. There is no competition. The Upsilon-Delta Chapter at Saginaw Valley State University not only conducted a second recruitment period, they doubled the size of their semester total. Frater Daniel Porta shares their story of making TKE the essence of excellence.
1) Why did you decide to put on a second recruitment?
We wanted to set precedent on the campus of SVSU with recruitment. As a result of some members becoming apathetic, we found a few people were doing all the work. Does this sound familiar to any other chapter? After several attempts to motivate those already initiated, we came to the conclusion we needed new Fraters who were ready to take on challenges.
2) Did you have any competition?
Our recently formed IFC made many attempts to stop us from having another rush period. After looking through NIC bylaws, we discovered a clause stating that IFC can not limit the recruitment of a fraternity. Presenting IFC with this legislation, they didn’t pursue the case. No other fraternity on our campus did what we were trying to do.
3) What types of events did you hold?
They were pretty much things we already had planned. Monday Night football viewing and a football scrimmage, capture the flag, info night, Volleyball and Basketball, and some others were included to attract new men. They all went well and didn’t change our schedule.
4) Are there any tips you can give a chapter thinking about doing this?
A chapter must look at their current and past recruitment goals. If they haven’t achieved them, it should be a no-brainer. They must also look at their education process and revamp it to cut the fluff. They should look at their retention rate and see if it is affected by the candidate process and why that is. Regardless of the reasons, new Fraters tend to infuse life into an apathetic chapter.
5) How did you rally the other members around this idea?
“If you’re not changing you’re dying.” This quote aided in pushing the chapter to excel. There was a lot of doubt, but after weighing the benefits of this and keeping everything transparent it really drove the chapter. Recruitment went amazing; initiated 10 new brothers and 10 new members are going through the process currently.
The second recruitment has changed the chapter by reigniting the fire for several disengaged Fraters. From the implementation of the second rush, many members have taken initiative and solidified their role in the Fraternity. While I graduate in December, I am confident the Upsilon-Delta Chapter will continue to succeed by using the formula we created this year.
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