Pledge Program Procedures of the Beta Phi Chapter of Sigma Chi

Pledge Orientation Packet Components:

1. Magisters role and expectations

2. Pledges role and expectations

3. Financial Obligations

4. Code of Conduct

5. Contact List

6. Chapter bylaws

7. Risk Management Policy

8. Calendar of events

Assistant Magisters

Assistant Magisters will be chosen based on the application process that is already been put to use. They are to be chosen by the Magister himself after careful reflection of the actives that have applied. The assistants should represent all actives in the fraternity. They are to aid in the education of pledges, study hours, pledge activities, and other decisions.

Pledge Committee

A pledge committee should be assembled that consists of the Assistant Magisters and other actives. The pledge committee will be responsible for helping set up pledge activities and with decisions such as the big brother selections.

Word of the Week

Each week, the pledge class will be given a word that reflects on the values upon which Sigma Chi was founded. Each week the pledge class must write an essay on how that word applies to their life. The seven words to be written about will be wisdom, control, courage, integrity, courtesy, fidelity, and ambition.

Week 0:

Meeting

Purpose:

To inform the prospective pledges of the expectations and obligations of pledging the Sigma Chi fraternity BEFORE they enter formal pledgeship. It is imperative that each prospective pledge understands, otherwise retention levels could potentially drop.

Agenda:

The Week 0 meeting is to occur the Sunday following the acceptance of the bids. It is strictly an informational meeting in which the Pledge Orientation Packets will be given and extensively discussed. The Quaestor is required to attend and give a presentation on the financial obligations that the Beta Phi chapter requires of a pledge seeking the brotherhood as well as the financial obligations of being an active member of the Beta Phi chapter. The Risk Management Chairman and the Housing Director are required to attend and give a presentation on the Beta Phi chapters Risk Management policy. Following the presentations, it will be noted that the Beta Phi chapter of Sigma Chi requires each pledge to adhere to a Code of Conduct. If this is not signed, prospective pledges cannot experience the Formal Pledging Ceremony nor begin formal pledgeship.

Membership Commitment Statement

Presentation of the Statement is mandatory. It must be used as follows:

It is to be read to each pledge by the Chapter Advisor, Co-Advisor, Magister or Assistant Magister at the start of the pledge period, and before the pledge signs the pledge form.

It is to be read privately and separately in an atmosphere conducive to the fullest thought, understanding and consideration of beliefs. It is to be covered point by point, with opportunity for comments or questions after each.

The definitive point footnoted at the end of point (7) in the Statement may be used to clarify any confusion on the part of the pledge(s).

CONFIDENTIAL

Membership in Sigma Chi is a lifelong commitment. You can be expelled for reason; you cannot resign.

The Ritual of the Fraternity is secret but it has equal force and validity with the Constitution, a non-secret document. Although the Ritual is secret, the commitments of the Fraternity to its initiates and of the initiates to Sigma Chi are so deep and binding that Sigma Chi believes that every man proposed for membership should have a real understanding of the nature and scope of these commitments, so that no man shall enter into his lifelong relationship unknowingly or with reservations. To bring about such understanding and acceptance is the purpose of this dialogue on the principles and requirements of Sigma Chi.

The Badge of Sigma Chi reflects the Christian faith of the Founders. The White Cross is the Badge of a college fraternity; not the symbol of a religious order.

If you are to wear the Badge of Sigma Chi, you must be prepared for and welcome the natural assumption of the world at largethat Sigma Chi has Christian foundations. The assumption is and will be valid.

Sigma Chi draws reverently upon Christian ideals. These teachings were implicit in the minds of the men who founded Sigma Chi. Our principles and commitments are set within this framework. Do you find any conflict between your own personal convictions and Sigma Chi, a lifelong commitment?

During your pledgeship, you will be asked if you believe in the existence of an ever-living God, the Creator and Preserver of all things. Your answer to this question must be an unqualified yes. Later there will be no opportunity for debate or discussion. What will be your answer to this question?

During progress toward becoming a Sigma Chi you will be charged to conduct yourself throughout life as a man of honor and a gentleman; a warm, trusted and dependable friend, with deep respect for the needs of your brothers and the interests of all in the preservation of the fraternal bonds and the reputation of the Fraternity; to maintain the secrecy of the Ritual and to obey the laws of the Fraternity and your chapter; to perpetuate the interests of the Fraternity and your brothers in all honorable ways; and to realize a responsibility to not only your own chapter mates, but to all Sigma Chis. Will you be able to bind yourself to such an obligation?

*NOTE: The following may be used if further explanation is necessary:

The concept of the divinity of Christ was, we believe, implicit in the minds of the Founders;

however, the obligations to which we and those who are to follow, commit ourselves do not

expressly affirm this divinity or the existence of the Trinity, and the Fraternity does not require express affirmation of belief in these concepts as a condition of membership.

Formal Pledging Ceremony

RECRUITMENT CHAIRMAN: (addresses the Consul and assembled brothers):

Brothers, it is with great pleasure that I announce the pledging to the Sigma Chi Fraternity of ...(reads each name)...I present them to you for the ceremonies of formal pledging.

CONSUL:

We are about to place upon you the pledge pin of our Fraternity, which is a token of the high esteem in which you are held by the Chapter of Sigma Chi. Our pledge pin is a Norman Shield of blue, bearing a White Sigma Chi Cross, and is a symbol of the pure and lofty ideals which you will find in Sigma Chi.

The fundamental purpose of our Fraternity is to develop character and personality, to maintain high ideals, to preserve high academic standards, and to instill responsibility and brotherhood. We, as a Fraternity, by our association and our example, are committed to that purpose for your benefit.

Pledging Sigma Chi is a process of learning, inspiration and attainment, by which you must come fully to understand that membership in our fraternity is dependent upon your willingness to search within yourself for those values which form the basis of our brotherhood, and to adopt them as your lifelong binding obligation. We shall assist you in every positive and constructive way. Ultimately, however, your eligibility for Initiation in Sigma Chi will be determined by the strength of your own character and of your commitment to the ideals of our white cross.

In wearing this pledge pin you will be known to all as one of those who Sigma Chi has favored in its selection of men to perpetuate and exemplify our standards, which are stated in the pledge oath you are now called upon to take. Raise your right hand and repeat after me:

*I (each pledge brother repeats his name),

*OF MY OWN FREE WILL AND ACCORD,

*BEFORE GOD AND THE MEMBERS OF THE SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY HERE ASSEMBLED,

*HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE MYSELF AS A PLEDGE

*OF THE BETA PHI CHAPTER OF SIGMA CHI.

*AS SUCH, I WILL WEAR WITH PRIDE

* THE PLEDGE PIN GIVEN ME

* UNLESS RELEASED BY THE CHAPTER FOR GOOD CAUSE.

* I WILL ADVANCE THE INTERESTS OF THE FRATERNITY

* AND OF ITS INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

* IN EVERY HONORABLE WAY AT ALL TIMES.

* I WILL ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITIES ASSIGNED ME,

* AND WILL MAKE EVERY HONORABLE EFFORT TO BE

* A MAN OF GOOD CHARACTER * A STUDENT OF FAIR ABILITY

* WITH AMBITIOUS PURPOSES

* A CONGENIAL DISPOSITION

* POSSESSED OF GOOD MORALS

* HAVING A HIGH SENSE OF HONOR

* AND A DEEP SENSE OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

* I WILL DO NOTHING TO BRING DISCREDIT UPON THE FRATERNITY

*WHOSE BADGE IT IS MY HOPE TO WEAR.

*I PROMISE THESE THINGS

*REALIZING THAT MY PLEDGESHIP

*IS A TIME OF PREPARATION FOR BROTHERHOOD IN SIGMA CHI

*DURING WHICH THE STRENGTH OF MY COMMITMENT

*TO THE VALUES WHICH ARE THE FOUNDATION OF SIGMA CHI

*WILL DETERMINE MY WORTHINESS FOR INITIATION.

*I WILL STRICTLY OBEY THE RULES OF THE CHAPTER AND FRATERNITY

*AND WILL CONDUCT MYSELF ALWAYS

*AS A HIGH-MINDED MAN AND A GENTLEMAN.

* THESE PROMISES I MAKE IN ALL SINCERITY

* AND ON MY HONOR AS A PLEDGE.

You have taken this oath as the first step in becoming a member of the Fraternity. You are the men who we hope will become the future leaders of Sigma Chi, and who will in college and throughout life exemplify the high standards recited in the oath you have just taken. Your experience in pledging will help determine the type of student and alumnus member of Sigma Chi you will be. In like manner, the strength and positive contribution of our chapter on this campus and in our community during the coming years will rest with you.

The chapter has placed its wholehearted confidence in its Magister, Brother ________. He will be your guide and your friend. I will now ask him to assist me in placing the pledge pin of Sigma Chi upon you.

The Consul, Magister (and other officers if desired) place a pledge pin from a pin board on each of the pledges, and then extend to each a regular handshake and a brief word of congratulations, such as, Our chapter takes great pleasure in placing upon you the pledge pin of Sigma Chi and wishes you well. Congratulations.

Week 1:

Meeting

Agenda:

The Founding

The Purpose

The Jordan Standard

Word of the Week: Courage

Activity

Six Foot Rope

The purpose of this exercise is to be a team building exercise leading into a discussion about unattainable goals. The pledges should be in no way harassed about their inability to complete this task. While they should not be told that it is impossible before and during their attempt to go over the rope, the Magister should be completely transparent about this facet of this exercise during the followup discussion.

Execution

Have a length of rope at least six feet long raised on two stands to the height of six feet and three inches. The rope should be taught across the stands, and the two stands should be of even height. The pledge class should be brought to the location at which this activity is occurring and placed on one side of the rope. They should then be told that they have forty-five minutes to get from one side of the rope to the other, without going under or around the rope. Effectively, they should be told to treat the space under the rope like an invisible wall, and nothing should pass underneath the rope. If this is done indoors then there should be a mattress or some other form of matting on the far side of the rope from the pledges.

Pledges should be aloud to talk for this exercise. After forty-five minutes they should be stopped, regardless of progress, and the Magister should enter a discussion with them about unattainable goals.

Materials

Rope

2 6 3 stands

A mattress

Week 2:

Meeting

Agenda:

Turn in assignment

Guest Speaker: Courage

Quiz on Founding, Purpose, Jordan Standard

Constantine

Benjamin Piatt Runkle

Big Brother Essays assigned

Word of the Week: Wisdom

Activity

The Purpose of Sigma Chi

Goal: To increase communication between the members of the pledge class while presenting the purpose of Sigma Chi in an experiential lesson.

Execution: Each word of the Purpose as stated in the Sigma Chi Constitution is written on a balloon. Each balloon is placed randomly in the courtyard. In small groups, members of the pledge class must put the words of the purpose in order. The groups should have 4-5 members each. In these groups, only one member may physically move the words into the correct order but he is blindfolded. Another member acts as a director for the member that is blindfolded. The director is the only person allowed to speak during the arrangement of the words. His back is turned to the balloons. It is the job of the remaining members to gesture to the director where the blindfolded member should go to retrieve each balloon and bring it to its respective place in the order of the words.

Once the activity has been completed, the Magister should lead a discussion on why friendship, justice and learning are key components to the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Week 3:

Meeting

Agenda:

Turn in assignment

Guest Speaker: Wisdom

Quiz on Constantine & Benjamin Piatt Runkle

Review Jordan Standard

Thomas Cowan Bell

William Lewis Lockwood

Spirit of Sigma Chi

Word of the Week: Integrity

Activity

The Jordan Trail

PURPOSE/FOCUS:Evaluation of what each tenet of the Jordan Standard means.

# OF BROTHERS:14-21

MATERIALS:Candles, flashlights, list of passages and quotes.

PREPARATION:Print up attached document. Find a suitable location (hiking trails are great, especially ones that go in a circle). Set groups of brothers (2-3) at specific points along the way, eight groups total. Each station will need candles (1 per brother). Each station will be assigned one point of the Jordan Standard. Have matches/lighter and a flashlight as well, in case the wind picks up and the candles cannot stay lit. The final station will consist of the Consul or the Magister and perhaps the big brother.

EXECUTION:Each pledge will be brought to 8 different stations. At the first 7 stations, he will be told to recite the Jordan Standard. He will be stopped at different times, depending on the station. Then, one brother will read a short passage to the pledge. The second brother will then read the appropriate inspirational quote. The conclusion should be read by the either the Magister or the Consul. Ideally, the activity should be done outdoors along a real trail, with torches marking each station.

FOLLOW-UP:Give the pledges copies of the quotes and passages if they have not gotten them along the trail. A discussion of the event is appropriate, and the pledges can also be instructed to write about each quote and passage, what it means, what it makes them think about, and how they now view the tenets individually and collectively.

ADDTL NOTES:The Jordan Trail should be presented as a thought-provoking activity. Any yelling, degrading, or cursing will just detract from its meaning. This is not a quiz, but an opportunity for the pledges (and actives) to think about the Jordan Standard. The atmosphere surrounding this event should be quiet and serious. The pledges are on a trail, a path, during this event, symbolic of the path of their life and Sigma Chi.

When a pledge approaches a group of brothers, the exchange of words should be minimal: pledge states tenet, active reads quote to pledge, pledge listens to quote, active tells pledge proceed to the next station, pledge takes quote and moves along.

A MAN OF GOOD CHARACTER

The word character is derived from the Greek word karatos, meaning strength and friendship. Your character is your own qualities and traits that distinguish you from the rest of the world. A man of good character displays honesty and integrity. He is true to himself, his family, and his friends. He is loyal to the people that are important in his life, and never wrongs or is devious in his action towards them. He strives for a good image, but also wants to live that image. He seeks others for friendship but not for his own personal gain or glory. Today, the strength of gold is measured in karats, derived from the same Greek word karatos. Like karats to gold, your character will judge your strength as a man along your trail of life.

I have often thought that the best way to define a mans character would be to seek out the particular mental or moral attitude in which, when it came upon him, he felt himself most deeply and intensely active and alive. At such moments there is a voice inside which speaks and says: This is the real me!

-William James

A STUDENT OF FAIR ABILITY

A student is a man seeking knowledge. A student of fair ability strives for the highest possible grade on every task. He is dedicated and resourceful to accomplish such a high goal. He never procrastinates or slacks off in his work. His number one priority is not an organization or person or activity, but is his education. Moreover, he is a student for life. He is always learning and gaining knowledge. Through wisdom, he strives to be the best possible man. Your quest for knowledge should not stop with a degree or a graduation ceremony. A true student realizes that he is ignorant and will remain ignorant till the day he dies, for understanding of all knowledge is impossible. On your trail, may you be a student for life.

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.

-Henry David Thoreau

WITH AMBITIOUS PURPOSES

Purpose is direction, resolution, and determination. Ambition is the desire and drive to succeed. Ambition and purpose together will make your goals in life attainable. A man with ambitious purposes always aims high, even if he believes the goal to be too lofty. He wants to be a better man and have a better life. But he must also act on these ambitions; it is not enough to simply have them. He constantly works towards these goals in his daily life, never slacking at any moment. But what are your goals? Are they attainable now? Tomorrow? Never? If you let your goals fall to the wayside you have lost your purpose in life. Remain focused and on track; then your ambitious purposes will equal accomplishment along the trail.

The men who succeed are the efficient few. They are the few who have the ambition and willpower to develop themselves.

-Casson

A CONGENIAL DISPOSITION

Your disposition is your customary frame of mind, nature, or temperament. It should be friendly, sympathetic, and agreeable. Stubbornness should not be tolerated. Stubbornness is a sign of a lack of cooperation and understanding. You should always be firm in your beliefs, but open in your intercourse with others. You should be willing to fight for what you want, but capable of compromise along the way. There are six billion people in the world. You are one, but an important one. Along the trail, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of others, and cooperation will surely be born.

I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

-Etienne De Grellet

POSSESSED OF GOOD MORALS

What are morals? Morals are ethics and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. Morals should be both good and strong, for good morals are worthless if you are not a strong believer in them. A man possessed of good morals constantly acts on those morals. He has a high sense of dignity and principle in all his actions. He never wrongs those around him or himself. A good moral man has integrity, honor, and self-respect in his physical, emotional, and intellectual lives. Your morals should control and direct your actions while traveling on the trail.

For without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not overlook those acts of courage with which men have lived. The courage of a life lived, though less dramatic than those of a final moment, are no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy. A mandoes what he must, in spite of obstacles, pressures or personal consequences, and that is the basis of all human morality.

-John F. Kennedy

HAVING A HIGH SENSE OF HONOR

Honor is high regard and great respect. A man having a high sense of honor knows he can only earn honor from others. Honor cannot be bought or bargained for. Honor is received from others when he proves himself worthy. He receives honor by being a truly noble man. Having a high sense of honor means he constantly strives to be a noble man in all his actions. Noble men become leaders, for others want to follow and copy their great qualities. They achieve the greatest successes. Remember, success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won't taste good. A noble man values honor high along the trail.

Mine honor is my life; both grow in one/ Take honor from me, and my life is done.

-William Shakespeare

A DEEP SENSE OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Being responsible is being accountable for ones own actions. Too often we blame something or someone else for what happens. Scapegoats are created for excuses and justifications. Ultimately, wherever you a go and whatever you do rest solely one your actions alone. A man with a deep sense of personal responsibility does not need a guide in life. He is independent and can achieve on his own. He no longer has parental figures to direct his life and he must be capable of handling himself. He does not need a friend, family member, or brother to control his actions. He, and only he, is responsible for all he does in life. The only one to blame on the trail is you.

Responsibility is measured, not by the amount of injury resulting from wrong action, but by the distinctness with which conscience has the opportunity of distinguishing between the right and wrong.

-F.W. Robertson

CONCLUSION

Pledge ___________, you have traveled the Jordan Trail. Remember what you have learned along the trail, and never forget that you already are a man of good character and a student of fair ability; you have ambitious purposes and a congenial disposition; you are possessed of good morals; you have a high sense of honor and a deep sense of personal responsibility. The trail is symbolic of all you have learned throughout your pledgeship. The trail you will walk on from this point forward is your own. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. You create the standards from which to live your life. Aim high. Always strive. And good luck with the remainder of your pledgeship.

Big Brother Obligation Ceremony

The chapter Consul uses the proper Ritual to call the Magister forward. The Magister then calls the prospective Big Brother forward.

MAGISTER: Brother approach the sacred shrine of our brotherhood.

(The Magister addresses the Consul.)

Worthy Consul, these brothers seek to benefit our chapter by serving in a capacity befitting high-minded men.

CONSUL: Do you consider them worthy of their task?

MAGISTER: I do, Worthy Consul.

CONSUL: Then, with the support of the chapter, I charge these men to duty. My brothers, the

obligations of becoming a Big Brother in the Chapter of Sigma Chi is one that is equally as binding as the very oath of brotherhood that bonds us together.

If you can fully appreciate and accept the solemnity of your duty, and wish to still contribute your maturity and wisdom for Sigma Chi, raise your right hand, and repeat after me:

I, (state your full name) * do solemnly swear * In front of God and my brothers here

assembled * to cherish the task of tutoring a future brother in our chapter. * I shall think

no thought, * utter no word, * do no deed which will through my actions * lessen the

growth and maturity of my Little Brother.*

I will give to him * the benefit of my experience, * my wisdom, * and my love for Sigma

Chi. * And in return, ask for trust, work, and respect. * I say these words upon my honor

* as a true and loyal Sigma Chi.

You may lower your hands.

MAGISTER: My brothers, the seriousness of your relationship with your Little Brother cannot be underestimated. You must lead by the example set forth in our teachings. Our chapter charges you with our future. Guard well the honor of the Cross.

Big Brother Revealing:

The revealing will occur the weekend following the submitting of active and pledge essays. It has become Beta Phi tradition for the setting of the Big Brother Revealing to be a camping trip that will be organized by the Brother At Large, Assistant Magisters and the Brotherhood Chairman.

The formal Big Brother Revealing Ceremony will proceed as follows:

What you need:

Blindfolds

7 Blue Candles

Enough white candles for Big Bros and Lil Bros Combined

Ex. If there are 40 pledges, get 80 white candles.

Lots of lighters

Print outs of the Founders Quotes

Print out of The Bridge Builder (I-Week packet Mondays readings)

The Set Up:

Get 7 Volunteers to read each Founder Quote. Each speaker should also have an assistant to hold up one of the blue candles so the reader can read the quote.

Set up the readers in some sort of trail, preferably a dark trail so that the Lil Bros feel that they only have their Big Bro near them (they wont know it is there big bro till the end). Make sure the readers are spread enough apart so that the pledges can only hear one talking at a time as they go through the trail.

Make sure you have about 3-4 volunteers with lighters set up around the trail in case any candles go out during the ceremony

Get one volunteer to read The Bridge Builder

The Trail:

Blindfold the Lil Bros and bring them to the beginning of the trail. Once they get there line them up shoulder to shoulder. Hand each of them one of the white candles and tell them to hold it with their left hand in front of them.

Then, have the Big Bros proceed to the beginning of the trail and hang them a white candle as well. Have them line up in front of their Lil Bros (about 2 meters away from them so that the pledges dont know they are right in front of them) and then have someone read The Bridge Builder out loud.

After this, starting at the beginning of the line (left side or right doesnt really matter), light the Big Bros candle. He then will light his Lil Bros candle and then lead him through the Founders Walk.

Repeat this pattern, lighting each Big Bros candle one by one, until all of the groups have started the trail. Make sure you give each group enough time from the start so that there is only one group at each Founder Station at a time.

The Big Brother Ceremony:

After each group finishes the trail, have the Lil Bros line up again, shoulder to shoulder, near the campfire (which should be close to where the Founders Walk ends, while their big brothers line up in front of them, but this time facing the same direction as the Lil Bros.

Founders Quotes:

Benjamin Piatt Runkle:

I was but 18 years old when I stood up against the conflicting values set before me. Courage, Fearlessness, and Idealism are a few adjectives to describe how I went against the injustices of my fraternity one which valued brotherhood over my own principles. My action to throw down my pin in agony while facing these challenges served as an inspirational gesture for all of my brothers to start this fraternity. Courageous in Spirit and Idealism. I am Benjamin Piatt Runkle.

Thomas Cowan Bell:

My zest for life, mixed with my good-natured personality, really complimented my maturity and my excitement to learn. After creating this fraternity and upon graduation, I immediately took up the career of teaching, because I believe that it is necessary for every man to be a student of fair ability. The Civil War required me to fight for my native north, but as a soldier, my leadership skills as a teacher helped me rise to the rank of lieutenant. The Qualities of Learning. I am Thomas Cowan Bell.

William Lewis Lockwood:

I was not one of the original founders, but my organizational skills attracted the original brother s for assist them in their quest to begin this new fraternity. I was considered the businessman of the group and also further distinguished myself with my natural integrity. My honesty and trustworthiness made counting on me in tough situations easy, and because of this, I was entrusted to manage the original chapters funds and overall operations. Honest and Trustworthy Through Life. I am William Lewis Lockwood.

Isaac M. Jordan:

Benjamin Piatt Runkle would describe me with these words: a playmate of my boyhood, a schoolmate, and a friend for the long and strenuous years of manhoodwith boundless energy, lofty ambitions, gifted with untiring perseverance and the ability that made success a certainty. I displayed my goal oriented nature throughout my collegiate life, only to rub off on my brothers in a positive way. I was able to write down the ideals for our fraternity in the Standard, which stand basis for who we all strive to be during our lives. Energetic and Faithful to Every Task. I am Isaac M. Jordan.

Franklin Howard Scobey:

Having a diverse background and a high sense of understanding allowed me to speak my words truly in the Spirit of Sigma Chi. Friendship and loyalty was first in my life, as long as they did not cause me to surrender to my own morals. In tough times, people looked to me to cheer everyone up with my extreme optimism and honest attention to the qualities of true friendship. I embodied courtesy, and was so easy to get along with that I was even friends with some of the enemies of Sigma Chi. Courteous and Loyal in his Friendship. I am Franklin Howard Scobey.

James Parks Caldwell:

I was only 14 years old when I helped organize this fraternity. Obviously, I was faithful to my studies to be in college at such an early age, but this faith also stood for my fraternity and for my brothers. During the Civil War, I was the only one of my brothers to fight for the South, because I was extremely loyal to them. Upon being captured midway through the war, I was given the opportunity to surrender my allegiance, but instead, I stuck true to my ideals and stood loyal to my native South. True to Principle. I am James Parks Caldwell.

Daniel William Cooper:

At 25 years old at the beginning of this wonderful fraternity, I was the most senior member of the founders. Because of this, I was regarded as an older brother and mentor to the rest of my brothers. My ability to demonstrate maturity and exercise self control proved to be important traits so I could further better my chapter. My brothers looked up to me as much for my keen sense of balance and strong character as they did for my seniority. Ruler of the Spirit. I am Daniel William Cooper.

MAGISTER: My friends, the brothers of Sigma Chi welcome you this night. We gather about this fire in the name of brotherhood, just as our brothers have done before us. Our fire is symbolic of the true spirit found in Sigma Chi, one that radiates warmth for our hearts and light to guide our way in life.

The glow you feel can not yet be seen, just as your lack of knowledge prevents you from understanding the mysteries and true meaning of Sigma Chi. This is as it should be, for your blindness is part of the learning process that you have obligated yourselves to as pledges.

Tonight we take the next step in your journey towards Sigma Chi: The charging of your Big Brother. He will help guide you until the conclusion of your pledgeship, a task of grave importance that will affect your future in Sigma Chi. He has been selected to bear the duties and responsibilities of being a big brother.

Who is your big brother?

He is a friend; someone who cares about both you and your progress as a pledge.

He is someone to talk to in times of need, and in times of levity.

He is your teacher, one who understands what it is to be a Sigma Chi, and is able to exemplify those things in his conduct as a big brother.

He is your representative. If necessary, it is his responsibility to defend or condemn you in front of his own brothers.

Your big brother will aide you on your journey to becoming a Sigma Chi, imbued with all the virtues and knowledge that a Sigma Chi must have. However, there is one thing of vital importance that you must remember: Your big brother will not give you the White Cross. The badge that we wear must be earned, and can only be done so through ones own volition and dedication. It is up to you to be found worthy.

Pledges, untie your binding and greet your big brother.

Brothers, please light the candle of your Little Brother.

The Big Brother should light his candle from the large white candle. He should stand in front of his Little Brother facing him. This is done one at a time until all of the Big Brothers have completed this step. When finished, each Big Brother, one at a time, extends his hand to shake, and offers congratulations.

When this is completed, each Big Brother should light his Little Brothers candle, one at a time, counterclockwise from the first Big Brother to the last (much like a Wave being done at an athletic event). The Magister must wait until all candles have been illuminated.

MAGISTER: Big Brothers, please raise your right hand and repeat after me:

I, state your full name ** promise to work on building Sigma Chi

Brotherhood ** with my little brother continuously ** through pledgeship

and during the active and alumni years to come ** and I am committed to

develop a friendship ** of love, inspiration and learning ** for the

betterment of the brotherhood ** and the Chapter of Sigma Chi ** I say

these words in all sincerity ** in the name of Sigma Chi.

Big Brothers, you may put your hands down.

(The Magister now addresses all of the Little Brothers)

Little Brothers, raise your right hand and repeat after me:

I, state your full name ** am determined to learn and grow * through my

pledgeship and life as a Sigma Chi ** I will strive diligently to obtain the

knowledge ** my Big Brother bestows on me ** not only by his words,

but through his example as a true Sigma Chi ** I say these words in all

sincerity ** as a Pledge Brother of the Chapter of Sigma Chi.

You may put your hands down.

Brothers and Pledge Brothers, the obligations you have committed

yourselves to are serious. You have dedicated both time and effort to

developing true Sigma Chi Brotherhood. Pledge Brothers, remember that

your Big Brother is your friend and guide into our brotherhood. Take

advantage of this opportunity to build a lifelong bond.

BIG BROTHER: In Hoc Signo Vinces!

Week 4:

Meeting

Agenda:

Turn in assignment

Guest speaker: Integrity

Quiz on Spirit of Sigma Chi, Thomas Cowan Bell & William Lewis Lockwood

Isaac M. Jordan

Sigma Chi Creed

Word of the Week: Courtesy

Activity

The Creed

Nine stations- one active at each station. Like a one on one discussion, five-seven minutes in each station. Each active should ask the questions. They should never respond to the pledges. The purpose is for the pledges to truly think about these questions, not to be verified if they are right or wrong by the actives. Each pledge will start out in a room, and once the door is closed the active may begin asking questions. When the questions are done the active will open the door and wait for the Magister or his assistants to move the pledge to the next room. Similar to the way the I is run.

1. Fairness

What is fair to you?

Have you been unfair to anyone in your life?

Has anyone been unfair to you?

Why do you believe fairness is important?

Are you fair in life?

2. Decency

What is decency

How can you be decent

What makes you not be decent

Can you think of a time you saw decency in action

How can you be more decent in life?

3. Good Manners

Do you believe you have good manners?

Do you think that good manners are important in society?

What are some good manners to you?

How do you decide what good manners are?

If you could set a standard of manners what would be in it?

4. Spirit of youth

When does youth end?

Ask why then to whatever time the pledge answers?

What is the spirit of youth?

Can you give some examples of youthful activities?

How can you bring youth to your everyday life?

How can you retain the spirit of youth?

5. Honor

How do you judge honor?

Do you believe yourself to be honorable?

Define honor

Are you honored by others?

When they respond yes, ask who honors them?

Why do they honor you

6. Respect

How do you gain respect?

Who do you respect?

Who respects you?

How do you lose respect

Can you respect non-living things?

7. Reciprocal brotherhood

What does the word reciprocal mean?

Do you believe that a brotherhood must be reciprocal

Why?

Are there any brothers that you do not feel this reciprocity with?

Are they in your pledge class?

How can you make this relationship better?

Whos job is it to make a brotherhood reciprocal?

8. To be a credit

How are you going to be a credit to the fraternity?

How do you plan on accomplishing those goals?

Can you do other things for the fraternity?

How can you inspire others to be a credit?

9. Favor & Distinction

Why were you given favor?

What does it mean to you to be selected by your peers to receive this distinction?

How will you know who to select for favor

What distinction did you earn?

Week 5:

Meeting

Agenda:

Turn in assignment

Guest speaker: Courtesy

Quiz on Isaac M. Jordan & Sigma Chi Creed

Daniel William Cooper

Franklin Howard Scobey

Word of the Week: Control

Activity

Indispensable

Procedure:

A room will be set up with white sheets in the manner that is similar to I-week activities such as MITM. In each space for a pledge, a bucket of water will be placed on the floor. When brought into the room, pledges will be asked to remove their blindfolds and to place their hand in the bucket of water.

Then the following will be read:

Sometime, when youre feeling important,

Sometime, when your egos in bloom,

Sometime, when you take it for granted,

Youre the best qualified in the room.

Sometime, when you feel that youre going,

Would leave an unfillable hole,

Just follow this simple instruction,

And see how it humbles your soul.

Take a bucket and fill it with water,

Put your hand in it up to the wrist;

Pull it out; and the hole thats remaining

Is a measure of how youll be missed.

You may splash all you please when you enter,

You can stir up the water galore,

But stop, and youll find in a minute

That it looks quite the same as before.

The moral to this quaint example

Is do just the best that you can;

Be proud of yourself, but remember,

Theres no indispensible man.

Week 6:

Meeting

Agenda:

Turn in assignment

Guest speaker: Control

Quiz on Daniel William Cooper & Franklin Howard Scobey

Big Brother Evaluations

James Parks Caldwell

Motto, seal & badge

Word of the Week: Fidelity

Activity

The Stairs

The purpose of the interaction is to prompt the pledges to think critically about many of the larger ideas they will repeatedly focus on during the pledging period. These questions should be discussed at the next pledge meeting. Three leaders are needed for the interaction to run smoothly (2 of them should be at the end in case a pledge is shaken up by the interaction and needs to talk to someone). The entire chapter should be encouraged to be present for this activity. It is very important that the Magister does a run through of this activity in the role of a pledge, preparing brothers for the activity, prior to the first actual pledge.

Execution

Brothers should be set up on the stairs in an ascending order, with the Magister at the top. Brothers who are present but not asking questions should be placed randomly between brothers with candles. Pledges should be placed in a room where they can wait as they go through the exercise one at a time. The first brother should be at the very bottom of the staircase.

If possible, brothers should memorize their questions beforehand so that they do not have to read the question to the pledges.

If a pledge fails to answer a recitation question adequately he should be told to review his Norman Shield, but not punished in any way.

Materials

13 candles

At no point should a brother interact physically with a pledge unless it is to help guide them. The tone of this interaction should be solemn. This activity is meant to provoke thought, not to berate anyone. A few recitation questions are included to ensure that pledges are studying their Norman Shields steadily.

First Brother:Pledge, you have been asked to come here tonight for a secret formal interaction with your brothers. As you head down the path of pledgeship towards your initiation, you will question what you have learned and what it means for you. Tonight you will be asked questions pertaining to your pledgeship and to your thoughts about Sigma Chi. Remove your blindfold, and approach the first brother with a candle on the stairs.

Brother #2:Discuss the founding of Sigma Chi and what stands out as being important to you.

Brother #3:Why are pledges important to the brotherhood?

Brother #4:Are you a good leader? Why or why not?

Wait for a full answer then ask:

Do you lead by example?

Brother #6:What is your definition of brotherhood?

Brother #7:Do we ask too much of you as a pledge class?

If the response is short:

Please explain.

Brother #8:Tell me everything you know about founder Thomas Cowan Bell.

Brother #9:Why do you want to be a Sigma Chi?

Depending on the thoroughness:

Can you elaborate any further?

Brother #10:Why is it important to present yourself well outside of this house?

Brother #11:Is respect given or earned?

If the response is short:

Please explain.

Brother #12:Which is harder, being a brother or a pledge?

Magister:Pledge, I ask you to think carefully about the questions posed to you tonight, as well as your responses to them. Your path towards initiation is a long and difficult one, but know that you have the support of the brothers around you. Remember too that we cannot just give you the white cross of Sigma Chi, but that you alone must earn the honor of wearing it. Replace your blindfold.

Week 7:

Meeting

Agenda:

Turn in assignment

Guest speaker: Fidelity

Quiz on James Parks Caldwell, motto, seal, & badge

Undergraduate officers & Grand Council officers and duties of each

Word of the Week: Ambition

Activity

20 Ways to Kill Any Organization

The purpose of this exercise is to illustrate the requirements of members of the active chapter. At this point, this should be a running theme in pledge meetings as these meetings gear up towards initiation. This activity should be largely free of any interaction between pledges and actives.

This exercise can also be really good for the chapter. It is sometimes important to be reminded of the commitment one has made to the chapter. It is thus important to get as much active participation as possible. At least 25 brothers, including the Consul and Magister are needed to make this run smoothly.

Execution

Give 20 brothers candles and have them memorize one of the 20 ways to kill any organization. Organize the brothers in a mass on one half of the room, all facing the other half. Make sure that the two brothers who have memorized the first and last ways are both standing in the front of the group of brothers.

Have the pledges lined up by leaders on the other half of the room, facing the crowd of brothers. Try to line them up so that they can all see as much of the crowd as possible, particularly the front of it. Make sure to leave space behind the pledges where the Consul and Magister will read the script for the exercise.

As each way to kill an organization is read, the brother who has memorized that line should blow his candle out. The Magister should memorize the last part of the script so that it is not necessary to have an extra light on at the end of the ceremony.

Materials

20 candles

To enhance the effect of this exercise, the room should remain silent until all of the pledges have been removed. At no point should any brothers other than the narrators be speaking.

This exercise was originally outlined by the Sigma Chi I-Week Manual. The Charter has been removed from this exercise in order to allow the room to be pitch-black at the end of the exercise. This is for dramatic affect. Additionally for dramatic affect, the activity is no longer organized as a circle.

CONSUL: Pledges, you may remove your blindfolds. The success of any organization relies on the involvement of all of its members. It relies on communication between members. It relies on mutual trust between those members elected to carry out specific roles and the rest of the members of the organization. The success or failure of an organization is also determined by the public image that its members generate for it. This fraternity is an organization.

Pledges, the following are twenty ways to kill any organization.

(Magister and Consul alternate on the following lines)

Dont attend meetings. If you do, arrive late to them.

Be sure to leave before the meeting is adjourned.

Never have anything to say at the meeting; wait to speak until you get outside.

When at the meeting, vote to do everything, then go home and do nothing.

Find faults with the officers and other members.

Take no part in the organizations affairs.

Talk freely to another member while a meeting is in session.

Take all that the organization has to offer you. Grow as much as you can but dont give anything back.

Never invite new members to attend meetings.

Prioritize all of your other commitments above your commitment to your organization.

Talk cooperation, but never cooperate.

If asked to help, always say you dont have time.

If things dont go your way, threaten to resign and get others to do the same.

Never read anything pertaining to your organization, such as journals, articles, magazines, or other relevant materials.

Never accept an office. It is easier to criticize than to do things.

Dont do anymore than you have to, and when others willingly and unselfishly use their abilities to better the organization, gripe because the organization is run by a clique.

If there are any finances to consider, just ignore them.

Always be quick to take sides in misunderstandings within the organization and side with the person you spoke to last.

Repeat to people outside of the organization anything that you hear in meetings that should remain within the organization only.

Lose trust with your organization, and give up in believing in it.

MAGISTER: Pledges, the life of this organization lies in the hands of all of its members. You are the future of the Delta Phi chapter. Our future will soon be in your hands. What will your contribution be?

Replace your blindfolds.

Week 8:

Meeting

Agenda:

Turn in assignment

Guest speaker: Ambition

Quiz on undergraduate officers and Grand Council officers and duties of each

Sigma Chi Test Review

Activity

Bridge Builder

PURPOSE/FOCUS:Recognize that people have paved the way for their success, think about how they can give back to the future.

# OF BROTHERS:2-5 actives, Magister

MATERIALS:Bridge (already in existence; dont build one), Bridge Builder reading (from I-week packet), flashlight.

PREPARATION:Scope out the bridge you will be using. Have the Magister practice walking along the bridge and reading the passage, to get the timing down. Have an active or two on each side of the bridge.

EXECUTION:Walk the pledges, blindfolded, part of the way across a bridge. Remove their blindfolds. (The cooler the view is, the better this moment.) The Magister stands behind the pledge(s), and asks them to walk with him. While walking, the Magister reads/recites Bridge Builder. At the other side, give them a copy of the reading (perhaps?), and have them write in their journals while the rest of the pledge class completes the event.

FOLLOW-UP:Lead a discussion about the event. Who are the bridge builders in their lives? Hopefully, they will see the Magister, their big brother, and some other actives as bridge builders, in addition to whatever figures from high school, etc.

ADDTL NOTES:It can be cool to have the Magister leave before the discussion starts.

Big Brother Program:

Selections

1. Have each pledge write an essay about three active brothers that they respect and why. Essays shall be assigned in the 2nd week of pledgeship and due the following meeting.

2. Have eligible actives write an essay about three pledge brothers that they feel they could connect with as a mentor. Essays shall be assigned in the 2nd week of pledgeship and due the following Sunday.

3. Answers from both actives and pledges will be reviewed and used as the basis for the selection of each Big/Little pair.

a. If two active brothers choose a pledge as their #1 choice, rank will NOT be the employed as a method of selection. Instead, the Magister and his committee will use their best judgment in the final selection.

Big brother evaluation

Each pledge will evaluate their relationship with their Big Brother in the Week 6 Pledge Meeting. Each pledge should be asked the following questions:

1. Who is your Big Brother?

2. What activities have [insert Big Brothers name here] and you done together since the Big Brother Revealing?

3. How has your Big Brother helped you on your journey to become an initiated member of Sigma Chi?

4. What had you hoped to receive from a Big Brother? How can your Big Brother better reach your expectations?

Study Hours:

Each pledge is required to attend mandatory study hours twice a week. Each study session will be between 1.5-2 hours. Study hours are to be presided over by the Assistant Magisters and/or the Scholarship Chairman. It is during this time that any necessary meetings concerning a pledges behavior, pledgeship, Big Brother evaluations, grades, etc. will be administered by the Magister.

Pledge Program

Procedures

of the Beta Phi Chapter of Sigma Chi

Pledge Orientation Packet Components:

1.

Magisters role and expectations

2.

Pledges role and expectations

3.

Financial Obligations

4.

Code of Conduct

5.

Contact List

6.

Chapter bylaws

7.

Risk Management Policy

8.

Calendar

of events

Assistant Magisters

Assistant Magisters will be chosen based on the application process that is already

been put to use. They are to be chosen by the Magister himself after careful

reflection of the actives that have applied. The assi

stants should represent all actives

in the fraternity. They are to aid in the education of pledges, study hours, pledge

activities, and other decisions.

Pledge Committee

A pledge committee should be assembled that consists of the Assistant Magisters

and

other actives. The pledge committee will be responsible for helping set up

pledge activities and

with decisions suc

h as the big brother selections.

Word of the Week

Each week, the pledge class will be given a word that reflects on the

values

upon

which

Sigma Chi was founded. Each week the pledge class must write an essay on

how that word applies to their life. The seven words to be written about will be

wisdom, control, courage, integrity, courtesy, fidelity, and ambition.

Week 0

:

Meeting

Purpose:

To inform the prospective pledges of the expectations and obligations of pledging

the Sigma Chi fraternity

BEFORE

they enter formal pledgeship. It is imperative that

each prospective pledge understands, otherwise retention levels could potentially

drop.