Missouri Alpha Chapter
Phi Kappa Psi
Sixweek Pledge Education Program
PLEDGE EDUCATION PROGRAM
EXPECTATIONS
ACADEMIC: You are here, first and foremost, to be educated and to graduate with a degree. To
do less, wastes the time, money and support that made it possible for you to be here. Phi Kappa
Psi recognizes that its relationship with the school should be one of mutual interest in the
development of the student. To this end, much of the Pledge Education program focuses on
scholastic endeavor. To be initiated, a student must be enrolled at the university and be in good
academic standing. Phi Kappa Psi expects its chapters and officers to perform at a level at least
equal to 2.5 (on 4.0 scale) or the all- men’s average, whichever is higher. You are expected to do
your part, both for your future and your chapter.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Phi Kappa Psi is an integral part of the college community.
Therefore, it is important that Phi Psi’s pledges are acclimated to the Greek system and other
student organizations. Involvement within the university does more than offer you additional
experience and training; it can also help the entire chapter in at least three ways:
•
It allows members to meet others for social betterment and recruitment
•
It exposes the chapter to a greater number of contacts within the student organizations
that often influence University policy
•
It provides members with more opportunities for leadership development and personal
improvement.
Pledges are encouraged to establish a rapport with faculty and administrators. It is important that
Phi Psi be represented in a positive manner at all times. Interaction with other student
organizations is an expectation of all members of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE: Gaining an understanding of the governing structure of the
Fraternity, committee structure, history, maintenance of the property, and general operations is
important to the Fraternity Education program. Weekly quizzes on material presented in
discussions and reading assignments will be administered. A minimum score of 75% on each of
the weekly quizzes is required for initiation. In addition, the Missouri Alpha Chapter of Phi
Kappa Psi requires a minimum score of 80% on the Comprehensive Final Examination given at
the completion of the sixweek pledge program.
PARTICIPATION: Phi Kappa Psi promotes the building of brotherhood in its Fraternity
Education Program. A number of events require attendance (weekly pledge meetings, study
hours, workshops and presentations, functions with campus sororities, all-chapter meetings, etc.).
Good time management is essential, as much will be asked of you during your association with
Phi Kappa Psi. Participation is more than just showing up, however. We benefit from you ideas,
opinions, background and experiences. Each member offers perspectives which, when combined,
help us to make better decisions as an organization.
WEEK ONE (PLEDGESHIP/INTRODUCTIONS)
AGENDA
1. Presentation of The Manual of Phi Kappa Psi. Review the intent of the program.
2. Fill out rush survey – why did you choose Phi Kappa Psi?
3. Discuss Surviving College (pages 36-63 in manual)
4. Discuss Pledge Dad program.
5. Compile a telephone and address list of pledges (include both home and campus
information). Include your birthday, intended ma jor, and parents’ names. Use this to develop
a phone tree to hand out at next meeting.
6. Collect Pledge Fees and have pledges fill out two 3x5 information cards to be sent to national
and kept in chapter archives.
ASSIGNMENTS (for pledges)
•
Write a letter home to parents to inform them of your decision to pledge Phi Kappa Psi.
This will be accompanied by a letter from the Chapter President, which discusses the
responsibilities of BOTH the pledge and the chapter.
•
Read: Values of Fraternity Membership and Demands of the Fraternity About
Fraternities, Chapters 3,4 (18-23); Gentlemanly Conduct Surviving College, Chapter 3
(57-63); and Fraternity Education and Pledges’ Obligations Enjoying Your Pledgeship,
Chapter 1,2 (65-72) in The Manual of Phi Kappa Psi, 1997 edition.
•
Obtain a blank cassette tape before the next meeting.
•
Meet all in- house brothers and two out-of-house brothers. Learn their names,
hometowns, year in school, major, offices they hold in the house, if they are laveliered
and if so to whom. This interview should be both informal and verbal so the brothers and
pledges can become acclimated with each other.
•
Think about potential Pledge Dads (have 3 or 4 options). Write down a preference list.
DUE BY WED. NIGHT.
•
Introspective "letter to self" – What do you hope or expect to get out of the fraternity
experience. What are your own concerns and anxieties?
•
Make copies of all syllabi and class schedule for Fraternity Educator. Fill out master
calendar with all test dates, project due dates, etc
WEEK TWO (FRATERNITY CONDUCT)
AGENDA
1. Collect “introspective” (This will not be read by anyone but you; this letter will be returned
to you at the end of the semester so you can compare your thoughts before and after your
initiation in Phi Kappa Psi).
2. Guest Speaker: Etiquette Workshop. Becoming a Phi Psi Gentleman. Ask the house mother
to do a short presentation on dress, table manners and the art of introductions. Also, cover the
material in the Program Guide chapter on etiquette and The Phi Psi Gentlemen.
3. Discuss the values of fraternity membership found on p.18-21.
4. Discuss rules given during previous week, ask if any clarifications are needed. This is your
opportunity to fix anything that was said wrong or explained incorrectly.
5. Introduce Scholarship Chairman, discuss importance of academics and ways to “make the
grade” through effective time management, taking good notes, etc. They should identify
campus resources that can support and assist academic efforts and should discuss what
students should do when they feel they are falling behind or failing in their courses. The
chairman should also discuss chapter incentive programs and national and local fraternity
scholarships. *Pledges are eligible to apply for most Endowment Fund Scholarships,
provided they are initiated at the time the scholarships are awarded.
6. Present and discuss the study hours program (located in attached addendum).
7. Review Fraternity song, “Noble Fraternity” (p. 173).
8. Collect the cassette tapes.
9. Explain Pledge Class Retreat. (Substance free discussion of the Fraternity, usually held
outside the chapter house)
10. Introduce Pledge Dads to pledges. Have pledges order paddles for their Pledge Dad.
Paddles are not to be given to their Pledge Dads until after initiation.
11. Quiz #1 over week One material.
ASSIGNMENTS (for pledges)
•
Read Found of Fraternities, Sororities and National Interfraternity Groups About
Fraternities, Chapters 5-7 (24-31) and The general history of Phi Kappa Psi About Phi
Kappa Psi, Chapter 1 (79-87) in The Manual of Phi Kappa Psi.
•
Read handouts on the history of The University of Missouri and The Missouri Alpha
Chapter.
•
Introduce yourself personally to each of your class instructors and teacher’s assistants.
•
Learn the schools alma mater and Noble Fraternity.
WEEK THREE (HISTORY OF FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, PHI KAPPA PSI, THE
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, AND MISSOURI ALPHA)
AGENDA (for Fraternity Educator)
1. Present a lecture on the origins of college fraternities and sororities in the United States. p.
24-21.
2. Discuss the history of The University of Missouri.
3. Discuss the history of Phi Kappa Psi. You may wish to use the Fraternity videotape: Phi
Kappa Psi: A Proud Tradition, which summarizes important dates, events and alumni within
the Fraternity.
4. Discuss local chapter history. The Historian should describe his duties as an officer.
5. Discuss the function of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and other Greek-related governing
or judicial boards. Organize a schedule so each pledge is able to attend an IFC meeting with
the chapter delegate.
6. Review the song, "Amici" (pg. 225).
7. Talk about experiences in classes so far. Discuss what troubles men may be having in
keeping up, understanding what to study, note-taking, etc. Assign pledges to academic
mentors, where majors or classes match upperclassmen.
8.
Distribute cassette tapes with "Songs of Phi Kappa Psi".
9. Quiz #2 over week two material.
ASSIGNMENTS (for pledges)
•
Organize time outside the meeting to get together as a group and learn the two songs.
Use the cassette tapes.
•
Read About Phi Kappa Psi, Chapters 2-9 (88-111) in The Manual of Phi Kappa Psi.
•
Read "The Motto and Passwords of Phi Kappa Psi."
•
Read "The Creed of Phi Kappa Psi." Begin to memorize the Creed by sections. Write a
short essay of what the Creed means to you and how you can live by it in your daily life.
•
Read “The Ideal of Phi Kappa Psi.” Be able discuss your belief of its meaning at the next
meeting.
•
Learn “Amici”
•
Write down a list of three to five men that you know that may be good prospects for Phi
Psi recruitment.
WEEK FOUR (PHI KAPPA PSI NATIONAL FRATERNITY)
AGENDA (for Fraternity Educator)
1. Discuss the Motto and Passwords, Amici, The Ideal of Phi Kappa Psi and how they apply to
our everyday lives.
2. Discuss About Phi Kappa Psi, Chapters 2-9 about the government, traditio ns, Ritual,
Insignia, Extension, Publications and the Endowment Fund.
3. Review "The Creed of Phi Kappa Psi" by sections and discuss its meaning and relevance in
everyday life situations. What are situations that would challenge one’s ability to live by The
Creed? What can one do in such situations? What are the most important words and/or
concepts of The Creed? Consider having the chaplain lead this discussion.
4. Have the philanthropy chair discuss the chapter’s philanthropy and service program and its
importance to the chapter. Distinction should be made between the benefits of charity
(giving money) and direct, one-on-one involvement in the community (service).
5. Explain, discuss, and plan the pledge class project. Make plans to carry it out by assigning
individual responsibilities and setting a time- line for completion.
6. Hold a pledge class retreat with the Pledges, their Pledge Dads, the Fraternity Educator and
the Chaplain. This should be done away from the house in a very informal setting. Discuss
Pledgeship so far, interests in the house, individual goals, fraternity goals and pledge class
goals. Give the pledge class two or three scenarios dealing with the local chapter and them
how they would deal with the situation.
7. Quiz #3 over previous week’s material.
ASSIGNMENTS (for pledges)
•
Learn the names and locations of the other Greek-letter organizations on campus.
•
Read About Your Phi Psi Chapter, Chapters 1-7 (112-137) in The Manual of Phi Kappa
Psi.
•
Learn the names of 10 or more prominent Phi Psis listed in The Manual of Phi Kappa Psi.
•
Learn "The Sweetheart Song."
•
Continue the rush process by being on constant lookout for other men who have the
character and talent to be good members. The continued recruitment of good men is the
only way Phi Kappa Psi will remain strong.
•
Consider the chapter committee(s) on which you would like to serve.
•
Plan and carryout pledge project within the next two weeks.
WEEK FIVE (CHAPTER OPERATIONS)
AGENDA (for Fraternity Educator)
1. The Chapter Vice President discusses the structure of the chapter government. Explain the
proper channels for ideas to be put into action at Phi Kappa Psi. Pages 112-123. Also discuss
how a bill becomes a law (red manual chapter 20.)
2. Chapter Treasurer discusses chapter finances and his duties.
3. Rush Seminar conducted by Rush Chairmen. Rush Chairmen describe the process used to
recruit new members to the chapter and teach everyone how to get involved. The Rush
Chairman lays out the rush schedule for the term and asks new members to bring three to five
men to the chapter house.
4. Hand out a copy of the most recent issue of The Shield so that pledges can learn the other
chapters in their district and elsewhere. Include also the pages that list the offices and staff of
the Fraternity. They will need to know this information for their next quiz.
5. Quiz #4 over week three material.
ASSIGNMENTS (for pledges)
•
Read Becoming a Phi Psi Alumnus, Chapter 1,2 (138-145)
•
Learn the chapters in you District and at least 10 chapters outside your District, by
campus, city, and state.
•
Learn the name and positions all the National Fraternity Officers (elected and appointed)
and the Headquarters Staff.
•
Know the contributions of these members: Thomas Cochran Campbell, J. Duncan
Campbell & Harry S. Gorgas, John Henry Frizzell & Kent Christopher Owen, Joseph
Benson Foraker, Edgar Fahs Smith & Otis H. Kendall, Solon E. Summerfield, Dan
Gardner Swannell, Clarence F, “Dab” Williams, Thomas Woodrow Wilson and William
Clayton Wilson.
•
Look into several different campus organizations, involve yourself in at least one of these
organizations.
•
Any who wish should bring a camera to the next meeting.
WEEK SIX (CHAPTER ALUMNI INVOLVEMENT AND COMMUNICATION)
AGENDA (for Fraternity Educator)
1. Take a group picture to accompany an article in the chapter newsletter.
2. Guest Speaker: Chapter Advisor(s) or Corporation President. Discuss the importance of
alumni involvement and of fiscal and ethical responsibility and how each affects the success
of the chapter.
3. The Corresponding Secretary speaks about his duties as an officer of the chapter and reviews
"The Shield," a publication of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. Information on the National
Officers and Directors is found within this publication. Discuss the role of the Fraternity
Headquarters (510 Lockerbie Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202). Discuss the importance of
maintaining a positive relationship with the alumni of the Fraternity.
4. Discuss the opportunities available at the alumni level and the organizational structure of the
House Corporation.
5. Return “introspective” (This should help pledges to compare their current thoughts with
those six weeks earlier. This reflection will help them to prepare for initiation.)
6. Make pledges aware of costs pertaining to initiation: national initiation fee plus local costs
for food and supplies.
7. Quiz #5 over week five material.
ASSIGNMENTS (for pledges)
•
Review all chapters of The Manual of Phi Kappa Psi as previously assigned.
•
Pledges plan Pledge Dad - Pledge Son Dinner.
•
Prepare for Comprehensive Final Exa mination. (Date TBA)
FOLLOWING INITIATION
WEEK SEVEN (EXPLANATION OF THE RITUAL)
The week immediately following initiation, hold a meeting of the newly initiated members and
other interested brothers to discuss the Ritual, the secrets of the Fraternity, and their reflections
of the Pledge Program and Initiation. Due to the secrecy of these topics this meeting will be
held in the Chapter Room.
1. Read the Lecture following initiation in the Ritual Book. Ask any one if they have any
questions?
2. Read “Reflections of the Ritual.” Discuss how the Ritual plays an active role in our everyday
lives. How should we strive to live by the Ritual and Creed, which we all believe in and
have sworn to? How will others see us living the Ritual in our daily lives?
3. Have the Chaplain led further discussions on how new members and older members can live
Phi Psi in their lives. Emphasize that Phi Kappa Psi is not a religion, but values which we
have all sworn to live by as brothers.
**Later during the week hold a brotherhood retreat planned by the Internal Relations Chairman
at a location outside the chapter house.
ADDENDUM TO FRATERNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Week One: Pledge Dad Program. An important part of the Pledge Education Program is the
Pledge Dad. The relationship between a Pledge Dad and a Pledge Son often lasts longer than the
orientation period. It becomes meaningful to them during both undergraduate and graduate years.
The Pledge Dad should not only see that his Pledge Son initiates, but that he also experiences a
strong collegiate experience. To ensure this experience is fulfilling to both the Pledge Son and
the Pledge Dad, the following criteria should be adhered to for the Pledge Dad Program:
Responsibilities of the Pledge Dad
•
Monitor academic performance and report progress to scholarship chairman
•
Assist in the Pledge Son’s social adjustment
•
Establish a relationship with the parents of the Pledge Son through letters and telephone
calls
•
Act as a sounding board when needed and report Pledge Son’s progress towards initiation
to the chapter’s Fraternity Educator
•
Ensure Pledge Son understands and fulfills requirements for initiation (GPA, Campus
Involvement, Involvement within chapter, etc.)
•
Attend and participate in all activities that require Pledge Dad Attendance
•
Give introduction and explanation for chapter customs
•
Hold weekly meetings with the Pledge Son
Responsibilities of the Pledge Son
•
Meet with his Pledge Dad at least once a week
•
Not select a best friend, but an ideal person to emulate
•
Demand continual involvement from his Pledge Dad
•
Discuss any difficulties or problems with his Pledge Dad
•
Use his Pledge Dad as a link for fraternal, academic, and social information
•
Expect his Pledge Dad to perform the responsibilities listed above
Selection Criteria for Pledge Dads
Members being considered as a Pledge Dad should meet the following criteria:
•
Be in good standing with the chapter
•
Be at or above the all- men’s GPA or a 2.5 GPA
•
Serve as a positive role model for his Pledge Son
•
Have similar fraternal and personal interests
•
Have the time necessary to spend with Pledge Son and attend related activities and
meetings
•
Responsible and dependable
•
Possess the ability to motivate and inspire
•
Maintain a positive, outgoing attitude toward the school and chapter
•
Ability to counsel and advise Pledge Son
Ultimately, Fraternity Education needs to be the collective responsibility of the entire chapter
membership and as such, all members are expected to:
•
Live up to set standards of membership and exemplify what membership in a fraternity is
all about
•
Interact and assist in the assimilation of pledge into the chapter
•
Attend all activities that require attendance
•
Set a good scholastic example
Week Two: Study Assistance. There is still a good deal of disagreement as to whether or not
study halls and mandatory study hours are helpful to students. Regardless of the position one
takes, we do know that it is a knowledge of how to study, rather than how much or how often,
that will most often make the difference in grades. Chapters should encourage academic support
through programs which teach academic survival skills and follow up with such things as
tutoring by active members, periodic grade checks (where appropriate), and incentives for good
grades like scholarships, paid initiation fees, or chapter perks.
Different students study different ways – some need lots of space to spread out, some like to
study in the morning, some at night, some need to be at the computer center, some in the library,
other can’t study unless they’re outside. Help members find the best places for them to study. If
you have study hours in your chapter, make sure they are flexible enough to allow for different
study styles. The library may be okay if you have a stud y room there, but too often the presence
of friends there is more a distraction.
For study hours to truly be effective, they should be held in an environment where noise and
distractions (phones, TVs, women, etc.) are kept to a minimum. The chapter should hold four to
five three-hour sessions a week with mandatory attendance for pledges and members who are
below the campus all- men’s average or a 2.5 (whichever is lower) at three of these (if for some
reason the studying needs to be done in a different location, each man may check in and inform
the monitor where he will be studying). All members should be encouraged to attend, as this will
set an example for the younger members to continue to follow.
Week Five: Pledge Project. The pledge class should be the catalyst behind a chapter
philanthropy, which need not occur during the six-week pledge period. The class should
generate ideas and details for a community service project or volunteer effort in which all
members can participate. Once the project is identified, pledges will work on their committees
and within the chapter structure to involve the other members and carry the idea through to
fruition. While this event is initiated by the pledge class, it is meant to be a project in which all
members partic ipate and should be considered a part of the chapter’s annual philanthropic
efforts.
SUPPLEMENTING THE FRATERNITY EDUCATION PROCESS
Learning and developing new skills is an ongoing process. Even initiated members will find
programs such as the following, very helpful if they are offered by the chapter. Create a series of
workshops every year to meet the needs of all your members and you will find far fewer men
dropping out of the group.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP: Each fall, every chapter will schedule a workshop
on résumé writing, job hunting, and career planning. Here, upperclassmen prepare for job
interviews and newer students learn how to build a strong list of credentials. Invite alumni in the
area who may be involved with hiring at their business or may be able to answer questions about
their professions.
SCHOLARSHIP: All out members need to be encouraged and assisted to do their best
academically. Contact the campus office of academic services for workshops on time
management, study skills, test taking, etc. Discuss the many scholarships and opportunities
offered by the Endowment Fund of the Fraternity. This is something from which everyone can
benefit.
LEADERSHIP: Integral to our members’ abilities to succeed will be their effectiveness at
leading others. Put together a workshop on leadership using successful alumni, faculty speakers,
and community leaders to increase the leadership skills of your members and help ensure chapter
growth and success for the future. Invite rushees or members of other campus leadership groups
to underscore the fact that Phi Psis are leaders.
CULTURAL EXPOSURE: Each term, the chapter’s social chairmen should organize a function
where the members can attend a play, musical performance, art or museum exhibit, or
presentation by a visiting lecturer. Each member and pledge should be free to bring a date if they
choose. The purpose of the function is to broaden members’ knowledge or appreciation of the
fine or performing arts, and of various cultures.
LEGAL ISSUES: The chapter should bring in guest speakers from the Campus Legal Affairs
office to give a presentation to the entire chapter on issues such as:
•
Social host liability;
•
What to do in the event of a DUI/DWI;
•
Landlord/Tenant law;
•
Civil vs. criminal prosecution and responsibility;
•
Other issues pertinent to members of the chapter.
Other issues, such as the Fraternity’s insurance program, chapter house health and safety codes,
campus/city/state laws and regulations, assault/rape statutes, etc. may all be helpful for chapter
members to understand their responsibilities to each other and the community.
LIFE SUCCESS: Members who will be graduating soon will find specific topics of benefit to
them as they plan their lives after graduation. Help ensure their success by offering information
or speakers on such issues as:
•
Buying insurance
•
Buying a new or used car
•
Building a business wardrobe
•
Buying a home
•
Planning for retirement
•
Men’s health issues
•
Succeeding in graduate school