true gentlemanexperience

the

a complete member education program

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview ..............................................................................................................................3 Mission of the True Gentleman Experience ........................................................................4 Program Cornerstones ..........................................................................................................4 Bid-to-Initiate Process .........................................................................................................6 Member Education Experience ..........................................................................................10

The Loyalty Experience..........................................................................................14 The Friendship Experience ....................................................................................15 The Honor Experience ...........................................................................................16 The Fraternity Experience .....................................................................................17

Membership Expectations and Requirements ....................................................................18 Appendix A: The Loyalty Experience – Accelerated for Spring 2014 ...................................................20 Appendix B: Implementation Schedule ...................................................................................................26 Appendix C: Checklist for Implementation ............................................................................................28 Appendix D: Member Expectations Acknowledgement Form ...............................................................30 Appendix E: Local Module Approval Form ...........................................................................................32 Appendix F: Member Orientation Meeting ............................................................................................33 Appendix G: Big Brother Mentorship Program ......................................................................................37

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OVERVIEW One of the orders of business on March 15, 1856, was to consider Newton Nash Clements for membership. He was elected as a candidate for membership that night and initiated at the next chapter meeting. About 30 years later, one of our greatest members, Billy Levere, for whom our headquarters is named, was initiated within two days of receiving his bid. It was that simple; the brothers thought he would be a good member, they voted, offered him the chance to join, he did and they initiated him shortly thereafter. The concept of pledging, pledge periods and pledge education become a part of Sigma Alpha Epsilon in the early 1900s after World War I. Gone were the days of agreeing that someone is a good man, asking him to join, promptly initiating him and calling him a brother. Replacing this simple concept of friendship — upon which we were founded, seeking those men whose character contained the “social qualities so necessary to the perpetuation of the most intimate friendship” — was now an institutionalized system of haves and have-nots, of second-class citizenship. Often, in a new member’s desire to belong, other members forgot our Ritual and values and sought to use their power over others and rob them of their dignity as men. The new member’s desire to belong were so strong, they accepted the behavior, and brothers believed that new members had to prove their worth. In reality, our worth should be proven by the chapter’s initial membership offer. In order to protect the future of the organization in challenging times, the Supreme Council unanimously voted to eliminate new-member (pledge) programming and the classification of new member (pledge). Those concepts, which came to Sigma Alpha Epsilon more than 60 years after our inception, will no longer exist. The process for members to join has now changed to the following:

• Candidates for membership, upon receiving a bid to join, must be initiated as brothers within 96 hours.

• To address the removal of pledge-education programs, all members in the chapter, regardless of year in chapter or time in chapter, will participate in member education.

• Expectations and requirements of membership for all members have been established to ensure that all members of the chapter are being held accountable.

Collectively, these changes and the new program are known as the True Gentleman Experience. Sigma Alpha Epsilon understands and acknowledges that change is not easy and that the implementation on our campuses will provide challenges. However, we are committed to providing assistance and guidance for this cultural shift in our collegiate operations. The changes and new program are detailed in this document.

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MISSION OF THE TRUE GENTLEMAN EXPERIENCE The mission of the True Gentleman Experience is:

• To ensure equal rights and responsibilities for all members from the moment they receive a bid to join Sigma Alpha Epsilon and have been initiated

• To further provide for chapter and individual accountability by formalizing the expectations of our members

• To educate all members throughout their time in the chapter to help further their growth and personal development

PROGRAM CORNERSTONES There are five motivating factors for our change. They include the following:

1) The need for equal rights and responsibilities as members 2) A return to the original ideals of our Ritual 3) Continuous education and personal growth 4) Accountability 5) Mentorship

The Need for Equal Rights and Responsibilities of Membership

Sigma Alpha Epsilon was conceived on the desire of creating bonds of the most sincere and lasting friendship. Friendship is not contingent upon meeting additional criteria to move from one stage to the next. Rather, friendship is built upon the idea that we love and respect each other equally.

• In extending a bid of membership to a man, you have deemed him worthy of

membership. In other words, he has already proven his worth. • New members are given ownership in the chapter and are involved from the first day they

join. • The True Gentleman Experience eliminates tiers or classification of collegiate

membership and builds brotherhood throughout the entire chapter, not just new-member classes.

• Members understand that respect is a two-way street and must be given in order to be received.

A Return to the Original Ideals of Our Ritual Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s original Ritual did not call for a process of pledging. Pledgeship as we know it is more a creation of modern culture. The earliest Ritual and Constitution made no delineation for types or levels of brotherhood, only that members are brothers.

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• From the first day, the Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon will guide members not in quiet allusion, build-up or allegory, but by experiencing it fully.

• Embracing the Ritual and its precepts from the beginning provides the ultimate recruitment tool. The highest quality of man will not be afraid to join, as there is no chance something inconsistent with our values will occur.

• With the frequency of the Ritual, members will be further exposed to its teaching and embrace a life that enhances the quality of a true man and a gentleman.

Continuous Education and Personal Growth Education does not occur in a vacuum, and we never stop learning throughout our entire lives. Our Founding Fathers had a tradition of weekly scholarly essays that members were required to write and present to further their academic interests and further advance the educational abilities of other members.

• Continuous education requires members to stay committed to the chapter and to seek additional growth constantly.

• The True Gentleman Experience provides a structured opportunity for members to grow throughout their time as a collegiate member and provides a structure for alumni life.

• The True Gentleman Experience prepares our graduates to gain valuable skills and networks to assist them when they graduate.

• Upperclassmen are now provided an experience and reasons to stay involved, which furthers their growth as men and as members.

Accountability As members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, we hold ourselves to be strictly moral and upright in our actions, and our actions shall promote the Fraternity and recommend the Fraternity to the favor of man. In doing so, we promise and swear to hold ourselves and those around us accountable to the laws of the land, university and of the Fraternity.

• Through use of a standards board, members can hold each other accountable to the

expectations and requirements of membership. • The True Gentleman Experience give members the opportunity to practice and prepare

for times when they must respectfully reprimand or handle people who are not in line with prescribed or required actions or duties.

• The program focuses on members and the need to have them be responsible and productive members of society.

• The program provides an opportunity for members to hold members accountable for their actions, separated from their personal feelings for the individual.

Mentorship We cannot do it all alone. College men need support and guidance, and the most successful people and chapters have those who support them and provide wise counsel. This benefits both

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the mentee, as he receives wisdom from past knowledge and experience, and the mentor, as his considers his own experience and provides his own insight.

• Mentorship provides members with someone to guide and motivate them to be the best

versions of themselves. • Mentorship provides members a chance to experience unique points-of-view and

personalities and a wide-breadth of experiences. • Mentorship works to eliminate a need to reinvent the wheel because the new can learn

from the challenges of the old.

BID-TO-INITIATE PROCESS In selecting members to join Sigma Alpha Epsilon, groups acknowledge and recognize that a candidate for membership must possess the qualities and qualifications necessary of a brother before extending him an invitation to join. The first semester or year of membership will not be used as a method to determine the worthiness of a candidate. For the purposes of understanding the process, let’s start with a definition. A bid period is not a timeframe set by a chapter. Some universities require that bids may only be given either between a certain range of days or by a certain day. So if you give bids throughout the summer but all bids are due to university or campus administrators by August 15, that date is the close of your bid period, which begins the 96-hour clock that is outlined below. The following is the timeline and process for members joining Sigma Alpha Epsilon: If bids are extended as part of a formal recruitment or rush week:

1) Bid is extended and accepted during a bid period.

2) At the close of the bid period, a chapter will have 96 hours to: a. Report all information on www.sae.net. b. Have all candidates for membership claim their www.sae.net account. c. Have all candidates for membership complete the Carson Starkey Member

Certification Program. i. Members must be reported and their www.sae.net account linked to their

member account before they are able to complete the Carson Starkey Member Certification Program.

d. The candidate for membership may drop from membership this 96-hour timeframe without any cost or penalty to the candidate.

e. The chapter may choose to rescind the bid during this 96-hour timeframe as well.

For a list of questions and answers about the True Gentleman Experience, visit www.sae.net/truegentlemanexperience.

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3) At close of the 96-hour period, the candidate for membership is initiated using the

Initiation Ceremony as defined in the Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. At that time the candidate is a full member with equal rights, responsibilities and expectations as any other member.

a. No Ritual aside from the Initiation Ceremony is to be performed or conducted. The Formal Pledging Ceremony is not to be performed and is hereby discontinued.

b. Any version of a Neophyte Ceremony is also not to be performed or conducted. c. All candidates for membership must have claimed their www.sae.net account and

completed the Carson Starkey Member Certification Program prior to the Initiation Ceremony.

4) Immediately following the Initiation Ceremony (same day), the initiates are to be

processed using the Chapter Management Tools on www.sae.net.

5) The $310 Membership Fee should be collected by the chapter at the time of initiation and is due to the Fraternity Service Center no later than 10 days after the ceremony.

6) During the 96-hour process from bid to initiation, chapters should host a Membership Orientation Meeting, as defined and described in Appendix F on page 33.

a. The time from bid to initiation is to be used specifically for administrative paperwork and processing. No forms of education for members, parties, social events or events involving alcohol are to occur during this 96-hour period.

7) Badges, shingles, membership cards and copies of The Phoenix will be shipped within

10-14 days upon receipt of the initiation fees.

8) Upon the initial reporting of a candidate for membership to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, parents will receive a letter from the Eminent Supreme Archon and Eminent Supreme Recorder, outlining the practices and expectations of a member of the Fraternity. For those undergraduates who wish not to involve their parents, there is an opt-out for the communication. This communication will be ready for Fall 2014.

9) Upon initiation, members have all the same rights, responsibilities and expectations of all members (see Rights and Privileges of Members). Newly initiated members are not to be treated in any way differently than existing members. As they are initiated, they are not to be referred to as pledges, new members, just initiated, JIs or name or term that relegates them to anything less than a full brother.

GOOD IDEA: Fathers, grandfathers, uncles or other alumni who wish to pin the brother badge on their family members may continue to do so. Make sure to communicate the time and date of the Initiation Ceremony well in advance so

they can join you for the initiation events.

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If chapters extend bids throughout the year without a required period from the university or college:

1) Bid is extended and accepted.

2) Upon bid acceptance, a chapter will have 96 hours to: a. Report all information on www.sae.net. b. Have all candidates for membership claim their www.sae.net account. c. Have all candidates for membership complete the Carson Starkey Member

Certification Program. i. Members must be reported and their www.sae.net account linked to their

member account before they are able to complete the Carson Starkey Member Certification Program.

d. Candidate for membership may drop from membership this 96-hour timeframe without any cost or penalty to the candidate.

e. The chapter may choose to rescind the bid during this 96-hour timeframe as well.

3) At close of the 96-hour period, the candidate for membership is initiated using the Initiation Ceremony as defined in the Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. At that time the candidate is a full member with equal rights, responsibilities and expectations as any other member.

a. No Ritual aside from the Initiation Ceremony is to be performed or conducted. The Formal Pledging Ceremony is not to be performed and is hereby discontinued.

b. Any version of a Neophyte Ceremony is also not to be performed or conducted. c. All candidates for membership must have claimed their www.sae.net account and

completed the Carson Starkey Member Certification Program prior to the Initiation Ceremony.

4) Immediately following the Initiation Ceremony (same day), the initiates are to be

processed using the Chapter Management Tools on www.sae.net.

5) The $310 Membership Fee should be collected by the chapter at the time of initiation and is due to the Fraternity Service Center no later than 10 days after the ceremony.

6) During the 96-hour process from bid to initiation, chapters should host a membership

orientation workshop, as defined and described in Appendix F on page 33. a. The time from bid to initiation is to be used specifically for administrative

paperwork and processing. No forms of education for members, parties, social events or events involving alcohol are to occur during this 96-hour period.

7) Badges, shingles, membership cards and copies of The Phoenix will be shipped within

10-14 days upon receipt of the initiation fees.

8) Upon the initial reporting of a candidate for membership to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, parents will receive a letter from the Eminent Supreme Archon and Eminent Supreme Recorder,

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outlining the practices and expectations of a member of the Fraternity. For those undergraduates who wish not to involve their parents, there is an opt-out for the communication. This communication will be ready for Fall 2014.

9) Upon initiation, members have all the same rights, responsibilities and expectations of all

members (see Rights and Privileges of Members). Newly initiated members are not to be treated in any way differently than existing members. As they are initiated, they are not to be referred to as pledges, new members, just initiated, JIs or name or term that relegates them to anything less than a full brother.

SPECIFIC SITUATIONS We don’t exactly fit into the two scenarios you just mentioned. What do we do? With nearly 240 groups across the country, we recognize that implementation will be different on certain campuses. However, we are willing to work with you on the implementation in order to make the program a success. If you feel you need additional considerations, contact your Regional Director, and he will be able to assist you on making these changes on your campus. What about chapters that give bids throughout the year? Sigma Alpha Epsilon strongly encourages chapters to extend bids multiple times throughout the year. If you truly have a process where you can extend bids multiple times throughout the year and have no defined “bid period” by your university or IFC, then you are expected and required to follow the process each time you extend a bid to a candidate. In this situation, once the bid is accepted, the 96-hour clock starts. You will perform multiple initiations throughout the year for the members as they join, and they will begin their educational experiences at various times. Should we wait to give bids until there are enough so there is a group? We like that team experience for our new members. We hope that you mean you like the team experience for your chapter. We are hopeful that if you have a prospective member who qualifies for membership, you give him the bid as soon as you can. Why would you want to wait for him to start his membership in the organization? Under the True Gentleman Experience, the focus is not on an entire class but rather individual education. This whole thing just won’t work because of the requirements of our campus or IFC. We understand there will be some issues as we work through the implementation. The most important aspect to this will be transparency. If you are willing to work with us and communicate your challenges, we are willing to work with you. That doesn’t mean you get to keep a pledge program or pledges, but we can work with you and your campus on implementation.

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MEMBER EDUCATION EXPERIENCE Recognizing that education is a lifetime process, the focus of educational programming within our chapters is shifting from specified requirements during the first semester of membership to specific requirements each year of membership within the chapter. Structure As we age, our educational requirements naturally shift and evolve. The member education component of the True Gentleman Experience acknowledges this development and is composed of the following experiences: Experience Overall Theme Loyalty Experience (Year 1)

Introduction to SAE, Tools for Success in College, Initial Preparation for Chapter Service

Friendship Experience (Years 2-3)

Personal identity and Values Discovery Leadership Development and Continued Preparation for Chapter Service

Honor Experience (Year 4)

Preparation for Graduation, Career, and Productive Member of Society

Fraternity Experience (Alumni Life)

For any alumnus, an optional program defining what the ideal alumni experience is as well as how they can continue to provide service to Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Module Completion Each year of education will have a combination of: Experience Overall Theme Nationally required modules Overall guiding and thematic sessions, branded with

specific SAE content (e.g. Moseley’s Maxims, Minerva’s Highway)

Self-selected modules Modules both online and delivered as webinars or various events or campus programming that support the theme for the experience.

Local, approved modules Chapters have the opportunity to take from pre-existing, pre-approved programs for facilitation at the local level OR to create a program at a local level that must be approved by the chapter adviser, with all approval or denials copied to the Regional Director. The program must be executed exactly as written and approved.

Each of the experiences will have a certain amount of national, local and self-selected modules that must be completed.

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For Spring 2014 Initiates For those new members during the Spring 2014 term, an abbreviated Loyalty Experience will be introduced on March 9 for members who are initiated this semester to complete. They will be required to complete a certain number of each module. Starting in August 2014 The full member education program will continue to be developed until the rollout in August of 2014. Each level of the experience will have a certain number of modules to complete. The amount of required modules will vary from experience to experience, as you will not need as much education in a fourth-year member as you would as a first-year member. Partners in Education Chapters and colonies of Sigma Alpha Epsilon are guests of the university or college on which they reside. Recognizing that partnerships are essential to the long-term growth and viability of our member groups, it is highly recommended that programming for local, approved modules be completed whenever possible with university-sponsored educational events and programming. Timeframe All educational programs must be completed no later than two weeks prior to the start of the fall term, to coincide with the Annual Performance Review as detailed on page 19. Content of Experiences There are four broad categories from which each of the experiences will draw: Education of a True Gentleman, Mind & Body of a True Gentleman, Leading as a True Gentleman., and Personal & Professional Growth of a True Gentleman. Delivery of Content Content will be delivered by various mediums. These include but are not limited to:

1) Online Certification Programs and Modules 2) Webinars 3) Lecture/presentation 4) Activities 5) Events

Chapter Implementation To implement the True Gentleman Experience, the position of New Member Educator is being replaced with the position of Member Educator. The responsibilities of the Member Educator include the following:

• Be a member of chapter or colony’s executive board or executive council • Appoint and oversee a committee who shall be of an appropriate size to assist in

implementation and coordination of each level of the education experience. • The alumni chairman will sit on the Member Educator committee and coordinate the

Fraternity Experience initiative. • Meet with each member of the committee and ensure he understands the expectations and

requirements of his position.

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• Review the proposals, prior to submission for approval, of each local module to determine:

o Why each activity is to occur o The benefits of each activity o How the activity aligns with the mission of the True Gentleman Experience

• Note how each of the activities for an experience fulfills expectations aligned with the Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon as well as our creed, “The True Gentleman.”

• Meet weekly with his committee to ensure progress toward the successful completion. • Track the status of completion of local-level requirements and work with members to

ensure they are completing their national and self-selected member requirements. • Meet and work with alumni advisers for member education to assist in implementation

and completion of educational requirements. The chapter may choose to have the Member Educator appoint his committee or may elect each chairman. The Member Education Committee

Topics for Each Experience The topics for each year are given in a draft form below. An abbreviated Loyalty Experience for newly initiated members will be released by March 9 for those initiated this semester to complete. The remaining experiences for second, third, fourth and alumni members will be rolled out for August 2014. While the specific names of modules and sessions may change, the basic idea shall remain the same: education should, in the first years of membership, include more Sigma Alpha Epsilon information and naturally progress toward preparation for professional life. Local, Approved Modules Member groups will have the opportunity to draw from a bank of sample programs, which can be presented, to chapters specifically as written. This bank of sample content will be available at the time of the rollout in August 2014. Chapters may also write their own local, approved programs for facilitation to members. These programs are to be written using the Local Module Approval Form as detailed in Appendix E on page 32. The appropriate experience chairman will complete the form and submit to the Member Educator for review, or the Member Educator may complete the form himself.

Member Educator

Loyalty Experience Chairman

Friendship Experience Chairman

Honor Experience Chairman

Alumni Chairman (Fraternity

Experience)

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The Member Educator will review the proposal, prior to submission for approval to determine: • Why each activity is to occur • The benefits of each activity • How the activity aligns with the mission of the True Gentleman Experience

Once the Member Educator has reviewed the proposal, the document is sent to the chapter adviser for his review and approval via e-mail. The chapter adviser will either approve or disapprove of the activity, his approval sent via e-mail to the Member Educator, the appropriate experience chairman and the Regional Director. You can find the approval form in Appendix E.

The chapter adviser must:

• Approve the program as proposed to be facilitated OR disapprove of the program stating why it was disapproved and request re-submission of the proposal.

• Ensure that the program aligns with the mission of the True Gentleman Experience • Ensure the program does not contain any discussion, activity or anything of any nature

that violates Fraternity Laws, chapter by-laws, Minerva’s Shield or any state or federal law.

• Ensure the program does not contain any discussion, activity or anything of any nature that creates, implies or in any way acknowledges or treats members as second-class citizens.

It is the duty of the Member Educator to ensure that local, approved modules are provided to all members so that the requirements for each year are met. This may mean either taking time during a chapter meeting to host an educational session or scheduling additional time for an educational session outside of chapter. Educational sessions should be held to provide the necessary experiences for all. Some local, approved modules may be exclusive to one particular experience, but it is the duty of the Member Educator to ensure that all members are provided with the sessions they need to complete. The charts for the various modules on the following pages are not exhaustive lists but rather samples of topics or items that may be covered for each year’s experience. Details of the full member experience will be completed and released during the summer of 2014.

No local module should be conducted or taught until and unless the criteria listed below are met. The program must be delivered exactly as described.

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THE LOYALTY EXPERIENCE (YEAR 1) Category National Modules Local, Approved Modules Self-Selected Modules Education of a True Gentleman

• National History • Big 5 SAEs and Why

Important • National Structure,

Supreme Council • Values Reflection • SAE Resources • Minerva’s Shield • Review of self-selected

& local requirements

• Learning Province Officers, Chapters

• Learning Names & Affiliation of Greek Organizations on Campus

• Learning Officers of the University

• Local Chapter history • Local Chapter Structure

• Attending SAE Events (Province, National)

• Essay and discussion on selected Moseley Maxims

Mind & Body of a True Gentleman

• Time Management • Stress Management • Dealing with being

Alone • Nutritional Awareness • Alcohol Education • Substance Abuse

Education

• Chapter study group activities • How to use library and online

professional article databases • Cooking Health brotherhood

activity • Healthy eating options on

campus

• Locating campus resources (tutorial center, student services, resource center, counseling center)

• Study Skills Module • Joining a Gym • Staying active

Personal & Professional Growth of a True Gentleman

• Living away from home • Not allowing yourself to

be hazed

• Living on a Budget • How to Tie a Tie • Join Departmental Clubs • Attend Professional speakers

seminars on campus

• Social Media Do’s and Don’ts • How to do Laundry • Effective communication with

faculty/staff

Leading as a True Gentleman

• Getting involved on campus

• Leadership Potential Review

• Community Service/Philanthropy

• Finding a Mentor (Big Brother)

• Mentor-Faculty/Staff • Community Service

• Joining a club on campus

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THE FRIENDSHIP EXPERIENCE (YEARS 2-3) Category National Modules Local, Approved Modules Self-Selected Modules Education of a True Gentleman

• Values of SAE & how they apply to you

• Officer Prep • Benefits to a Fraternity • Hero, Nero, Zero • Review of Self-selected &

local requirements

• Chapter Retreats • Intramural Sports • Brotherhood Events • Ritual Practice & Group

Study • Chapter discussion on

Friendship • Big Brother Mentorship • Lesson on what Chapter

Officers do

• The Ideal SAE Chapter • The Top Chapter on Campus,

For Now Topos

Mind & Body of a True Gentleman

• Time Management • Dealing with being Alone • Study Skills • Staying Fit under Stress &

under budget • Sleep is Important • Alcohol Education • Suicide Prevention

• Applying for Local and National Scholarships

• Seeing from Another Point of View

• Sexual Health Safety from Campus Official

• Preventative Health Seminar from local physician

• Leadership Personality Profiles • Self-Defense Classes • Staying active • Intramural sports • Nutrition

Personal & Professional Growth of a True Gentleman

• SMART Goals • Appreciating the Arts • Civic Involvement Defined • What does Professional

mean? •

• Writing Thank You Notes • Encouraging Others • Masculinity • Dancing Lessons • Resume Writing for Success • Dressing for Success

• Getting the Most from your College Experience

• Art of Conversation • Etiquette • Keeping it professional – your

tone, your practice, your actions • Internships • Alumni Networking

Leading as a True Gentleman

• What is Leadership? • Conflict Resolution • Emotional Intelligence

• Conflict Resolution Workshop

• Your Personal Brand Workshop

• Event Planning for Success

• Volunteering in Community

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THE HONOR EXPERIENCE (YEAR 4) Category National Modules Local, Approved Modules Self-Selected Modules Education of a True Gentleman

• SAE Events • SAE Resources • Developing your

SAE Legacy • Review of Local &

Self-Selected Modules

• Chapter Retreats • Intramural Sports • Brotherhood Events • Ritual Practice &

Group Study • Reflection on SAE

Experience – your Legacy

• Graduation Ritual Ceremony

• The Giving Fraternity • Volunteering for the Chapter • Turning the page on this chapter of SAE

Mind & Body of a True Gentleman

• Grad School 101 • Dealing with Stress • Overcoming Bad

Habits • Dangers of

Addiction

• Scholarship Fantasy Football

• Encouraging others to be healthy

•

• Asking for Help • Acknowledging Others for Their and Your Benefit • Staying Active •

Personal & Professional Growth of a True Gentleman

• A View – Life after College

• Business Etiquette • Job Searching • Email and Phone

Etiquette • Using the SAE

Network •

• Keeping Health after College

• Traveling Internationally

• Cooking After College • Social Media in the

Workplace • Job Searching

Presentation

• Real Estate 101 • Investment • Insurance • Mastering the Grill • Understanding Taxes • Building your Professional Social Media Presence • Cultural Sensitivity

Leading as a True Gentleman

• Ethical decision making

• Transition from Mentee to Mentor

• Event Planning for Success

• Lessons learned in College presentation to chapter

• Learning to Facilitate

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THE FRATERNITY EXPERIENCE (ALUMNUS) Category National Modules Self-Selected Modules Education of a True Gentleman • SAE Events

• SAE Resources • Alumni Associations • Volunteering • The SAE Foundation

• What is volunteering? • Why give back to SAE?

Mind & Body of a True Gentleman • Graduating Grad School • Lifetime of Learning • Staying Physically Fit •

• Reading a book a month • Dealing with Addiction

Personal & Professional Growth of a True Gentleman

• A View – Life after College • Business Etiquette • Job Searching • Email and Phone Etiquette • Using the SAE Network

• Real Estate 101 • Investment • Insurance • Mastering the Grill • Understanding Taxes • Building your Professional Social Media

Presence

Leading as a True Gentleman • Ethical decision making • Transition from Mentee to

Mentor

• Learning to Facilitate Discussions • Lessons of Leadership

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MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS & REQUIREMENTS All collegiate members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon must meet certain expectations and requirements of a member. These expectations are detailed below. Those who meet these expectations are members in good standing and are granted the privileges listed below. The rights of a member may not be removed unless he is no longer in good standing or is suspended or expelled. All members will be reviewed annually to determine if they have met the expectations. We have always had expectations for our members, whether they were implied or stated in items like chapter by-laws, the Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the Fraternity Laws. These expectations draw from all of these sources and are designed to ensure that every member is living up to what they promised in Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Some chapters may require more and some brothers may go beyond, but these are the benchmark.

Expectations of a Member As a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, you are required to meet each of these expectations annually:

1) Must maintain a GPA of 2.5 (minimum as per Fraternity Laws) or higher as specified by chapter by-laws

2) Must be financially current (all bills paid) or be on an approved payment plan 3) Must be involved in at least one additional campus or community organization

a. Members in their senior year are exempt from this requirement, with the expectation they are working toward finding gainful employment upon graduation.

4) Must complete a minimum of 20 service hours per academic year 5) Must meet Fraternity educational requirements for his year in school 6) Must attend at least 85% of chapter meetings each year 7) Must attend at least 75% of chapter Ritual events (initiations, graduation ceremonies)

Rights and Privileges of Members Members who comply with the expectations of a member are in good standing with Sigma Alpha Epsilon. All members in good standing have the following rights and privileges: Rights:

• To be treated equally with all other brothers, and with dignity, to be called brother. • To wear Sigma Alpha Epsilon identification (badge, letters, etc.) • To be held to the same standards and expectations as all members • To be given due process for all alleged infractions

RIGHT: something that cannot be taken away while you are a member in good standing

PRIVILEGE: something you must meet and maintain certain expectations to receive

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• To be properly instructed and understand the concepts and teachings of the Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Privileges: • Participation in chapter meetings • Voting on all issues at chapter meetings • Participation on chapter committees • Participation in all chapter activities (social, sports, community service, etc.)

Annual Performance Review The Annual Performance Review is to be scheduled no later than two weeks prior to the start of the fall, and can be scheduled as early as once grades are received for the spring term. All members of the chapter, regardless of year in school, are to participate and be evaluated. The chapter standards board will run the annual performance review. The Process

1) The Eminent Deputy Archon (who oversees the Standards Board) will compile the necessary information on each member in coordination with the Eminent Recorder, Eminent Treasurer, Member Educator, Scholarship Chairman and anyone else who has information necessary to determine the status of each member.

2) The Standards Board collectively will complete the Member Expectations Acknowledgement Form for each member.

a. When a member of the Standards Board is having his form completed, he will be excused from the room.

3) Upon completion of a form, the member will be determined to have either met the expectations or not met the expectations.

4) If a member has met expectations, he is clear to continue for the next year. 5) If a member has not met expectations, the chapter may either:

a. Suspend the member until the delinquency in his expectations has been resolved i. In the case where some delinquency cannot be overcome (e.g. attendance

at meetings or Ritual), then the member is to be suspended for at minimum one semester, with the opportunity to return to the chapter after the suspension has been served.

b. Submit his name and documentation of the failure to meet standards to the Province Archon for suspension.

6) If the member has so grievously failed in meeting expectations, or his conduct is such that it is unbecoming of a gentleman, the Standards Board may prefer charges against him for a chapter trial for expulsion of the member.

Annual Performance Reviews are a required component of chapter operations and are to be held no later than two weeks prior to the start of the fall term. This goes into affect August 2015. Further details, assistance and ways to inform members of the outcome of the Annual Performance Review will be available by August 2014.

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APPENDIX A: THE LOYALTY EXPERIENCE (ACCELERATED VERSION FOR SPRING 2014) The following accelerated experience detailed in this document is the prescribed course of education for all of our members who joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon in the Spring 2014 term(s). The full True Gentleman Experience program and its educational components for all chapter members, regardless of academic year, will be available in August 2014. New-member (pledge) education is being replaced with a program that is primarily self-driven. This means that the focus is on individual accountability for completion of the majority of the educational programs rather than a group concept led by a Pledge Educator or Pledge Trainer. In fact, those positions have evolved into a new position: Member Educator. While the Member Educator will play an important role in coordinating and planning educational membership experiences, it is the task of the member to complete the experience within the required timeframe. The Member Educator should work to ensure that members complete the program by tracking their completions. Members who fail to complete the required programs should be brought to the chapter’s standards board so they may be held accountable for their actions. As you read this document, you’ll notice its contents don’t look like a traditional new-member-education program because it isn’t. Because our goal is a lifetime of learning, it is the duty of the member to meet the requirement set forth by the Fraternity. Outcome of the Loyalty Experience Those who complete the accelerated Loyalty Experience should:

• Be familiar with Sigma Alpha Epsilon on a local, chapter or colony level as well as a national level

• Have learned the tools necessary for success in college • Have started their preparation for service to the chapter as an officer and leader

The Member Educator The Member Educator and his committee shall be in charge of overseeing the educational programming for the chapter. Timeline for Completion of the Loyalty Experience The Member Educator may use his discretion and judgment to plan the local, approved modules for member completion. However, all modules need to be completed by May 1, 2014. How to Implement the Loyalty Experience

1) Have the Member Educator read and become familiar with this document.

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2) Report the Member Educator online using the existing Chapter Management Tools at www.sae.net.

3) Host a Membership Orientation Meeting so members are aware of how the education now occurs within chapters and colonies.

4) Work with the Member Educator Committee to plan the necessary local, approved modules.

5) Submit the local, approved modules for approval by the chapter adviser(s). 6) Host the local, approved modules as written and approved. 7) The Member Educator should track the completion of the members in this experience and

follow up with members who are not completing the work. 8) The Member Educator should check those who have not completed the requirements by

May 1, 2014, and refer those who have not completed the work to the chapter standards board.

Understanding Member Education How the Loyalty Experience Works The Educational Experiences of the True Gentleman Experience are a combination of three types of modules: Experience Overall Theme Nationally required modules Overall guiding and thematic sessions, branded with

specific SAE content (e.g. Moseley’s Maxims, Minerva’s Highway)

Self-selected modules Modules both online and delivered as webinars or various events or campus programming that support the theme for the experience.

Local, approved modules Chapters have the opportunity to take from pre-existing, pre-approved programs for facilitation at the local level OR to create a program at a local level that must be approved by the chapter adviser, with all approval or denials copied to the Regional Director. The program must be executed exactly as written and approved.

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Within each module are four primary themes: Experience Overall Theme Education of a True Gentleman As a member in Sigma Alpha Epsilon, your

commitments to the Fraternity are for life. Sessions and programs for this theme provide members with education in the Fraternity, its operation, structure, Ritual and values. Examples: national history, SAE resources, Minerva’s Shield, chapter history, chapter operations

Mind & Body of a True Gentleman

A healthy mind and healthy body are important to personal success and long-term growth. Sessions and programs in this theme provide members with the tools and skills they need to strengthen or maintain their physical, mental or academic health. Examples: time management, academic study skills, substance abuse, physical fitness, eating healthy

Personal & Professional Growth of a True Gentleman

A true gentleman has many tools at his disposal for his personal and professional success. Sessions and programs in this theme provide life and professional skills that facilitate the growth of a well-rounded gentleman. Examples: living on a budget, balancing a checkbook, how to do laundry, social media do’s and don’ts

Leading as a True Gentleman Leadership is important, whether as an elected leader, a company CEO or a leader in public opinion. Sessions and programs in this theme provide members with knowledge and practice about the various types of leadership and how to lead, as well as resources that may be of assistance to a leader. Examples: getting involved on campus, community service/philanthropy, mentorship (faculty/staff/big brother), types of leadership

How Members Access the Loyalty Experience Members login to thetgi.sae.net and the Loyalty Experience will be available as an option from the drop-down option. Anyone initiated in Spring 2014 will have access to this program. Logging into the system provides members with the required national modules and various optional self-selected modules.

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It is the duty of the Member Educator to create local, approved modules and to schedule time, whether in a chapter meeting or outside of a meeting, to facilitate the lesson. Local, Approved Modules The educational experiences are generally designed to be one year in length, with time for many different lessons. As this program is accelerated, the following items detail the local modules that you should cover in the categories. Be creative with them, and don’t reinvent the wheel. Take advantage of programs that may already exist on campus to fulfill the requirements, if possible. For more information on local, approved modules, see page 12-13.

Category # of Sessions

to Complete Local, Approved Modules

Education of a True Gentleman

4 1) Provide member with the following to learn and become familiar with: Province Officers & Province Chapters; Names & Affiliation of Greek Organizations on Campus; Officers of the University

2) Local Chapter History/Structure/Officers/By-Laws

3) Learn to Recite “The True Gentleman” 4) Ritual; Discussion/Meaning of Insignia

Mind & Body of a True Gentleman

2 1) Visit the Tutoring/Study Skills Department on campus to learn about hours and services

2) Guest speaker from campus on alcohol safety, sexual assault awareness, substance abuse or similar topic

Personal & Professional Growth of a True Gentleman

2 1) Living on a Budget 2) Attend a professional seminar on campus on

a topic that interests the member Leading as a True Gentleman

2 1) Finding a Mentor (Big Brother)* 2) Alumni Mentorship Program

*Please see Big Brother/Mentor Program in Appendix G for how this program should be executed and performed properly. The National Modules To make your job as a Member Educator easier, we have taken the information that is most universal and programmed them as part of the online components of the accelerated Loyalty Experience. Members may complete the programs as quickly or slowly as they wish. However, they must be completed by May 1, 2014.

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Category National Modules Education of a True Gentleman • National History

• National Structure, Supreme Council • Understanding Membership in a Greek-Letter

Organization • Understanding our Oaths • SAE Resources • Minerva’s Shield • Review of self-selected & local requirements

Mind & Body of a True Gentleman • Time Management • Stress Management • Alcohol Education • Substance Abuse Education

Personal & Professional Growth of a True Gentleman

• Living away from home • Not allowing yourself to be hazed

Leading as a True Gentleman

• Getting involved on campus • Leadership Potential • Community Service/Philanthropy

What about self-selected modules? Self-selected modules are at the discretion of member to complete. They must, at minimum, complete the number listed in the grid below. Members will have until May 1, 2014, to complete the required self-selected modules. Category # to Complete Self-Selected Modules Education of a True Gentleman

1 • Attend a SAE National or Regional Event

• Topos Exercise – Moseley’s Maxims

Mind & Body of a True Gentleman

2 • Locating campus resources (tutorial center, student services, resource center, counseling center)

• Study Skills Module • Staying Active

Personal & Professional Growth of a True Gentleman

2 • Social Media Do’s and Don’ts • How to Do Laundry • Effective communication with

faculty/staff Leading as a True Gentleman

1 • Joining a club on campus

Checking Completion of the Modules As the Member Educator, you have access to see the status of each member and the components he has completed. Log into thetgi.sae.net, and select “Chapter Admin” from the left of the screen near your name. From there, select the group, which will be the “YOUR CHAPTER Accelerated Loyalty Experience.”

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The names of your members will appear on the right of the screen, and you can click next to their names to see which sessions they have completed. Understanding Local, Approved Modules Member groups will have the opportunity to draw from a bank of sample programs, which can be presented to members specifically as written. This bank of sample content will be available at the time of the rollout in August 2014. Chapters may also write their own local, approved programs for facilitation to members. These programs are to be written using the Local Module Approval Form as detailed in Appendix E on page 32. The appropriate experience chairman will complete the form and submit it to the Member Educator for review, or the Member Educator may complete the form himself. The Member Educator will review the proposal, prior to submission for approval, determining for each module:

• Why each activity is to occur • The benefits of each activity • How the activity aligns with the mission of the True Gentleman Experience

Once the Member Educator has reviewed the proposal, the document should be sent to the chapter adviser for his review and approval via e-mail. The chapter adviser will either approve or disapprove of the activity — and his approval will be sent via e-mail to the Member Educator, the appropriate Experience Chairman and the Regional Director. No local module is to be held or taught until and unless these criteria are met. The program must be delivered exactly as described. The chapter adviser must:

• Approve the program as proposed to be facilitated OR disapprove of the program stating why it was disapproved and request re-submission of the proposal.

• Ensure the program aligns with the mission of the True Gentleman Experience • Ensure the program does not contain any discussion, activity or anything of any nature

that violates Fraternity Laws, chapter by-laws, Minerva’s Shield or any state or federal law.

• Ensure the program does not contain any discussion, activity or anything of any nature that creates, implies or in any way acknowledges or treats members as second-class citizens.

It is the duty of the Member Educator to ensure that local, approved modules are provided to all members so that the requirements for each year are met. This may mean either taking time during a chapter meeting to host an educational session or scheduling additional time for an educational session outside of chapter educational sessions to provide the necessary experiences for all.

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APPENDIX B: IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE There are three phases of implementation: Phase One: Short-term Implementation (March 9, 2014 – August 1, 2014) For current new members or prospective members who receive a bid to join:

1) All uninitiated members must be reported to the Fraternity Service Center by the Eminent Archon or Eminent Treasurer via the chapter-management tools on www.sae.net.

2) All uninitiated members must claim their www.sae.net account if they have not already done so.

3) All uninitiated members must complete the Carson Starkey Member Certification Program at thetgi.sae.net.

a. Members must be reported and their www.sae.net account linked to their member account before they are able to complete the Carson Starkey Member Certification Program.

4) All uninitiated members must be initiated using the Initiation Ceremony in the Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon by the end of the day on March 11, 2014.

a. Chapters that are on spring break or recess or that have arranged for a special initiation during the next few weeks may be considered for an exemption. The Eminent Archon should contact his Regional Director to file an exemption or extension for consideration.

5) However, on March 9, 2014, all chapter members will be considered full members with the same equal rights, responsibilities and expectations as any other member.

6) All fees, including the former New-Member (Pledge) Fee and the Initiation Fee, must be paid within 10 days of the Initiation Ceremony to the Fraternity Service Center.

a. The Member Services Department can work out the details of payment plans with chapters that need financial assistance in the payment of dues.

7) Badges, shingles and membership cards will be shipped within 10-14 days upon receipt of the necessary fees.

8) Anyone who receives a bid to join from March 9 forward must be initiated within 96 hours of receiving the bid.

9) The chapter must follow all requirements set forth in the Bid-to-Initiate Process section of this document.

Education The Department of Educational Programs has introduced an accelerated Loyalty Experience for all those initiated by March 9 and forward. Detailed in the program is a process for chapters to develop and have their local educational programs approved for education in local chapter history and structure. These lessons must be approved before they are taught.

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Expectations of Members, Annual Performance Review Eminent Archons will review with chapter membership the Expectations of a Member and the details of the Annual Performance Review with the chapter, outlining the requirements that must be met by August 2015. Phase Two Long-Term Implementation (August 1, 2014 forward) By August 1, 2014, all components discussed in this document will be in full effect.

• Chapter intake of members must be in full accord with the process described in the Bid-to-Initiate Process.

• All members of the chapter must work toward completion of their required educational experiences and complete their experiences no later than the start of the annual performance review.

• All members must meet the expectations of a member as listed in the Membership Expectations & Requirements section.

• All members, upon initiation, will have full rights, responsibilities and privileges. Phase Three Annual Performance Reviews (May 2015) Starting at the close of the Spring 2015 term but before the start of Fall 2015 term, chapters should hold their first Annual Performance Reviews.

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APPENDIX C: CHECKLIST FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Effective March 9, 2014: Initiations & Extending Bids

• All uninitiated members must be reported to the Fraternity Service Center by the Eminent Archon or Eminent Treasurer via the chapter-management tools on www.sae.net.

• All uninitiated members must claim their www.sae.net account if they have not already done so.

• All uninitiated members must complete the Carson Starkey Member Certification Program at thetgi.sae.net.

o Members must be reported and their www.sae.net account linked to their member account before they are able to complete the Carson Starkey Member Certification Program.

• All uninitiated members must be initiated using the Initiation Ceremony in the Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon by the end of the day on March 11, 2014.

o Chapters that are on spring break or recess or that have arranged for a special initiation during the next few weeks may be considered for an exemption. The Eminent Archon should contact his Regional Director to file an exemption or extension for consideration.

• However, on March 9, 2014, all chapter members will be considered full members with the same equal rights, responsibilities and expectations as any other member.

• All fees, including the former New-Member (Pledge) Fee and the Initiation Fee, must be paid within 10 days of the Initiation Ceremony to the Fraternity Service Center.

o The Member Services Department can work out the details of payment plans with chapters that need financial assistance in the payment of dues.

• Badges, shingles and membership cards will be shipped within 10-14 days upon receipt of the necessary fees.

• Anyone who receives a bid to join from March 9 forward must be initiated within 96 hours of receiving the bid.

• The chapter must follow all requirements set forth in the Bid-to-Initiate Process section of this document.

Education

• Have all brothers initiated from March 9 forward complete the Loyalty Experience educational program, available at thetgi.sae.net on March 9, 2014.

o Members initiated from March 9 forward will receive an e-mail with login instructions and steps required for completion.

• Elect or appoint a Member Educator and report him by sending an e-mail notification to James Irwin at jirwin@sae.net.

• Have the Member Educator appoint a committee as outlined in this document or have the chapter elect members to this committee.

• Prepare and submit local modules for approval. These modules are to address the local chapter history and structure and are to be open to all members.

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o Lesson plans for approval must be submitted using the form in this document to the chapter adviser as detailed on the form.

• The Member Educator will review with the membership the changes in educational requirements for members that will be in effect starting in August 2014.

Expectations of Members

• The Eminent Archon reviews with the chapter the expectations of a member and ensures that each member listed on the roster acknowledges the requirements.

• The Eminent Archon will ensure that chapter members are aware of the Annual Performance Review and the consequences of failing to complete the expectations.

o Eminent Archons will have each member on their roster sign that he acknowledges he is being held to these standards and will be evaluated in August 2015 to ensure his completion and compliance.

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APPENDIX D: MEMBER EXPECTATIONS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM As a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, I understand the following criteria are expectations of my membership during my collegiate tenure. I acknowledge that I will meet these standards and may choose to go beyond them. I further acknowledge that I will annually be reviewed on these standards and that my failure to meet these standards will result in my suspension from the chapter until I have met the standard missed, or in the case where I cannot make up what was missed, for a term of one semester.

1) Must maintain a GPA of 2.5 (minimum as per Fraternity Laws) or higher as specified by chapter by-laws

2) Must be financially current (all bills paid) or be on an approved payment plan 3) Must be involved in at least one additional campus or community organization

a. Members in their senior year are exempt from this requirement, with the expectation they are working toward finding gainful employment upon graduation.

4) Must complete a minimum of 20 service hours per academic year 5) Must meet Fraternity educational requirements for his year in school 6) Must attend at least 85% of chapter meetings each year 7) Must attend at least 75% of chapter Ritual events (initiations, graduation ceremonies)

I hereby acknowledge that I have been informed of these expectations. Name: Signature: Date: Chapter:

For a digital version of this form you can complete electronically, CLICK HERE.

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APPENDIX E: LOCAL MODULE APPROVAL FORM All educational programs and activities of the chapter, which are components of completion of the True Gentleman Experience, must be submitted for approval to the chapter adviser. The chapter adviser will then either approve or disapprove of the activity, with copies of the approval or disapproval being sent to the Regional Director. The chapter may not host, perform or facilitate any programs that are components of the True Gentleman Experience under Local, Approved Programs until the program has been approved. The program must then be facilitated exactly as written. Activities should be in line with the mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, The Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, “The True Gentleman,” Minerva’s Shield and the mission of the True Gentleman Experience. All activities should be submitted for approval at minimum one week before they are to be held. Chapter/Colony: Date: Title of Session: Name of Presenter: Area of the True Gentleman Experience (mark or circle): Education of a True Gentleman Mind & Body of a True Gentleman Personal & Professional Growth Leading as a True Gentleman of a True Gentleman Which experience does this session encompass? (mark or circle): Loyalty Friendship Honor Description of Session (brief overview): How long will the activity last? By taking part in this activity, what will the participants learn, or what are the learning outcomes? 1) 2) 3) Below, please detail the session. Use specific details, such as where it will be hosted, who will be facilitating, who else will be present, how will it be presented and what activities or things the participants will be required to do as part of the program.

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APPROVALS As the adviser for this chapter/colony, it is at your discretion to approve or deny this activity. By approving this activity, you agree that the activity, as presented, is in full accord with the mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, The Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, “The True Gentleman,” Minerva’s Shield and the mission of the True Gentleman Experience. You further recognize and advise the chapter that if they deviate or their activities are not in accord with the previously mentioned rules, regulations and guiding documents, that the chapter risks its closure, and the members associated with the incident may be expelled. I approve of this activity as written. I disapprove of this activity for the following reasons: Name: Date: Note: All approvals or disapprovals must be forwarded to the Regional Director or Coordinator of Extension for the chapter or colony.

For a digital version of this form you can complete electronically, CLICK HERE.

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APPENDIX F: MEMBER ORIENTATION MEETING The purpose of the Member Orientation Meeting is to provide members with additional information about the next steps of being initiated into Sigma Alpha Epsilon. At the close of the Member Orientation Meeting, candidates for membership should:

• Be familiar with the Mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon as well as “The True Gentleman” • Understand that their membership in Sigma Alpha Epsilon is for life • Understand the requirements of a member and how member education takes place • Be familiar with the various officers, advisers and Fraternity Service Center staff that are

direct resources for them • Understand the next steps required for membership

Planning the Meeting Timing The timing of the Member Orientation Meeting should be during the 96 hours after a bid has been accepted. It is appropriate for the meeting to be held either as a large group or to be held in smaller groups. Note: For the March 9 launch of the True Gentleman Experience, this session may take place either before or after the Initiation Ceremony. Location The location of the meeting may be either in a room on campus or in the chapter house. Everyone should have a place to sit and space to write or take notes. Facilitators The Member Educator and Eminent Archon should facilitate the meeting. Attendees The Member Orientation Meeting is open to all members of the chapter, university administrators, chapter advisers, parents and alumni. As this meeting will outline the expectations of members, it is good specifically to invite the groups mentioned above. That way, they have no impression or thought that things may be occurring that are not in line with the mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Materials to Prep The chapter should prepare the following for every candidate of membership to be given to them at the meeting:

1) Copy of chapter by-laws 2) Membership directory 3) Listing of officers, advisers, Province Archon and Regional Director 4) Next-steps checklist (draft enclosed on the last page of this document)

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Length of Meeting The meeting should last about an hour, with additional time for questions afterwards. The chapter should consider hosting a reception after the event to further welcome members and their parents. This function must be dry/alcohol-free.

The Meeting

I. Welcome – Eminent Archon II. Roll Call of the Candidates for Membership – Member Educator III. Introductions

a. Allow for all officers of the chapter to introduce themselves b. Allow for guests and university officials to introduce themselves

IV. Understanding the Bid – Eminent Archon a. In extending a bid to you to join Sigma Alpha Epsilon, we acknowledge that you

the qualities we seek in a man and a gentleman. You already possess the character and standards we seek for members. Recognizing such, we welcome you into our brotherhood, and your initiation into our order will occur on ________________ (must be within the 96 hours, as prescribed in the True Gentleman Experience).

b. There will be no pledge period, and there will be no hazing. We recognize you as our friend and brother from the start, with no need to further “prove your worth.” As a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, we will expect you to meet requirements — the same requirements required of every member.

c. We further expect you to start thinking of yourself as a brother right now. Upon your initiation, you will have the same rights and responsibilities as every other brother.

d. Realize further that once you have joined, you are an initiated brother. The only way to quit is to resign your membership or be expelled from the Fraternity.

e. We want to make sure that you consider well what joining the Fraternity means. In addition, it’s a step that is not taken back.

f. We will review a few other next steps and then open the floor to questions. V. The Mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Member Educator

a. The mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon is to promote the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, and service for our members based upon the ideals set forth by our Founders and as specifically enunciated in our creed, “The True Gentleman.”

b. All of your time as a member is such that what we do must be in line with our mission.

VI. Important Officers, Advisers and Fraternity Staff – Eminent Archon a. Review with the group the important officers, advisers and the

Regional Director. VII. Expectations of Membership – Eminent Archon

a. All members of the chapter are required to meet the following expectations. These outline the minimum requirements for you to remain a part of this chapter.

i. Must have achieved a GPA of 2.5 (minimum as per Fraternity Laws) or higher as specified by chapter by-laws

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ii. Must be financially current (all bills paid) or be on an approved payment plan

iii. Must be involved in at least one additional campus or community organization

1. Members in their senior year are exempt from this requirement, with the expectation they are working toward finding gainful employment upon graduation.

iv. Minimum 20 service hours per academic year v. Meet Fraternity educational requirements for year in school

vi. Attend at least 85% of chapter meetings each year vii. Attend at least 75% of chapter Ritual events (initiations, graduation

ceremonies) VIII. Member Education – Member Educator

a. Sigma Alpha Epsilon embraces the idea that education is lifelong. Rather than a brief “pledge period,” chapter member continue their education throughout time in the chapter. There is little point in trying to cram every thing that is important into a brief few-week period.

b. For each year you are in the chapter, there are specific educational outcomes and goals that you will have to achieve. This mission will be accomplished through a series of online educational components as well as local components that the Member Educator (me) will plan and facilitate along with members of my committee.

c. We will provide you educational components in the following categories: i. Education of a True Gentleman (information about Sigma Alpha Epsilon,

the organization) ii. Mind & Body of a True Gentleman (Health and Wellness)

iii. Personal & Professional Growth of a True Gentleman (preparation for professional careers and personal development)

iv. Leading as a True Gentleman (Leadership) d. The amount and variety of the topics in these categories will shift from year to

year. You won’t need to learn as much about SAE in your senior year as you would as a freshman.

e. You will receive an e-mail with the account you provide on your www.sae.net sign-up with further instructions and, as we proceed, we will provide sessions so you can complete the components that we will provide locally.

IX. Finances – Eminent Treasurer a. As a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, you are required to pay the following in

fees/dues: i. Initiation Fee: $310

ii. Semester Dues of ______________ b. Your initiation fee provides you with your membership badge; a copy of The

Phoenix, our educational guide; your membership shingle and membership card. X. Next Steps – Eminent Archon

a. Your next steps are as follows: i. Claim your www.sae.net account

ii. About 24 hours later, visit thetgi.sae.net and login.

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1. You may or may not receive an e-mail, but check within 48 hours. iii. Complete the Carson Starkey Member Certification Program

1. You will know you are finished with the program when it says “9/9” on the left of the screen.

iv. Meet with our Treasurer to meet payment obligations. XI. Questions, Comments – Eminent Archon

a. Questions & comments from anyone in the room (candidate, parent, administrator, alumnus, etc.)

Next Steps for a Candidate for Membership

Step 1: Claim your www.sae.net account

• Visit www.sae.net and click “Register” in the top right corner. • Read through the information that is listed, and complete the form at the bottom of the

page. • Click “Submit.” • You will receive an e-mail within 2-4 business days confirming your completion of this

requirement and providing the next steps for your membership.

Step 2: After 24 hours, visit thetgi.sae.net and login.

• Visit thetgi.sae.net. • Click “Login” in the top right corner. • Enter your members-only account credentials (username and password you created at

sae.net). • After your credentials are processed, you will see “Carson Starkey Member Certification

Program” selected from the drop-down at the top of your screen. If you do not see it, select it from the drop-down list.

• Proceed to complete all sessions that are listed. Note that a session will appear darkened when it is completed. You MUST click “complete” in all of the boxes that appear for you to read or watch.

• In addition, you will know that your certification program has been completed successfully when “8/8 sessions complete” appears next to your name on the left side of the screen.

Step 3: Meet with your Eminent Treasurer to meet payment obligations.

Revised 03/14

APPENDIX G THE BIG BROTHER MENTOR PROGRAM A Mentor or Big Brother within the chapter is an important component to the member experience. For the first-year student, it forms a relationship with someone who has been in the chapter for longer, and can provide advice and guidance. Most importantly the Big Brother takes the role of mentor seriously, and provides advice and assistance when needed to his Little Brother. Therefore, it is important that each Big Brother and Little Brother pairing is chosen with thought and scrutiny behind it.

►The Purpose of the Big Brother Program

To provide members to the organization with a mentor to support the transition to college life as a Fraternity man.

The Big Brother will accomplish this by:

1) Support of the member in his academic endeavors a. Tutoring services, checking up to ensure they are making grades, letting them know they can reach

out for help and it’s okay to ask for it. 2) Encourage proper time management and working to ensure enough time is spent on studies

b. Help the member to plan their week and ensure they are allowing enough time for studies. 3) Mentor proper and gentlemanly social, public actions

c. Teach and demonstrate how to be a True Gentleman in public 4) Ensure that the member is familiar with Minerva’s Shield

d. Use this as a guide for how all members should behave 5) Be a resource and a friend to the member

e. Be a friend to the member as the member’s needs define it. In other words, hang out with them as they want, do not make them do what you want.

►Considerations for pairing big brother/little brother:

• Students of the same major o Students of the same major can help each other academically. The Big Brother knows what

classes are most worthwhile, what the student needs to do to get his major on track and how to succeed in harder classes. As Big Brothers should have a positive academic influence on his Little Brother, you should consider holding Big Brother candidates to a minimum grade point average.

• Big Brothers should be dependable. o They should do what they say they will do and should be willing to make themselves available

to their Little Brother whenever possible. • The Big Brother should possess a positive attitude about all things fraternity

o From chapter meetings to intramurals, service events to running for office. There is a very good chance the Big Brother’s attitude will rub off on his Little Brother.

Revised 03/14

• Big Brothers and Little Brothers should have complementary personalities o Sense of humor, communication styles, interests and hobbies are all tell-tale signs of whether

the experience will be mutually beneficial. • Members who are from the same hometown or have previously-established relationships should not be

matched. o The Big Brother program is designed to create new friendships.

►Selection Process

• Eligible Big Brothers will complete the Big Brother Application Form prior to the start of the semester. • All Big Brother candidates are to attend the Member Orientation Meeting to participate in the meeting. • Little brothers will complete the Little Brother Information form, to be submitted to the Member Educator

by a date specified by the Member Educator • After both are complete, the Member Educator, with the assistance of his committee, will match big/little

combinations • This should be completed within the first month of the member joining.

►Program Outline

• Big brothers, in order to welcome their little brothers, may provide gifts for the little brother. • Identities of Big/Little Brother combinations are not to be secret – rather the Big Brother from the start

should spend additional time with the Little Brother to mentor them and answer questions they may have.

• Big brothers should weekly seek to spend time with their little brothers or at minimum to check on each other.

• The program has no beginning or ending date, as the big brother/little brother, mentor/mentee relationship does not end.

Revised 03/14

►Big Brother Responsibilities

1. Be in good standing with the chapter (have a zero account balance or on a payment plan)

2. Be at or above the all men’s average 3. Serve as a positive role model for his Little Brother 4. Monitor academic performance of his Little Brother 5. Assist in the Little Brother’s social adjustment 6. Act as a sounding board when needed for the Little Brother 7. Serve as a confidant to your little brother 8. Introduce and explain chapter customs to the Little Brother 9. Spend time with his Little Brother at least once a week (this is the absolute minimum) 10. Help and hold his Little Brother accountable for meeting the expectations of a member 11. Ensure that the Little Brother does not participate in any activities that are not congruent with the Ritual

of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a violation of Minerva’s Shield, or not in accordance with The True Gentleman.

►Little Brother Responsibilities

1. Meet with his Big Brother at least once a week 2. Never feel they should have to hesitate to contact their Big Brother over anything 3. Not select a best friend, but an ideal person to emulate 4. Demand continual involvement from his Big Brother 5. Discuss any difficulties and problems with his Big Brother 6. Use his Big Brother as a link for fraternal, academic and social issues

A final note: It is always important to reiterate that the success of a member does not rely on one or two people. The member educator and a great Big Brother can only do so much if the entire chapter isn’t behind them. Every member of the chapter should be looking out for the best interest of the other members of the chapter.

That being said, the Big Brother should be held responsible for the Little Brother’s growth in the chapter. If the member is failing in completing what is expected of him, first look to see if the Big Brother is doing what is required of him. And remember, that if what you say and what you do don’t match up, it’s going to be what you do that leaves the biggest and most lasting impression.

Revised 03/14

BIG BROTHER APPLICATION Last Name: GPA Above All men’s Average Yes/No First Name: Hours Per week you can devote to activities and your little brother: Semesters you have been a active brother: Academic Major: Favorite Activities: Have you met all of your financial obligations? Yes/No In 250 words or less, explain why you want to be a big brother. In 250 words or less, how will you benefit your little brother and chapter by being a big brother?

Revised 03/14

By signing below, I agree to become a candidate for big brother for the _____________ Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon for the __________ Term. I understand all requirements outlined as components of The True Gentleman Experience. I understand that I must serve as a mentor and role model for the member and must remain a brother in good standing throughout the semester. I understand that failure to uphold these requirements will lead to the dismissal of my duties as a big brother. Signing this document does not guarantee me a little brother and approval/dismissal is subject to the Member Educator and his committee. _________________________ _________________________ Signature of Member Date

Revised 03/14

LITTLE BROTHER APPLICATION Last Name: First Name: Hours Per week you can devote to activities and your big brother: Academic Major: Favorite Activities: Write down the names of FOUR brothers from the approved list that you would like to be your Big Brother. Names should be written in order of preference, with 1 being the most desired. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Revised 03/14

QUALIFIED BIG BROTHER CANDIDATES APPROVED NOT-APPROVED (Note – this should be completed prior to the start of the semester so this printed form can be included in the welcome packet for candidates for membership)