fraternity and sorority new member recruitment:
University Philosophy and Expectations
Check out the Recruitment Guide
Overview
The purpose of new member recruitment is to acquaint prospective members to the various aspects of fraternity and sorority life. This is a process that occurs both informally and formally and is reflective of the diversity of the Greek organizations that exist on Stanford's campus. Regardless of the approach of the organizing entity or individual chapter, all groups are expected to meet the spirit and philosophy of student life at Stanford. Stanford student life supports the academic mission of the University by providing a strong residential experience for undergraduate students with a high focus placed on a residentially based first year college experience. One of the prime goals of the first year experience is to create strong residential communities that help new students transition to an academically rigorous and fast-paced academic environment. In this context it has been a long standing policy to have a deferred rush policy which permits Greek chapters to formally recruit new members beginning the Spring quarter of their first year. Limited recruitment activities are permitted prior to Spring quarter as long as they do not target specific individuals or freshmen exclusively.
Expectations
Member selection is a process that is designed so that both individuals and chapters can make thoughtful decisions about membership with a Greek chapter. Over the years a number of University expectations have developed in order to ensure that the process is thoughtful, sensitive and fair to individuals considering membership in a fraternity or sorority. Current expectations include:
Chapters may not discriminate, by policy or practice, against any Stanford student on the basis of race, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.
The selection process may not interfere with the academic or residential life of the University. Any type of recruitment activity is prohibited during the "end of the quarter" and exam period.
Freshmen will not be eligible for membership until the beginning of spring quarter. Informal commitments about membership are also prohibited prior to this time.
The selection process must support Stanford's policy of local chapter autonomy. Specifically it may not involve letters of reference or the gathering or use of information from any source outside the University for purposes of deciding whether or not to select, or consider for selection, any particular student. The selection process may not in any manner involve persons from outside the University for the purpose of influencing either the decisions or students as to whether or not to join a particular chapter.
Alcohol may not be involved, either formally or informally, during recruitment activities or efforts during the recruitment and new member education periods.
All chapters must present their specific plans and an annual calendar for new member education, to the University for review and approval on an annual basis.
All students joining a Stanford Greek chapter must complete a Greek Membership form on an annual basis.
All recruitment activities must be completed by May 10 of each year.
General Guidelines
Appropriate Recruiting
Register early to get into Stanford Directory and the web listing
Participate in Student Activities Fair events as a chapter
Wear your Greek letters
Conduct all Greek Informationals open to the entire campus, rather than just frosh
Create positive Greek PR through Daily articles, flyers, posters, etc.
Be visible through chapter-sponsored all-campus events such as social, educational and service events
Co-sponsor programs with other non-Greek student groups, as long as they are not frosh-only groups
Sponsor all Greek Rush panels, beginning mid-Winter Quarter
Have the Daily News cover your events; take initiative in inviting them routinely to your programs
Create and maintain attractive and informative websites (these can be linked to OSA's homepage)
Create all Greek newsletters targeted to all students
Participate, as a chapter, in Community Day and other large campus-wide events
Inappropriate Recruiting
Individual invites to frosh such as invitations or emails
Student group invites to groups that are all frosh
And when in doubt, ask.
Other Notes
Dean of Students staff work to support new recruitment member processes that are open, informative and sensitive to potential student members and supportive of individual chapter efforts. To that end, chapter presidents are encouraged to communicate regularly with Dean of Students staff about their plans, progress and potential issues or difficulties.
Presented by the Office of Student Activities
