Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Choosing a Brotherhood
• Part 2 of 2: Consecration as a member of the fellowship
• Tips
• Warnings

People decide to become members of the fraternity for a number of reasons, ranging from new acquaintances and friendships to improving academic results and social activities. Finding the right brotherhood can be quite stressful, especially if you start narrowing down the long list of existing brotherhoods during the hot week. However, if you know what you need from the fraternity and what to expect from the “hot week”, then you can well prepare for this action.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Choosing a Brotherhood

1. 1 Determine the type of fraternity you want. Fraternities may serve similar purposes of fostering friendship and active participation in student life, but no two fraternities go the same way towards these goals. Each fraternity has its own charter, plans different events in its own way and concentrates on various aspects of student life. With this in mind, you should familiarize yourself with the wide range of fraternities as early as possible, preferably before enrolling.
   • You may find that some fraternities are more focused on public life, while you are more interested in study and leadership skills, or vice versa.
2. 2 Attend events at several different fraternities. Each fraternity hosts several events early in the semester during the so-called "hot week" to attract new recruits.The first couple of evenings of the "hot week" should attend the events of as many fraternities as possible in order to choose the one that suits you personally and your priorities.
   • In addition to meeting people, keep track of what is remarkable about the life of each community. All of these hot week parties and free treats are not necessarily part of the fraternity's daily life. Feel free to inquire about what the initiation process is, about the financial side of the membership, what responsibilities you will have to take on in matters of study, student life and activities, and whether or not living in a frat dormitory is involved.
   • So you will not only make your choice, but also meet many new people.
   • All events will be listed almost everywhere, from message boards to billboards.
3. 3 Make a short list. Once you have become familiar with the wide range and characteristics of the various fraternities, it is time to create a short list of the positions that are most suitable for you. Focusing on a few fraternities, focus on their activities as much of the rest of the week as possible.
4. 4 Communication with members of selected fraternities. It all depends on the length of your list, but we still recommend that you take the day and meet with as many members of the different fraternities as possible. It may turn out that the first impression of the brotherhood was not the best one, or that you may be impressed by a particular brotherhood, but you are not sure how exactly you fit the brotherhood itself.
   • During such conversations, do not forget that its members themselves must advertise the brotherhood to you, and your task is only to remain yourself. Remain courteous but honest with everyone. It's okay if you are not interested in a particular brotherhood. Feigning interest in order to get as many invitations as possible is a waste of your time as well.
   • Keep narrowing down your list as you gather information, but don't worry about narrowing your list down to one position. As with applying for admission, actively attending events within the same fraternity does not guarantee that they will definitely welcome you. Leave about three fraternities on the list to increase your chances of getting into one of them.
5. 5 Invitations. Depending on the needs of the fraternities on your list, they may postpone the invitation of new members until the very end of the "hot week" or not delay it if they immediately managed to see the right people. There is no need to rush to answer. In most fraternities, you can not only accept or decline the invitation, but also hold on to it to weigh the rest of the options.
   • Consider thinking time correctly. You will easily lose your potential place in the fraternity if you provide an answer too late.
6. 6 Choose a brotherhood. Having attended the events of several brotherhoods that suit you, you should receive an invitation from at least one of them. Take some time to think and choose the option that best suits you, your goals and expectations.
   • By accepting the invitation of the brotherhood, you will go through the formal procedure for signing a "contract", which may have different names.

Part 2 of 2: Consecration as a member of the fellowship

1. 1 What to expect. Once you have accepted an invitation from the fraternity, you still have to go through the initiation process in which you continue your acquaintance with the fraternity and commit to upholding tradition and meeting expectations. A large amount of time will be spent organizing events, participating in sports competitions, and helping selected charities.
   • Due to the very conflicting stories and legends associated with the initiation process, many fraternities have decided to abandon it.This means that you must still make a commitment to honor and uphold the traditions of the brotherhood, but solemn promises themselves may not be required.
2. 2 Do not tolerate bullying and bullying. While there is a diverging view of bullying on many campuses and fraternities, it does happen. In essence, the fraternities perceive the process of humiliation as a kind of initiation rite, during which the novice must prove his loyalty. But keep in mind that loyalty and outright bullying are not the same thing.
   • If during the initiation process, senior members of the fraternity begin to bully you, report it to your superiors. Realizing that the initiation procedure is out of bounds, turn to the elder members of the fraternity. If it seems to you that they do not intend to resolve this issue, then contact the administration of the educational institution. If you wish, you can maintain anonymity. If necessary, your complaint will be considered even with the participation of law enforcement agencies. You should not consider the report of humiliation as denunciation or betrayal, because such behavior of senior members of the brotherhood is unacceptable.
   • The decision about the acceptability of actions is always yours, but never let them cross the line beyond which you feel uncomfortable.
3. 3 Take time. Even without bullying, dedication is a highly intense process of continuous study and weaving oneself into the life of the brotherhood. Depending on the fraternity itself, it will take you 6-12 weeks.
4. 4 Do charity work. During your dedication, you are expected to attend many events in which the fellowship is involved. This also includes help from one of the charitable organizations supported by the fraternity. You may be required to help raise funds or otherwise help the organization.
5. 5 Don't forget to study. In many fraternities, membership depends on your academic performance and GPA. Start learning well right away so you don't get into unpleasant situations. During the dedication process, you will be told about the fellowship's reading rooms and other study assistance provided.
6. 6 Participate in social events. In addition to charity and academic excellence, fraternity members are expected to participate in community activities. Fraternities want to be actively involved in campus life, sports and other events, some of which may include newcomers. Newcomers may be assigned various rough jobs, such as informing others about the fellowship's activities. Be sure to set yourself up to be active.

Tips

• It is not at all necessary to join the fraternity at the very beginning of your studies. You can give yourself time to adjust to college life, and only then join the fraternity.
• When choosing a brotherhood, you will not find patronage. If your father was a member of a particular brotherhood, this does not mean that you should also join it, nor does it mean that you will be automatically accepted into it. When choosing, rely only on your own needs and dignity.
• If you do not know what fraternities exist on the campus, then inquire about it from the administration of the educational institution.
• Some campuses have moved away from the hot week practice, so they have the opportunity to join the fraternity at any time.
• If it seems to you that all the fraternities examined require exorbitant obligations from you, then you can always become a member of the club, because they require less time from you and are even more devoted to very specific interests of students.

Warnings

• Bullying in the initiation process is unacceptable in any of the fraternities, whatever they call it. If you are embarrassed to do what is required of you, or if senior members of the fraternity are bullying you, report it to your superiors immediately.