Why do we have pledgeship?

As a new member to Shoemaker Cooperative House, you are to complete the requirements of Pledgeship in order to become a full “Active” member. All activities associated with Pledgeship promote one or more of the following: sisterhood, academics, service, and leadership. Through these activities, you will learn what it takes to run a cooperative house. This is something that every new member has gone through.

What can I expect during pledgeship?

Study Tables

You will study with the Scholarship Chairmen seven hours each week, in two separate sittings. This is a time that is set aside for you and your academics. This enables you to catch up on your studies and helps promote good study habits.

Pledge Project

This is a chance for your pledge class to make its mark on Shoemaker and decorate a part of the house that needs some sprucing up. It is also a chance to bond with your pledge class and work together.

Philanthropy

To better each pledge as a volunteer and a citizen, we ask that you do a community service (philanthropy) project as a pledge class. The pledge class chooses the project and completes it together during the Fall semester.

Pledge Social Functions

In order to get to know the other Cooperative Housing members, you will meet with the other houses’ pledge classes (both men’s and women’s) during hour long socials.

Serenades (5-6 Minute Dance)

As a way for you to meet new people through the campus, serenades are performed at all the male Cooperative Houses and many of the fraternities. Formal serenades are a result of practice and cooperation. These are structured and choreographed and are very fun!

Thanksgiving Dinner

It has become tradition that the pledgeclass fundraises for and prepares a Thanksgiving dinner for Shoemakers and our guests before Thanksgiving Break.