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The Recruitment Process

The recruitment process is primarily based in the Fall semester of each year. Each fraternity on campus holds formal and informal events to allow the freshmen and other interested men to meet the Brotherhood. During this time a relationship is built between many men within that organization and the recruit. At no point during the recruitment process is alcohol allowed to be used. Using alcohol to meet potential recruits or entice recruits is known as “Wet Rushing” and is strictly against the rules laid out by the Interfraternal Council (IFC) and all national fraternities.

Matt Grashoff »An insider’s perspective on Pledging
I'll be honest: I was never intimidated by the pledging process, and you shouldn't be either. Coming to rush events is fun and everyone has a good time, it's not like the rushees are segregated and ignored – the brothers ensure that it's quite the opposite. There is no peer-pressure involved at all, it's just like any other gathering of friends. Once you're a pledge, the only thing that changes is that brothers now treat you as one of their own. You will NEVER, I repeat NEVER, be hazed in any way by a brother of Delta Tau Delta. We are not a stereotypical "frat" – quite the opposite.

If the Brotherhood feels that they know a recruit well and would make a good addition to the chapter a bid is extended to the recruit. A bid is an invitation to join the organization. Bids for freshmen cannot be extended until bid night (usually in November), which is set by the IFC.

Steve Frese »An insider’s perspective on Recruitment
When the issue of joining a fraternity appeared, the idea of rushing seemed like a scary prospect. Movies like "Old School" and "Van Wilder" gave me a very warped perspective on what it actually turned out to be. The pledging process has actually been quite different and the brothers of Delta Tau Delta mean what they say by, "Each pledge is treated with the same respect that any brother receives. You will not be hazed at all during your pledgeship or at any other time"

After accepting a bid, the recruit becomes a pledge. A freshman cannot become a pledge until his second semester on campus. The pledging process is no more than 6 weeks. Within this process the pledge learns the history of Delta Tau Delta and strengthens the bond between their pledge class, brothers, and themself. The pledge is then initiated as a full member of the fraternity after his pledgeship. At no point during recruitment, pledging, or initiation is there hazing of any sort.

Unique Recruitment Events

Survivor
Delt Survivor is an intense competition of events ranging from the egg-puck hockey shootout to the famous “Greek toss”, in which a brother is tossed for greatest distance. The final challenge consists of a sampling of surprise exotic foods. Overall, it is a fun time shared by both brothers and rushees alike.

Mini Golf
The mini golf tournament is definitely one to remember. The entire shelter is transformed into a nine-hole miniature golf course. In years past, the challenging holes, of which included hitting a ball down the shelter’s stairway, all lead to the pinnacle and pride of the Alpha Chapter course: "The Ring of Fire". While listening to the famous Johnny Cash tune, players attempt to launch their golf ball through an actual burning ring.

Wing Nights
Wing nights are some of the more popular recruitment events of the year. Brothers, pledges, and rushees a like flock to Chippers Pub, the local wing hot-spot. Here, good times are shared over the wide assortment of wings, from honey barbecue to suicide. While not eating wings, intense competitive action can be seen on the two pool tables, with the brothers and rushees demonstrating their billiards skills.

Bowling
Occassionally throughout the year, the brothers invite fellow students to the local bowling ally for an "All you Care to Bowl" two hour event. Everyone is free to hang out, enjoy the food, and partake in unlimited games until the last ten minutes; at which time speed bowling begins, and the brothers whip the ball down the ally as fast as possible to see how many rounds they can make it through before they close-up shop for the night.

Pig Roast
Free food, good company, and hanging out; the three fundamental parts of the Pig Roast. The brothers slow-roast a giant pig all day long. When dinner time arrives, the pig is served to the closest friends of the brothers. Everyone eats until they can't possibly eat anymore; at which point the rest of the evening is spent having a good time hanging out.

Steak Dinner
The steak dinner is an invite only event where the brothers prepare a delicious steak dinner for the rushees. It is a great opportunity for the rushees to get to know the brothers and to see what this organization is all about.

American Gladiators
A fierce competition to see who will be the champion. With events ranging from Powerball, Breakthrough and Conquer, Assault, and Joust, competitors are sure to have a blast as they battle their way through the obstacles before them in order to see who will come out on top.

Recruitment FAQ

Q: How do I go about getting information on Delta Tau Delta or Greek Life in general?

A: If you’re intersted Delta Tau Delta in particular this site is a good start. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for please email with your questions. He’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Q: What is a fraternity?

A: A fraternity is composed of individuals who have joined together with others for support and assistance. They each have their own unique secret rites and a name consisting of Greek letters. Through common experiences centered around the pursuit of higher education, service to the community, development of leadership skills, and friendship, members of fraternities build relationships that last far beyond the college years.

Q: How do I join your frat?

A: First of all, “frat” is no longer a term commonly used on college campuses. Greek organizations would rather be called fraternities to avoid the negative perception that is attached to the term “frat”.
To fully understand the recruitment process with Delta Tau Delta here at Allegheny please read the Recruitment Process seen to the left or email .

Q: Does it cost money to join?

A: Yes, because Delta Tau Delta is a self-supported organization, there are annual dues of approximately $320 per semester. Pledging dues ($284.25), and Initiation dues ($291.50) are both only a one time fee required by nationals. This money goes towards insurance, national dues, and other expenses. If money is an issue for you, don't hesitate to contact Matthew Yurky to work out a payment plan.

Q: What kind of time commitment is there in joining?

A: The time you put into the fraternity determines what you will get out of it. The more time you are willing to put in, the bigger difference you'll make and the more you will get out of it. Like any organization, there are general expectations of you. You will be required to attend meetings and events. The fraternity will teach you to manage your time and balance your academic load, work, and social commitments.

Q: How will joining the fraternity effect my grades?

A: Succeeding academically is the reason you are here at college. As a pledge, academics should be your primary concern. This is why Delta Tau Delta requires all of its memebers to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25. There are a number of resources available through the fraternity to help you succeed including a test bank, tutoring, a study lounge, study sessions, and academic mentoring.

Q: What leadership opportunities will be available to me?

A: The opportunities available for leadership depend on how involved you wish to become. If you'd like to have a say in how the fraternity is run, then there are a number of positions available on our executive committee. However, if that responsibility doesn't appeal to you, there are smaller leadership roles available on a number of the administrative committees.

Q: Are there opportunities to do community service?

A: Community Service is a big part of what Delta Tau Delta is all about. Throughout the semester there will be many opportunites available to give back to the community if you wish. Some of our major philanthropy events include Adopt-A-Highway Road Clean-up, Make A Difference Day, and Adopt-A-School - our national fraternity's philanthropy which was created to give Delts the opportunity to tutor elementary school kids. You'll quickly see how much of a difference you can actually make by working with fellow brothers.

Q: What housing opportunities are there?

A: All brothers and pledges of Alpha Chapter are required to live in the shelter (beginning your sophomore year). As underclassmen you will room with one other brother or pledge. Exceptions can be made on an individual basis. There is also a separate Delt meal plan available that is significantly cheaper than the meal plans offered through the college.

Q: What is the Recruitment process like?

A: Freshman Recruitment is a process that lasts for most of first semester. During this time the different fraternities hold events in order to get to know the perspective rushees better. At the end of the semester bids are extended to freshman, they cannot be given out any sooner. A bid is a formal invitation to pledge a fraternity. If you would like to see the events coming up just click the Recruitment Calendar button above. If you have any further concerns or questions about the Recruitment proccess please feel free to email .

Q: What is Pledging like?

A: For Delt pledges the pledging period is no more than 6 weeks. During this time you will learn about the history of our fraternity as well as the responsibility associated with joining it. During pledgeship you form a strong bond with your pledge class and the older brothers.

Q: Will I be Hazed?

A: In a word, no.The college has a strict policy against hazing and Delta Tau Delta upholds both the spirit and the letter of that policy. Each pledge is treated with the same respect that any brother receives. You will not be hazed at all during your pledgeship or at any other time.

Q: Am I really just “buying my friends”?

A: Becoming a member of Delta Tau Delta is far from simply buying into a group of friends. It is truly an extension of your college education. By being a member of a Greek organization you learn important business skills such as time management, working with people, organizing events, and many more. It can also be easier to find a job after school through alumni or other Greek members.





 
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