With rush season around the corner, it is import to
know how you and your chapter can get the best
new members to join the brotherhood.
Here are some tips that might help you on Rush Day!
1. GET HYPED
No one wants to join a chapter with low energy. Make
sure you and your fellow members are all excited about
the recruitment season, keep the energy levels high, and
get hyped about getting the best new recruits to join
the chapter!
2. HAVE A PRE-RUSH MEETING!
Being on the same page about how everyone wants rush
to be is super important. Have a meeting before
each recruitment day to assign roles, go over schedules,
and set goals as a chapter. How many pledges are you
aiming to get? Which brothers will be giving house tours?
What qualities are you looking for in the new members?
Recruitment season is important for your fraternity.
Don't just wing it!
3. KEEP IT REAL
It is completely unnecessary for you and the house to
pretend to be something you’re not. Keep it real and
you’ll ensure you get new members that vibe hard with
your tribe!
4. ADVERTISE EFFECTIVELY
Getting your rush events and schedule publicized is
extremely important. Create unique flyers and graphics
that you can use to advertise face-to-face as well
as online. Text/message potential new to invite
them to Rush days.
4. HAVE ACTIVITIES DURING RUSH
Make sure there are a few activities going around the
house that the brothers and PNMs can participate in.
If everyone is just standing around, the house might seem
dull. Some good activities that are fun and allow
brothers to have conversations with PNMs are:
cornhole, ping pong and pool. Get creative!
6. INTRODUCE YOUR FAVORITES TO OTHERS
If you like a PNM during rush, and you think they would
be a great fit for the house, don’t just hold on to them—
introduce them to other brothers in the house. This will
allow more brothers to vouch for the PNM.
7. FIND SIMILARITIES
Use your conversation to find things in common with you
and the PNM. Or maybe they have something in common with
another brother in the chapter. If you discover this, you can go and
introduce the PNM to the brother they have shared
interests with to break the ice.
8. MAKE PNMs FEEL COMFORTABLE
Rush can be a daunting experience for some introverted
individuals. Walking into a house full of people they
don’t know might already be a challenge for them. So do
your best to make everyone who comes out to rush feel
comfortable.Make sure you greet them with a smile,
answer their questions,and be engaged in your
conversations with them.
9. DON'T OVERCROWD THE PNM
Don’t have more than 2-3 brothers talking to a PNM at
any given time. Having less brothers talking to each
PNM will allow the PNM to converse more and not
feel like they are not being heard and/or feel like the odd
one out in the group. This will also ensure that you have
brothers who are available to talk to PNMs that might
come in later.
10. SELL THE BROTHERHOOD
Show the PNMs why joining the fraternity is going to
benefit them. Tell them about past and upcoming events,
highlight the chapter’s achievements, and talk to them
about how the chapter can help with their personal
growth. Make sure you expand on the things that
are important to them.
11. UPDATE YOUR FRATERNITY'S WEBSITE
AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Make sure you have the rush events publicized on your
website and social media. PNMs will definitely look you
up before coming to rush. So make sure your online
presence aligns with the house’s vibe.
12. CLEAN THE HOUSE
First impressions matter. Make sure the house is in
a presentable condition for recruitment. PNMs would
want to be part of a house that feels like home. A dirty
house is a big red flag and doesn’t leave a positive
impression.
13. DON'T BREAK THE RULES
If your university and IFC have a set of guidelines for Rush,
make sure you follow them all. There’s nothing worse than
loosing all your PNMs by getting punished and/or
probation by IFC for breaking a rule.
14. MAKE BIDDING FEEL SPECIAL
Handing out a bid shouldn’t be taken lightly. Once the
brothers have decided to bid someone, make the process
of giving the PNM feel special. Outline to them why
the house wants them to join and why they would be a
great fit. If the accept, make sure they know how hyped
everyone is about their decision.
Finally, don’t forget to have fun during recruitment! PNMs want to join a chapter that has good vibes. So make sure you put your best foot forward and show them why joining your fraternity is the best decision they will ever make!
What are some questions you ask potential new members during Rush?
Comment below and tell us the questions that will help chapters find the best rushee(s) during recruitment season!