You may have heard the current times referred to as “unprecedented.” While this has turned into a cliché, it is the truth. We have no script for how to deal with the obstacles we will face this academic year and it feels like there isn’t much that we can control as a chapter. What we can control is how we react to the decisions our university and local IFCs make to capitalize on the opportunities that will keep the chapter ahead of other organizations on campus and provide an amazing SigEp experience. Here are the three best ways to push your chapter and improve recruitment practices during this unprecedented time.

• Utilize mySigEp: Not familiar with mySigEp? Learn more and log in here. The potential new member list (PNML) feature on mySigEp is a way for all members to contribute to the chapter’s recruitment efforts. This platform allows every member to add names of potential SigEps to the PNML, tag PNMs based on how the chapter knows them, keep track of the PNMs’ contact information, keep detailed notes on each interaction the chapter has with a PNM and easily move PNMs through the recruitment pipeline. On top of all this, mySigEp will allow you to add the social media handles for potential new SigEps right to your PNML. All of this culminates in a seamless new member registration process after bid extension.
• The Balanced Man Scholarship (BMS): With many colleges and universities announcing fully virtual recruitment processes, the BMS has already set SigEp chapters up to be extremely successful in their recruitment efforts this year. Utilizing the BMS allows our chapters to develop a list of students who meet our recruitment standards and provides the platform for us to begin establishing a relationship with those individuals through an interview process. When done right, the BMS is the single best way to identify PNMs who may not be going through the university’s formal recruitment process and show them the value of the SigEp experience.
• Build a recruitment committee: As with any great organization or company, there is more than one person behind the acquisition of top talent. Great organizations use great teams to find, build relationships with and recruit the best people they can. SigEp is no different. Our best chapters utilize a recruitment committee that meets on a weekly basis to discuss PNMs that they have met and develop a plan for recruiting in the following week. Having a well-built-out recruitment committee allows a chapter to canvas the university and identify top talent on campus. Also, committees set tangible goals on a weekly basis that hold them accountable to having recruitment interactions, phone calls, Zoom calls, etc.

Leveraging these three tips has been key to driving success for many of our chapters across the country. Our chapter at the University of Oklahoma, recently transferred all 534 names on its PNML into mySigEp to allow the whole chapter to engage in the recruitment process. Over at Thiel College, SigEp has increased its pool of potential new members by over 300%, running the Balanced Man scholarship for the first time in years and proactively reaching out to applicants who are not going through the formal recruitment process. When it comes to recruitment committees, our Virginia Zeta chapter at Randolph Macon College is meeting twice a week to work through its PNML and set goals related to recruitment. These chapters are focusing on what they can control and driving results, despite the current circumstances and because of that, they will undoubtedly crush their recruitment goal this year.  

Recruitment is what keeps this organization growing and what helps all of us carry out our mission of “Building Balanced Men”. Utilizing the three tactics mentioned above will move your chapter into a position to be more successful this year and fill a void that many students may feel from a virtual university experience. If you have questions about these three tactics or want to talk more in depth about them, set up a time with your recruitment services manager by using this chapter support search bar or bring it up on your next coaching session. 

We are all navigating this unprecedented time together. We know this is a tough time with plenty of new challenges as well as plenty of new opportunities. SigEp Headquarters is available to provide support in any way possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Headquarters with any questions or concerns you may have.