Photo by: nycla9
While everyone in the Greek system tries to stay positive about each chapter on campus, the truth is that multiple Greek chapters shutdown every year, for one reason or another. And although we never think it could happen to our chapter, the truth is that chapter closure is more possible than we imagine. So, in order to avoid having to disband your members and saying goodbye to your chapter, let’s take a lesson from those unfortunate chapters who have failed.
Chapters lose their charter and close for a number of different reasons. Both external and internal problems can cause a chapter to fold and neither one is more easy to avoid than the other.
External and Internal Problems
Chapter Issues
University Issues
Community Issues
More Information and Resources
Chapter Issues
Financial instability can cause a chapter to lose its charter or close its doors because the chapter is in debt and can no longer pay the bills (electricity, water, house rent, national dues, etc.). Chapter financial problems usually arise from a mismanagement of the chapter’s money, members’ inabilities to meet their financial obligations, or too few members (thus, less money to the chapter).
As chapter finances are dependent on the chapter’s membership, one way to avoid financial instability is to keep membership numbers high and collect dues on time and in full. This requires the chapter’s treasurer to charge dues on time, keep members informed regarding their financial obligation, pursue delinquent members, and budget appropriately (not spending money the chapter doesn’t have). Remember: even if you’re able to collect 100% of your dues on time, if your treasurer isn’t managing the money correctly, you can still find yourself with financial woes.
Membership retention and growth is another key factor to a chapter’s success or failure, and is closely tied to chapter finances. Many chapters end up closing because they are not able to recruit enough members or retain enough members (members choose to deactivate after initiation). Low membership numbers can lead to less money, less activity by the chapter as a whole, and an inability to fill the chapter house.
To avoid low membership numbers, recruit new members and work hard to keep your active members. This means involving members in the chapter, planning events that members want to participate in, and providing a comfortable environment for the entire chapter. It also means keeping an eye out for members who are unhappy, uncomfortable, or dissatisfied, and working with them to make things better.
Social confrontations are probably the most prominent chapter issue but the easiest to deal with. Social problems can include arguments between members, members not liking other members, or social cliques. Although all of these social issues are human nature, they don’t need to negatively affect the chapter. To keep social confrontations at a minimum, stay in tune with your chapter and deal with issues as soon as they arise. Even if your members can’t get along or be lifelong friends, they can at least be civil to each other.
Unfortunately, sometimes there are those rare social problems that result in a member leaving the chapter. While none of us want to loose members (remember, membership retention!), if a member has made up their mind to leave, help the chapter and make it as simple and quiet as possible. Bottom line: resolve problems as they arise, downplay the drama as much as possible, and involve only those people who need to be involved.
Back to List of External and Internal Problems
University Issues
Housing responsibilities are a top priority for chapters with on-campus houses. House responsibilities not only include filling the house with chapter members, but also maintaining the house and following housing rules. While some chapters have closed because they’re unable to fill the house, other chapters have closed because they violated housing policies (i.e. drinking, drug use, misconduct, etc.).
Getting members to live in a chapter house can be difficult but not impossible. To fill the house, make sure your members know about their housing options, when the applications are due, and how much it costs. Additionally, make sure your members understand their housing contracts and the rules and policies that apply. Finally, once your members move in, make sure your house mom, house adviser, or executive members reiterate and enforce the housing policies.
University policies, like housing policies, should also be a high priority for every chapter. University policies cover just about everything, from underage drinking and parties on campus to chapter recruitment and academic standards. While some chapters choose to disregard these rules (and not to their benefit), smart chapters know and follow their university policies. Whether it’s by hiring a third party vendor for events where alcohol is present or not dirty rushing freshman in the spring, smart chapters know that it’s better to play by the rules than to break the rules and risk loosing their charter.
As a chapter leader, you can help to enforce these rules by reiterating them to your members and monitoring chapter events and recruitment. As for academics, membership should be contingent upon the individual’s enrollment and standing at the university. If a member can’t keep their grades up high enough to stay in school, they shouldn’t be allowed to stay in the chapter. Poor academic performance can cause a chapter to lose members and eventually, lose its place on campus.
Back to List of External and Internal Problems
Community Issues
Legal problems, including run-ins with the cops and tax issues, can ruin a chapter in the blink of an eye. While tax issues are easy to deal with so long as your treasurer stays on top of things and files the right forms, police interactions are a little more difficult to handle. Problems with the cops, such as breaking up a house party, getting a DUI, or being arrested for fighting, aren’t just detrimental to the individual but also to the chapter. To prevent problems with the police try to keep house parties under control and on the small side, make sure there are designated drivers for intoxicated members, and if the cops do show up, make sure a legal-aged, sober member speaks with them. Finally, if a member does get in trouble with the police, support them through their rehabilitation, whether it be community service, Alcoholics Anonymous, or another substance abuse program.
Emergency room visits by any member of the chapter can also bring about problems and possible closure. ER visits for alcohol poisoning or physical injuries create concern from your chapter adviser, regional coordinator, and even national headquarters. ER trips also causes trouble with the individual’s family and can result in the member deactivating (at the request of their parents), the family filing a formal complaint against the chapter with the university, and sometimes, yes, a lawsuit. As many ER visits are caused by alcohol or drug use, the best method of prevention is to educate your members and discourage excessive drinking, drug use, or driving while intoxicated. Additionally, if an emergency room situation occurs, don’t hide it. Tell your chapter adviser, ask for help, and report the incident to the campus Greek life office.
Back to List of External and Internal Problems
More Information and Resources
For more information regarding chapter closures and fraternity and sorority policies, we recommend speaking with your regional coordinator or national headquarters. They can give you information specific to your fraternity and sorority such as why other chapters have closed, how your organization investigates and chooses to revoke a charter, and, if necessary, how to reinstate a chapter. Additionally, if you believe your chapter is in trouble or headed in that direction, your national headquarters or adviser can help you assess the problems and figure out solutions.