There are few steps in the New Member Process, discussed below. It all starts with you expressing some interest, which you have just by visiting this site. Next comes recruitment, or “Rush”, followed by receiving a “Bid” or invitation to join the fraternity if both parties are interested. Finally comes the “New Member Education” and upon successful completion of the program and a final vote of the active brotherhood, initiation.
Recruitment/Rush
Fraternity recruitment differs by fraternity. At Marshall University, the formal “Rush” process takes place at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. We do offer open recruitment at the middle or the end of the summer so you have time to settle in and get their classes in order. Outside of the formal “Rush” of Fall and Spring, we encourage you to let a brother know you are interested in joining, so we may discuss the opportunity with you.
Rushing a fraternity is generally much more informal than rushing a sorority. Fraternities often have a formal rush like sororities, but during rush, they also have informal events. During formal rush events, a potential new member would meet with all the fraternities, and depending on the university’s guidelines, visit their houses as well. Informal rush events are usually parties.
If someone’s father, grandfather or other male relative was part of a certain fraternity, he may also want to join that fraternity and will be given special consideration during rush. You may have heard this referred to as “Being a Legacy.”
What are we looking for? Recruitment is a time for a potential new member to get to know the brothers and see if the organization is something he might like to join. In turn, it’s a time for the brothers to get to know the rushees and see if they’d fit in.
If the brothers decide a potential new member is fraternity material, we will extend a formal bid. Once the new member accepts the bid, he becomes an associate member.
New Member Education
You will start this journey with the Path of Principles, beginning with eight weeks of training. Each week’s information is organized into four parts:
- Group Tasks – You will complete these with the other new members of the chapter at the associate meeting that will be held each week, separate from the chapter meeting.
- Personal Tasks – Complete these on your own. Be aware that many features of the Path of Principles program are designed to help you with college and life in general, not just Fraternity membership. Also remember, you will only get out what you put into this program.
- Events – These are activities, meetings, and ceremonies that will occur in a given week. Hover over them for more information.
- Resources – This area provides links to websites and documents that may help you in your understanding of the particular topics for one week.