Decide if you want to establish a chapter of an existing fraternity or found one that is brand new. Keep in mind that starting a chapter of an existing fraternity will allow you to plug into an already established system.
Talk with others who have been or are currently in a fraternity. Ask for stories of fraternity life and inquire why the individual chose their particular fraternity. Record or write down what you are told for later reference.
Ask for advice as on your venture. Contact the leaders of local fraternities. Request information on starting fraternities from a variety of fraternal regional offices. Find the names of others who have started a college fraternity and ask for their suggestions.
Write down the principles that you want to govern your fraternity. Make a list of 10 items that you feel are important. Think of both the present and the future as you compose this list.
Find out who gives permission for new organizations at your college. Make an appointment with this office, present your idea and ask what you must do to have your fraternity approved. Make notes at this meeting.
Consider a booth at your school's "Club Rush." Get the dates from your school student government offices. Ask what guidelines you must follow in order to recruit for your fraternity. Enlist the help of friends as you prepare.
Recruit fraternity members everywhere you go. Speak with everyone you meet. Hold information meetings. Leave fliers on student information boards. Keep a list of the names, email addresses and phone numbers of all who are interested.
Start drafting the rules and governing principles with your newly recruited members. Ask your members to review the principles you composed when you started the process. Incorporate these into the rules and bylaws of your fraternity. If you have chosen to start a chapter in an existing fraternity, make sure your laws and principles correlate with theirs.
Estimate expected costs for running the fraternity. Make sure that your fees cover rent for the fraternity house.
Decide on fees for fraternity members. Settle whether fees will be paid by term or yearly. Organize fundraisers, if necessary, to ensure that operation costs are met.