[21197] in APO-L
Re: [APO-L] Rush Ideas
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Joshua Collier)
Tue Sep 19 11:15:57 2000
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Message-ID: <d9.9c4a54d.26f8dcd2@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2000 11:14:26 EDT
Reply-To: APOgrassroots@AOL.COM
From: Joshua Collier <APOgrassroots@AOL.COM>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
I would have to agree with Cynthia's post. I believe that we are too
concerned with quantity vs. quality. The national fraternity boasts that we
have over 700 chapters nation wide when only 50% of those chapters are
active. Not only do we need to be concerned at the chapter level, but at the
national, regional, and sectional levels as well.
I have overheard section chairs talking about the growth of their section and
how many new chapters they are attempting to start. Yet, if you look at the
other chapters in their section, you will find most of these chapters are
struggling with keeping their chapters active.
But on the chapter level, to back Cynthia's statement up, my chapter for
example had three semesters in a row of pledge classes ranging from 50-70
pledges. We have an outstanding rush program. Of those pledge classes, the
membership retention rate was 14-20%. I pledged in Fall of 1998 in a pledge
class of 53. The following semester, 10 of us returned. Four semesters
later, three of us remain. In a pledge class of 12 from Fall of 1997, the
membership retention rate was 100% the following semester. Six semesters
later, 4 members of that pledge class remain after 6 of them have graduated.
83% of that pledge class made it past the three semester average membership.
This semester, was did not publicize our rush program as much, in hopes of
having a smaller pledge class to yield higher membership retention rates.
One dedicated, active pledge who is going to stick around is much better than
70 pledges who will not return the next semester.
So, with all that said, I would appreciate any ideas on how to increase
membership retention, as our chapter currently does not have a strong program.
YiLFS,
Joshua Collier
Theta Sigma - Oklahoma State University
