Recruitment

NIC Position: The NIC supports values-based recruitment systems that empower students to join a fraternal experience in a manner that they determine best meets their developmental needs.

Clarifying Points:

  1. Recruitment for any member fraternity must align with NIC Standards which includes its Health and Safety Guidelines.
  2. The NIC opposes any recruitment requirement placed on fraternities that is not equally applied to all registered student organizations including deferring joining or recruitment.
  3. The NIC supports open recruitment systems which provide ample opportunity for students and chapters to find a good fit for membership.
  4. The NIC supports a chapter’s ability to select members on terms that best meet their organization’s culture and standards.
  5. Per the IFC SOP, the NIC supports organized recruitment periods provided that chapters are permitted to recruit and distribute bids outside of the designated recruitment period.
  6. Per NIC Standards, all men must have a 2.5 GPA or higher to be eligible to join.
  7. The NIC opposes any recruitment requirement placed on fraternities that is not equally applied to all registered student organizations.
  8. The NIC opposes any recruitment restriction that infringes on free speech and associational rights.
  9. The NIC opposes any recruitment restriction that violates anti-trust laws.

Rationale:

  • In most cases, fraternity membership leads to higher retention rates and higher graduation rates among undergraduate students.
  • Fraternity membership leads to greater affinity for the host institution and greater alumni engagement, which is a benefit to the host institution.
  • Deferred recruitment is an inequitable application of student policy because other student organizations – such as intercollegiate athletics, school-sanctioned clubs and others – are free to recruit, select and enroll new members at any time.
  • A successful fraternity experience provides men with a sense of community and a support network that aids in a successful transition to the collegiate experience.

Supporting Resources: