So you've pledged a fraternity! Congratulations! This might just turn out to be one of the best choices you've made as an undergraduate, but instead of going off tooting my own fraternal horn, I think I'll do something a little more useful and answer some common questions I've gotten from pledges on bid day. So listen up, pledges!
1. Sooo ... are we brothers yet?
Well, no, not just yet. You still have to go through the pledge process first. Right now you are a pledge of the chapter. You will become a brother when you are initiated upon the conclusion of the pledge process.
2. OK. What's the pledge process?
The pledge process is the period of time you spend as a pledge learning about the fraternity and bonding with the brothers and the other pledges.
3. But I'm still in, right?
Well, not officially. Technically, nothing is guaranteed until you are actually initiated. If you have a sudden change of heart, you can back out during the pledge process if you want to. Likewise, the fraternity could also drop you as a pledge, but you would have to do something fairly drastic to be dropped, seeing as they liked you enough to give you a bid.
4. Will I get hazed?
This answer will vary based on what fraternity and what chapter you are in. I will tell you that my chapter has a very strict no-hazing policy, and we do not tolerate hazing, but the sad truth is that hazing does exist in some fraternities. To be honest, this is a question to ask the brothers in your chapter. And be specific. "Hazing" is a horrifyingly vague term and could qualify in nearly any degree of negativity. Know what you are willing to do and where you draw the line. If you want to learn more or are having major concerns about hazing -- either current or potential -- check out hazingprevention.org.
5. What's initiation?
Initiation is the ceremony that transforms you from pledge to full-fledged member. You will be taught all the secrets and rituals of the fraternity, and the exact details of the ceremony are held secret.
6. I don't drink. Is that a problem?
We didn't give you a bid because we wanted to drink with you. We gave you a bid because we want to have a meaningful relationship with you, and we think you could help us be a more positive force on this campus.
In the end, the best thing to do is just be honest and transparent. The fraternity will appreciate your curiosity and excitement and will be happy to guide you through the process. It may seem overwhelming at first, but joining a fraternity could turn out to be one of the best decisions you make in college; it has for me.
