Fall Starts Now: How to Build an Engagement Plan Before You Return to Campus

Let’s be real: engagement doesn’t magically happen when everyone shows up on campus. By the time classes start, the most successful chapters already have a game plan. If you’re waiting until the first meeting to start thinking about how to get your members involved, you’re already behind.

Whether you’re the Chapter President, exec board member, Brotherhood/sisterhood chair or someone who just wants to make a difference, here’s how you can build an engagement structure now to make this fall your chapter’s best yet.

1. Start With Purpose, Not Just a Calendar

Yes, events matter—but why are you hosting them? Before you plug in dates and times, define what you want your chapter to feel like this fall. Do you want a stronger brother/sisterhood? Better turnout? More collaboration? Let your goals shape the structure of your engagement plan.

ACTION: Write 2-3 clear engagement goals. For example:

• “Build a stronger connection between new and older members.”

• “Improve communication and transparency within the chapter.”

• “Increase member attendance at non-mandatory events.”

2. Segment Your Membership

One size doesn’t fit all. Seniors have different needs than sophomores. Athletes have different availability than those involved in other orgs. Think about how to tailor experiences so that everyone has a reason to show up.

ACTION: Create engagement “tracks” or options. Maybe there’s a social series, a leadership development track, and a service-focused group. Let members choose where they plug in.

3. Map Out Key Touchpoints

Engagement isn’t just big events—it’s the in-between stuff that creates connection. Think:

• Personal check-ins

• Group chats or Discord servers

• Weekly shoutouts

• Birthday celebrations

ACTION: Create a “member journey” map. What should members experience in Week 1? Week 4? Midterms? Finals? Use this to guide how you engage at every stage.

4. Build a Communication Game Plan

A great engagement strategy falls flat if no one knows what’s happening. You need clear, consistent communication across multiple platforms—GroupMe, Instagram, Facebook, email, whatever your chapter actually uses.

ACTION:

• Create a content calendar now

• Merge the schedules of all your chairs in one place (ie services, alumni, athletics, recruitment)

• Assign a “hype team” to keep the energy up in the chats

5. Empower More People to Lead

Burnout happens when only a few people are doing everything. Engagement grows when more people feel ownership.

ACTION: Break your fall calendar into small roles and delegate. Who’s in charge of welcome week tabling? Who’s running point on service? Giving ownership = creating investment.

6. Gather Input Early and Often

Before you finalize anything, ask your members what they want. You don’t have to grant every request, but you’ll build trust just by asking.

ACTION: Send out a 3-minute survey this summer. Ask questions like:

• What is your favorite part of being a member?

• What is your least favorite part of being a member?

• How can we help you learn & grow this semester?

• How many very close friends would you say you have in the organization?

• What do you expect of yourself as a member this semester?

• What do you expect of the organization this semester?

Don’t Wait—Start the Vibes Now. Engagement doesn’t have to wait until move-in day. Create summer momentum with virtual events, countdowns, or a welcome-back challenge. Set the tone now, so the energy is already there on Day 1.

Engagement isn’t accidental. It’s intentional, strategic, and rooted in real connection. The chapters that thrive in the fall are planning now—in June—not scrambling in September. If you want to start strong, build now so you can run later. Are you ready?

 Written by Jayson Davis, Growth Consultant