We are always thrilled when there is an interest to start a new DKE group on a campus. Part of our start-up program is to have an interest group of at least ten members in order to pursue any formal expansion project. Once we have reached this minimum threshold, we will then work with you to construct a recruiting program to work toward succeeding membership thresholds.

It is important for your group to maintain current records of your members, not only to share with your campus but to share with DKE’s international office. This roster helps to monitor progress toward graduation, ensure effective communication, and assist with holding members accountable to the standards of the organization, specifically GPA and academic performance.

Here are some key elements to include in your roster:

• Full names
• Preferred name(s)
• Email address (a non-“.edu” address is preferred for long-term continuity)
• Phone number
• Year in school
• Major(s)
• Minor(s)
• Expected graduation term (ex: Spring 2025)
• Current cumulative GPA

This should be maintained kept up to date.

While we set the minimum threshold for recognition as interest group at ten members, it is important to begin developing a recruitment plan early to ensure you can continue growing your group. Recruitment is lifeblood of your chapter, so starting and being effective early matters greatly.

Some topics to consider when building your plan:

• What are the core values for you group?
• What are the core characteristics you want your potential members to exhibit or possess?
• Who is your primary audience to recruit? How are you ensuring you aren’t attracting a singular type of member?
• What type of campus do you have? More residential? More commuter?
• What are the interests of the potential members on your campus? Do your recruiting activities incorporate the variety of those interests?
• Where are your potential members coming from (e.g. which cities, states, high schools, etc.)? What are your current connections to those places?
• How will you engage with potential throughout the whole year as opposed to focusing only on a formal recruiting period?

These questions can help you frame your strategy and tactics. You may choose to answer some or all of them, but we encourage you to use them as a basis of discussion to develop your local plan.

Individuals are encouraged to provide regular updates to DKE IHQ staff on their progress toward the minimum threshold. The staff, during this early growth period, will communicate and engage with the campus staff to determine the path forward, including timelines and policy considerations and obligations.

Upon meeting the minimum threshold, the DKE IHQ staff will begin scheduling formal communications with the local interest group to discuss the findings from the campus staff to determine if a) it is viable to move forward, and/or b) to being outlining next steps for continuing through the establishment process.