Four Elements Critical to Rush Success

There are many things the chapter can do together to improve its rush. All of these steps should be coordinated by the Rush Chairman and executed by the brothers. 

To help your chapter this semester, make sure it completes all the following steps. However, to improve, first you need to plan. By completing the following, you should help your chapter achieve its goals.

I. Know Each Other
Oftentimes, we neglect considering what we would like to tell rushees about ourselves, our chapter, and our chapter membership. During your pre-rush workshop, find out what each member wants to tell rushees about the members of your chapter and relate positive anecdotes which make your brothers interesting individuals.

Good communication during rush is dependent on good communication between brothers. Use time before “rush week” or any other rush period to catch up on each other’s activities.

II. Know the Answers to Questions Rushees May Ask
Questions to expect from rushees:
1) What are the advantages of joining a fraternity?
2) What are the advantages of joining Delta Kappa Epsilon?
3) What can you tell me about your chapter’s academic program and standing?
4) What is your relationship with other fraternities and sororities on campus?
5) What can your organization do for me now and after graduation?
6) What is different about your fraternity?
7) What are the costs involved with joining now and after graduation?
8) How involved are members of your fraternity in campus and/or community organizations?
9) What major campus activities does your chapter participate in each year?
10) Could I see a copy of your pledge program?

III. Know These Facts about Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity
1) Founded at Yale in 1844.
2) 64 active chapters across the U.S. and Canada.
3) DKE’s rich history comes from its great alumni, both the famous and the not so famous. 
4) DKE is the only Fraternity with a private club – located in the Yale Club of New York City and open to all DKE alumni.
5) There never was a man who was a Deke! Once a Deke always a Deke.

6) The Objects of DKE -- know them.  They are part of what makes DKE DKE.

IV. Conduct a Rush Seminar
The rush seminar is the responsibility of the Rush Committee. It is to be held prior to every chapter rush. 
Timing: Several weeks before rush is scheduled.
Materials: DKE Rush Manual, rush objectives, large writing surface (or PC to TV hook up)

Questions in Evaluating the Readiness for a Chapter Rush
Pre-Rush seminar questions:
1) What materials do we need for rush? (i.e. name tags, etc)
2) What are our chapter’s strengths and weaknesses?
3) What qualities are we looking for in a potential new member?
4) How many new members do we need to ensure fraternity strength for the future?
5) What are our most successful rush functions?
6) Do our rush functions attract people and at the same time permit interaction and dialogue?
7) Are we organized to properly present out chapter to strangers?

Rush Seminar Questions for the Entire Chapter to Answer
1) How does our chapter come across in rush (what is our image)?
2) How would we like to be perceived in rush?
3) Do we have enough rush functions?
4) What characteristics do the brothers of Delta Kappa Epsilon sell to rushees?
5) What kind of man do we want to pledge?
6) How can we get rushees to remember the name Delta Kappa Epsilon?
7) Why did we join Delta Kappa Epsilon?
8) What are the best things to say during rush?
9) What are the most common objections heard during rush (i.e. why would a rushee not pledge)?
10) Is there a need for more careful selection of our pledges to assure initiation?
11) What persuades a man to pledge our chapter?
12) Why do we lose pledges?
13) Do we enthusiastically follow our rush leads?
14) Will summer rushing help us? Did we ever try it?
15) Do we want to live the ideals of DKE for others to see?
16) Do we make it a point to use the personal touch to attract and keep rushees?
17) DO we use rush teams to sell the fraternity concept and follow up with potential rushees?

Assignments
1) Prepare a rush calendar.
2) Compile a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” of rush.
3) Make a list of what Delta Kappa Epsilon has to sell.
4) Make a list of questions to ask rushees.
5) Make a list of answers to common questions and answers, so the chapter will no present itself to the rushees as disorganized. 
6) Outline common objections to joining DKE and good responses to them.
7) Hold a rush seminar and bring in an experienced rusher (or salesman, alumni) to tell how to sell Delta Kappa Epsilon and set the tone for what the chapter is to achieve in rush.