A Preparation for Brotherhood. The. Magister s Guide

Transcription

1 A Preparation for Brotherhood The Magister s Guide

2 H o w T o U s e T h e P r e p a r a t i o n f o r B r o t h e r h o o d P r o g r a m OVERVIEW This 20th edition of the PREPARATION FOR BROTHERHOOD PROGRAM is has been organized into three separate resources to help clarify the distinct and necessary aspects of a complete preparation for brotherhood. Each book relies heavily on the recently revised edition of The Norman Shield, both in terms of theory and content. Program components are identifiable by the PREPARATION FOR BROTHERHOOD PROGRAM icon seen in the left margin. For best results, Magisters and brothers will use all four of these resources in conjunction with one another when developing and implementing the chapter s PREPARATION FOR BROTHERHOOD PROGRAM. For questions about this program, Magisters are encouraged to contact their Balfour Leadership Training Workshop discussion group leader, their Chapter Advisor, or their Grand Praetor. General information about the PREPARATION FOR BROTHERHOOD PROGRAM will also be available on-line at undergrad.sigmachi.org and discover.sigmachi.org. Any feedback you or your chapter can provide will be greatly appreciated. HOW RESOURCES ARE ORGANIZED In The Magister s Guide the basic duties and philosophies of the Magister s position are covered. Beginning here will ensure an understanding of the Magister s role, why the position is crucial to the success of our Fraternity, and the expectations of the office. Additionally, this guide provides information and suggestions for pledge program content. Everything from actual meeting schedules to a checklist for I-Week is included. Complementing these schedules are the necessary materials and suggested outlines for each pledge meeting. Finally, the Appendix contains all ceremonies and materials needed for the various pledge events. This material should be photocopied as necessary for brothers involved in these events. The Guide to I-Week will look extremely familiar to many of you. While the content remains the same, we have reformatted for emphasis and clarity. Of particular note are the unique designs separating the I-Week meeting outlines from the I-Week daily packets (see sidebar note). Also, Sunday s Post-Initiation packet has been appropriately moved to The Guide to Post- Initiation Training. The Guide to Post-Initiation Training provides the capstone experience for the PREPARATION FOR BROTHERHOOD PROGRAM. While the Pro Consul ultimately is responsible for this program, the Magister should ensure that PIT is consistent with all aspects of the pledge program. The weeks of preparation and instruction will useless without a thorough PIT program. As in The Magister s Guide and The Guide to I-Week, The Guide to Post-Initiation Training contains sug- gested outlines and discussion topics along with relevant reading materials, all arranged in chronological order. When used in its entirety, this PREPARATION FOR BROTHERHOOD PROGRAM will help your chapter educate and prepare our future brothers for the lifelong commitment to our cause. page 2

3 S p e c i a l T h a n k s The PREPARATION FOR BROTHERHOOD PROGRAM has been reformatted and edited to better serve the needs of our undergraduate Magisters and brothers. Since its inception in 1991, this resource has affected positive change at countless Sigma Chi chapters across North America. Additionally, this program has become a model not only for Sigma Chi chapters, but also for numerous other fraternity chapters throughout the Greek system. Without a doubt, this program works. When used correctly and in its entirety, chapters will begin to see an immediate difference in the enthusiasm levels of the brothers and pledges. As with the original PREPARATION FOR BROTHERHOOD PROGRAM, the intent of these four resources (The Norman Shield, The Magister s Guide, The Guide to I-Week, and The Guide to PIT) is to educate and inspire our pledges and brothers. Also, these resources will assist the Magister and his Pledge Committee in formulating and gaining new ideas for incorporation into the chapter s PREPARATION FOR BROTHERHOOD PROGRAM. Various chapters have used many of the ideas contained in these pages with much success. Special thanks to the Fraternity s Grand Council, the members of the Leadership Training Board, the members of the Preparation for Brotherhood Task Force, and the many undergraduates whose dedication and input have proven these ideas successful. Also, thanks to those brothers whose input helped create the previous Magister s manuals. The first 15 editions were the basis for the original program (the 16th edition). And this 20th edition continues the tradition of excellence in a pledge program that truly prepares our members for the lifelong commitment to the ideals of the White Cross. Under the guidance and direction of the Leadership Training Board and Magisters Division Chairman Jack Widener, numerous Headquarters staff members worked to obtain feedback from undergraduates, researched topics, edited and revised text, and updated and reorganized information so that this 19th edition would be the most useful and beneficial to date. We especially recognize Steve Davidson, Steve Schenkenberg, Dave Trayser, Mike DiDonato, and Josh Hawkins for their efforts developing this current resource series from the previous bulky and intimidating green binder. The Magisters faculty of the 1991 Leadership Training Workshop helped develop the original Preparation for Brotherhood Program, and our Fraternity owes them a substantial debt of gratitude for the positive impact their work has had on our Fraternity. We dedicate this Preparation for Brotherhood Program to all Magisters past, present, and yet to be. Questions, comments, and feedback regarding the Preparation for Brotherhood Program should be directed to the Director of Leadership Development at Sigma Chi Headquarters. pfb@sigmachi.org page 3

4 I m Magister. Now what? TABLE OF CONTENTS How to use the Preparation for Brotherhood Program 3 Table of Contents 4 Introduction: The Role of the Magister A Big Job and Why 6 A Magister s Advice to his Successor Sacrifice 8 Responsibilities of the Magister 8 Before the Pledge Pins go on Before the Pledge Pins Go On 9 The Assistant Magister 9 The Pledge Committee 10 Involving the Active Chapter 11 A. Members Roles and Responsibilities 12 B. Building Cohesiveness and Spirit 13 Procedures for Completing Pledge Forms (400 series) 14 Using The Norman Shield Using The Norman Shield 16 Objectives of Pledging Sigma Chi 16 Pledge Guidelines 16 Obligations 16 Essential Elements of the Pledging Experience 17 Responsibilities 17 Pledge Participation on Chapter Committees 18 Pledge Class Activities 18 A.. Pledge Class Projects 18 B. Big Brother/Little Brother Breakfast 18 C. Pledge Class Fund 19 Prohibited Pledge Class Activities 19 Pledge Program Calendars 8-Week Pledge Program Calendar (Events and Meeting Topics) 20 6-Week Pledge Program Calendar (Events and Meeting Topics) 21 4-Week Pledge Program Calendar (Events and Meeting Topics) 22 Initiation Checklists Magister s Checklist for Initiation 23 Delegation of Duties for Initiation Pledge Committee and Ritual Committee Assistant Magister, Consul, and Chapter Advisor Brothers in charge of the Investiture and Paraphernalia Brothers in charge of Alumni Coordination and Banquet Preparations 27 Beginning Your Pledge Program Formal Bidding Ceremony Overview (w/ Appendix) 28 Membership Commitment Statement Overview (w/ Appendix) 29 Formal Pledging Ceremony Overview (w/ Appendix) 30 Wearing of the Pledge Pins 31 page 4

5 Big Brother Program Big Brother Program 31 A. Big Brother Preparation and Training 32 B. Big Brother Obligation Overview (w/ Appendix) 32 C. Prompt Assignment 32 D. Big Brother/Little Brother Ceremony Overview (w/ Appendix) 32 E. Post-Initiation Follow-up 32 Pledge Meeting Outlines Content of the Pledge Program 33 Pledge Meeting #1: Expectations and Obligations of Pledgeship 34 Discussion Outline (w/ Appendix) 35 Pledge Meeting Content Outlines 36 The Founders and the Founding of Sigma Chi 36 Sigma Chi Ideals and Objectives 37 General Fraternity Organization and Governance 39 The Undergraduate Chapter 39 Programming 40 Appendix Formal Bidding Ceremony 42 Membership Commitment Statement 43 Formal Pledging Ceremony 44 On Pledging Sigma Chi 46 Code of Conduct for Pledges 48 Code of Conduct for Brothers 49 I am Your Fraternity 50 Sample Letter to Parents at the beginning of Pledgeship 51 Sample Letter to Parents Explaining Financial Obligations 52 Big Brother Obligation Ceremony 53 Big Brother/Little Brother Ceremony 54 Sample Letter to Parents before I Week 56 Feedback 57 page 5

6 Purposes of Pledgeship Preparation for brotherhood Individual development Teaching the ideals of Sigma Chi Introduction: The Role of the Magister A Big Job and Why The undergraduates of Sigma Chi have been called the lifeblood of the Fraternity. Initially then, as Magister, the fate and future of Sigma Chi rests in your hands. Through you, each pledge will gain his impressions and knowledge of your chapter and the entire Fraternity. Your spirit and attitude will be his. You are responsible to your pledges, your active chapter, and all Sigma Chis before you. Sigma Chi has placed faith and confidence in you! You have been furnished with raw materials: men and ideals. You must develop the finished product: men with ideals. A good Pledge Program followed by a meaningful Initiation will create a deep love for Sigma Chi in the new brothers, thus strengthening your own chapter and the Fraternity at large. At the same time, remember that each pledge has a primary responsibility to the university. Pledgeship must then be an integral part of the university life which contributes to, not detracts from, school itself. You must guide the pledge as he takes his first significant steps in college life as well as Fraternity membership. You must also be ready to assume various roles: leader, counselor, big brother, guide, and friend. The Pledge Program you develop and ultimately implement will require focusing on three basic purposes of Pledgeship (see sidebar): Do you remember your Magister? What made him effective? What positive changes did he help you make in yourself? The problem is that, because of poor chapter records and chapter precedence (some good, some not so good), most Magisters learn the answer to these questions through guesswork and trial and error. The following should provide you with a rough idea of what a Magister is and is not. What the Magister is his appropriate roles: 1. A leader, with a responsible leadership style. 2. A teacher. 3. An organizer of an effective, educational, humane pledge program. 4. An advisor and counselor. 5. An initiator of ideas and pledges. 6. A coordinator of chapter programs. 7. A friend. 8. An example and a role model. 9. A listener. 10. A true brother. What a Magister is NOT: 1. A one-man show. 2. A baby-sitter (The entire chapter is responsible for the conduct of the pledges.) 3. A judge of the pledges. 4. One of the boys. 5. A dictator. 6. A superstar planning a magnificent performance. 7. A god. You will touch the life of each pledge, and each pledge will hold a very special place in your heart. As Magister, you are greatly honored, far more than you realize. It has become your privilege to serve the brotherhood in a manner afforded few people. You will be called upon to make many sacrifices and may even experience sleepless nights. As you teach principles and ideals, you will be helping men search for a way of life. All this and much more is a big job. Do not fail the sacred trust placed in you by our brothers! page 6

7 Be inspired in your work During the course of your tenure as Magister, you will need to assess where you stand with both the active chapter and the pledge class. If you have obtained a reasonable level of competency for your program, the active chapter will give your assessment corresponding accolades. If not, this is the time to draw upon your inner strength, your Magister s Spiritual resolution. This spirit will be different for each of you yet it will be the same. Because of your own desire and will to succeed, your heart, your soul, and your boldness of commitment to Sigma Chi, you will be able to see through the bad times and maintain the confidence to inspire both yourself and the chapter to climb back up and try again. You will have to be enthusiastic about being Magister. There will be a need for a sparkle not only in your eyes, but in your heart as well. The spirit and enthusiasm you exhibit as Magister will not only lend credence to your office but will also add to your performance as it will become infectious and spread to the members of the active chapter. More important, this enthusiasm will spread to the pledge brothers who will need all the enthusiasm and spirit you can give them. Fear not, however, for there is enough spirit in each of you to last a lifetime and you have the added resources of this Magister s Manual, The Norman Shield, A Guide to I-Week, A Guide to Post-Initiation Training, the Ritual, and brothers in Sigma Chi from all over the world to help you in maintaining the lifeblood of our Fraternity. page 7

8 Responsibilities of the Magister To be responsible for the conduct of the Sigma Chi chapter s Preparation for Brotherhood program. He is responsible for ensuring the active chapter properly educates its pledges about Sigma Chi and prepares them to become committed, responsible brothers. To organize, articulate, and lead the chapter s Preparation for Brotherhood program. To lead a pledge program which instills the ideals of Sigma Chi, and the development of pride and commitment through learning, participation, and responsibility. To establish and guide the program to emphasize individual responsibility and motivation in scholastic achievement and financial obligations. To ensure the official pledgeinitiation report forms and fees reach the General Fraternity Headquarters on time. To oversee chapter preparations for and conduct of I-Week and Initiation activities. To assist the Pro Consul in the post-initiation training and chapter-operation assimilation of the new initiates. To attend the summer Balfour Leadership Training Workshop. A Magister s Advice to His Successor Sacrifice My Brother: Let me offer you the congratulations of myself and of the long line of brothers who have preceded both of us in the position of honor and responsibility that is now yours. We who have gone before you recognize the existence of a special kinship among ourselves, for we have all gone through the same arduous experiences. You are now one of us, and in your travels you will feel the closeness of the bond I refer to, and through your sleepless nights you will feel the strong arms of a score of your specially bonded brothers around you, ready to support you when you grow weary. Yes, we too have been weary, and we too have leaned on our brothers. You are greatly honored, my brother, far more than you now realize. It has become your privilege to serve our Brotherhood in a manner afforded to no others that surround you. You are set apart from the rest by your honor. Your title of Magister signifies, literally, teacher; to teach you must know, what you do not know you must learn. It also means master; to be a master you must be just, for it is ordained that he may not rule who is not just. A Magister is also a friend, for it is also ordained that men shall not be taught except by their friends; and they shall learn bitterness from their enemies. You may not be more firm than you are kind, nor shall you judge beyond the extent of your wisdom, and above all, you shall be patient. For although your heart shall not rule your mind, neither shall your mind rule your heart; and the two shall hold an equal place within you. Brother, it will be hard indeed for you to teach what must be taught. We have all found it to be so before you. You may speak of the Virtues, and you may illustrate them with parables and analogies. You may give your boys illustrative materials to read. You may have them write essays on thoughts which you suggest to them. You may do these things, and you shall do these things and many others. You will remember that the Master, who in devout humility you strive to emulate, taught chiefly by example. What you say is heard perhaps, but not understood, and soon forgotten; what you do and what you do not, that is seen, understood and remembered. Herein lies, in part, the sacrifice I have mentioned. Many of the pleasures which you have thus far enjoyed are no longer yours to enjoy. For, however good a man you have been until now, henceforth, you must be exemplary. In your person you will embody the precise, literal meanings of our Ritual with which, therefore, you must thoroughly familiarize yourself. All that is noble and good in mankind must appear to you, within the limits of man s imperfections. But you are not allowed the same quota of imperfections other men have; you cannot permit yourself excesses of any nature whatsoever at any time, that might prevent a pledge from saying: there is a man in whom I can find nothing to criticize. In this sense I have said that you must make sacrifices, if in truth it can be said that the struggles entailed in seeking The White Cross are sacrifices rather than privileges. And now my brother, in my name and for my brothers, now silent, who have gone before me, I entrust to you the care of your younger brothers. Be kind to them and love them as we have before you, for they are the life of Sigma Chi; and they are our youth as you will find them to be yours; and through them we will live on in the chapter, as you will. In you we repose the sacred trust that has been our heritage through the years. Brother, do not fail us. William M. Luikart Gamma Iota (LSU) 43 page 8

9 Before the Pledge Pins Go On B e f o r e t h e P l e d g e P i n s G o O n 1. Read obligations and duties of the Magister. 2. Review chapter s Magister file and solicit input from past Magisters and alumni. 3. Choose one or more Assistant Magisters. 4. Organize a pledge committee. 5. Order adequate supplies of Norman Shields, pledge pins, pledge forms (400-A, -B, -C), and Official Fraternity Examinations from the General Fraternity Headquarters. 6. In conjunction with the pledge committee, organize and develop a detailed pledge program syllabus, utilizing the Preparation for Brotherhood series. 7. Explain in detail implications and philosophies of the program to the active chapter. 8. Prepare a letter to the new pledges parents, explaining your pledge program. 9. Set specific dates for formal pledging and set tentative dates for I-Week and Initiation. 10. Invite local alumni to attend the formal pledging ceremony and notify them of tentative dates for I-Week and Initiation. The Assistant Magister The Magister should have one assistant selected to serve with him. The Assistant Magister should be selected on a basis of personal responsibility, respect by the chapter, and the ability to work with the Magister. The Assistant Magister will be preferably an underclassman who is genuinely interested in pledge education and who aspires eventually to be Magister. He should assist with administrative and organizational aspects of the pledge program. Specific examples are as follows: Ensure all Magister s supplies are on hand in advance of the pledge program. Care for the Magister s and pledge files. Serve as Recording Secretary to the Pledge Committee. Coordinate the Big Brother/Tutor/Mentor program. Coordinate alumni involvement in pledging. Coordinate the pledge scholarship program along with the Scholarship Chairman. Work with the Ritual Chairman in preparation for Initiation. Assist the Magister in any way necessary. The Assistant Magister is essentially the right hand to the Magister. To be most successful, the Magister should delegate authority to his assistant and thus lessen his own workload so that he may be more involved directly with each pledge and the coordination of the active chapter. The Magister and the Chapter may also find it helpful to periodically allow the assistant to organize pledge meetings, discussions or other special functions which may prove beneficial to the training of future Magisters. page 9

10 The Pledge Committee Selection of the Pledge Committee members is important. They will need to plan and organize the pledge program with the Magister. They will need to be respected by the other brothers in the Chapter and be very good motivators. The Magister should realize that if he exercises effective and efficient leadership, this Committee will be invaluable as a supporter and liaison to the active chapter. Organization 1. Maximum number of eight members. a. Chairman Magister (or some Senior brother or the Assistant Magister) b. Assistant Magister Recording Secretary c. Scholarship Chairman d. Several Big Brother representatives e. Ex officio Consul 2. Meetings as needed until initial program is submitted to the chapter; once per week thereafter. 3. Positions appointed by Consul in consultation with Magister. Duties Implement and evaluate the progress of the program on a weekly basis. Submit a written report to the active chapter at each chapter meeting. Assist the Magister and his Assistant(s) in filling out pledge forms and sending letters to parents of all pledges. Advise the Magister in his selection of Big Brothers. Meet with individual pledges at least three times during pledgeship, thus helping to solicit the pledges ideas and grievances and to keep the Committee in tune with the thoughts and attitudes of the Pledge class. Meet with the individual Big Brothers at least twice during pledgeship to review their performance and evaluate the effectiveness of the Big Brother/Mentor Program to date. Ensure that a thorough and meaningful I-Week is planned and implemented. (Daily participation during I- Week is absolutely necessary.) Assist the Magister and Ritual Chairman with preparations for Initiation. Assist the Pro Consul in planning and implementing a Post-Initiation Training Program. Re-evaluate pledgeship at the conclusion of the program and submit recommendations for improvement in writing to the chapter for consideration in future pledge programs. Assist in the training of future Magisters. page 10

11 Involving the Active Chapter Your chapter is a group; as such it is susceptible to many of the workings of group dynamics. A word of caution is needed: don t try anything fancy. You do not need to play head games with your chapter. Remember, a group can also become a mob, at which time you lose all control. However, some of the laws of group dynamics are so basic and simple that they are often overlooked. One of these is that a group will tend to follow the will or direction of either its strongest members or the majority of its members. It will also tend to support that which it helps create. The greater number of actives that become directly involved with the Preparation for Brotherhood Program and Initiation, the more the rest of the brothers will also support it. As you know, you have a lot to do. You cannot and should not do all the work yourself. You have to delegate responsibility and work. This is the first rule of both running a smooth program and motivating the active chapter. As you begin to ask your fellow Sigma Chis to lend a hand, you will quickly discover that some brothers are more responsive than others and that some do a better job. Therefore, you will need to organize your program well in advance. Involve as many people as possible in the actual planning and make-up of the pledging experience. A very good exercise is to pretend that your chapter has no Program or I-Week. You and your chapter must develop these programs. If you can stimulate this kind of thinking in your chapter, you are well on your way to guiding a well thought out program. So really, you might say the job of Magister is one of management, supervision, and organization. And you would be right. But, in doing these things, remember your goal: putting on meaningful Preparation for Brotherhood Program. Your job of management must be a subtle one. For instance, if one of the brothers is in charge of a project, don t put yourself above the work. He is in charge of the project, and you, first and foremost, are a member of the chapter and, as such, should be participating along with everyone else. You could still keep tabs inconspicuously on the progress of the project. Your example can be the strongest motivational tool you have at your disposal. In so doing, you reinforce the attitude that, when you put someone in charge of something, he is truly in charge and you expect him to get the job done! You show your confidence in him which will give him confidence in himself. But don t worry. You will not diminish your authority by acting in such a manner. In fact, this should increase the respect and authority your brothers give you. You must strike a comfortable balance between you as Magister (those instances where you, and you alone, are in command) and you as a member of the active chapter. You should now see that being a good Magister and motivator is an attitude, almost a way of life. You should not hide behind the title; for, if there is no man behind the title, you will not get far in your quest for a meaningful Preparation for Brotherhood Program and I-Week. Brothers Responsibilities Talk personally with each pledge about his scholastic progress, character deveopment and the ideals of Sigma Chi in preparation for Initiation. Do not degrade a pledge with any type of physical or mental hazing practices. Act as a representative Sigma Chi, setting a good example. Be present for all pledge activities. Tutor and assist pledges in need of scholastic improvement. Take an active and concerned interest in each pledge as an individual, his personal life, his outside interests, his family, friends, and previous background. Strong friendships develop slowly, not automatically. Be present and take part during I-Week and Initiation. Take an active interest in the growth and development of each pledge, so each will appreciate Sigma Chi and benefit from mutual experiences and association. Insure that the pledges enjoy being part of Sigma Chi; be encouraging. Use positive reinforcement rather than a negative avoidance (fear) techniques. page 11

12 A. Members Roles and Responsibilities Active Chapter Involvement To insure effective participation, each brother must be aware of your expectations. A Few Ideas for Active Involvement: Serve as a Big Brother/Pledge Father. Serve as a member of the Pledge Committee. Act as discussion leader during weekly pledge meetings. Participate in athletic events together. Spend vacation time or take weekends with pledges. Participate in public relations projects, service projects, and work projects. Organize pledge/active Brotherhood Retreat. Senior fire pledges go with seniors to naturalistic setting for campfire atmosphere, the main objective being for seniors to relate to the pledges what Sigma Chi means and has meant to them. Also, it gives the pledge the opportunity to get to know the seniors better, particularly if the seniors do not live in the chapter house. Plan double or triple dating with pledge(s). Attend study sessions with pledges; offer your advice and experience. Have brothers conduct seminars for the pledges before major exams. Participate in I-Week activities and discussions. As you can see, there are many ways of ensuring active participation from the brothers in pledging activities. In this light, you as Magister will play the roles of instigator, motivator, and organizer. Often, the pledge class itself will generate ideas which demand the brothers participation in order for them to succeed. Encourage the pledges to come up with unique ideas. You might also want to dedicate part of the chapter meeting to generating ideas from the brothers themselves for ways in which they might become involved in the Preparation for Brotherhood Program. page 12

13 B. Building Cohesiveness and Spirit Developing an Appropriate Philosophy The active chapter is responsible for making the pledges experience in the Fraternity better than their own. Give not only what you were given, but even more: Fairness, Integrity, Ideals, Meaning and Lasting Friendship. When a man accepts a bid to pledge Sigma Chi, he is saying is that he thinks he can gain something for himself and that he has something to offer to the chapter. He is saying that he wants to learn about our Fraternity and participate in its activities and functions, not as a window-shopper or spectator, but as an integral part. He is also saying that he is looking to fulfill a need for a sense of belonging, friendship and accomplishment. The Magister s charge is to see that the chapter is providing for the needs of its pledges. The pledges need to and want to know that they are both needed and wanted by all brothers. They should be shown, by example, that the meaning of brotherhood can be found in the active chapter. At the same time, as Magister, you will be developing and solidifying the pledges individual strengths and loyalties to the chapter. In reviewing the needs of the pledges and the actives, the following guidelines outline a philosophy that meets those needs: There is no substitute for a well-planned Preparation for Brotherhood Program. Support and involvement of the active chapter are essential to the success of any program. This requires constant communication from the Magister. Programs can be altered effectively by an evolutionary process. A meaningful program should present a real learning challenge to the pledge and end successfully with his Initiation into Sigma Chi. A constructive program needs to be complemented with a comprehensive series of meaningful activities and events. In order to effectively deal with hazing practices, some activities may need to be eliminated entirely, but in most cases you will need to replace an event with a more constructive one. Remember that portions of each program should be tailored to fit the needs of the individual chapter and each of its pledges. With the proper philosophy in mind, the best ideas for change come from the chapter itself. page 13

14 Procedures for Completing Pledge Forms (400 series) Each chapter is obligated to keep the General Fraternity informed each time it pledges and initiates new members. This reporting is accomplished via three main forms. In the following section, a flowchart outlines the entire process, and then the purpose and use of each form is explained greater detail. Please visit the Members senction of SIGMACHI.ORG to complete these forms. Contact your Grand Praetor for more information about membership fees. Pledge Forms (400 A and B) The pledge form is used to officially register men as potential members of the Fraternity. All information in the Fraternity s membership database comes, at least initially, from this form. It must be submitted online, along with $90.00 per person, and a 400B Pledge Class Form. Your request for pledging will not be processed if form(s) or fee(s) requirements are not completed. Remember that you must order pledge pins and Norman Shields separately; they will not be shipped automatically. 1. Magister: Log on to with the chapter username and password a. Add a new pledge by clicking the Add Pledge link. This opens the 400 A. b. Enter pledge information and Print the form. After printing, press submit. Make sure all pledges have the same pledge date! Do not enter pledges twice! c. Once all pledges are entered, press Refresh or Reload. This generates the 400 B form. d. A link will appear with the pledge date. Click the pledge date link and approve the pledges by pressing submit. To edit pledge info, press the Edit button next to the pledge s name. Note: Data will then be sent to Grand Praetor to await his approval. The Grand Praetor will be notified via that a class is awaiting his approval. 2. Grand Praetor: Log on to using unique username and password a. Review the 400 B and verify all information is correct. To delete a pledge, select delete from the drop-down list next to the pledge s name. b. When the list has been verified, press the submit button. To edit pledge info, press the Edit button. c. An confirmation will be sent to the Chapter, Chapter Advisor, and Headquarters. d. Send payment at this time for pledge fees. page 14

15 The Request for Initiation (400C) Per the Governing Laws, all Initiations must be first approved by the Grand Praetor; the request for Initiation form is your means of complying with this regulation. It is your chapter s official application to hold an Initiation. Therefore, you should complete your request for Initiation, accompanied by $ per proposed initiate, to your Grand Praetor at least 21 days in advance. The 400C form is used by Headquarters to record Fraternity membership and to process Initiation certificates. In addition, the reverse side serves as an official order form for badges. Initiation badges are not shipped by the Headquarters until this form and Initiation fees are received. Thus, you do not need to order badges separately. 3. Magister: 25 days before initiation, log on to with the chapter username and password a. Click the link of the initiate class. This will generate the 400 C form. b. Enter the grades for each candidate. Select defer in the drop down list to delete a pledge. c. When all of the information has been updated, press the submit button. d. An will be sent to your Grand Praetor to inform him that the 400 C is ready for his approval. e. Data is moved over to the Grand Praetor side. You will not be able to see the list at this time. 4. Grand Praetor: 21 days before initiation, log on to using unique username and password a. Click the link of the class you want to approve. The 400 C will open. b. Verify grades have been entered for all candidates. To delete a pledge, select defer from the drop down list. c. When all of the information has been updated, press the submit button to approve the form. d. An will be sent to the chapter, Chapter Advisor, Greek Advisor, and HQ for verification. Note: Badges will be ordered for the chapter based on the number of candidates submitted. Send payment page 15

16 U s i n g t h e N o r m a n S h i e l d Pledge Guidelines Pledgeship should set forth certain guidelines for the pledges to follow. It is only fair to let each pledge know what is expected of him and what his responsibilities are during pledgeship. Following is a list of obligations and responsibilities which should be clearly communicated: Obligations Each pledge must: Apply himself in his scholastic endeavors and strive always to do his best in getting an education. This is his first and primary obligation, and pledge activities should not interfere with maintaining good scholarship. Accept the teachings and traditions of the Fraternity with sincerity and respect, and try his utmost to interpret the ideals of Sigma Chi in his daily life. Adequately and promptly discharge all financial obligations to the chapter. Participate in worthwhile campus activities, provided that such activities do not interfere with scholarship; take full advantage of the educational opportunities. Be loyal to himself, his pledge brothers, the chapter, and the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Using The Norman Shield The purpose of The Norman Shield is to aid each pledge in gaining knowledge and understanding of Sigma Chi and the chapter, and to assist in preparation for the active, lifelong brotherhood of the Fraternity. It is the pledge s introduction to the fraternity system as well as Sigma Chi. Use it as the foundation of your Preparation for Brotherhood program as a reference and guide in teaching the philosophy, heritage, and traditions vital to each pledge if he is to fully understand Sigma Chi. Sigma Chi, our heritage and ideals, will necessitate responsibility to purpose, intensive thinking, and open discussion. Develop weekly discussions during pledge meetings about Sigma Chi s heritage using The Norman Shield and the Sigma Chi history volumes as resource material. Do not expect The Norman Shield to do your work for you! It cannot organize and implement your program. You must do that. Exercise caution to avoid using the book as a crutch, but do not underestimate its importance. Your task throughout the pledge program is to prepare each pledge in a manner that will enable him to understand and benefit from a symbolic I-Week and Initiation. Remember that the best I-Week and even the best Initiation Ceremonies cannot make up for an eight week pledge program that lacks the foundation and background found in The Norman Shield. In short, you should use The Norman Shield to compliment your program and develop an interest in Initiation and in Sigma Chi as a lifelong commitment. Objectives of Pledging Sigma Chi Pledgeship in Sigma Chi prepares prospective members for a personal commitment to the ideals for which Sigma Chi stands, and for the understanding and acceptance of the fundamental values of our Fraternity. True friendship, brotherhood, and the lifelong development of character demand accountability for one s course in the Fraternity, in college, and throughout life. The Preparation for Brotherhood program is the beginning of our fraternal experience, and its paramount goal is the communication of expectations of our brothers, our academic institutions, and our society. Educational attainment, personal development and the contribution of value in all aspects of the world around must be fundamental expectations of brotherhood. The Preparation for Brotherhood program challenges pledges to discover the personal commitment that underlies our ideals, and to adopt it as their lifelong, binding obligation. Listed below are essential elements of the pledging experience in Sigma Chi. page 16

17 Essential Elements of the Pledging Experience (see TNS, p. 11) Recognition throughout the chapter that pledging in Sigma Chi involves more than a program and instead is the entire collection of pre-initiation experiences in the chapter which impact the degree to which a prospective member will recognize and accept his personal obligation. Provision for the development and enhancement of interpersonal skills through involvement in all aspects of chapter life and positive interaction between pledges, active and alumni members, and the outside communities. Provision for development of leadership skills through opportunities for meaningful contributions to, and involvement in, chapter and outside programs and activities which promote mutual trust and respect. Creation and maintenance of a chapter environment supporting matching values and behaviors, and which evidences the commitment of the chapter to developing integrity, to affording opportunity for personal growth, and to fostering individual identity of pledges which is consistent with expectations derived from fundamental values expressed in the Ritual. Enhancement of the collegiate experience and the quality of learning through programs designed to encourage maximum scholastic attainment, time management skills, involvement in campus and community activities, and sensitivity to critical social issues. Appreciation of the organization, history and heritage of Sigma Chi as an institution, its role in continued contributions to, the Greek world and higher education. Responsibilities Each pledge should: Get to know each of his pledge brothers as quickly as possible. Get to know on a personal basis as many of the active brothers as is reasonably possible. Learn and understand the history, heritage, and ideals of Sigma Chi and thus develop a sincere appreciation and desire for Initiation. Wear with pride Sigma Chi s pledge pin. Prepare adequately for weekly pledge meetings and all chapter activities. Take part in pledge class activities and active chapter operations. Assist fellow pledges whenever necessary. Take advantage of the Fraternity experience in his own personal development and growth throughout college life. Carry out each of his obligations and responsibilities to the best of his ability. page 17

18 Pledge Participation on Chapter Committees Pledgeship is a time of learning and a time of observation with the objective of developing future responsible members of the active chapter as well as active alumni. Therefore, it is important to establish a system in which pledges may observe and participate in the various committees of the active chapter that develop Public Relations, Recruitment, Derby Days, Scholarship and Intramural policies. This observation period allows pledges to meet with certain committees of interest and to participate fully in the discussion and deliberations of these committees. This also provides the pledges with the feelings of involvement and participation while providing actives with the opportunity to get to know the pledges better. To strengthen the committee concept, the pledge class should be encouraged to formulate its own committee structure. To the extent practical, committees should be established which correspond to existing chapter committees. A portion of the Post- Initiation Training should include the responsibilities of membership in the active chapter committee system structure. A pledge who has observed the activities of several committees during his pledgeship and who receives proper Post-Initiation Training should have a more effective transition from pledge to active status and a greater awareness of the obligations and responsibility expected of him in chapter operations. Pledge Class Activities As frequently as possible, the pledges should be encouraged to plan activities that require them to be creative, imaginative, and innovative. These activities will demand cooperation within the pledge class and require brother and pledge participation for the pledge class to succeed. Activities such as those listed in the sidebar will evoke personal development and generate spirit within the pledge class. Out of necessity, leaders will emerge, delegation of authority will be practiced, and responsibilities undertaken to a degree not possible in other situations. Experience gained from these activities will most assuredly prepare the pledges for responsibilities they must assume once initiated. A. Pledge Class Projects Early in the pledge program, inform the Pledge Class that it must develop and complete a pledge class project before the start of I-Week. The project should be something that the chapter needs, and something that will have a lasting significance for the pledges once they are initiated. Suggestions include building a basketball court, a barbecue pit, a chapter bulletin board, carving a representation of the Sigma Chi Crest or a wooden representation of the Sigma Chi Badge. More than likely, a project such as this will be unique to your own individual chapter. Also, the project does not necessarily have to be tangible. It might include a public relations project or campus and community service. It might be the development of a guest speakers program, or a weekly series of faculty lecture seminars. Give them this responsibility and see what happens. page 18

19 B. Big Brother/Little Brother Breakfast Totally unknown to their Big Brothers, the pledges might want to plan a Sunday morning breakfast coupled with athletic competition or other activity. On the designated Sunday morning, each pledge is responsible for awakening his Big Brother, transporting him to a pre-determined site away from campus, and sharing breakfast. After breakfast the pledges could have a football game or something similar with the Big Brothers. These things are merely suggestions; the truly worthwhile activities will come from innovations by the brothers and pledges themselves. Throw some ideas at them, tell them you expect something good, check periodically on their progress, and be prepared for some surprises. A good, sharp group of pledges properly motivated will perform beyond your expectations. Give them that chance! C. Pledge Class Fund The pledge class should be encouraged to develop a Pledge Class Fund. Whether started by a fund raising event or by individual contributions, asking brothers and pledges to contribute $5 or $10 per month will quickly build a fund that will enable each pledge to purchase a Life Membership upon graduation. The Magazine of Sigma Chi is the Fraternity s one universal means of communication, and only Life Members receive lifetime subscriptions. By encouraging pledge class foresight, the Magister can ensure that as alumni members of Sigma Chi the pledges will remain aware of Fraternity events and developments. Care should be taken, however, to keep the money in the Pledge Class Fund separate from those in the chapter s operating fund, and it should be impressed upon the pledges that their financial obligation is first to the chapter then to the Pledge Class Fund. Prohibited Pledge Class Activities (see margin) (adapted from the Statement of Position Concerning Pledge Training and the Ritual) While there are a number of activities that are recommended for developing cohesiveness within the pledge class, there are also some specific prohibited activities. CONCLUSION These are practices which have been done in the past, and there are thousands of others also equally unacceptable. These are only a few examples. Sigma Chi s specified programs for pledgeship, I Week and Initiation, absent of any hazing or questionable activities, have proved to be consistently effective in achieving the development of active, effective committed brothers. All Sigma Chis have a responsibility to the Fraternity and its future, to the rest of the Greek system, and to our families, to enhance and contribute to our reputation, and to never create any situation which may damage it. Sigma Chi must depend on our undergraduate brothers and chapters to perpetuate our Grand Fraternity through Initiation. With this expression of concern and communication, our confidence is placed in you. Pledge Guidelines Activities which are explicitly prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following: Calisthenics; sit-ups and push ups. Running stairs while reciting material. Runs for the sake of creating unity. Yelling, screaming or use of obscenities at pledges during the line-ups. Telling a pledge he s failed by snuffing out candles in front of him. Brothers intentionally messing up the house or room after pledges clean it. Pledges blindfolded, told that everyone before them has jumped onto a nail, and they must, too (they not knowing there is no nail, as such). Pledges booed and hissed or demeaned when they make a mistake in recitation in front of the chapter. Calling pledges scums and other degrading terms. Wearing burlap bags or other embarrassing or uncomfortable garments. Less that six hours of sleep each night during the week prior to Initiation. Deception designed to convince the pledge he won t be initiated. Dropping eggs in pledges mouths. Loud music played during I-Week and between various ceremonies. Paddle swats. Pushing, shoving or tackling pledges during movement to various events. Pledges awakened time and again during night, quizzed and/or harassed, told their answers are wrong no matter how they answer. Pledges dragged onto the floor when awakened. Pledges write list of their faults or sins, believing they must read them to the chapter or brothers. Bracing and Finger-snapping in pledges ears during Initiation. Any violation of Ritual instructions, procedures or Statutes. Brothers using Ritual materials before Initiation. THE GENERAL FRATERNITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, chaired by James F. Bash, Butler & Indiana 49 Grand Consul at time of adoption, August 1977 Since its enactment, the above Statement of Position has been unanimously reaffirmed by each biennial session of the Grand Chapter, the Fraternity s supreme legislative body. page 19

20 P l e d g e P r o g r a m C a l e n d a r s 8 Week Pledge Program Calendar (can be adapted up to 12 weeks) Events and Meeting Topics Week Zero: Formal Bidding Ceremony Membership Commitment Statement Formal Pledging Ceremony Letter to Parents Week One: Expectations and Obligations Hand out Norman Shields Calendar of events Fill out pledge forms Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with a Candle Pass Week Two: Founding of the Sigma Chi Two founders Jordan Standard Recruitment evaluations Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with Candle Pass Week Three: Two founders Sigma Chi Creed Badge Motto Seal Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with Candle Pass Week Four: Three founders The Spirit of Sigma Chi The purpose of the Sigma Chi Ritual Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with Candle Pass Week Five: General Fraternity programs Four legal entities of Sigma Chi Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with Candle Pass Week Six: Review of all previous material Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with Candle Pass Week Seven: Undergraduate chapter Individual members Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with Candle Pass Week Eight: I-WEEK! page 20

21 6 Week Pledge Program Calendar Events and Meeting Topics Week Zero: Formal Bidding Ceremony Membership Commitment Statement Formal Pledging Ceremony Letter to Parents Week One: Expectations and Obligations Hand out Norman Shields Calendar of events Fill out pledge forms Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with a Candle Pass Week Five: Undergraduate chapter Individual members Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with Candle Pass Week Six: I-WEEK! Week Two: Founding of the Sigma Chi Two founders Sigma Chi Creed Jordan Standard Recruitment evaluations Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with Candle Pass Week Three: Two founders The Spirit of Sigma Chi Badge Motto Seal The purpose of the Sigma Chi Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with Candle Pass Week Four: Three founders Ritual General Fraternity programs Four legal entities of Sigma Chi Announcements Assignments for the next week Close with Candle Pass page 21