Sigma Pi Recruitment

Yesterday’s Stranger

Today’s Friend

Tomorrow’s Brother

What is Recruitment?Recruitment is the process of replenishing or

replacing a loss; a fresh or additional supply of quality men that will perpetuate the positive existence of Sigma Pi

Rush is an act that is defined as acting in violent and rapid motion that takes an object by sudden assault…not what we want to do

Recruitment will improve image, perpetuate the fraternity, solidify finances, and build on the brotherhood, which makes Sigma Pi the best organization on campus

Why do we have to recruit?

Image– Recruitment of quality men is necessary

to maintain a positive image at the campus, community, and international level

Perpetuation– In order to uphold the tradition of

successful fraternity operation, the organization should consistently recruit quality men

Why do we have to recruit?

Finances– In order for the chapter to operate,

financial growth and development are necessary

Brotherhood– Having a strong group of brothers to

share your experiences with strengthens the traditions of Sigma Pi

Recruitment Goals

Goals should be achievable, yet challenging to the chapter

What kind of chapter do you want to be?– A solid recruitment plan will yield quality

members– Determine the kind of chapter you want to be and

the kind of campus image or presence you want to have

– Determine what type of members you want-leaders, athletes, scholars…QUALITY MEN

Recruitment Goals

• Determine what size chapter you want to be, and set a solid ambitious number

-It takes 20% of your chapter size in new members to maintain your size

• You should pledge a number that is equal to 40% of your current chapter size

• Bid on a 2 to 1 ratio

• Set your retention rate around 90% of your pledge class

Recruitment Goals

Quality vs. Quantity • There are a large number of quality

men that will join if they are approached in the correct manner

Strive for Excellence• Set your goals, achieve your goals and

then some, be the best and accept nothing less

Sigma Pi Recruitment Philosophy

Meet him– Class– Dorms– Recreation center– Student Union– Orientation

What is taking place during the first two weeks of school?

Sigma Pi Recruitment Philosophy

Make him your friend– Lunch– Study sessions – Recreation sports– Call him– Social events

Sigma Pi Recruitment Philosophy

Introduce him to the fraternity– Invite him to the house– Escort him to social events– Interaction with other brothers– Community service– Fund raising events

Sigma Pi Recruitment Philosophy

Ask him to join– Ask if he is interested– Tell him why you want him– Tell him why the chapter would be good

for him– Talk to him about his fears and

reservations – Common interests– Explain financial obligations

The Four Bones of a Chapter

Jaw Bone- All talk and no action, may come up with good ideas but doesn’t act on them

Wish Bone- Members who wish things get done but don’t contribute

Knuckle Bone- A member that doesn’t come up with any ideas and is critical of others who do have ideas

Back Bone- The workers of the chapter, it may not be their idea, but the back bone makes sure the work gets done

Recruitment Committee

Recruitment Chair– Coordinates and oversees all brothers of

the committee– Attends all IFC recruitment meetings and

recruitment workshops– Develops the recruitment budget

Recruitment Committee

Public Relations Chair– Develop and disburses recruitment

information such as flyers, pamphlets, posters and press releases

– Maintain records of recruitment themes of previous years

– Maintain communication with IFC and sororities about recruitment events

Recruitment Committee

Activity Coordinator– Organize times and locations of recruitment

events– Organize transportation for potential members to

and from events

Contact Chair– Responsible for contacting brothers to attend

recruitment events– Responsible for assigning active brothers to keep

in contact with prospective new members

Knowing your role

Chapter participation is essential to a successful recruitment campaign

Determine what each member will be doing during recruitment events

Knowing your role

Face men– Friendly, popular; men who are admired by

others– Can be shy or out going, but will be the first

person a potential member will see– Projects an image that people want to be

associated with– Brothers who are prominent figures on campus

and in the community…collegiate athletes, student government, etc..

Knowing your role

Initiator– Can talk to anyone, great personality– Can also be a face man– Can strike up a conversation with

potential new members– Able to initiate conversation and move

potential new members to brothers that they may feel more comfortable with or have some commonality with

Knowing your role

Meet and Greet– Slightly shy, average guy that can

conduct a good conversation when the initiator introduces the potential new member

– They gather the information we need and then pass the potential new member to the closer

Knowing your role

Closer– Very persuasive personality, slightly

dramatic when he talks about the chapter and the individual benefits of being a brother

– These guys seal the deal, they get the new members to commit to Sigma Pi

Knowing your role

Workers– Can contribute just as much as the

aforementioned players– Set up events…cooks, cleans, take care

of the small but important tasks– Men who might not be the most out

spoken or the best conversationalists– Their attendance is necessary to ensure a

strong projected image

Knowing your role

Other than team players– Ladies- show that your chapter is social,

fun and an organization that others want to hang out with

– Alumni-talk to potential new members to help them understand how the fraternity can be beneficial

– Organization, teamwork, and effort will yield a successful recruitment period

Where do you meet potential new members?

– Recreation sports – High School buddies – Pike County– Hometown acquaintances– Volunteer to give campus tours– Help freshmen move onto campus– Encourage sororities to help with

recruitment– Legacies

Nonverbal Communication

Always use a good firm handshakeMake eye contact both when speaking and

listeningDo not crowd a potential new member, allow

enough room for personal spaceDon’t cross your armsLook as if you care about the conversationDress appropriate

– The first impression is the KEY in this situation

Verbal Communication Tips

Always introduce yourself, use proper English

When introducing someone to another brother introduce the brother by his real name, NO NICKAMES

Don’t dominate the conversation, be a listener

Ask open ended questionsKnow the traditions and history of Sigma

Pi

Strategies

Dress Impressively if you want impressive guys

Set up classy and commanding eventsOffer to pick up and drop off potential new

membersKeep in constant contact with potential new

members (daily)Always respect the obligations of Sigma Pi

Handling the Tough Questions

Never make negative comments about other organizations on campus, especially other fraternities

Answer questions honestlyKnow the facts about the chapter’s finances

– (initiation & pledge fees, social dues, housing cost)

Remind them the days of hazing are over

Handling the tough questions

Why join?– Common interest– Place of belonging– Social activities– Leadership opportunities– BENEFITS ARE ENDLESS

If He Declines

Don’t be afraid to ask him “Why”– Take care of the “Why”– Get him to sign

Convince him to reconsider the idea of joining any fraternity

Don’t dwell on one guy

Conclusion

Recruitment is 365 days a yearAlways be looking for men who could be a

quality brotherFind creative ways to meet new peopleEvery event is a recruitment eventRecruitment is every brothers responsibility,

not just the Recruitment Chair In order to recruit quality men, you have to

present yourself as a quality organizationEmphasize your chapter qualities

Semi-famous Quote

“Don’t make me Suck”