I have found threads for the ranking of sororities and fraternities at UT, but haven’t found information on the actual recruitment process for fraternities. My son’s top pick is U of Texas and he would like to join a fraternity but we are out of state and he doesn’t know anyone that attends the school. We have heard that the lists are being formed now for the fall pledge classes and recruitment is basically over before school even begins. Supposedly, it is very legacy based and very competitive. Any insight anyone can offer on the process would be greatly appreciated, for example, how do you get your name on lists? How do you meet people in the fraternities? Is it really too late to join once school starts? Is it extremely difficult to join a frat if you’re not caught up on the “top tier” houses etc…This is the only issue holding my son back.
Fraternities do not have a formal recruitment like sororities do at UT and it is, therefore, confusing. Does your son know any current students in fraternities at UT - even if through remote connections, your son contacting them is a great place to start.
He doesn’t know anyone! I know one person remotely whose son goes there but that’s it! ( my son will reach out to him) We’re from Ohio and it’s not a popular school here. My son applied because of the engineering school and fell in love with Austin. Does signing up with IFC help? Does any recruitment go on in the fall? Thanks for the feedback!
Hopefully someone with an OOS student can provide better advice, but the best advice I can offer is for both parents and son to network so your son can reach out to current students (current Freshman are best). He should let them know anytime he plans to visit Austin (and ask if there is a good weekend to visit) and when he is attending Orientation.
I suggest going on IFC website and begin looking at each fraternities local site. Usually they list officers and or recruitment chairs. Usually there is an email contact. Reach out to them. OOS kids can be attractive to fraternities. They all want some geographic diversity, and it can play to your son. Orientation week is a good time to check out fraternities. Again, contact them. There will be some who invite him to a get to know you…
Thanks @BigPapiofthree. This is great advice if you’re sure it’s appropriate to do! ( it’s such a different process than sorority rush where there are very specific rules )Not sure if you remember me but you’ve answered quite a few questions during this process. This is my 3rd and final child. So ready to be done! We’re visiting another school this weekend and waiting to hear from 3 more but my son thinks UT will be it. Thanks again for all your help.
Thank you @CollegeParent123 as well! Great advice…we’ve been asking around and it’s REALLY hard to find people since Texas has such a high in state population. I’ve never heard of anyone from my son’s or daughters’ school that has applied there!
Were there any students that your son met while visiting for admission reasons? Has he talked with any students in his major? If so, he could reach out to them. Any advisors within his major that he met with – perhaps they can provide introductions to other students, Since current students have no way of knowing of your son’s interest, he should reach out to them.
@oliver17, Yes I do remember. With a little work, I am sure it will work out. Best wishes…
@oliver17 Some fraternity recruitment is happening now, but not all spots at all fraternities will be filled before fall semester begins. Encourage your son to sign up for IFC recruitment now. The fraternities will get the list of interested men and they can start inviting him to events. My son signed up mid-summer before he started school at UT and he was contacted by several fraternities for events during summer, and also when he moved to Austin in August. UT IFC recruitment is very informal and there’s no organized system like sorority recruitment.
The university has really worked to discourage recruitment events during orientation but they still happened as recently as summer 2016. Tell your son to look for fraternity reps at the organization fair (held the afternoon of Day 1) and around campus. This is not the time to be shy; he needs to approach them. In past years they have picked up students outside the dorms for recruitment parties that happen very late at night, after all orientation events end for the day. Of course alcohol is involved and there’s not much time between the end of orientation events for one day and the start of the next day, so your son really needs to be smart. This is not a good time to experiment with alcohol, drink too much, and experience your first hangover. It’s possible the Orientation Advisors will find creative new ways to keep the incoming freshmen from sneaking out at night, so maybe 2017 is the year that fraternities won’t have orientation parties. Parents can hope.
When your son makes the decision to join a fraternity, he will be expected to wear a pledge outfit/uniform of sorts. They vary from year to year, but generally include jeans (specific wash TBD), cowboy boots, and whatever shirt style the fraternity chooses. My son had to wear collared polo shirts with light wash Wrangler jeans during his “pledgeship.” Feel free to send me a private message if you have more questions. I would be happy to help.
Your LHS (that’s Longhorn son) can sign up for IFC recruitment here: http://■■■■■■/TXIFC_reg
Good luck and hook 'em!