Recruitment Advisor

Beta Zeta Rush, Fall 2008

The role of the Recruitment Advisor is one of great responsibility. It can also be quite rewarding. The following document is a guideline to help you have a successful term as the Recruitment Advisor.

According to the Phi Sigma Pi National Constitution, there are two components of recruitment. It should be noted, however, that this document is not all-inclusive for each chapter. These should be considered the minimum components and your school/chapter may choose to assign further components at their discretion.

About Recruitment

Article IV, Section 10 of the Phi Sigma Pi National Constitution holds that:

• Each Collegiate Chapter shall hold a minimum of two (2) membership drives per academic year, with no more than one (1) membership drive held each quarter or semester. A membership drive consists of a rush period and an initiation period.
• The rush period begins on the date of the first advertised

Article IV, Section 11, Subsection A of the Phi Sigma Pi National Constitution holds that:

• Each Collegiate Chapter shall, at least,
  • Hold two separate Information Sessions at the beginning of the rush period with the purpose of demonstrating to prospective Initiates both the ideals of Phi Sigma Pi and the requirements of the rush and Initiation processes
  • Hold two rush events for the purpose of allowing prospective Initiates to become better acquainted with the Active Members.

About the Recruitment Advisor

Through the recruitment advisor, each prospective member will gain his/her first impressions and knowledge base of the organization. The spirit and attitude of the recruitment advisor and the chapter will become the spirit and attitude of the prospective member. Phi Sigma Pi has placed faith, trust, and confidence in every recruitment advisor. Each recruitment advisor is responsible for recruiting all interested new people, and introducing them to the responsibilities of being an initiate as well as an active member

Recruitment Committee

The rush process is a very crucial time for the chapter. It can become overwhelming and for this reason it is important to utilize the recruitment committee. The recruitment advisor must depend upon the advice and assistance of the committee by distributing the work to its members. Just as with any functional committee, regular meetings and clearly defined responsibilities make for a productive coordinating body. At the committee’s first meeting (held at the end of the semester prior to the planned informational nights), a list of responsibilities should be made to clarify its role, such as:

• Assist the recruitment advisor in planning, organizing and designing the rush program.
• Implement and evaluate the progress of the rush program.
• Aid in advertising for the informational nights (also known as meet nights).
• Assist in educating the brotherhood on proper rush techniques through chapter rush workshops.

Four Stages of Planning

Their are four stages in planning for rush/recruitment. The first and most important phase, is the planning stage. The recruitment advisor should have a detailed plan and calendar in place as early as possible. This blueprint should include:

• Confirmed room reservations.
• Submission of the request for mailing labels.
• A final draft of the welcome letter and other public relations tools.
• Established deadlines for mailing letters and distributing public relations materials.
• A finalized calendar of meet nights and rush events.
• Being sure the mailing is sent in a timely manner.

Again, it cannot be emphasized enough, the importance of having your plan completed early. Ideally, recruitment should be planned for the fall semester/quarter before school ends in May/June.

The second stage will be the meet nights, or informational sessions. Meet nights are traditionally the first time that prospective members will meet and interact with the chapter members. Thus, it is critical that members be enthusiastic and welcoming. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. While recruitment advisors are responsible for coordinating these events, they should not feel obligated to complete all the preparations and presentations on their own. Ask the chapter historian to create an appealing display board or speak about the organization’s accomplishments. Invite the initiate advisor to summarize the requirements of the initiation program. Just make sure that the speakers know ahead of time about their responsibilities, and are prepared! Also, have items for prospective members to view and peruse for a better understanding of Phi Sigma Pi and the chapter, such as:

• Recent chapter photos or chapter composite.
• The chapter’s charter.
• Scrapbooks.
• Awards and trophies.
• Fraternity publications (i.e. Purple & Gold, The Lampadion).
• A Phi Sigma Pi map with stars or pins indicating the locations of other chapters.
• Appropriate chapter t-shirts.
• Favors or souvenirs from formals or other events.
• Chapter mementos.
• Information about rush events (dates, times, locations).

The third stage of recruitment will be the rush events. Successful rush events are a primary factor in cultivating and maintaining the prospective member’s interest in Phi Sigma Pi. Thus, the recruitment advisor’s goals for these events should be entertaining the prospective members while informing them of the benefits of membership in the fraternity. Be creative in planning your rush events! Remember to make them fun and welcoming. One way to do this is by hosting theme parties, which provide great ambiance and allow people to show their personalities (remember, alcohol is strictly forbidden at any rush event). Some possible themes are:

• the wild, wild west
• Casino
• The beach
• Specific decades (50’s, 60’s, 70’s)
• Mardi Gras
• Halloween

Consider incorporating scholarship or service events into the schedule as well. This will allow the prospectives to become familiar with Phi Sigma Pi as a tripod-based organization.

Further Resources

• Ways to Recruit, Getting the Word Out
• Quick Tips for a successful Information Session
• Information Session Outline
• Recruiting Males
• Recruitment on the Cheap
• Recruiting and Retaining Members
• Pre-Rush Chapter Meeting

Links

• Joining Phi Sigma Pi FAQ
• Join Phi Sigma Pi Slideshow
• Balancing Recruitment and Initation (brother log-in required)
• Sample Communications(brother log-in required)

Disclaimer

Epsilon Nu Rush, Fall 2008

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