Recruitment
OSU Fraternities Have Three Recruitment Cycles:
Summer Recruitment
After an incoming freshmen signs up for recruitment, they will be contacted by recruitment chairment of fraternities and be invited to summer events. These events may include rafting trips, BBQs, paintballing and camping trips. This recruitment period is by far the best way to experience many different fraternities on a personal level. An invitation to join a fraternity (called a Bid) can be given at any time during the summer. Joining over the summer does not mean freshmen must live in the fraternity house when the year starts.
Fall Recruitment
During weeks 1 and 2 of school is the formal recruitment period. Again it is advised that interested students sign up. About half of the associate members/pledges join a fraternity during this time. Important dates:
- Every fraternity will have a booth set up and this is a great opportunity to learn about events they will be having that week and meet a member from each chapter.
- Try and visit as many chapters as possilbe and see their houses.
- Jump (pictured below). One by one, each new pledge is called and they run down the MU steps and then are tossed into the arms of the brotherhood they are joining. Pledges from summer also participate. This signifies the end of formal recruitment.
Informal Recruitment
At any point during the year, an interested student can join a fraternity. This being said, the later someone joins, the more they will missing out on. Many freshmen are concened about the time commitement and want to get "settled in" before joining. This in fact may hurt your success in college. Fraternities are about making the individual succeed and therefor making the organization succeed. The sooner relationships are established, the more support you will recieve.
During the year is also a great way to meet and join a fraternity. Either sign up or contact the recruitment chair of the fraternity you are interested in.
Early spring term another recruitment week is held with events such as tabling and open houses. After the early spring term events, another Jump ceremony is held for all of those who joined during the year.
