Recruitment Rules

Recruitmentees:

• In order to participate in Recruitment, a first-time college student must have a 2.0 UWG adjusted GPA from high school, and West Georgia (or transfer) students must have a 2.0 University GPA based on a minimum of 12 hours of non-developmental University work. However, the Interfraternity Council suggests that a student have a minimum of a 2.20 GPA because some cannot extend bids to students who have below a 2.20 UWG adjusted GPA. Each chapter has their own guidelines however, and some have requirements as high as a 2.7 GPA. No one placed in Learning Support Classes is eligible to pledge until they successfully complete all Learning Support Classes and earn a 2.00 based on 12 hours or more in non-learning support classes. A student must maintain full-time student status (minimum of 12 credit hours) during his/her new new member period.
• No man is eligible to pledge during the summer months. It is illegal to promise a bid to a Recruitmentee at any time during the summer months and the fall Recruitment period prior to the exact day and time that bids may be extended to Recruitmentees.
• West Georgia has a "dry Recruitment" policy. Absolutely NO ALCOHOL may be consumed by any member, active or pledge, or any non-member at any chapter sponsored event during the designated Recruitment period. This applies to any Recruitment event or any event that an observer would associate with fraternity Recruitment.
• All men participating in Recruitment must attend all IFC Recruitment events, and are encouraged to visit as many individual chapter Recruitment parties as possible.
• All men participating in Recruitment must complete a fraternity Recruitment interest form.

Chapters:

• No alcohol may be served or consumed at events during the Recruitment period.
• All events must take place in Carrollton City limits.
• Register all events through the Department of Student Activities.
• Signatures of each Chapter's President and Recruitment Chairman must be on file in the Department of Student Activities by Monday, Aug. 19.
• If a Recruitmentee misses any of the fraternities during the events, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday, he will be required to go to the fraternity house(s) missed and have the President or Recruitment Chairman sign off on a wavier, provided by IFC, (between 4:00pm-7:00pm on Friday) to allow him to remain active in Recruitment.

The Ten Commandments of Recruitment

These are ten commandments of Recruitment; ten tips that should make you very successful during this year's Recruitment. Learn them. Live them. And follow them!

1. Recruitment More than One Chapter
   The best strategy for Recruitment is to explore all of your options. By doing that, you'll ensure that you make the best choice for yourself. Visit all the chapters early in the week, narrow down your choices to the three or four that you like best, then concentrate on them during the rest of Recruitment. Likewise, one of the easiest ways not to get a bid is to Recruitment only one chapter. Even if you know the chapter plans on giving you a bid, you may not be joining the best chapter for you. You may not know that until after it is too late. Any good fraternity should want you to check out other chapters. If their chapter is so strong, other chapters can only make them look better. And you'll have more peace of mind that you joined the right fraternity.
    
2. Don't stereotype the chapters
   Don't be mislead by the size of a house, or where it is on campus. Chapters big and small, on campus or off, have a lot to offer you. It all depends what you are looking for. Larger fraternities may offer you more opportunities as a group, but a smaller chapter may give you more opportunity as an individual. You'll have more opportunity to be an officer in a smaller chapter, and your influence may be much greater there than in a larger or more established chapter. West Georgia has an excellent variety of small and large chapters. Choose one that fits your style. The chapter you join may not be #1 on campus, but with your leadership and influence, it can get there.
    
3. Ask Intelligent Questions
   More importantly, look for intelligent answers. Questions are one of the best ways to show your interest in the chapter, and getting the answers ahead of time will save you any surprises down the road. Can I move into the house? How much are dues? What would be expected of me as a new member? What are your parties like? How long is the pledge program? Can I play intramurals? What is your chapter's view in hazing? The only bad questions are the ones you don't ask. Thinking about your questions ahead of time will keep the conversation rolling and show your interest. How can you be sure you're getting straight answers? Ask the same questions to different people in the house and compare what they say.
    
4. BE CONFIDENT
   One of the most important tips during Recruitment is to act confident. No one is truly one hundred percent confident, but the more self-assured you can appear to be, the better.
    
5. Don't Try To Be Something You Are Not
   Pick the chapter that fits your personality. Don't worry, there is a chapter out there for you.
    
6. Beware of Subtle Clues
   Remember that Recruitment is a two-way street. You're looking for a chapter that fits your style, and they're looking for members that will fit theirs. If your not getting a warm reception, than don't waste what little time you have there.
    
7. Don't be Tied to Your Friends
   Without a doubt, this is one of the most tragic mistakes you can make as a Recruitmentee. Joining a fraternity involves the development of total brotherhood, involvement with dozens of other men who share your common interests. Don't let the future be influenced by one individual. If he's such a close friend, he'll still be there if you decide to join another chapter. Every Greek has friends in other chapters. It will build your friendship base even stronger, giving you new friends and acquaintances.
    
8. Meet as Many Guys as You Can
   Most chapters extend bids based on a vote of approval. In many chapters, at least 50-75% of the members need to give you the thumbs up in order for you to get a bid. Meet as many guys as you can, and don't hesitate to ask them to introduce you around. Be assertive and act confidently. Ask to meet the Recruitment chairmen and the officers. If they like you, they can have a lot of influence.
    
9. Be Available During Recruitment
   Many chapters will send out flyers, invitations, and bids to you throughout Recruitment week. Be sure that the chapters you like have your phone number and room numbers, and they will be able to reach you. If you need to turn down an invitation to a chapter you really like, be sure to call their Recruitment chairman, thank him, and maybe make plans for a different event. Don't miss out on an event, or even a bid, because you could not be reached.
    
10. Use Careful Consideration in Accepting a Bid.
    Remember that Recruitment is a limited time period. Your fraternity affiliation will last a lifetime. Keeping that in mind, don't make any rash decisions on accepting a bid. You don't need to feel pressured to accept a bid the moment it is offered. It won't be revoked while you check out other chapters. Don't always accept the first bid you receive. You'll probably get others, and they are all valid until the end of Recruitment, often times longer. Take your time and make the right choice!

For more information, feel free to contact the Department of Student Activities (678) 839-6526.