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When do frats usually start soliciting for new members? My son has been contacted by a few from the day he arrived on campus, and I'm wondering if that is normal. I thought they had to wait.

By Roger (Roger) on Thursday, November 01, 2001 - 09:15 am: Edit

Hi, Nebma. This tends to vary by campus, with each having their own rules and restrictions. Some seem pretty wide open, while others may require waiting a semester or more. You may be able to find the policy on the school's web site, or from the office of the Dean of Students (or similar campus office)

I like the idea of kids getting acclimated to the campus before they are pressured to make a decision.

By Dadster on Thursday, December 27, 2001 - 11:31 am: Edit

Some colleges allow frats to recruit members within the first few weeks of new students arriving on campus. In my opinion, this is way too soon. I think the incoming students should have a chance to adjust to their new life on campus before having to make a decision about joining a frat. Also, some extra time on campus will allow students to learn more about the frats, their reputations, etc. and make a more informed decision.

By Collegemom (Collegemom) on Friday, December 28, 2001 - 08:38 am: Edit

A few schools (where the administration and faculty would really like frats to go away altogether, such as Union) have moved rush to sophomore year. I think this makes a lot of sense. By then, they are experienced college students who are in a much better position to make a rational choice for themselves.

By engli on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - 11:15 pm: Edit

Did you say that Union College - Schenectady, is discouraging frats? Frats can't recruit until sophomore year? YIPPEE!!!!

My son is deciding between Union & Bates. Union is friendlier & seems as if it would provide more TLC. Academics are about the same. Bates has a stronger reputation.

Union was ranked #10 in "Party Schools," which was the single biggest turn off to me. My son thinks that sounds cool.

What else is Union doing to discourage frats?

By Dadster on Friday, April 19, 2002 - 09:24 pm: Edit

I don't know about Union, but the whole anti-frat thing is creating conflict in a lot of places. Alumni, by and large, favor frats, and there are usually at least a few big donors who are ex-frat brothers. Colleges, meanwhile, are trying to cut alcohol abuse, avoid rapes & similar situations that may be alcohol-fueled, and rein in raucous behavior.

By Greekgoddess (Greekgoddess) on Friday, January 10, 2003 - 08:47 pm: Edit

I know this isnt really my forum, being a student and all, but I'm very involved with the Greek system at my school. Most schools require the students to have at least a 2.0 GPA to join any organization. The first semester students do not have a GPA so technically they can not go through New Member Education (aka Pledging) until at LEAST second semester Freshman year. I'd recommend speaking to or at least emailing the person who is in charge of Student Activities/and or Greek Life.

By BBB on Friday, January 10, 2003 - 08:50 pm: Edit

Thanks, GG, no problem posting in this forum. Glad to have your first-hand experience - what kind of school do you attend?

By Greekgoddess (Greekgoddess) on Friday, January 10, 2003 - 10:35 pm: Edit

I attend Plymouth State College in New Hampshire. I would also make the recommendation that if you have a student who wants to join an organization, have them go with an organization that is recognized by the college. You'll be less likely to run into hazing and other problems.

By a parent on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 09:39 pm: Edit

I think it's important not to typecast all frats. For my son joining as a freshman has been a great way to gain a sense of belonging, and the other members are nice kids. The older ones are role models who offer guidance on courses, internships, etc. Not that they don't do some partying, but there's plenty of that among the non-frat members in his dorm.

By Lucky (Lucky) on Tuesday, February 04, 2003 - 06:47 pm: Edit

I am also not a parent but here at Dartmouth (although they do show interest earlier) students are not allowed to rush until Sophomore Winter. Many students, in becoming acclimated to campus, visit fraternities and sororities to get to know a lot of people at once. In doing so, they become familiar to the residents and can subsequently increase their chances of receiving a bid when they can rush.

Lucky