3 tips for a positive recruitment experience

Fall recruitment offers a chance for chapters to work together and collectively grow the fraternity and sorority community. Planning events with your chapter or council allows you to build teamwork skills, learn how to distribute responsibilities and navigate different points of view. These are all valuable skills you will use in college and beyond. 

As your chapter prepares for fall recruitment, here are tips for a positive and productive season.   

1. Address issues directly 

With many events taking place in a short time, communication may feel awkward if there is a disagreement or misunderstanding. Emotions can also be more intense during this time, causing minor disputes to escalate.   

It’s normal for chapters or councils to experience conflict. Addressing issues with direct communication and working to resolve conflicts can often lead to stronger relationships and better recruitment experiences. 

Remember to use “I” statements in your conversations to describe how the situation makes you feel. Here are some examples:  

• “I feel frustrated when people are late to recruitment events because we all have a responsibility to make a good first impression with our potential new members.”  
• “I feel hurt when my ideas are not taken seriously because I think they could improve our event.”  
• “I am upset that a decision was made without group consensus because we want this to be a collaborative process.”  

When sharing your point of view, speak from your perspective and avoid making assumptions. Avoid bringing up past issues or making personal attacks. Give others space to share their point of view by acknowledging how they feel about the situation. Listen fully to what they are saying without judgment and ask questions to make sure you understand what they are trying to convey. This approach can help them feel heard and help you all find a solution.  

2. Be respectful 

Remember that being a good community member also means respecting other chapters participating in recruitment. 

During this time of year, avoid speaking poorly about other chapters or distracting from their events. These actions go against our values and often do not leave a good impression on potential new members looking to find their place.  

If there’s a problem, communicate directly with those involved and focus on the issue instead of getting caught up in the emotions. Avoid complaining or talking about people who are not present.   

If you see something concerning that goes against our values, please report it using this complaint form from Fraternity and Sorority Life.  

3. Celebrate your accomplishments  

Potential new members meet with chapters through events to find the right place for them. It might not always be your chapter but remember that community growth benefits all chapters.   

Once recruitment is over, don’t forget to celebrate your chapter's success. Treat yourself and recognize the hard work of your fellow fraternities and sororities—you deserve it! 

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