Greek FIRE:
First-Year Initiates Reaching Excellence
Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life
Drexel University
First-year
Initiates
Reaching
Excellence
Purpose:
•
•
•
•
To prepare new members for membership in the fraternity and sorority community
To ensure new members have a well-rounded first year experience
To provide new members the skills and knowledge to become future leaders within the
Greek community and be successful on campus
To create a community within new members and the entire Greek community
Goals:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
To encourage individual development and success
To assist first-year new members in their transition to college life and the Greek community
To stimulate intellectual growth
To promote reflective learning
To promote understanding of fraternity & sorority life and its history, mission/purpose, and
values
To promote social responsibility and a healthy lifestyle
To promote friendship and interpersonal skills
To promote unity and sense of community within fraternity & sorority life
To promote diversity and the exchange of ideas
To promote involvement in community service and all-Greek/all-campus programming
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Greek FIRE? Greek FIRE is a programming series for fraternity and sorority new members to
compliment chapter new member education and prepare new initiates for success as Drexel students and
continued leadership in the fraternity and sorority community.
Who can participate? Any fraternity or sorority new member from any organization may participate
once they have signed a bid with their chapter. It is preferred that the program be started before the new
member is initiated (but can and will likely be completed after).
What is in it for me? You will receive a certificate of completion and recognition at the Fraternity &
Sorority Life Awards. Also, since much of the series overlaps with the CEO LEAD program, you will be
very close to receiving CEO LEAD certification by attending programs for Greek FIRE. Additionally,
this is a great experience to add to your resume and use while on co-op interviews.
How does it work? Each new member will have a number of areas of requirements (expanded in the
‘plan of study’) in which he/she will need to attend certain programs or complete activities. He/she have
the option to choose various programs and activities under each category to fit their needs and schedule.
Participation will be tracked by submitting a Greek FIRE Reflection form after attending each program.
In order to complete the program, the student must complete the pre-survey, submission for all
requirements, and post-survey.
How long will it take? How long do I have to complete requirements? It can take anywhere from 1-3
terms. Requirements must be completed inside of the academic year that you join. Submissions must be
completed by May 1 to be recognized at the Fraternity & Sorority Life awards.
Won’t this program be a lot of work and extra time? The program was created to compliment chapter
and community activities that new members are already involved in, so extra time commitment should be
minimal.
How do I find out about programs I can go to? Check out the calendar available online with a
compiled list of events on campus, color-coded to show which topic area they relate to. Also, keep an eye
on the FSL websites, FSL listserv, Facebook, Twitter and the Drexel NOW for other great events and
programs around campus.
Can the CEO LEAD programs I attend for Greek FIRE count for my CEO LEAD certification and
vice versa? Yes, CEO LEAD programs will be recorded for both CEO LEAD and Greek FIRE
certification.
What if I am unable to attend a certain program? Is there an alternate? For many categories, there
are a number of choices from which to choose. However, if you are unable to attend a required program
and there are no other times the program will be offered, please contact someone from the FSL staff
(greeklife@drexel.edu) to arrange a suitable alternate program to fulfill requirement. Every effort should
be made to complete requirements in the times available, if possible.
How do you verify attendance at programs? Since the series includes programs from a number of
different departments, verification may vary. For CEO LEAD, verification will be done by OCA staff
based on sign in sheets at each program. No additional information is needed outside of submitting the
Greek FIRE Reflection Form. For programs sponsored and run by the Office of Fraternity & Sorority
Life, sign-in sheets and verification by FSL staff will be used. Greek FIRE Reflection Forms are due
within 72 hours of attending a program.
What’s with the name? ‘Greek fire’ was a weapon used by the ancient Byzantine (Roman) empire in
battle. Its composition was held to the utmost secrecy but was found to be undefeated because it continued
to burn in the toughest conditions, even on water. In the same way, newly initiated members of fraternities
and sororities are the best ‘weapon’ we have to continuing the success of the Greek community. They
bring passion and excitement that can bring chapters through the roughest times. If these new members
are supported and prepared for leadership and success by their chapters and the university, they will
continue the passion and vision for Greek life that has persisted for almost 200 years, no matter the
obstacle.
Who do I contact if I have questions? Contact greeklife@drexel.edu with any questions regarding
Greek FIRE.
All documents located online at: http://www.drexel.edu/studentlife/fsl/FIRE.htm
The following is to be completed within your first year of membership or by May 1 for recognition
at FSL Awards:



Complete the Greek New Member Survey (preferably within 2-3 weeks of signing bid)*
http://studentvoice.com/drexel/fraternityandsorority
Complete a Greek FIRE assessment /reflection for each program/event attended and
submit to FSL
Complete Greek FIRE Evaluation (after completing program)*
http://studentvoice.com/drexel/fraternityandsororitypost
Personal & Professional Development (complete 2 of the following)





Attend a resume review workshop
Attend an interview skills workshop
Visit the Steinbright Career Development Center and meet with a staff member
Take a course to develop technology skills
Complete one of the following personal inventories and research your results (may only
fulfill one requirement for this section):
o Life Values Inventory (http://my.lifevaluesinventory.org/)
o The Jung Typology Test (http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp)
o True Colors Personality Test
(http://www.truecolorstest.com/True_Colors_Test.shtml)
o Leadership Legacy Assessment
(http://www.yourleadershiplegacy.com/assessment/assessment.php)
o Leadership Practices Inventory
Scholarship (complete 2 of the following)





Attend a Study Skills program
Attend a Time Management educational program
Visit the Drexel Learning Center and learn about available resources or meet with a
counselor
Set academic goals for yourself and meet with your chapter’s faculty/staff advisor
Attend a living learning community, faculty panel or poster discussion, or other
academically focused event
Health & Risk Management (complete at least 4 of the following)










Attend a Hazing Education/Hazing Prevention Awareness Week program*
Attend an Alcohol, Drug or Risk Management program*
Complete CPR & First Aid training (provide copy of current certification cards)
Participate in the University Conduct Board training
Attend a Fire Safety program
Attend a Mental Health program
Attend a nutrition, body image or eating disorder awareness program
Complete a Dragon Fitness Assessment at the Recreation Center
Attend other health/risk management-related program – example: STD education,
smoking cessation program**
Completed one sexual assault prevention program, such as*
o RAD Training (women only)
o Other Sexual Assault education program
Greek Community (complete at least 4 of the following)










Attend a Fraternity & Sorority History program*
Attend a Greek Values program*
Attend other Fraternity/Sorority-focused CEO LEAD program
Attend a New Member social activity sponsored by the Greek Councils or FSL Office
Meet with an FSL Staff Member
Meet with your chapter’s faculty/staff advisor
Attend a meeting of one of the three councils: IFC, MGC or Panhellenic
Organize, plan, or attend a non-alcoholic social activity with another chapter
Support another chapter on campus by attending a philanthropy or service event they are
hosting
Attend the FSL Annual Holiday Potluck Dinner
Campus Community (complete 3 or more of the following)






Attend any other CEO LEAD Program (multiple programs accepted)
Attend a meeting of a non-Greek student organization– example: USGA, CAB, etc.
Attend any other university sponsored event or activity– example: Drexel basketball
game
Participate in a non-Greek intramural team
Serve as a Conduct Board member
Attend the Homecoming basketball game or other featured event
Culture & Diversity (complete 2 of the following)





Attend a diversity CEO LEAD Program (multiple programs accepted)
Attend an LGBT Program/Ally Training
Attend a religious event or activity on campus (other than your own religion) – example:
Hillel event, Asbury ministry, etc.
Attend a university sponsored diversity speaker or program – example: disability services
program, Office of Multicultural Programs event, World Fusion Fest, etc.
Attend a Philadelphia community diversity program – example: educational program at
the African American History Museum
Service & Philanthropy (complete 3 of the following)






Participate in community Service (10 hours) – may count as more than one requirement
for each 10 hour increment
Participate in one philanthropy event (your chapter or another organization)
Attend a Lindy Center for Civic Engagement-sponsored program
Attend a Service Learning CEO LEAD or other educational program
Participate in an Alternative Spring Break trip
Organize/plan a community service or philanthropy event
*Required
Substitutions/other programs may be considered in place of requirements above.
Please email greeklife@drexel.edu for approval and any other questions.
See calendar for available events.
Important Contacts
Office/Program Description
Alcohol, Other Drug & Health Education - mission is to
provide a variety of interesting, interactive, creative and relevant
educational initiatives on alcohol, other drug, and health issues facing
students today
Alternative Spring Break - places teams of Drexel students in
communities to engage in community service and experiential learning
during their spring breaks or on various weekends throughout the year
Contact
John Watson
(215) 895-2049
watsonjc@drexel.edu
(215) 895-1328
askOCA@drexel.edu
Chapter Headquarters
American Red Cross - CPR/First Aid Training –
23rd and Chestnut
https://secure.redcross-philly.org/Courses/
Various courses offered for new certification or renewal. See website for
Drexel Recreation Center
details.
Campus Activities - provides students an enriched collegiate
experience through meaningful opportunities to learn and develop
leadership, interpersonal, programming, and organizational skills so that
they may connect and contribute to the University community
(215) 895-1328
askOCA@drexel.edu
Lindy Center for Civic Engagement - offers opportunities to
(215)895-6130
cce@drexel.edu
engage in service learning and volunteerism
Commuter and Transfer Student Programs (CGTSPS) –
provides a variety of programs targeted toward non-traditional,
commuter, transfer and graduate students but open for all students. See
their calendar: http://www.drexel.edu/oca/c/calendar.asp
Counseling Center - offers free, confidential counseling services
provided by mental health professionals to currently enrolled
undergraduate or graduate students
Creating Experiental Opportunities for Leadership
Education and Development (CEO LEAD) - leadership
development series providing you with the skills you need to succeed
personally and professionally. See CEO schedule for individual program
descriptions: drexel.edu/OCA/l/workshop_schedules.asp
Department of Performing Arts – produces dance, musical and
theater productions
Jessica Edonick
(215) 895-1328
Jlg66@drexel.edu
(215) 895-1415
counseling@drexel.edu
Richard Kopp
(215) 895-1328
Rfk27@drexel.edu
(215) 895-ARTS
Drexel Learning Center (DLC) - provides a variety of academic
services and programs that are designed to enhance your learning
experience
(215) 895-6834
Hazing Prevention Education & Information
Fire & Life Safety – offers a variety of programming opportunities
including fire extinguisher training, overall fire safety, etc.
Natalie Shaak
(215)-895-6171
Nds37@drexel.edu
Madonna Calderoni
Mmc46@drexel.edu
Interfaith Council - essential to support the students, faculty and
staff of Drexel University in the expression, understanding and practice
of faith and to cultivate mutual respect for the variety of faith traditions
represented by the members of the Drexel University academic
community
Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life – work with the fraternity
& sorority members at Drexel and help provide a wealth of personal
development opportunities, offer an environment that enhances the
learning experiences available on campus, and ensure the safety of
Drexel’s Greek students
Center for Inclusion & Culture - works with students, faculty,
staff and administration in creating an environment that promotes
greater understanding, respect and appreciation among the diverse
student populations at Drexel and plans a variety of multicultural, social
and educational programs
Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards develop, disseminate, interpret, and enforce campus rules and
regulations
Rebecca Weidensaul
(215) 895-2501
weidenrl@drexel.edu
(215) 571-3575
greeklife@drexel.edu
Tatiana Diaz
(215) 895-2662
tad89@drexel.edu
(215) 895-6074
SCCS@drexel.edu
Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Training - The Rape
Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics
and techniques. The RAD System is a comprehensive course for women
that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance,
while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. RAD is Candace Wannamaker
(215) 895-2501
not a martial arts program. Courses are taught by certified RAD
instructors and provide a workbook/reference manual. The RAD System cms38@drexel.edu
is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques
against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven
self-defense / martial arts tactics. Group trainings can be planned at any
time by contacting Candace Wannamaker.
Victim Support & Intervention Services - provides victims of
crime, physical trauma, or injury access to high quality, community
appropriate, victim-centered services
Candace Wannamaker
(215) 895-2501
cms38@drexel.edu
Residential Living - provides safe living environments that promote (215) 895-6155
academic, personal, and social achievement.