RANDOM: Do southern fraternities expect recommendations for rush?

[jamsmu]

Anyone??? My cousins will be rushing at U South Carolina this fall and we don't know the answer.

TIA

[BaileyBea]

I am going on a limb to say Yes. At least sororities do expect recommendations and recommendations make it easier to filter potential members. They don't always have to be by a fellow Greek man/woman belonging to that sorority/fraternity but it helps. They can be from Adults in their life like coaches, principles, friends parents etc.

The Greek system is bigger and more competative in the south.

[jamsmu]

Thanks Nancy. My sister and I both went to SMU where we were in a sorority, so I totally know what you mean about the competition in sorority rush. Actually, a recommendation can come from someone outside the sorority, but its looked at as just information, and not considered a true rec unless it is from an alum of that sorority.

Of course, sororities are told by the universities to say that recs aren't necessary, but the "big" chapters do require them in order for the girls to join the chapter.

[BaileyBea]

Yeah! I was trying to be as neutral as possible. I didn't know if you meant Male Fraternity or Female Sorority. I'm a Pi Phi and while I do not do much at UT for their rush I do RIFs and other stuff for girls from my hometown.

Last year I helped out w/Rush and we realized a lot of these girls did not have recommendations etc. It was tough We were calling principles and alum groups from their home town to get RIFs.

I think the male frats are much more laid back about the whole rush thing than the sororities. And they are all getting desperate for members. Even UT's rush last year was down considerably.