New Member Program Outline
New Member Program Outline
The New Member Education Program
Overview
As we have made clear, we are an organization that endeavors to adhere to our traditions. In the New Member Education Program that we administer, there are definite phases that progress. Much like a semester long class, there are various milestones that are set as goals, and various ways we monitor the progress of the class in achieving these goals. Like any business would have a project plan, we have an overview for how we envision the program unfolding. In the process, we set out to "educate" new members. We endeavor to teach new members about our fraternity's extensive history, how we operate, what each officer does, how Gamma interacts with the local Greek community, how a new member can excel in their particular class, and much more. Essentially what we are doing is giving each new member, the training and indoctrination they'll need to ensure that they are successful.
Similar to how a class syllabus is sequenced, the "lesson plan" may change a bit with respect to timing and sequence and certain other details, but generally speaking we follow a plan. Our New Member Education Coordinator and his Committee are constantly referring back to the plan to re-calibrate the plans for the week. Sometimes lousy weather can impact a plan sequence, sometimes a new member or two may get the flu, and so on. Or we may encourage the class to start working on their paddles and books sooner than is outlined in the plan. So, we roll with it and ultimately we run the program and end up where we need to be, accomplishing the objectives we set out to accomplish. It all works.
First Steps
Potential new members typically attend rush events or otherwise have a way of expressing their interest in learning more about the fraternity. At an early stage of this expression of interest, we assess the potential new member's academic eligibility to participate, and also do our best to get to know him. We extend bids and if accepted the potential new members are invited to a kick off event where, just as a professor does at the start of a semester, we have certain program specifics and objectives we go over.
It's important to us that the potential new member be given every chance of "acing the exam" or succeeding in our program, so we do things such as assign a Big Brother, and meet with them individually to plan out certain schedules and availability.
Establishing Structure Within The Program Helps It Advance
As the new member education program gets kicked off, we work with the class to establish a structure and make sure that expectations and protocols are understood by all. Again, this is conceptually the same dynamic a college student is going through with their class professor.
As the program progresses, various traditions kick in and we shepherd the class so it achieves the milestones our program calls for. Along the way, the members of the class are learning a great deal about our history, our culture, our operating structure, our brothers and our alumni. The program and how we administer it really makes us be the tightest fraternity in Oswego.
As the program progresses, we make it a point to stress that there is a balance, an equilibrium if you will, that exists within everyone. New members learn what it means to manage multiple responsibilities, be effective time managers, and learn to resourcefully overcome challenges.
Accomplishing Milestones as The Program Progresses
As the milestones are accomplished, the class is building an enormous confidence and competency level. The class forms a bond that can't be described in words. We also get to know them and they get to know us. This paves the way for an even tighter brotherhood when the class completes the program objectives and is ready to become brothers. Indeed, similar to a performance artist reaching a crescendo moment of their performance, it becomes clear to the New Member Education Coordinator and the brothers as a whole when the potential new members are ready to become official members of the fraternity. When that moment comes, we have certain customs that we follow including a very unique, solemn ceremony that we replicate as close as possible to how our founders carried it out in 1947.
All in all, it is a memorable and highly rewarding experience for all concerned. Come see for yourself how awesome an experience it can be!
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The fraternity recognizes the need to carry out its new member education program in a manner that respects the individual rights and confidentiality of each prospective new member. Sigma Gamma does not condone hazing activities, under any context. Sigma Gamma seeks to reinforce the ideals and objectives of the organization while getting to know each respective potential new member.
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