The Oracle:
An Introduction to Our Brotherhood
The Oracle:
An Introduction to Our Brotherhood
Thomas A. Murphy (Mu Alpha ’94)
Executive Editor
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
2014
Copyright © 2014 by The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used
in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.
First Printing: 1998
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
316 Cherry Hill Blvd.
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002
www.phimudelta.org
Dedication
The Oracle is dedicated to our Founders. Six men from three
colleges came together to create a truly democratic fraternity. They
were the most progressive men of their time allowing any man of
great character to enjoy the benefits of our Brotherhood. Their vision
has allowed over 18,000 men to receive the gift of Fraternity.
Contents
Acknowledgements....................................................................... ix
Forward............................................................................................. xi
The Oracle ......................................................................................... 1
The Greek Alphabet ....................................................................... 2
Pearl 1: Introduction ..................................................................... 3
Pearl 2: Brotherhood................................................................... 13
Pearl #3: Democracy ................................................................... 30
Pearl 4: Service .............................................................................. 41
Pearl 5: The Founders’ Creed ................................................... 50
Pearl 6: Membership Expectations......................................... 53
Pearl 7: Scholarship & Time Management........................... 58
Pearl 8: Meeting Management ................................................. 67
Pearl 9: Financial Responsibility ............................................ 74
Pearl 10: Event Planning ............................................................ 81
Pearl 11: Accountability ............................................................. 86
Pearl 12: Risk Management ...................................................... 91
Pearl #13: Recruitment ........................................................... 100
Pearl #14: Life Long Membership ........................................ 105
Pearl #15: Values Based Action ............................................ 111
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge all of the hard work dedicated to crafting and developing this manual for our New Members. We deeply
appreciate the guidance of William T. Foran, David T. Smittle, Jonathan James, Alexandra Waltemeyer, Joseph Thompson, Ben Pendry
and many others.
ix
Forward
Welcome to Phi Mu Delta! You are joining a proud Brotherhood
with over 180,000 initiates and 12,000 living alumni across the nation
and around the world. Under the New Member Orientation program,
once a New Member wears the pin of Phi Mu Delta, he becomes a
part of the Fraternity, an already existing society, and will be treated
as such. A New Member is not a drone to serve the needs and whims
of individual Brothers; rather is on the road to strengthening the
Brotherhood and himself. As such, should be made to feel he belongs
as all times. It is the duty of each and every brother to work to encorporate the New Member into the active Brotherhood as the first stage
of his growth and development as a Brother and member of Phi Mu
Delta.
Membership in Phi Mu Delta carries with it the responsibility to
long-term traditions and the ideals of Brotherhood, Service, and Democracy. Participation by its members obligates the Fraternity to
develop the newly pinned, newly initiated, and active Brothers and to
instill in them, at all stages of their development, the belief in the ideals as they are outlined in the Founder’s Creed. Training and
membership education should serve to further an individual’s personal development as a Brother and help him to better serve the
Fraternity and community at-large.
As a father teaches his son, or an older brother teaches the
younger, the active Brothers of Phi Mu Delta must teach and instill
the ideals of the Fraternity into those who wish to enjoy the full benefits of a strong and prosperous organization.
The National Fraternity’s New Member education program may
last as long as eight weeks. Like the Brotherhood Badge, which is
encircled by fifteen pearls to form a triangle, the New Member education program is divided into fifteen segments known as Pearls. Once
you learn all fifteen Pearls and complete the triangle, you are eligible
for initiation into Phi Mu Delta. The Vice President of Membership
Development will verify that each Pearl has been completed.
xi
Personal Information
Name ___________________________________________
School __________________________________________
Chapter _________________________________________
Big Brother ______________________________________
Date of Induction Ceremony ________________________
Date of Initiation _________________________________
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
The Oracle
In Classical Antiquity, an oracle was a person or agency considered to interface wise counsel or prophetic predictions or precognition
of the future, inspired by the gods. As such, it is a form of divination.
It served as a teacher and one who prepared others for the future.
The work oracle comes from the Latin verb ōrāre “to speak”.
We provide this book to you so that you may find the answers
that you seek pertaining to Phi Mu Delta Fraternity. This book serves
as an orientation to our Order and is designed to prepare you for success as a member of our Fraternity. It is a keepsake that is designed
to be by your side for a lifetime of enjoyment. May it prepare you for
a lifetime of brotherhood, friendship, support, and service!
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The Oracle
The Greek Alphabet
A – Alpha
B - Beta
Γ - Gamma
∆ - Delta
E – Epsilon
Z – Zeta
H – Eta
Θ - Theta
I – Iota
K – Kappa
Λ - Lambda
M – Mu
N – Nu
Ξ - Xi
O – Omicron
Π - Pi
P – Rho
Σ - Sigma
T – Tau
Y – Upsilon
Φ - Phi
X – Chi
Ψ - Psi
Ω - Omega
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 1: Introduction
“We the representatives of fraternal organizations
of the University of Vermont, New Hampshire State
College, and Connecticut Agricultural College, believing that there is a need of a democratic fraternal
organization both for the college and for the individual, and in order to secure a closer brotherhood
and do give permanence to a central organization,
do hereby form and establish The National Fraternity of Phi Mu Delta.”
-Phi Mu Delta’s Preamble
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
This is truly an exciting time! It is not often that we have the opportunity to make a commitment to something that will last a lifetime.
Over the next few weeks, we will be teaching you about our traditions, values and how to become the best of yourself through your
association with Phi Mu Delta Fraternity. The Oracle New Member
Orientation Program is the foundation of Phi Mu Delta’s total membership development program, ENGAGE.
The ENGAGE program is designed to provide you with the
knowledge and tools to become a better leader, scholar, citizen, and
friend. Every action, program, and process is rooted in our Three
Core Values:
BROTHERHOOD: The relationship between brothers that is linked
by common values, interests and goals.
DEMOCRACY: Each member has a voice and is treated with dignity, respect, and equality. That all decisions are made with justice in
mind and that we do what is just at all times.
SERVICE: The act of doing something for the welfare of others.
Eligibility for Membership – Character, ability, and willingness to
support the fraternity and its principles.
Frat – The term “frat” is taboo in Greek circles. It is always better to
use the term “fraternity”, spelled out. Likewise, the term “house”
should not be used to refer to the chapter and/or membership as a
whole. Use the terms chapter or brotherhood instead.
Phi Mu Delta – The name of the fraternity should never be shortened
to “Phi Mu”. Phi Mu is the name of an active national sorority and is
in no way affiliated with our fraternity. Phi Mu Delta does have several “nicknames”, including PMD, Phi Mud, and Mud. Several
chapters in Pennsylvania call their houses, “The Mudhouse”.
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The Oracle
The New Member’s Oath:
Upon pledging this fraternity, we solemnly promise to do all in our
power to maintain the high standards, morally, mentally, and spiritually, of our fraternity, and to carry out the best of our ability the
obligations assumed as New Members.
New Member – New Members shall be all men engaged in undergraduate academic studies at institutions of higher learning who have
experienced the official New Member Induction Ceremony. These
men are in the process of learning the principles and traditions of Phi
Mu Delta. This is necessary to become fully initiated Brothers of our
Order. New Members, through their education period, are not second-class members. Rather, they contribute to the success of the
fraternal organization through their daily contributions.
To Pledge (Verb) – To make a commitment to or to honor oneself to
a cause or organization.
Vs.
Pledge (Noun) – Traditionally, one who has not been officially initiated into a fraternal order and is treated as a second-class member.
Pledges have traditionally been subservient to the order rather than
contributing members to the future of the fraternal organization.
Phi Mu Delta does not use the term pledge to denote a newly inducted member…he is a New Member with all rights and
responsibilities.
Big Brother – Your Big Brother will serve as your mentor and support system. He will be your ambassador to the Brotherhood and will
serve to always look out for your best interests. Feel Free to seek him
out in times of need and share with him your achievements throughout the New Member period and beyond.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Membership Expectations
Finances – it is eminently unfair for any man to accept the benefits of
an organization without, at the same time, being willing and able to
assume his share of its burdens. All members of a chapter must meet
the expenses of maintaining and operating their chair, as well as,
submit the Initiation to the National Fraternity prior to Initiation. A
New Member must understand that he must pay his chapter and National obligations promptly when due. In the event his is unable to
meet his bills, he owes it to himself and to the fraternity to find the
means of obtaining assistance so that he may discharge his debts. It is
only by just sharing of benefits and burdens that the fraternity may
prosper. Fraternity membership fees and dues are NOT a means of
“buying friends”; rather, like all organizations, it is a means of maintaining the financial strength of the organization for generations to
come.
Scholarship – New Members are expected to maintain high scholastic standing to be eligible for initiation and continued membership in
the fraternity. All Brothers must remember that their primary purpose
for attending their college/university is to obtain an education. Traditionally, fraternities have been in the forefront in promoting high
scholastic achievement within their membership. Phi Mu Delta is no
different and stresses the need for good scholarship.
Meetings – Meetings shall be held at least once a week and shall be
conducted in accordance with the Chapter Constitution and By-Laws
and using Roberts Rules of Order. During this time, weekly assignments shall be given and information concerning Brotherhood
activities shall be discussed. New Members are expected to attend all
Brotherhood Meetings and may participate in all functions, with the
exception of Initiation votes and discussion.
New Member Duties – Duties are assigned to New Members in order
to get them quickly and actively involved in the work of their chapter.
These duties must never be ones of servitude; rather, they will serve
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The Oracle
to incorporate the New Member into the day-to-day functions of the
chapter.
Chapter House Rules (if applicable) – Certain rules for the proper
use and maintenance of the chapter house are necessary. Its grounds
must be well kept, and the interior of the house must be kept clean.
Rules for gentlemanly conduct at all times are also enforced by the
chapter. The New Members should look upon the chapter as his
house and treat it accordingly. His actions, both in the chapter house,
and in public, will always associate him with the fraternity. For this
reason, proper conduct is always necessary. See the House Manager
for specific house rules and duties within your chapter.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
RESOLUTION AND REAFFIRMATION OF POSITION
AGAINST HAZING
Whereas, Hazing has been a continuing concern of the NorthAmerican Interfraternity and Panhellenic Conferences, and its member fraternities, and numerous Resolutions have been adopted through
the years expressing concern; and
Whereas, Hazing is an illegal and unlawful practice usually associated
with pledging and over 40 states have now passed criminal statutes to
punish those who involve themselves in hazing practices; and
Whereas, Over 50 members nationwide have died or been injured as a
result of fraternity hazing and a number of major lawsuits have been
filed against members and alumni by undergraduates or their families
as a result of hazing incidents in the last twelve months; and
Whereas, A number of men’s fraternities have drastically reduced or
eliminated their pledge education programs in order to eliminate hazing. Colleges and Universities which have abolished men’s and
women’s fraternities on their campuses cite hazing practices as the
primary concern and basis for that action; and
Whereas, Hazing is a societal problem and an act of power and control over others. It is victimization. Hazing is pre-meditated and not
accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and life-threatening; and
Whereas, Hazing and its related activities are antiquated and communicate every possible negative connotation that fraternity chapters
can be associated with and these activities have no place in any fraternity; and
Whereas, Hazing is wrong. It violates the fundamental values of the
fraternity and disrupts the pursuit of our purpose, which is to encourage academic achievement, development friendships, serve our
campus and community and build our members’ leadership skills; and
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Whereas, Our core values and policies already prohibit hazing in any
way, shape or form; therefore, be it
Resolved, As the new academic year opens, Phi Mu Delta wishes to
use this as an opportunity to reaffirm our core values and to increase
awareness of the wrongs of hazing; and, be it further
Resolved, Phi Mu Delta encourages its chapters to discuss our positive values and further develop programming to nurture these, while,
at the same time, urging our members to review and discuss our policies against hazing, reaffirming our ban against it, encouraging our
members to speak out against it, and call on them to prevent it on their
campuses and in their communities; and, be it further
Resolved, That Phi Mu Delta shall immediately take severe action
against members and chapter who engage in hazing practices; and,
shall make available to any member or chapter, educational materials
to assist with the eradication of hazing from the campus community.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
New Member Bill of Rights
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
The right to attend all meetings of my chapter, unless the
meeting deals with the Initiation Ritual of Phi Mu Delta.
The right to vote on all matters related to Phi Mu Delta. The
Only exceptions are when voting on the elimination of a fellow new member, on Initiation, or during a Judicial Board
Hearing for a member.
The right to refuse any duty or task that other initiated members would not do with me, are illegal, immoral, or unethical.
The right to participate in all chapter activities and programs.
The right to know the date of my Initiation at least two weeks
prior to the date of the Initiation Ritual.
The right to wear the letters of Phi Mu Delta, our symbols and
coat-of-arms in appropriate manner.
The right to serve the chapter on a committee.
The right to participate in activities outside of Phi Mu Delta on
campus and in the community.
The right to confront and hold accountable any new member
or initiated member when he does not meet his obligations of
membership or have violated our values and ideals.
The right to have an engaged and qualified Big Brother to assist me through the New Member Orientation process.
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Responsibilities of My Membership
I.
To attend and participate in all meetings of my chapter, and to
be actively engaged in all aspects of its operation.
II.
To recruit outstanding young men on an ongoing basis to join
Phi Mu Delta and work with my Brothers to ensure proper
growth and the continued life of my chapter through recruitment.
III.
To treat all people with respect and dignity, at all times.
IV.
To participate in all worthy student and community activities
that will compliment my development as a member of Phi Mu
Delta.
V.
To work on, at least, one chapter committee and work towards
the benefit and improvement of my chapter.
VI.
To know the history, ideals, and values of Phi Mu Delta and to
incorporate them into my daily life.
VII.
To promote the highest standards and ideals to the outside
community to act in a way that only brings honor upon Phi
Mu Delta.
VIII.
To live a life of learning, supporting the academic mission of
the University and to promote academic excellence and integrity.
IX.
To continue to be involved as an alumnus and support the
needs of my chapter throughout the years of my life.
X.
To confront those members who violate our ideals and hold
accountable those who do not meet their obligations of membership.
XI.
To meet my financial obligations in a timely manner and make
sure my fellow brothers do the same.
XII.
To ensure that my chapter is properly budgeting and spending
money congruent with our values and goals.
XIII.
To use my skills and abilities to help others be a better leader,
scholar, citizen, and servant.
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
ACTIVITY
Now it is time for us to learn a little bit more about you. There are
several “house-keeping” items that every member must manage
throughout their membership. We want to learn more about you and
get you into our “system” to ensure that we are able to communicate
effectively with you and keep you up-to-date on Fraternity affairs and
issues.
With the assistance of the Vice President of Membership Development, please make sure to fill out the following forms, online:
All forms may be found under the “Undergraduate” tab of the Phi Mu
Delta website at http://www.phimudelta.org
•
•
•
Register for the Phi Mu Delta website. The will put you into
our database and allow you access to the site’s resources.
Fill out the New Member Biography Form. This will help us
learn more about you.
3) Be sure to click on the “Overview of Fees” tab. This explains all of Phi Mu Delta’s membership fees and how they
are used by the National Fraternity.
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 2: Brotherhood
“Brotherhood that reaches beyond the limits of Phi
Mu Delta and welcomes every man as my Brother.
I believe in the intrinsic worth of the man at my
side, and in his ability to make good and justify my
faith in him.” – The Founders’ Creed of Phi Mu
Delta
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
The Bridge Builder
An old man, going a long highway,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm vast and deep and wide;
The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side
And built a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,
“You are wasting your strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day,
You will never again will pass this way;
You’ve crossed the chasm deep and wide;
Why build you this bridge at evening tide?”
The builder lifted his old gray head –
“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followeth after me today,
A youth whose feet must pass this way;
This chasm that has been naught to me
To that fair haired youth may a pitfall be;
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim –
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.”
Will Allen Dromgoole
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
What is Brotherhood?
From John Shertzer’s Blog Fraternal Thoughts, December 12, 2012
“Toward a Definition of Brotherhood”
What is brotherhood? I’ve often found that it’s a difficult concept to
put into words. The dictionary just can’t seem to do it justice. The
same with sisterhood.
A common answer I heard during rush was: “it’s just something you
have to experience to understand.” I probably said that to recruits as
well. As I’ve moved along in my fraternity journey, I think it’s becoming easier for me to define. Brotherhood is not as vague and
intangible as it once was for me. At this point, if someone were to ask
me to define brotherhood in the fraternity sense, this would be my reply:
Brotherhood is the bonding of men of various backgrounds, beliefs, places, and eras around a singular set of life-directing
commitments.
This is what allows me to share brotherhood with the men I graduated
with a century ago. It allows me to be a brother with someone I disagree with politically, religiously, or in any other way. Because instead
of being based on personalities and friendship, brotherhood is based
on shared commitments. A brotherhood is weak or strong based on
the degree to which the commitments are made and maintained.
A brother is a good brother if he follows the commitments and helps
others follow them as well. How do I know if the recruitment chair’s
claim of the “strongest brotherhood on campus” is true? Or even partially true? By how much the men know, stay true and hold each other
true to those commitments.
Brotherhood has to be maintained. Constantly. For the rest of your
life. If you choose to stop adhering to the commitments you made,
then you fall out of the brotherhood. You stop being a brother, even if
you’re wearing the letters or your name still appears in the directory.
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If a fraternity values togetherness and hanging out, then it is really
valuing friendship. This is completely fine. Friendship is an attractive
asset for a fraternity. It’s also an attractive asset for a residence hall
floor. Lots of places can claim friendship.
Brotherhood is not friendship, although it can create friendship.
Brotherhood is a sacred privilege. It is not easy to maintain. I have a
lot of friends in my life, but very few fraternity brothers.
Brotherhood is unique enough that it is found sparingly. Of course,
you find it in families. You also hear it in places where men fight
wars together, or enter burning buildings together.
Brotherhood is a term you sometimes hear in religion. Brotherhood in
fraternity is like religion, but the stakes are not quite so high. There
are oaths, obligations, and peer accountability. It’s just missing the
whole afterlife thing. [although God might ask you how good of a
brother you were].
Why is brotherhood difficult to define? Because done right, it is extraordinary. There is a reason so many brothers stand up at each
others’ weddings. And eventually eulogize each other. Those moments are reserved for family, or those who might as well be. For
those with whom we’ve forged a connection that’s deeper than just
beers on Saturday nights, or Spring Break trips together. A connection
born on the day we spoke the oaths that made us fraternity men together.
These oaths made us brothers. And for as long as we pledge to stay
true to those oaths, and help each other stay true as well, brother is
what we’ll remain.
I think at this point, that’s how I view brotherhood.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Why Fraternity?
The first American College Fraternity of which there is record
appeared at the College of William and Mary in 1750 and continued
uninterrupted existence until after 1772. The exact date of its extinction is unknown. It adopted the name, “The Flat Hat Club” and what
secret, literary, and social in character. It held regular meetings and
had a grip and badge. Thomas Jefferson was said to be a member.
Though this organization went out of existence, its traditions
still survive. A college paper was established at William and Mary
known as the Flat Hat. The society itself was resurrected under the
old name as an honorary social group, election to which is regarded as
one of the highest privileges of the College. There is some question
as to whether the Flat Hat Club was the antecedent of Phi Beta Kappa,
but it is known the name, Phi Beta Kappa, was derived from a rival of
the Flat Hat Club.
The birth of the Greek letter fraternity came in 1776, the
same year as the birth of our nation. Phi Beta Kappa was formed at
the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. The
birth of the organization occurred at a meeting held in the “Apollo
Room” of the Raleigh Tavern on December 5, 1776. Three years later, the organization began to expand to Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth,
and other institutions. Phi Beta Kappa was very literary in its aims;
however, it was also secret and social. Soon after the “No Nothing”
Movement of the early 180’ss, Phi Beta Kappa was forced to reveal
its secrets. Today, Phi Beta Kappa is the foremost honorary Greek
letter society on college campuses.
Late in the fall of 1825, a student at Union College in Schenectady, New York yearned for the fellowship of kindred souls. John
Hunter, following the example of Phi Beta Kappa, created an organization which would unite his friends in a secret, social society…the
Kappa Alpha Society. Soon after, others on the Union campus
sought out similar relationships. In the spring of 1827, Sigma Phi
was formed and later that fall, Delta Phi came into being. Today,
these three organizations are known as the “Union Triad”. In addition to these organizations, three other fraternities were formed on the
Union campus: Psi Upsilon (1833), Chi Psi (1841), and Theta Delta
Chi (1847).
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Soon the American fraternity system began to spread. Sigma Phi
was the first fraternity to become national in scope. Its second
chapter was placed at Hamilton College. This led to the formation of
Alpha Delta Phi (1832) at the same college.
As the country began to expand its boarders westward, so did
the fraternity movement. The first fraternity to be formed in the
“West” was Beta Theta Pi at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Beta Theta Pi was formed in 1830 and soon was followed by Phi Delta Theta in 1848 and Sigma Chi in 1855. These three organizations
came to be known as the “Miami Triad”.
The first southern fraternities came into being in 1856. Sigma
Alpha Epsilon was formed at the University of Alabama. Two
years later, Delta Tau Delta was formed at Bethany College.
The Civil War slowed down the fraternity movement and nearly
killed all chapters in the South. Theta Xi (1864) was the only fraternity to be founded during this time at Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute.
After the War, the reorganization of chapter in the South began. Several fraternities were founded at military colleges. At the
Virginia Military Institute, Alpha Tau Omega (1865) and Sigma Nu
(1869) were formed. Down the road at Washington and Lee University, Kappa Alpha Order was formed in 1865. Pi Kappa Alpha
(1868) and Kappa Sigma (1867) were formed at the University of
Virginia.
Later in the 1800’s, several new fraternities were formed in
the North. At the Massachusetts Agriculture College, (now UMass,
Amherst) Phi Sigma Kappa was established in 1873. Theta Chi
(1856) was founded at Norwich in Vermont as a local society and became national in 1902. Alpha Sigma Phi (1846) and Pi Lambda
Phi (1895) were both founded at Yale University. At another Ivy
League school, Cornell, Delta Chi (1890) was formed. And today’s
largest national fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon, was established in
1899.
Many notable fraternities were formed at the beginning of the
1900’s due to the changing demographic of the college population.
For the first time, women middle-class and African-American students were arriving on campus. Sigma Phi Epsilon (1901), Lambda
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Chi Alpha (1909), Kappa Delta Rho (1905), Acacia (1904), Alpha
Gamma Rho (1908), and Pi Kappa Phi (1904) were all formed during this period.
Phi Mu Delta would arrive in 1918.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
The History of the National Federation of Commons
Clubs
Phi Mu Delta traces its roots to the National Federation of Commons
Clubs. The Commons Club was founded at Wesleyan University
in Middletown, Connecticut, in 1899. The organization as a whole
seems to have been unwieldy, for membership was not on the same
basis at all chapters. At some institutions, members were voted upon,
while at other colleges the local chapter accepted any man of the nonfraternity body willing to sign the constitution of the National Federation. In many cases, members were permitted to join Greek lettered
organizations and hold dual membership.
The chief ideal of the order was Democracy, as was expressed in the
Federation’s National Magazine, The Chronicle. In addition, the red
rose was the official flower and Abraham Lincoln was the patron
saint.
Although the Commons Club was loosely bound as a national
organization, individual chapters were very powerful machines of
change on campus. Members often had the controlling vote in student
activities, and more often, shouldered the responsibilities for the major student activities of the undergraduate body.
The 1917 convention was held at the Allegheny Chapter. The chief
point of interest at this gathering was the beginning of the sentiment
that there should be a more closely organized, somewhat stronger organization. The federation’s mother chapter at Wesleyan University
proposed changing the name of the Federation to Phi Mu Delta; however, they were opposed to operating like traditional fraternities of the
day. Some chapters were supportive of forming an all out Greek letter organization, while the remaining chapters were undecided. There
appeared lengthy letters in The Chronicle as to whether or not the
Federation should become more exclusive. One chapter, very early
on, decided to leave the Federation and formed the founding chapter
of Kappa Delta Rho at Middlebury College in Vermont.
The Commons Club grew to an impressive 19 chapters from Washington State to Maine prior to the formation of Phi Mu Delta. At the
1918 Conclave, held at the Massachusetts Agricultural College
(now the University of Massachusetts at Amherst), Clarence Dexter
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Pierce and many of his supporters petitioned the assembly for the
formation of a Greek letter fraternity. The petition was adopted and
the original plan was in favor of all chapters of the Federation to join
Phi Mu Delta. However only four chapters did so: The Universities
of Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut, as well as Union
College.
The History of the National Fraternity of Phi Mu Delta
The Beginning: 1918-1920
The formation of the new fraternity met with some early resistance
when the alumni of the Union chapter refused to join Phi Mu Delta.
So, the Universities of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut
went on to become the founding chapters. Chapter designations were
determined by lottery. The Connecticut chapter drew the number one
and therefore became the Nu Alpha chapter, New Hampshire drew the
number two ticket and became Nu Beta, and Vermont became Nu
Gamma. The Nu prefix was determined by the location of the chapter
in the New England Region.
Years of Growth: 1920-1930
Expansion was conservative with our first new chapter at Northwestern University (Gamma Alpha) in 1921. Chapters at the University of
Michigan (Gamma Beta) and M.I.T. (Nu Delta) soon followed this in
1922. Mu Alpha at Susquehanna University was our first expansion
into the Mid-Atlantic Region and Pi Alpha at the University of California, Oakland (now Berkeley), was our first Pacific Region
expansion. While we merged with Delta Alpha Pi in 1934, acquiring
three chapters, they were short-lived due to the Depression. Also, the
University of Vermont chapter closed its doors for 21 years beginning
in 1926. The decade ended with additions of the Nu Eta Chapter at
Rhode Island State College (now the University of Rhode Island) in
Kingston, Rhode Island and Nu Theta Chapter at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
The War Years and Thereafter: 1940-1950
The war was especially tough on Phi Mu Delta. While many PMDs
enlisted and fought in the war, their chapters crumbled away. As
many as 800 Phi Mu Deltas took part in the war effort, and about 90
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made the supreme sacrifice. Some early chapters, like Gamma Alpha
at Northwestern, did not survive after the war. The last chapter causality of this period was the University of Connecticut chapter. To
this day, Nu Alpha has remained silent.
The Golden Age: 1950-1960
Expansion began to take off during the “Golden Age” of fraternities
from the late 1950s to the early 1960s. Several new chapters were
started in New England. New Zeta at UMass-Amherst was founded
from a local organization known as Zeta Zeta Zeta. The Nu Epsilon
Chapter at the University of Maine helped to establish a new chapter
at The University of Southern Maine from a very old local organization called Alpha Lambda Beta. Also, a local Latin letter fraternity,
QED, had established itself at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, after a schism in the local Delta Phi chapter. QED approached
Phi Mu Delta in 1964 and became the Nu Lambda Chapter. This
chapter went on to win several scholarship awards before closing in
the mid-1970s due to anti-fraternity legislation. In addition, The Bald
Eagle Club at Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania became the Mu
Zeta Chapter. The Sigma Delta Chi Fraternity, a young local organization from Keene State College in New Hampshire became the Nu
Omicron Chapter in 1970.
A Decade of Challenge: 1970-1980
Unfortunately, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, fraternity membership began to decline all around the country. Phi Mu Delta was not
alone. We had begun to prosper in the 1960s and even opened our
first National Headquarters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There was a
professional staff and traveling consultant. However, with the declining membership, it became difficult to maintain the office. While
several new chapters were started in the 1970s, they all closed due to
a lack of support and membership. Phi Mu Delta began to look for
solutions. In 1974, another small, financially strapped national organization, Delta Phi, approached Phi Mu Delta about a merger. Plans
were made and both organizations planed to merge under the name,
Delta Phi. However, Phi Mu Delta’s crest and colors were to be retained. All looked well, for about a year, and then things went sour.
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Due to an impending lawsuit against Delta Phi, the merger was called
off. Instead, a new innovative plan was established whereby Phi Mu
Delta and Delta Phi would remain separate organizations, but share a
National Office and pool other resources. In fact, this plan looked so
successful, that another small, national organization, Alpha Delta
Gamma, entered into the deal. Unfortunately, this too had its problems when one of the organizations could no longer afford their
portion of the financial commitment. The cooperative was disbanded
and Phi Mu Delta closed its Headquarters and laid off the staff. Phi
Mu Delta was on it's own again.
A Decade of Rebuilding: 1980-1990
The late 1970s looked bad! It appeared that Phi Mu Delta would dissolve. In fact, many alumni and undergraduate members were calling
for this action. The chapter at MIT left in 1977 and has continued to
exist as a local, Nu Delta, to this very day. However, a group of
young alumni, led by the more experienced alumnus, Eli Henry, began to rebuild the organization. A new National Office was
established in State College, Pennsylvania, when we hired Stewart
Howe Alumni Service to run our daily affairs.
The Triangle began to be published again and the chapter at the University of Vermont was reestablished. The 1980s began as a time of
rebuilding. Phi Mu Delta re-wrote its constitution, re-established the
Phi Mu Delta Foundation, and began to invest more time in its remaining chapters. The only new chapter of this period was
established at California University of Pennsylvania. The Mu Pi
Chapter was once a part of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. However,
in 1979 the group separated from Theta Delta Chi to form Pi Triton
local fraternity. This group then petitioned Phi Mu Delta in 1985.
A Time of Great Optimism 1990-2005
The 1990s were a great time of growth for Phi Mu Delta. Our chapters were extremely strong and active in their communities. The Nu
Beta Chapter at New Hampshire had closed its doors in 1981. In the
spring of 1995, the chapter was re-activated and has helped renew our
interest in quality expansion efforts. The fraternity continued to focus
on growth with an all-volunteer organization. But it proved to be difficult.
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The Renaissance: 2005-Present
By early 2005 the Fraternity was at a crossroads. We looked into
several opportunities to support the fraternity, including merging with
a stronger Fraternity. In 2006, after much deliberation, the National
Council voted to re-establish the position of Executive Director and
move the National Office to Cherry Hill, New Jersey. This position
would be a full-time paid position with the responsibility of running
the daily operations of the Fraternity and offering support and training
to the chapters and colonies. The results of this plan were quickly realized! By 2014, Phi Mu Delta had seen its membership grow by
300% and additional staff hired to support the membership.
The last twenty years have been slow and steady. Phi Mu Delta has
come back from near financial disaster and grown to be known today
as one of the strongest small national fraternities in the U.S.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
The Founders
Clarence Dexter Pierce, Nu Gamma, 1918.
Brother Pierce is considered the father of Phi Mu
Delta. He was a delegate at the 1917 convention of
the National Federation of the Commons Clubs at
which the proposal to convert to a Greek-letter fraternity was discussed and he led the way for the
founding of Phi Mu Delta at the 1918 convention.
Brother Pierce wrote the ritual we still use today.
“Dex” as he was known, enlisted in the military as a
medic at the outbreak of WWI. He then transferred
to the infantry, was recognized for his natural leadership, and received a commission as a second lieutenant before the
war ended. He returned to UVM and graduated with his class, receiving a Ph.B. in 1918, and a M.D. in 1923. He practiced medicine in
Connecticut and New York, eventually settling in Batavia, New York,
in 1957. SO beloved was he by the people of Batavia, that the Medical Library in the Genessee Memorial Hospital bears his name.
Arthur Conrad Bird, Nu Alpha, 1919.
Brother Bird was a delegate at the 1918 convention and an avid support of the formation of a Greek-letter fraternity. He was elected
Extension Secretary of the new Fraternity. Brother Bird was active in
athletics and ROTC while in college and, after graduation, worked for
several florists and received his graduate education in agriculture
from what is now the University of Massachusetts. In 1925, he became a landscaping foreman for Bristol Nurseries in Bristol,
Connecticut. He received several promotions over the years and, in
1949, he bought the company. Under Bird’s leadership, Bristol
Nurseries became world-famous for its chrysanthemums.
Otis Raymond Garland, Nu Beta, 1918.
Brother Garland was one of the delegates from New Hampshire Agricultural (now UNH) to the 1918 convention. After graduation, he
served in the Army and in 1919, he became a high school principle in
Massachusetts. In 1933, Brother Garland was appointed Clerk of
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Hampton (NH) Municipal Court, and in 1964, he was named special
justice of the same court. Brother Garland remained a loyal supporter
of Phi Mu Delta all of his life.
Charles S. Rising, Nu Gamma, 1919.
Brother Rising was a natural born leader. This was recognized at the
1918 founding of the Fraternity when he was elected the first National
President of the Fraternity. Brother Rising was an educator and
served in numerous teaching and administrative posts, including superintendent of schools. In 1942, he was named Chief of Vocation
and Education for Vermont Veterans. He later was named director of
the same group for all of New England. In 1962, he became director
of the experimental Vermont Family (Farm) Project. Brother Rising
lived in Vermont all of his life.
Robert C. Stimson, Nu Beta, 1918.
Not much is known of Brother Stimson. He was born in Concord,
NH, in 1896. Very active in the founding of Phi Mu Delta, he graduated from what is now the University of New Hampshire in 1918 with
a degree in chemical engineering. He enlisted in the Navy as a radio
technician and died of unknown causes in Rotterdam, Holland, on
September 19, 1920.
Lloyd A. Woodward, Nu Gamma, 1918.
Brother Woodward, a classmate of Clarence Dexter Pierce, served as
an artillery officer toward the end of WWI. Upon returning to civilian
life in 1919, he became a schoolteacher for the next year and a half in
New York state. He then returned to UVM as an instructor in Physics
and received his masters’ degree from there in 1924. Brother Woodward remained at Vermont until 1961, when he retired with the rank
of Associate Professor of Physics. He was active in the Boy Scouts
and American Legion and served Nu Gamma faithfully all of his life.
Brother Woodward was also the town Moderator and Justice of the
Peace in his hometown of Underhill, Vermont.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Chapters and Colonies of Phi Mu Delta
Chapter
Designation
Nu Alpha
Nu Beta
Nu Gamma
Gamma Alpha
Nu Delta
Gamma Delta
Gamma Gamma
Nu Epsilon
Mu Alpha
Pi Alpha
Mu Beta
Nu Theta
Nu Eta
Mu Delta
Mu Epsilon
Pi Beta
Nu Iota
Nu Kappa
Nu Zeta
Gamma Epsilon
Nu Lambda
Nu Xi
Mu Zeta
Nu Omicron
Mu Eta
Mu Kappa
Gamma Psi
Mu Omega
Mu Pi
Mu Theta
Location
Year
Chartered
University of Connecticut
University of New Hampshire
University of Vermont
Northwestern University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Wisconsin
University of Illinois
University of Maine
Susquehanna University
University of California – Berkeley
Ohio Northern University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Rhode Island
Wittenberg University
Pennsylvania State University
Oregon State University
Tufts University
New York University
University of Massachusetts
University of Minnesota – Morris
Trinity College (CT)
University of Southern Maine
Lock Haven University
Keene State College
Kutztown University
Slippery Rock University
Tarkio College
University of Toledo
California University of PA
Indiana University of PA
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1918
1918
1918
1921
1922
1923
1923
1924
1924
1925
1926
1929
1929
1930
1930
1931
1934
1935
1953
1964
1966
1966
1969
1970
1970
1972
1972
1974
1985
1996
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Chapters and Colonies of Phi Mu Delta
Chapter
Designation
Location
Mu Lambda
Mu Iota
Mu Xi
Nu Pi
Mu Omicron
Nu Theta Eta
Sigma Alpha
Sigma Beta
Mansfield University
Lycoming College
Penn College of Technology
Plattsburgh State University
Frostburg State University
New England College
Longwood University
University of Alabama
Mu Rho
Mu Sigma
Mu Tau
Nu Rho
Shawnee State University
Rutgers – New Brunswick
Rutgers – Camden
Rhode Island College
Year
Chartered
1998
1999
2002
2007
2009
2011
2013
Did
Not
Charter
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Activity: My Hopes and Dreams…A Letter to Myself
For this activity, all you need is a few pieces of paper, a pen, and an
envelope. Take a few minutes to consider what it means to join a
Brotherhood. You should have expectations of what that means to
you and to the other men in your chapter. Think about what you hope
to gain from your involvement in Phi Mu Delta. What contributions
will you make to the betterment of the Fraternity? What do you expect the Fraternity to do for you?
Now, thoughtfully take the time to write a letter to yourself. No one
else will see it or read it (without your consent). Be honest and sincere. Share your expectations with yourself in the letter. Once you
are done, seal the letter in the envelope, and sign your name over the
seal. Hand the envelope to the Vice President of Membership Development for safekeeping.
On the day of your graduation, this letter will be handed back to you.
We hope that all you wish for comes true and more…
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl #3: Democracy
“A democracy characterized by the practice of justice in every relation of life. I hold that justice is the
foremost principle to be considered in making my
decisions as a voting member of Phi Mu Delta, the
student body, and as a citizen of the United States. I
believe that broad conception of democracy which
seeks freedom of opportunity, and recognizes no
color, race, creed, or position…” – The Founders’
Creed of Phi Mu Delta
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Chapter Leadership and Management
How We Manage Our Chapter
The expressed details of each Chapter’s operations and management
are found in the Chapter Constitution and By-Laws. A copy of the
Chapter Constitution and By-Laws should be provided to you by the
Vice President of Membership Development. Each Phi Mu Delta
Chapter is managed by the Executive Committee, lead by the chapter
president. Each member of the Executive Committee is elected to his
position by the Chapter membership. Elections are generally held in
November and new Officers transition into their positions in January.
In addition to the Executive Committee, all members of the chapter
participate in at least one committee. Each committee Chairman reports to a Chapter Officer and the duties of each committee are
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determined by the goals established by the Chapter and Executive
Committee.
As a New Member, you will be assigned to a committee and help the
Chapter achieve its goals for the upcoming year. It is important to
contribute regularly to the work of the committee. Effective Chapter
operations depend on every member of the chapter to be engaged.
Leadership = Action
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Leadership 101
There has been an ongoing debate on the difference between leading
and managing. The words “management” and leadership” have
been given numerous definitions. As the definitions continue to
evolve, management has been most often defined by Warren Bennis
and Burt Nanus in the book, Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge:
“Leadership is doing the right thing. Management is doing this
right.”
Many fraternity leaders have found something important missing
from these definitions. Our behavior guideposts and inspiring visions
come from our ritual and organizational values. As you read this
manual, consider the following quote on leadership:
“Leaders must begin by setting aside that culturally conditioned
‘natural’ instinct to lead by push, particularly when times are tough.
Leaders must instead adopt the unnatural behavior of always leading by the pull of inspiring values. The difficulty lies in that
imperative always.” – James O’Toole: Leading Change
Managers
Develop policies and procedures
Direct and Control
Explain “What to do”
Give directions
Concern with the day to day
Bottom-line Oriented
Concerned with projects
Leaders
Develop visions and strategy
Motivate and Inspire
Explain “Where we are going”
Ask questions
Concerned with the “long-term”
Big picture oriented
Concerned with people
BOTH ARE ESSENTIAL TO EFFECTIVE CHAPTER
OPERATIONS
The best Chapter Officers are the ones who know when to manage
and when to lead.
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Chapter Executive Board Job Descriptions
President
•
•
•
•
•
He is the official representative of the chapter
He shall call to order and run all chapter meetings and executive board meetings
He shall direct the chapter’s strategic plan and implement
needed change within the organization
Responsible for chapter operations
Develop positive relationships with campus officials, alumni,
undergraduates, and all other constituents
Vice President of Membership
•
•
•
•
He shall perform all of the duties of the Chapter President in
the event of his absence
He shall ensure that all membership related paperwork is
completed and submitted in a timely manner
He shall serve as the Chair of the Chapter Judicial Board
He shall organize the annual Brotherhood Retreat
Vice President of Finance
•
•
•
•
He shall be in charge of all financial matters for the chapter
He shall serve as the Chair of the Finance Committee and
oversee the development of the chapter budget
He shall be responsible for collecting all fees and dues
He shall enforce all by-laws as they relate to the chapter treasury
Vice President of Member Development
•
•
He shall serve as the Chair of the New Member Education
Committee
He shall direct all activities associated with the New Member
Education program
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• He shall ensure that the New Member Education program is
run in accord with the National New Member Education
guidelines
• He is responsible for the welfare of all new members
• He shall provide programming that is free of hazing and enhances the brotherhood experience in a positive manner
• He shall oversee the assignment of Big Brothers and ensure
that they are providing the support needed during the New
Member Education program
Vice President of Administration
•
•
•
•
•
He shall keep all the records of the chapter
He shall type all meeting minutes and distribute them in a
timely manner
He shall maintain the chapter by-laws, constitution, and National by-laws
He shall ensure that all chapter documents are kept in a safe
place and readily available
He shall maintain all chapter rosters and attendance records
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Committee System
Advantages to having a committee system
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Spreads out the responsibilities of a chapter
Cultivates new ideas
Opens up new lines of communication
Increases the self-value of individual chapter members
Creates an environment where new members are acclimated
easily
Chapter business is carried in a faster and more effective manner
Standard Committees
Executive Committee
• Public Relations
Judicial Board
• Service/Philanthropy
Risk Management/
• Fundraising
Safety
• Activities
Finance/Budgeting
• Technology Committee
New Member Orienta• Ad Hoc:
tion
o Petition
o Homecoming
Recruitment
o Greek Week
Scholarship
o Brotherhood
Intramurals
o Retreat
Social
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
GOAL SETTING: GUIDELINES FOR ACTION
ACHIEVABLE OR ATTAINABLE
• Means that you can realistically accomplish the goal considering the nature of your abilities, skills, and aptitudes.
BELIEVABLE
• Suggests that you truly believe you can accomplish the
goal and have confidence in your ability to reach within
an allotted time. People who achieve their goals push
themselves by setting challenging goals, but their goals
are never so difficult that they lose the self-confidence
needed to achieve them.
CONTROLLABLE
• Stands for your ability to control the factors that affect
and influence the outcome of your goals.
DEFINABLE
• Means that you can express your goal clearly either out
loud or in writing. Often this involves taking a vague
feeling and creating plans for specific action towards a
goal.
EXPLICIT
• Indicates that your goals are something you really want to
do rather than working towards a goal others believe is
right for you
GROWTH FACILITATING
• Means that your goals are helping you move forward. It
will help you create a more satisfying life rather than being something you “settled for”.
MEASURABLE
• Means that your goal is expressed in such a way that it
can be measurable in numerical terms (if possible) rather
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than in broad, general terms. Example: To say, “this
week I’ll look at occupational alternatives” is not enough.
Rather, you need to express your goal in measurable
terms such as, “this Wednesday I will spend two hours in
the Career Resource Library reading about two occupations that have interested me most based on my interest
and skills”.
Adapted from Taking Charge of Your Career Direction. R.D. Lock,
1988, Brooks Cole, Belmont, CA.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Phi Mu Delta Personal Goals and Action Plans Worksheet
What are some of your strengths?
What qualities could use some improvement?
What qualities or characteristics would you like others to associate
with you?
Ask 3-5 other members to share with you the skills or qualities they
think are important to being a strong leader.
What qualities, characteristics, and skills will you need to possess in
order to be successfully in your chosen career?
What qualities, characteristics, and skills will you need to possess in
order to be successful in your life?
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ACTIVITY
Invite the Chapter Executive Committee to come and discuss their
roles within the chapter. Be sure to cover the following:
1. What is the Executive Board’s vision for the chapter?
2. How does the Executive Committee delegate tasks within the
chapter?
3. What skills are required on a daily basis to manage the chapter?
4. What are goals have been established for the upcoming term?
5. How can I be a part of the vision and goals of the chapter?
6. How does the Chapter celebrate its successes?
7. What challenges does the Chapter face?
8. What does the Chapter do very well?
9. What qualities are required to be a good Officer?
10. What qualities are required for a good Chairman?
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 4: Service
“Service to the college; service to every group organized for the common good; service to the
individual. I believe in the service defined in the
terms of voluntary sacrifice for the welfare of those
with whom I come in contact.” – The Founders’
Creed of Phi Mu Delta
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
“The service you do for others is the rent you pay for the
time you spend on earth.” –Mohammad Ali
Over the history of the fraternity, Phi Mu Delta has always
devoted itself to the ideal of service of others. The National
Organization chooses a national charity event every few years
to endorse and support of the national philanthropy each year.
In the past Phi Mu Delta has supported such charities as
UNICEF and Muscular Dystrophy. Today, we support the St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Service projects may take a variety of forms. Some examples:
you may choose to raise money for a local AIDS charity or
you may choose to educate others about the AIDS virus. The
possibilities are endless, but good taste and sensitivity to the
seriousness of the matter and how it may be perceived on
campus and/or in the community should always be considered.
(Consult the chapter’s faculty advisor or campus advisor if
you have questions along these lines.)
Consult with the chapter’s Service Chairman and begin to organize a project in which all New Members are involved. It is
important to get as many Brothers involved as possible. Remember that you have joined a Brotherhood, and more can be
accomplished by many than by a few. This type of project
takes careful planning; do not simply throw it together over
night.
After you have completed the project, discuss what you have
accomplished. How does it feel to help others? Who benefited most from your service? Why is it important to do things
to help others? What would you do differently next time?
Was the project a success?
As with the National Philanthropy, Phi Mu Deltas across the
country continue to perform service projects for a variety of
charities and causes on a weekly basis. Many of these local
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causes depend on the volunteer efforts of our members and
people like them for their survival.
As a New Member class, you will learn to organize and perform a service project, which will benefit a local charity or
cause. This project does not need to be attention getting. Remember that it is the small things that you do which often
make the most difference in people’s lives. Some local projects to consider include, but are not limited to:
• Assisting at a local homeless shelter
• Serving meals at a food bank or soup kitchen
• Collecting food and clothing for those in need
• Performing yard work for elderly community members
• Visiting a local retirement home
• Visiting sick children in the hospital
• Assisting campus organizations with their efforts in the
above areas
“It’s not for money, it’s not for fame, It’s not for only personal gain,
It’s just for love of fellow man, It’s just to give a little of self, That’s
something you can’t buy with wealth.
It’s not for medals worn with pride, It’s not for the feeling deep inside, It’s that reward deep in your heart,
It’s that feeling that you’ve been a part of helping others far and near
that makes you be a volunteer.” - Anonymous
For several years, the Fraternity has committed itself to helping the St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All chapters and colonies are expected to fundraise on an annual basis for the philanthropy. In
addition, members are encouraged to start or participate in the Up ‘Til
Dawn Program to involve the greater campus community in St. Jude’s
efforts.
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Currently, Phi Mu Delta Chapters are working on the following projects:
Phi Mu Delta Letter Writing Campaign
How the campaign works:
Chapters commit to participate in the letter writing campaign.
Materials (i.e. letters, wallpaper and campaign procedures) are sent
from St. Jude to the member of the chapter in charge of the campaign.
The member in charge shares the materials with the chapter members.
Chapter members are encouraged to send out a minimum of 25 letters
during a specific time. Letters should be sent to family members,
friends, neighbors, etc. Request that donations be made in the member’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Donations are sent directly back to you local St. Jude fundraising office by a specified date.
Chapters and individuals are presented with final fundraising totals.
Jail and Bail
How the “Jail & Bail” event works:
• Choose a day and location on campus for the jailbirds to spend
an hour or two “locked up”, have lunch, and make phone calls
to raise bail money.
• Have students pay $10 to have someone arrested.
• Set the bail at $100 for each jailbird.
• Create a jail-type atmosphere (your regional St. Jude’s representative can help you with these props).
• Bring in Polaroid or digital cameras to take pictures of the
jailbirds when they are arrested.
• Your regional representative can provide more ideas and
scripts for the jailbirds to use on the phone when soliciting donations.
• Get campus security involved in helping to arrest and transport
the jailbirds to their cell.
Penny Wars
This fundraiser is a fun and exciting way to raise money for the kids
of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Penny Wars can be a competition between fraternities, sororities, and other groups and
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organizations on campus. Each group’s objective is to gain the most
number of points over a designated amount of time.
Up ‘Til Dawn is a yearlong fundraising program that culminates with
an all night extravaganza, which keeps students “Up ‘Til Dawn” on
campuses nationwide.
This student-led, student-run program unites faculty, students, and the
surrounding community and sponsors in the goal to help the kids of
St. Jude. Students are the key to the success of the program. Not only do they lead Up ‘Til Dawn on their respective campuses, but
students also educate the community about St. Jude and raise funds
through a variety of fundraising activities.
If your campus already hosts Up ‘Til Dawn – involvement is mandatory. If not, you can work with your regional St. Jude fundraising
office to possibly get one started. Your campus will love it.
There are a variety of other was that you can raise money for the kids
of St. Jude, including:
Special Dinners – Everyone enjoys eating, so serve up your specialty
dish – spaghetti, chili, pancakes, cookies, etc.
Athletic Events - Basketball shoot-outs, football bowl games, softball
tournaments, biking, and skating.
Other – Work concession stands at athletic events or local arenas,
bake sales, car washes, candy grams, or canning at busy intersections. Be creative and have fun while raising money for the kids
of St. Jude!
Local Agencies
In addition to St. Jude, chapters and colonies are expected to develop
relationship with local agencies of need. Each member is expected to
commit a minimum of 10 hours of community service each semester
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and the group must complete at least two major projects for a local
agency each year.
Five Critical Elements of Service
Community Voice - Community voice is essential if we are to build
bridges, make change, and solve problems. Make sure that they voice
and needs of the community are included in the development of the
community service program.
Orientation and Training – Orientation and training are important first
steps for any community service experience. Information should be
provided for volunteers about the community, the issue, and the agency or community group.
Meaningful Action – Meaningful action means that the service being
done is necessary and valuable to the community itself. Meaningful
action makes people feel like what they did made a difference in a
measureable way and that their time was utilized well. Without this,
people will not want to continue their service no matter how well we
do with the other four elements.
Reflection – Reflection is a crucial component of the community service learning experience. Reflection should happen immediately after
the experience to discuss it – reactions, stories, feelings, and facts
about the issues that may dispel any stereotypes or an individual’s alienation from service. Reflection should place the experience into a
broader context.
Evaluation – Evaluation measures the impact of the experience and
the effectiveness of the service in the community. Members should
evaluate their learning experience and agencies should evaluate the
effectiveness of the members’ service. Evaluation gives direction for
improvement, growth, and change.
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The Impact of Service
Aside from the benefits to the individual and to the chapter, Phi Mu
Delta men should consider the enormous impact that service can have
on our society. According to the Independent Sector’s “Giving and
Volunteering in the United States 2001” survey, the following service-related statistics were reported:
• Forty-four percent (44%) of adults over the age of 21 volunteered with a formal organization 2000.
• Of these formal volunteers, 63 percent reported that they volunteered on a regular basis, monthly or more often.
Volunteers to formal organizations averaged just over 24
hours per month of volunteering time.
• An estimated 83.9 million adults formally volunteered approximately 15.5 billion hours in 2000.
• The average weekly hours per volunteer in 2000 was 3.6
hours.
• The formal volunteer workforce represented the equivalent of
over 9 million full-time employees at a value of $239 billion.
• The estimated hourly value of volunteer time was $15.40 per
hour.
• Volunteers were more likely than their non-volunteering counterparts to belong to a religious organization (75.6% vs.
58.0%)
• Women were more likely to have volunteered than men (46%
and 42% respectively)
• Fifty percent of all people were asked to volunteer. Individuals who were asked to volunteer were much more likely to
volunteer (71%) than those volunteers who had not been asked
(29%).
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Tips for Planning a Meaningful Project
Indentify Objectives – Determine what is important for your chapter.
The brothers are much more likely to participate and be enthusiastic
about projects they feel as if they had a role in shaping. Be realistic
about your chapter’s abilities and desires. Begin with a desired result
in mind.
Determine chapter interests – It is important to ask your members
what they want to do so that they are part of the process and feel ownership of the service program. Brothers are much more likely to
participate in a service project and do so with much more enthusiasm
if it is something they enjoy doing. What are their specific interests?
Do they like playing sports with children, tutoring, or mentoring, or
something else?
Identify community needs – Look for existing agencies or projects
that are already in place instead of inventing new projects or causes –
the university volunteer office can be very helpful in this regard.
Contact local aid agencies to determine the community’s needs and
how the chapter can best address them.
Create program structure – a well-structured program offers many
brothers the chance to get involved and voice their opinion. The
Committee can be invaluable in spreading the load and broadening
interest in the project by giving people measureable tasks that they
can accomplish and in so doing feel good about themselves and their
contributions to the chapter and the community. Who is responsible
for the planning, implementation, and evaluation for the project?
Clearly defined roles and open communication become increasingly
important as more people get involved and the project becomes bigger.
Pick a project – based on the survey of chapter goals, interests, and
schedule, select an activity and date.
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Set Goals – Be sure to set goals that are SMART
Specific – Our chapter will mentor students at the local Middle
School.
Measurable – our chapter will have 20 brothers mentor 20 students in
the fall of 2005.
Attainable – do not promise 100% participation. Instead, underpromise and over-deliver.
Realistic – agree to a level of involvement and participation that is
reasonable for the chapter.
Timely – set deadlines and dates to check progress. Our project will
be on October 6, 2005. We will have everyone signed up who is participating by September 20, 2005. Event coordinators will be selected
by September 1, 2005, etc.
Publicize – Work with the Public Relations Chair to let others know
about your work. Use campus newsletters, newspapers, and yearbooks. Send press releases to local papers. Inform your Greek
advisor and IFC.
Evaluate – Assess your progress. Do this not just at the end of the
project but also at various checkpoints along the way. Ask chapter
members to evaluate the project based on its goal. Its place within
chapter operations and the actual impact it has on the community.
The project should be consistent with our values and goals.
ACTIVITY
1. In conjunction with the Service Chairman, organize a new
service project that will engage the entire chapter.
2. Be sure to follow the tips for planning a successful project.
3. Develop a tool to evaluate to project. Create a space where
members may reflect on their experience and can share feedback with the Brotherhood.
4. Be sure to publicize the event and report back to your community the result and impact of your project.
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 5: The Founders’ Creed
I Believe in Democracy… a democracy characterized by the practice
of justice in every relation of life. I hold that justice is the foremost
principle to be considered in making my decisions as a voting member of Phi Mu Delta, the student body, and as a citizen of the United
States. I believe in that broad conception of democracy which seeks
freedom of opportunity, and recognizes no color, race, creed, or position.
I Believe in Service… service to the college; service to every group
organized for the common good; service to the individual. I believe in
service defined in the terms of voluntary sacrifice for the welfare of
those with whom I come in contact.
I Believe in Brotherhood…Brotherhood that reaches beyond the limits of Phi Mu Delta and welcomes every man as my Brother. I believe
in the intrinsic worth of the man at my side, and in his ability to make
good and justify my faith in him.
I hold these beliefs as my profound conviction, and I pledge my fellow men to live up to them to the best of my ability.
This creed is our heritage from the National Federation of Commons
Clubs, which through the plans of:
Clarence Dexter Pierce, Nu Gamma 1918
who conceived our fraternity, and the efforts of our founders:
Arthur C. Bird, Nu Alpha 1919
Otis R. Garland, Nu Beta 1918
R. C. Stimson, Nu Beta 1918
Charles S. Rising, Nu Gamma 1919
Lloyd A. Woodward, Nu Gamma 1918
became
THE PHI MU DELTA FRATERNITY
March 1, 1918
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
What is a Creed?
A Creed, as it applies to fraternities and sororities is a statement of
values. It is the public pronouncement of what we, as a Fraternity,
believe in and how we apply it to our everyday lives. Unlike the
Ritual of Phi Mu Delta, it is not a secret and it defines and clarifies our values statements.
Phi Mu Delta’s Founders’ Creed is unique within the Fraternity
world. Most fraternity and Sorority Creeds were written after
their founding by members looking to summarize and clarify the
values found within their secret rituals. The Founders’ Creed of
Phi Mu Delta was actually written in 1899 by the men who
formed the National Federation of Commons Clubs. We consider
it our legacy from them and cherish the values that were passed
onto us as Phi Mu Delta.
The Founders’ Creed is expected to be known by all members of
the Fraternity. It is recited at every meeting and Ritual. However,
it is important to remember that the Founders’ Creed needs to be
lived through action not simply memorized and recited. It has no
meaning if we do not act on the values that we claim to believe.
In fact, we look like hypocrites. One of the Fraternity’s greatest
challenges is when our members do not do what they say we will
do. If we are congruent with our values, we will find greater rewards in our membership and people will see the truth worth of
our organization.
The Creed Talk
The Founders’ Creed embodies all that Phi Mu Delta believes in.
Each of the ideals is related to the way we as Brothers and New
Members must treat our fellow man, society, and ourselves. Take
this time to consider the Creed and what it means to you. Gather
together with your fellow New Members and Brothers and have a
“Creed Talk”. During the “Creed Talk”, New Members and
Brothers should break down the Creed into its parts and discuss
their meaning.
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
ACTIVITY
With the entire chapter membership, hold a Creed Talk. The talk
will be led by one of the more charismatic members of the Chapter. Although you are relatively new to Phi Mu Delta, this
discussion is designed to have you and all of the Brotherhood fully engaged and involved in the discussion.
Here are some things to think about as you discuss the Founders’
Creed…
1. What are my personal values and how do I act on them in my
life?
2. How do my values align with the values of Phi Mu Delta fraternity?
3. Are my daily actions consistent with my values?
4. Are the actions of my Brothers consistent with the Fraternity’s
values?
5. What actions did the Founders of Phi Mu Delta intend our
members to complete when living with the values of Democracy, Service, and Brotherhood?
6. What do we do when a member’s actions are not congruent
with our values?
7. How does the history of Phi Mu Delta play into our values?
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 6: Membership Expectations
“He shall be a man of good character and willingness to serve this Fraternity and it’s
principles” – Phi Mu Delta Induction Ritual
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
The North-American Interfraternity Conference
Basic Expectations of Fraternity Membership
In an effort to lessen the disparity between fraternity ideals and
individual behavior and to personalize these ideals in the daily
undergraduate experience, the following Basic Expectations of
Fraternity Membership have been established by the NIC and are
fully supported by the National Fraternity of Phi Mu Delta.
• I will know and understand the ideals expressed in my fraternity ritual and will strive to incorporate them in my
daily life.
• I will strive for academic achievement and practice academic integrity.
• I will respect the dignity of all persons; therefore, I will
not physically, psychologically, or sexually abuse or haze
any human being.
• I will protect the health and safety of all human beings.
• I will respect my property and the property of others;
therefore, I will neither abuse nor tolerate the abuse of
property.
• I will meet my financial obligations in a timely manner.
• I will neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs; I will
neither misuse nor support the misuse of alcohol.
• I acknowledge that a clean and attractive environment is
essential to both physical and mental health; therefore, I
will do all in my power to see that the chapter property is
cleaned and maintained.
• I will challenge all my fraternity members to abide by
these fraternal expectations and will confront those who
violate them.
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
The Importance of Setting Group Expectations
Setting clear expectations for your chapter can help avoid
miscommunication and frustration for members and leaders alike. The right tools will help the membership do so
effectively.
Expectations are important in every single relationship and
mismanaged or poorly communicated expectations often
create conflict and dysfunction inside of relationships.
What is true of your friendships or your marriage can also
be true in a small group.
When people show up in your chapter, they have different
expectations of what a fraternity is supposed to be and
how it is supposed to function. That is why it is critical for
you to get everyone on the same page and to set the expectations clearly at the beginning of your Fraternity
experience.
One of the best ways to do this is by using something
called a group agreement or contract. A membership
agreement is a tool to help you walk through expectation
management with your group.
Forming a group agreement also means clarifying the values of the group. For instance, one of your values might
be that everybody is going to show up at your group meetings, and if someone cannot come, he will call the VP of
Administration to notify the group. Another value that is
often in the group agreement is one of the confidentiality.
People want deep, authentic community and they want it
to be a safe place where they can be honest with each other
and there is confidentiality. This should, ideally, be established from the very beginning.
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Another value that is often included in these group agreements is that everybody in the group participates.
Although there are different responsibilities and roles, like
a family, everyone chips in and helps. So then, it is not
just you, the leader, doing everything but everyone is getting involved.
By establishing a membership agreement, you can set the
expectations for the group, right from the very beginning.
However, even if your group has been meeting for a while,
it would still be a good idea to go back and just talk
through the expectations. Allow there to be input so that
by the end of the discussion everyone is agreement and is
clear on what those expectations are. This process might
seem uncomfortable or a lot of work at first, but in the
long run, you will have a healthier and happier group.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
SAMPLE
PHI MU DELTA – ALPHA ALPHA CHAPTER
MEMBERSHIP EXPECTAIONS
United in the bonds of Brotherhood, Service, and Democracy, the
Brothers of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of the Phi Mu Delta Fraternity individually and collectively aspire to live the values of the Founders.
Bound by our oath of membership and life-long friendship, it is expected of every Brother to uphold the values and the trust given to us
by our forefathers. Toward this achieve endeavor, the Brothers of Phi
Mu Delta’s Alpha Alpha chapter at <College or University> must unequivocally embrace the following values, expectations and procedures.
Statement of Membership Expectations
1. To abide by the Constitution of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity and the bylaws of the Alpha Alpha chapter.
2. To attend weekly chapter meetings.
3. To become a member of at least one chapter committee and participate in its meetings.
4. To promote Phi Mu Delta’s values of Democracy, Service and
Brotherhood.
5. To abide by the Risk Management Standards of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity and the rules established by the <College or University>,
especially those relating to alcohol.
6. To neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of
alcohol.
7. To neither participate in, nor allow any member of my chapter to
participate in any form of hazing.
8. To maintain at least a X.XX (out of 4.0) semester grade point average.
9. To actively assist in increasing chapter membership by participating
in all recruitment event.
10. To meet all my financial obligations to the Alpha Alpha chapter and
Phi Mu Delta Fraternity in a timely manner.
11. To support and conform to all requirements and standards for fraternities at <College or University>.
12. To assist in the upkeep and maintenance of the Chapter House.
13. To confront and hold accountable any member who does not abide
by this agreement.
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 7: Scholarship & Time Management
Your prime purpose for attending college should be to acquire a good
education. This will prepare you for your life ahead. The fraternity
wishes to help you with your education and does so by enforcing
study skills throughout the New Member orientation period.
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SQ3R Method
Perhaps one of the best-known methods of studying is known as the
SQ3R Method. Phi Mu Delta offers this method to assist you with
your study skills. However, we do realize that each student learns
differently and it may be necessary for you to find an alternative
method or modify the SQ3R Method to your needs. Part of your lifelong learning and development process hinges upon your ability to
find the best way in which you learn and comprehend information.
Feel free to use this method as part of that learning process.
SURVEY – Glance quickly over the material and look for headings,
topic sentences, summaries, and questions. By doing so, you orient
yourself to the material and find it easier to organize ideas as you read
them later. This quick survey should take only several minutes of
your time.
QUESTION – Turn to the first heading, subtitle, or topic sentence
into a question and write it down to make certain it is clearly formulated. The question should make the important points of the section
stand out and your answer should summarize the section.
READ – Read to find the answer to your question. If you cannot find
a satisfactory answer, revise your question. Be certain your answer is
concrete and that you understand it fully.
RECITE – This is the most important step of the Method. Look
away from your material and in your own words answer the question
you wrote out in step 2, giving examples. If you cannot remember the
information, reread, and make a brief outline. Recite aloud and write
out your answers briefly again. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 on all remaining sections.
REVIEW – Glance over your notes and the answers to your questions to get a brief review of what you have read. Check your
memory and be sure to know your material. Using your notes, give
yourself a short review before class or examinations or recall major
points. This is also a means of predicting examination questions.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
General Academic Tips
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Everyone needs extra help. If you’re having difficulty in a
class, seek out the support you need EARLY!
Get to know your professors—go to your faculty member’s office hours at least twice during the semester.
Make an appointment to meet your advisor and get to know
him or her.
Form study groups! Working on a team is a critical part of being an engineer and study groups help you perform better as
you create a network of support.
Get involved—balance is key in engineering and one of the
biggest predictors of success is who you choose to surround
yourself with.
Make sure that if you work, it’s no more than 15 hours per
week.
Repeated exposure to the material you are learning is essential
to retaining. Review to remember and remember to review!
Taking Notes
•
•
•
•
Go to class and take notes.
Make sure you label example problems, equations, theories
etc.
Be sure to write down any explanatory remarks your professor
makes about a problem (i.e. how do you get from one step to
another or why a particular method was used with which particular conditions).
After class, read over your notes and either condense (humanities/social science classes) or expand (engineering classes)
your notes in the left hand column of the paper.
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Reading Assignments
•
•
•
•
Preview the chapter before you read the assignment.
Read the assignment BEFORE you go to class.
Take notes on your reading to keep you focused.
Review your reading notes.
Time Management
•
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•
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Prioritize your tasks.
Divide your study time into one-hour blocks and vary them
throughout the week. Do your homework! Homework is usually 20 percent or more of your grade.
Remember the general guideline that for every credit hour of
an engineering class, you should plan to spend three hours
outside of class on that course during the week. If you are taking 15 credits of engineering coursework this means you
should prepare a seven-day schedule that allows for approximately 45 hours of non-classroom study.
Start your homework early-don’t wait until the last minute.
Consider a meal plan with the residence halls.
Test Preparation
•
•
•
If available, work old exams. The methods with which your
engineering professors want you to demonstrate your understanding of the material is often radically different than high
school. Even if you’ve been exposed to material before, keep
in mind that chemistry, calculus, and physics exams in college
are different than chemistry, calculus, and physics exams in
high school.
Join a study group to learn information and solve problems
covered in class.
Predict test areas & prepare for an exam at least one week prior to the exam.
Study Strategies
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Annotation – writing notes in the margin of your textbook in
your own words
Adapted Cornell Notetaking – taking the notes on the right
side of the margin and condensing or expanding on the left
hand side
Concept mapping – a variation on outlining in which you diagram main ideas and supporting details to learn concepts
covered in class
Outlining – representing the ideas presented in the text by
separating main ideas from supporting ideas using an outline
structure
Practice test – a sample exam using predicted topics and the
professor’s test format
Predicting test areas – reviewing notes and selecting topics
for exams
Time-spaced learning – learning and reviewing course material in blocks of time that are varied throughout the week
How do you choose a strategy?
•
•
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•
Talk to academic support resources about which methods may
work for you.
What do you know about the subject? (prior knowledge)
How well must you understand and remember?
How difficult is the textbook, manual, or article for you to
read?
Your Responsibility to the Chapter
Be sure to turn in to the Academic Chairman, the following materials:
A schedule of your courses and instructors
• A copy of all syllabi from each of your courses
• A schedule of all examinations and projects
• A weekly account of your grades on all examinations and projects.
The use of a Study Log, like the one on the following page, is also a
helpful resource to document the time New Members spend studying
together on a regular basis.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Study Log
Date
Time
In
Time
Out
Class
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Material Studied
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Time Management
Time management is the process of using your time effectively to get
things done that need to be done. We are all given 24 hours in a day,
168 hours in a week – no more, no less. So in essence, we really do
not manage time inasmuch as we manage what we do with the time
we have. We have all heard that ‘Time is Money’. So imagine you
only have 168 ‘dollar-hours’ to spend; how do you plan to spend them
and what will you budget your time-money for?
To learn how to mange time instead of allowing time to manage you,
you must continually assess how you use time. Specifically you need
to learn how you waste time, learn what obstacles prevent you from
using time effectively, and learn how to control your use of time. The
key to effective time management is maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
It is important to pay attention to all of the areas of your life from an
Intellectual, Spiritual, Social, Moral, and Physical standpoint.
Practical Time Management Tips for Chapter Members
Develop a “To Do” List – Be sure to integrate everything you have to
do on one list. Keeping track of separate lists for your organization,
your student role, and your personal life wastes time.
Break Down Big Projects – Even if they cannot by accomplished right
away, think about what you can break them down to small parts and
begin on a small part today. Do not put something off because it
seems too big.
Set Priorities – Make decisions about what is most important and
must be done today. Stars, checks, or a system of rating tasks “A”,
“B”, “C”, all work. The important thing is to decide what is important and then begin to work on it.
Do Top Priority Tasks First. It is easy to fall into the trap of doing
low priority items because they are usually easier and require less
time and effort.
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Cross-Out Items – When you have completed an item on your list,
cross it out. Add new items when they occur. Take time to reorganize the list at least one a week, every few days, or whatever feels best
for you. It is much easier to see what you need to do.
What Your Schedule – Leave time between meetings, classes, and
other scheduled activities. Know yourself…if you tend to run late,
plan for it in your scheduling. Allow some flexibility for emergencies.
Group Your Errands and Phone Calls – Think before you take off to
do something. Can you do anything else you need to do in the same
general vicinity? Errands can be grouped. Phones at times seem to
be few and far between on campus. So, try to group your phone calls,
too.
Learn to say “No” – You are not always the best person to respond to
a request. Sometimes you are doing yourself and your organization or
your friends a disservice if you take on too many responsibilities
without enough time to do them well. Do not spread yourself too
thin.
Use “Bits” of Time Effectively – Very often in our days, we have 1520 minutes, which we waste and that could be used to help us get control of our time and our life. Fifteen minutes can be used to make two
phone calls, start a letter, review a chapter, and other things that need
our attention. If you know what you have to do by using a “To Do”
list, you can make better use of bits of time.
Use a Calendar – Being able to “see” your daily, weekly, or monthly
schedule is helpful in planning your time.
Decide Your Personal Goals – Very often we just “do” and do not
take time to decide what is really important for ourselves. We need to
assess if our current activities and involvements meet our personal
goals. If you are so busy that you are not accomplishing what you
want to do, then something is wrong. Assess each activity and involvement opportunity and see if it is helping you move toward your
personal goals.
The Oracle
Make a Positive Decision Regarding Your Activities – Because you
have always been involved in a group, activity, or event is not sufficient reason to continue. It must be valuable to you. It must be worth
spending your time on. If it is not, then you should look for ways to
reduce your involvement with that activity and find other ways to
meet your needs.
Plan Your Time
• Schedule fixed blocks of time – especially class.
• Include time for errands.
• Schedule time for fun, recreation, exercise, and relaxation.
• Set realistic goals.
• Allow flexibility in your schedule.
• Study two hours for every hour in class.
• Avoid scheduling marathon study sessions.
• Set clear starting and stopping times.
• Plan for the unplanned.
• Stick to your plan.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 8: Meeting Management
“Because management deals mostly with the status quo and leadership deals mostly with change, in the next century we are going to
have to try to become much more skilled at creating leaders.”
John P. Kotter
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
The Meeting: A Checklist
As a New Member of Phi Mu Delta, you will participate in several
types of meetings. Usually, a Chapter is held each week and Committee Meetings may be held bi-weekly. In order for meetings to run
effectively and efficiently, meetings should be conducted on a regular
basis with the time and place being consistent. Members should always know the basic purpose of the meeting:
Basic purposes for meetings:
1. Exchange information
2. Solve problems
3. Make decisions
4. Share concerns
5. Explain issue
Following is a sample to assist the chairperson in this process.
1. Before the Meeting:
a. Set a starting and finishing time for the meeting.
b. Reserve a meeting room. Notify the members in advance of
the time and location.
c. Decide on the physical set-up/arrangement of the room.
d. Prepare an agenda. Distribute the agenda in advance so committee chairs and members can prepare reports.
e. Make copies of the agenda, include the next meeting time, and
place. Have an agenda file to help you build the agenda and
remember items to discuss at the meeting. Remember, the
agenda plots a course of action for the meeting and it is the
leader’s responsibility to stay on track.
f. Copy previous minutes and distribute.
g. Prepare visual aids (if needed).
h. Reserve audio-visual equipment (if needed).
i. Invite guests.
j. Prepare an evaluation of the meeting, if necessary.
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2. At the Meeting:
o Greet members. Members want to feel like they are
welcome and their time at the meeting means something. Welcome returning members and provide time
for self-introductions among members. Welcome attendees and guests and thank them throughout the year
for their contributions.
o Greet special guests.
o Start the meeting on time. Do not wait for latecomers
to begin.
o Introduce guests.
o Call everyone by name.
o If the chapter is large or this is one of the first meetings
for new members, or prospective members or other
guests have been invited, use name tags until people
are well acquainted.
o Conduct the meeting. Summarize important points.
o Take minutes.
o Keep order. Call on quiet members and ask them to
participate and contribute to the group. Try to limit
“discussion dominators”. Direct remarks to the group
as a whole and ask questions so everyone participates.
o Distribute materials. This may include lists, schedules,
or other details to help members digest and understand
the information.
o Explain important decisions the group needs to act upon and decisions they may face during the year.
o Describe important upcoming events and activities and
emphasize how members and newcomers can get involved. Include dates in the agenda and minutes.
o Announce committee appointments or name the appointments that will be made. Tell members how they
can serve on a committee.
o Always discuss potential new members and future recruitment events.
o Announce time and place of the next meeting.
o Evaluate the meeting and past programs.
o Add variety to the meeting; invite guest speakers, meet in a
different location, have refreshments, etc.
The Oracle
o Always end a meeting by reciting the Founders’ Creed as a
chapter.
3. Ending the Meeting and After the Meeting:
o Clean up.
o Collect any unused materials.
o Return equipment.
o Read and analyze the evaluation.
o Distribute or post minutes
o Follow-up on committee assignments.
o Call those who did not attend the meeting to tell them
their attendance was missed.
SAMPLE MEETING AGENDA
Phi Mu Delta Chapter Meeting
1. Call to Order
2. Ritual/Creed/Inspiration
brother
3. Recitation of the Founders’ Creed
4. Roll Call
5. Reading/Approval of the Minutes
6. Individual Officer Reports
7. Committee Reports
8. Special Orders
9. Old Business
10. New Business
11. Advisor/Alumnus Remarks
present
President
Chaplain or designated
All Standing
VP of Administration
VP of Administration
Chapter Officers
Standing Chairs
President, and from floor
President, and from floor
Advisor and/or Alumnus
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Maintaining Order and Meeting Efficiency with Robert’s
Rules of Order
This is a condensed version of Robert’s Rules of Order. It is intended to provide a basic background in parliamentary procedure
in order to conduct business as efficient and orderly as possible.
ADDRESSING THE CHAIR
All meetings should be conducted from the “chair” (usually the
President). Members addressing the chair should refer to the presiding officer as “Brother President”.
OBTAINING THE FLOOR
Before a member may make a motion to speak in debate, he must
obtain the “floor”. To claim the floor, a member raises his hand
and waits to be “recognized” by the chair. The chair will recognize the member by announcing his name or title. This member
then has the floor and can stand and speak until he yields the floor
by resuming his seat. While a motion is open to debate, there are
three important cases where the floor should be assigned to a person who may not have been the first to rise and address the chair.
These cases are:
If the member who made the motion claims the floor and has
not already spoken on the question, he is entitled to be recognized
in preference to other members.
No one is entitled to the floor a second time as long as any
other member who has not yet spoken to the pending motion requests the floor.
The chair should attempt to alternate opposite opinions on a
question if he is aware of members requesting the floor that have
opposing views.
MAKE A MOTION
First, a member makes a motion. Though he makes a motion, he
uses the word “move” to make the motion (for example: “I move
to allocate…”).
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Another member seconds the motion by saying, “I second the motion.”, “I second it” or simply “second”. It should be noted that a
second by a member merely implies that the motion should come
before the meeting and not that he necessarily favors the motion.
A member may second a motion because he would like to see the
assembly go on record as rejecting the proposal, if he believes a
vote on the motion would have such a result.
The chair then states the “question” on the motion. Neither making nor the seconding of a motion places it before the body; only
the chair can do that by this step (stating the question). When the
chair has stated the question, the motion is pending and is then
open to debate (providing it is a debatable motion). If the body
decides to do what a motion proposes, it adopts a motion or it is
carried. If it decides against the motion, it is rejected or lost.
AMENDING A MOTION
The motion to amend is a motion to modify the wording (within
certain limits) of a pending motion before it is acted upon. An
amendment must be germane; that is, it must be closely related to
or have some bearing on the subject of the motion to be amended.
A motion to amend is handled the same way as a main motion and
requires a second to be considered. An amendment is adopted by
a majority vote even in cases where the motion to be amended requires a 2/3 vote for adoption.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
At the beginning of regularly scheduled meetings, copies of
minutes of the previous meeting will be distributed for study by
chapter members. The chair then asks, “Are there any corrections
to the minutes?” and pauses. Then the presiding officer says, “If
there are no corrections (or ‘no further corrections’) the minutes
stand approved (or ‘approved as corrected’).”
POINT OF ORDER
When a member thinks the rules of the meeting are being violated,
he may make a “point of order”, thereby, calling upon the chair to
make a ruling and enforce the regular rules.
The Oracle
•
•
•
•
Can be applied to any breach of the meeting’s rules
Is in order when another has the floor
Does not require a second
Is not debatable unless the chair, being in doubt, submits
the point to a vote of the meeting; in which case, the rules
governing the debate are the same as for an appeal.
PREVIOUS QUESTION
The previous question is the emotion used to bring the meeting to
an immediate vote on the pending question. The motion for the previous question:
• Takes precedence over all debatable or amendable motions to which it is applied
• Can be applied to any immediately pending debatable or
amendable motion
• Is out of order when another has the floor
• Must be seconded
• Is not debatable
• Is not amendable
• Requires a 2/3 vote
POSTPONE INDEFINITELY
A motion to postpone indefinitely is a motion that the assembly
declines to take a position on the main question. Its adoption kills
the main motion, at least for the duration of the session, and
avoids a direct vote on the question. It is useful in disposing of a
badly chosen main motion that cannot be either adopted or expressly rejected without possibly undesirable consequences. The
motion to postpone indefinitely:
• Is out of order when another has the floor
• Must be seconded
• Is debatable
• Is not amendable
• Requires a majority vote
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 9: Financial Responsibility
“Brotherhood begins when the bills are paid.” – Past National
President, Paul R. Kittle, Jr.
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National Fee Structure
The fee structure for The National Fraternity of Phi Mu Delta is
very simplistic. It consists of a one-time fee, called an Initiation
Fee, which is paid to the fraternity before initiation. This fee currently is $300.00, set at Conclave 2010. In addition to this one
time fee, the National Fraternity charges a semester fee, called the
Brother Services Fee. This fee is $90.00 per man, per semester
enrolled and is due at the beginning of each semester.
The fees for the National Fraternity of Phi Mu Delta are used for a
myriad of services that are provided to chapters. None of the fees
collected go to payment of any services rendered by the volunteers, which comprise the National Council. Monies collected are
utilized to maintain the alumni and chapter personnel database,
support chapter educational development activities, create mailings, and pay for postage, support The Triangle magazine, along
with expenses incurred while visiting and supporting the chapters
of Phi Mu Delta.
Phi Mu Delta has four fees:
1. Initiation Fee (IF): This one-time $300 fee is due within eight
weeks of the Induction Ceremony and before a member may
be initiated. The fee covers the cost of the membership badge,
certificate, and costs associated with operating the National
Headquarters.
2. Brotherhood Service Fee (BSF): The Brotherhood Service Fee
is paid by all initiated members of the Fraternity each semester. The fee supports our leadership and programming budget.
The current fee is $90/member and is due on September 7 and
February 7.
3. Annual Liability Insurance Fee: Payable by October 1, the insurance fee is $170, on average, depending on each chapter’s
past risk management violations. The billing is handled by
Willis HRH and Company, our insurance broker.
4. Chapter Service Fee: Each chapter and colony will be billed
$500 on September 15 and February 7. This fee will cover the
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expenses for the travelling support given by the Director of
Chapter Services.
How the National Fraternity Spends Your Dollars
The national organization runs on an approximate budget of
$150,000 a year. The headquarters of The National Fraternity of
Phi Mu Delta is run by the Executive Director.
The National Headquarters provides the following services
for Phi Mu Delta members:
1. Maintains undergraduate database and rosters for all
chapters and colonies
2. Answers and relays all official correspondence for the fraternity
3. Conducts at least two official chapter/colony visits per
year to support undergraduate needs
4. Coordinates expansion process for the fraternity and provider’s on-campus support of all colonies
5. Generates bills and collects dues from the chapters
6. Develops programming and educates alumni and undergraduates on best-practices models and procedures
Currently, on average, Phi Mu Delta initiates 120-150 men each
year. This amounts to $45,000 in Initiation Fees per year. Your
badge and certificate costs come from this fee. After expenses are
subtracted, we have just enough to remaining to operate the National
Headquarters. Funds to support other important Phi Mu Delta programs and services are made possible through the generous support of
our loyal alumni and annual solicitation efforts by The Phi Mu Delta
Educational Foundation.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
CREATING A BUDGET
Chapters need to design their budgets carefully and conservatively. This takes organization and research. To plan a budget, you need
to have as much information as possible concerning anticipated income and expenses. You will find the best sources for this kind of
information are the budgets from previous years and the experience of
your advisor.
INCOME
• It is best to underestimate revenues.
• Plan how to raise funds and estimate this in categories such as
Membership Dues, Fundraisers, or Donations.
• Do not include fundraisers in budget projections.
• Thus, if the planned car wash and book sale were to fail (as
fundraisers occasionally do), the chapter budget would not be
hurt. The chapter can then designate the revenue as desired.
EXPENDITURES
• It is best to overestimate expenses
• Estimate the costs for one year. Include costs of meeting
chapter standards, conference attendance, copying and printing, food, advertising, rental fees, and other costs your chapter
regularly incurs. See the Annual Financial Report from the
previous year for more details.
• The total in the expenditures section should be lower than the
estimated income.
FUND BALANCE
As the year progresses, the treasurer should make a monthly budget
report that includes if the chapter is above budget or below budget
and then make the necessary adjustments.
The overall goal is to have a healthy fund balance remaining at the
end of the year. This fund is a carry-over that can be used to fund activities in the fall that take place before the next membership drive. A
fund balance adds to the overall strength of the chapter.
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If you plan well, this will help your chapter have the funds it needs to
meet its goals.
BUDGETING BASICS
A budget is an intelligent estimate of income and an expense plan for
the spending of that estimated income. All successful Chapters maintain a budget.
ACTIVITY
With the Vice President of Finance, create your own chapter budget.
Use information from the Chapter’s current budget to create a new
budget for the next semester. Use the example on the next page to
create an Excel File for your Chapter Budget. Work with Chapter
Committee Chairs and Officers to see what the actual expense for
each line item should be.
Be sure to understand the following:
1) What are the chapter’s variable expenses?
2) What are the chapter’s fixed expenses?
3) How do committee chairs arrive at their line item values?
4) What are the chapter’s fiscal policies?
5) When is the chapter budget voted on?
6) When are members required to pay dues?
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
[
How to Write a Check
Here is a quick lesson on how to write a check:
1. Write the date at the top of the check where it says “date”. It can
be in any format (ex: 11/14/07, 11-14-01, November 11, 2007, etc.)
2. Write the name of the person or company receiving the check on
the line that begins with “Pay to the Order of” or “Payable to”. Make
sure to use proper names. Even if it is your friend, do not use nicknames or they may have trouble cashing or depositing the check.
Companies will typically include on your bill who the check should
be made out to.
3. Write the amount you are paying in numbers in the space (usually to the right side of the check) that begins with “S” (ex: 101.55).
4. Write that amount in words on the remaining line before the
word “Dollars”. Use a fraction for amounts less than $1. Draw a line
to fill any space between the amount and the work “Dollar”. Example: One hundred one and 55/100 ------- Dollars. If there are no cents,
write xx over the fraction. Example: If the amount is $100, write One
hundred and xx/100 ------- Dollars.
5. Sign the check (usually bottom right side). Use the same spelling,
initials, etc. that are printed at the top of your check.
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6. Write a memo (usually on the bottom left side). For bills, you
should write down a reference or account number in this area. The
company will usually tell you what to put on this line. For anything
else, this line is optional. You may want to write “concert tickets” or
“rent” so you remember what the check is for.
7. Write the check number, date, person/company, and amount
on the ledger in the front of your checkbook. Subtract that amount
from what is in your checking account so you know how much money
you have left. Record this number underneath.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 10: Event Planning
Throughout your membership in Phi Mu Delta, you will take part in
event planning. Whether you are working on a service program, leadership speaker, or academic presentation, you will need to understand
the basics of event planning in order to have a powerful outcome!
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
TEN STEPS TO PLAN AN EVENT
A Basic Procedural Outline to Consider When Planning an Event
or Activity
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6
STEP 7
Identify what type of event/activity you would like to
do.
Determine the goals of the event and what you would
like to accomplish.
Define your objectives and outcomes of the event or
activity.
Identify the target audience and event emphasis: Education, Health, etc.
Decide on a date and time for the event or activity.
Consider locations and types of facilities to host event.
Determine the use of space or seating arrangement and
capacity required for the event or activity.
Decide who will be responsible to secure the facility
and be the event coordinator.
Consider establishing partnerships with other organizations or people to assist with the execution of the
event.
Identify their role within determining key decisions.
Create an event/program budget.
Identify the sources and amounts of potential revenue
and expenses. Revise for realistic and necessary true
cost and revenue updates.
Create an event timeline
Outline all essential decisions/activities in a time sequential order from the point of initial consideration to
decision being finalized and decisions being executed.
Document who is responsible for each function.
Communicate the timeline to everyone involved in the
planning or fulfillment of the event.
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STEP 8
Determine Key Decisions: Program
Determine the order of activities that need to occur at the
event or activity.
Determine who will perform or execute the agenda items.
Determine if a published program is necessary. If so, decide
who will create and print the program.
Presentation(s)/Speakers
Identify the topics of information to be shared.
Determine if presenters/speakers are needed. If so, identity
potential presenters or speakers to invite to participate.
Decide on the timeframe for each presentation or speech.
Decide the type of communication that should transpire with
the presenters/speaker, when it should occur, and who will be
responsible to execute and follow-up.
Equipment
Identify what equipment is necessary for the event or activity.
Identify potential sources to secure needed equipment.
Evaluate the cost of the equipment.
Decide who will be responsible for the pick up and return of
the equipment.
Materials
Determine what materials are needed and identify potential
sources to purchase them.
Decide who will be responsible for purchasing, preparing, and
storing the materials.
Awards
Determine who will receive awards – presenters/speakers.
Decide on awards items and identify sources to purchase
them.
Decide who will be responsible for purchasing awards and
presenting them.
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Public Relations
Identify the method(s) that will be used to publicize the event
or activity.
Decide who will be responsible for the development of invitations, flyers, press releases, emails, etc.
Decide who will be the contact for public inquires on the event
or activity.
Decide who will be responsible to disseminate the types of information on the event or activity.
Internal Communication
Determine the method of communication to the people within
the organization to inform them, include them, and encourage
them to participate. For instance, communicating by email,
newsletters, etc.
STEP 9
Take into consideration these special items, if needed:
food, music, decorations, flowers, photography, videography, clean up.
STEP 10
Evaluate your event.
ACTIVITY
As a New Member Class develop, organize, and hold an event that
benefits the chapter or campus community. Be sure to work closely
with the brotherhood and any chapter officers or committee chairs
that may assist you with accomplishing your goals. The event should
have a budget that is approved by the Vice President of Finance and
the Vice President of Membership Development. It is not important
that this event be large. It is far more important that the event is
needed and valued by the membership.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Chapter Event Checklist
Event Type:
Description:
Date: ___/___/___
Start Time:
CHECKLIST
Description
End Time:
Provider
Phone
Cost
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
TOTAL: $___________
Remainder in Social Budget: $___________
BROTHER RESPONSIBILITY
Name
Duty
NOTES:
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Notes
Completed
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 11: Accountability
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to
do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could
have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do
it, but Nobody realized that Everybody would not do it. In the end,
Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could
have done. - Unknown
What is the moral of this story?
In what ways do you think this scenario might play out in a Fraternity?
How can we avoid this problem?
Brian Cole Miller is the principal and founder of Working Solutions,
a company dedicated to helping front line managers could be more
competent and confident in their jobs. He is also the author of several
books for busy managers. His book, Keeping Employees Accountable
for Results, He has come up with a model for holding people within a
group accountable. This informal method of accountability is a great
way to deal with issues that do not require Judicial Board action.
SIMPLE Model for Accountability
S = Set Expectations
I = Invite Commitment
M = Measure Progress
P = Provide Feedback
L = Link to Consequences
E = Evaluate Effectiveness
S – Set Expectations
The success of any organization comes down to one thing: how well it
organizes its members to focus on and work toward the same purpose.
Your employees need to know what is expected of them before you
can hold them accountable for anything. You cannot assume they
know what is supposed to be done, when, and to what quality level.
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The more clearly you set expectations and goals up front, the less time
you will waste later clarifying – or worse, arguing about – what was
really expected.
I –Invite Commitment
Just because your members know what to do does not mean they will
do it. After goals and expectations are set, employees need to commit
to achieving them. Brothers are more likely to do this when they understand two things: how the goals will benefit them personally, and
how the goals will help move the organization forward. Once this
connection is made, they are more likely to buy into the goals, and
actually welcome you holding them accountable for the results.
M – Measure Progress
You need information to hold your employees accountable. You must
measure their ongoing performance and gauge whether or not they
meet the goals and expectations to which they had previous committed.
Goals are only measurable when they are quantified. Measure the
results and compare them to your employees’ goals to discover the
gaps that require further attention.
P – Provide Feedback
Share the information you gather with your employees. Feedback
will not solve problems by itself, but it will open the door for problem-solving discussions and follow-up actions. Your employees need
feedback to do a good job and improve in areas where performance is
falling short of expectations. Most of the time, giving objective, behavioral feedback is all it takes. Setting expectations followed by
quality feedback is the backbone of holding someone accountable for
results.
A note about the way in which you provide feedback:
True feedback is a gift. To be effective, the feedback you offer must
come from a sincere desire on your part to help or support your brother, not to merely fix him. If you cannot come at it from this
perspective, you may fail, no matter what words you choose, or methods you use. Intent is more important than technique.
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L – Link to Consequences
Sometimes employees need a little external motivation to live up to
their commitments. When they struggle to reach their goals, you can
help them by administering appropriate consequences. Do not confuse consequences with punishments. Punishments are inflicted on
members that make them pay for their shortcomings. They do not
contribute to a solution. Consequences, however, will guide and focus brothers’ behavior and encourage them to thank their
commitments more seriously.
E – Evaluate Effectiveness
Once your members have committed to the expectations you set and
have provided constructive feedback and support along the way, it is
time to evaluate your results. Look at the quantifiable goals you set
forth and determine if you were successful at holding your members
accountable for reaching those goals. Also, review how you handled
the process. Find ways to be more effective at applying the principles
of accountability and hold yourself accountable for holding others accountable.
Member accountability is a big factor in chapter success. Sure, you
are busy but do not make the mistake of hoping your fellow brothers
will figure out what they should do on their own. Help them achieve
success for themselves and for your business by setting expectations,
inviting commitment, measuring progress, providing feedback, linking to consequences, and evaluating effectiveness. Put a systematic
consistent method in place and you will find that when people are
held accountable for the work that must be done, it gets done – and
then some.
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ACTIVITY
Identify, at least, two times in your life where you needed to challenge and hold someone accountable. Work through the six step
model of accountability and, at each step, write down what you would
do related to that step to address your identified accountability challenge.
1. How do you set expectations?
2. What commitments did you invite?
3. How did you measure your progress?
4. What feedback did you provide?
5. What consequences were linked with the challenge?
6. What came from the evaluation of effectiveness?
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl 12: Risk Management
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
“Look both ways before you cross the street to make sure
there are not any cars coming.” – Your mom.
That was probably the official beginning of risk management in
your life. Until the 1980s, risk management was not a topic of
frequent conversation in the fraternity and sorority world. Sure,
emphasis was placed on safety of houses, members’ actions, and
social events with alcohol were scrutinized, but until the major
lawsuits became prevalent, we were able to take care of things on
our own.
Each year, there are more and more lawsuits stemming from activities occurring in conjunction with chapter functions. Settlements
from these lawsuits are growing larger and larger. One large lawsuit could put any national organization and its chapters out of
business. Insurance companies charge premiums based on the
level of perceived risk, the past track record of the organization,
and the potential payouts. These companies want to make money,
not lose it.
Society has changed and so has the amount of attention the national fraternity is paying to risk management issues. As a result,
chapters also spend more time focusing on risk management than
perhaps ever before. The national fraternity is in the business of
keeping you and your chapter is business. Now, a high emphasis
on risk management is one of the ways we can help do that.
What is Risk?
Have you driven a car lately? Did you obey the speed limit the
entire time? If not, then you were taking a risk. Depending on
how people drive in your city, you might have been taking a risk
even if you were obeying the speed limit. Risks are any actions
that have a potential to result in negative consequences for others
or ourselves. What are some of the negative consequences of
speeding? You could get a ticket and pay a fine. You could lose
your license if you have previous violations. You could get into
an accident and hurt yourself, passengers in your car, or individuals in another car. The accident could cause your insurance rates
to increase or your insurance coverage to be canceled. Without
insurance, you could not drive your car. Without your car, you
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might not be able to get to class or to work. Without getting to
work, you may not have the money to pay for school. You get the
idea ¼ one small risk often has a major domino effect that you
might not anticipate at the time you decide to take a risk.
Do We Always Decide to Take Risks?
Do you intentional decided to speed? To break the speed limit?
You probably do sometimes, particularly if you are running late
and calculate how fast you have to drive to get your desired destination. More often than not, however, you may just do it out of
habit. Or, you may want to do it because everyone else around
you is doing it and you are just going with the flow of traffic.
That reality is probably true for the chapter and many of the decisions it makes as well. Many of the chapter’s social events, new
member activities, etc. are simply made out of habit or tradition.
No intentional decision is being made to risk a new member’s life
with a particular activity. Yet, unfortunately, many of the decisions do involve risk, do have unanticipated consequences and do
cause a ripple or domino effect far greater than anyone might ever
duplicate.
If is easy to think first of alcohol issues when the notion of risk
management in chapters is raised, but risk exists in many areas
outside of chapter social events. Further, risk does not just mean
breaking the law or a university or national policy. Getting a poor
chapter GPA is a risk that could result in social probation or other
punishments. Not having a designated chapter spokesperson in a
crisis is a risk that may result in members making inappropriate
statements to the media. There are big risks and there are little
risks.
Helping Members Understand Risk
Why is it important that each member be aware of such risks?
Because every member is regularly in the position to generate or
reduce risk for the chapter. We need every chapter member think
like a risk management officer: What is the worst possible thing
that can happen and how can I minimize that risk?
An excellent exercise to help illustrate that point is one that focuses
on a case study that had a sad ending. Again, in small groups you can
have chapter members review the case and then try to determine who
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was responsible for the outcome that occurred. What is usually decided is that everyone has some level of responsibility for the result
because individuals in this case all had opportunities to act in a manner that could have reduced the likelihood of problems developing.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Phi Mu Delta/FIPG Risk Management Policy
The Risk Management Policy of FIPG, Inc. includes the provisions
that follow and shall apply to all fraternity entities and all levels of
fraternity membership.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
1. The possession, sale, use, or consumption of ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES, while on chapter premises, during a fraternity
event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter,
or in any event an observer would associate with the fraternity,
must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the
state, province, county, city, and institution of higher education, and must comply with either the BYOB or Third Party
Vendor Guidelines.
2. No alcoholic beverage may be purchased through chapter
funds no may the purchase of same for members or guests be
undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of, or
on behalf of, the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common sources of such alcoholic beverage, e.g. kegs
or cases, is prohibited.
3. OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by
non-members of the fraternity, without specific invitation,
where alcohol is present, shall be prohibited.
4. No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for,
serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those
under legal “drinking age”).
5. The possession, sale or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES while on chapter premises or
during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer
would associate with the fraternity, is strictly forbidden.
6. No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization or tavern (tavern defined as an
establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales
from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise
provided to those present.
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7. No chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups, or
organizations.
8. All rush activities associated with any chapter will be a DRY
rush function.
9. No member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in
“drinking games”.
10. No alcohol shall be present at any New Member/associate
member/novice program, activity, or ritual of the chapter.
HAZING
No chapter, colony, student, or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Hazing activities are defined as: Any action
taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity
premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment,
harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of
excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure
hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried
on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of
public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste;
engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not
consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy
or the regulations and policies of the educational institution, or applicable state law.
SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT
The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexually
abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental, or emotional. This is to include any actions, which are demeaning
to women or men including but not limited to date rape, gang rape, or
verbal harassment.
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FIRE, HEALTH, AND SAFETY
1. All chapter houses should meet all local fire and health
codes/standards.
2. All chapters should have posted by common phones emergency numbers for fire, police, and ambulance and should have posted
evacuation routes on the back of the door of each sleeping room.
3. All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations
as reported by the insurance company.
4. The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive devices of
any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house is expressly forbidden.
EDUCATION
Each fraternity shall annually instruct its students or alumni/alumnae in the Risk Management Policy of FIPG, Inc.
Additionally, all student and alumni/alumnae members shall annually
receive a copy of said Risk Management Policy.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Some General Questions about Risk Management
Why is everyone cracking down on us?
Since the Animal House era of the 1970s, the tolerance level of
the public and colleges and universities for inappropriate behavior has
decreased rapidly. ‘Enough is enough’ is their cry. Colleges and universities are concerned about anything that interferes with student
learning; parties and other risky activities fall into that category.
Why have a risk management program?
Because today’s insurance market demands it. By having strong
and enforced policy statements, coupled with solid risk management
education, the national fraternity attempts to protect itself from unnecessary legal risk. Also, because we care about the safety of our
Brothers, friends, and guests. It should be simple to see that we care
about the welfare of those we care about.
If we have our own insurance, there is nothing to worry about,
right?
Wrong. Think about it from the perspective of you and your car
insurance. Yes, having coverage makes driving a bit safer for you,
but you still have potential risks and problems associated with being
in an auto accident. The same is true for Greek organizations.
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Just Me: Risks Worth Taking?
We often engage in decisions or actions that have levels of risk
associated with them.
Those actions have potential negative consequences that could
have a long-term effect on our ability to pursue particular careers or
other goals that are important to us. How much risk your decisions
exposing you to? Conduct an honest self-assessment by noting responses for yourself in the categories below.
Decisions I make/Actions I take that are clearly illegal:
1.
2.
3.
Worst possible consequences:
Decisions I make/actions I take that are clearly a violation of
school or fraternity policy:
1.
2.
3.
Worst possible consequences:
Decisions I make/actions I take that are clearly inconsistent with my
personal values:
1.
2.
3.
Worst possible consequences:
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl #13: Recruitment
The ability to meet, share and introduce Phi Mu Delta with other likeminded men is essential to a strong future. Recruitment is the lifeblood of our Fraternity. The men we recruit today set the example for
tomorrow.
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Five Step Model to Recruitment
The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) has developed a very successful model for recruitment that every Phi Mu
Delta should commit to learning and following five steps.
Step 1: Meet Him
Most of the people that we should be recruiting, we already know.
We meet people naturally though class, friends, sports, and other
campus involvement. We can increase these “natural” contacts
through increasing our members’ involvements on campus.
Step 2: Make Him a Friend
At the core, Fraternities are based on friendship and brotherhood.
Our founders were friends with similar ideas who created Phi Mu
Delta to be a vehicle to improve our individual lives and to be an
organization that builds men. Instead of choosing people that we
do not know to share our values, why not choose our friends? Do
not take chances with people who could ruin our organization
when they become members. Create brotherhood among friends
who share our values. That is what works.
Step 3: Introduce Him to Your Friends
The key to recruitment is going from Step 2 to Step 3. We need to
turn our friends into members. People join people. Helping your
brothers in the chapter to befriend the prospective members is
what makes recruitment work.
Step 4: introduce Him to Phi Mu Delta
Formal Rush and Recruitment periods can fit into Step 4 very
well. If the prospective members are friends then they events are
not fake and superficial, they are fun. Now is when friends need
to hear honestly about the commitment that is made when they
join. If you do not provide accurate information regarding the
cost, expectations, and time involvements, they will most likely
drop out when they learn the truth. Helping them understand that
this is a lifelong commitment before they join creates active seniors as well as involved alumni
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Step 5: Ask Him to Join
If you sold cars for a living, you would not limit the days you
worked to two per year. So why do so many chapters limit the
number of times that they give bids? Inviting someone to join
does not mean that they have to start immediately. Why not obtain a verbal commitment to begin at the next appropriate time?
Use the excitement that a prospective member has when they receive a bid to your advantage. Have him help recruit others
before they join.
Too often, chapters try to jump straight into Steps 4 and 5 when
recruiting. Our recruitment efforts must be personal and focus
upon one-on-one interaction. When fraternity men develop individual personal relationships with prospective members, fraternity
is no longer an abstract concept but an organizational opportunity
with a name and a face. In today’s age, men generally do not seek
out fraternity membership, but many are ideal candidates for
membership. The chapter’s recruitment effort must be personal,
one-on-one, and active. Prospective members will only be able to
gain a favorable impression of Greek life through meeting current
members; a publication will not cut it. Public relations, websites,
videos, and social activities are important, but recruitment goes
beyond those aspects. Only fraternity members themselves, engaging in everyday dialog with these “maybe joiners” will create
the friendships that produce new members and lifelong Phi Mu
Delta brothers. Nothing else will accomplish that desired result as
simply or as effectively.
Targeting Students
Developing a recruiting list is essential. Mobilize your chapter to
create a large pool of contacts. The chapter must locate potential
new members and personalize their exposure to the chapter. The
maybes are more than half of the campus population – do not ignore them.
Students fall into three categories: they will definitely join a fraternity: definitely not join a fraternity; or “maybe” join a
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fraternity. Our efforts in the past have targeted the “yes” joiners.
We wait for the students to come to us. The number of “yes”
joiners on campus is shrinking due to demographic shifts in the
student population. This MUST change. Most of you now in the
Fraternity were “maybe” joiners, even possibly “not” joiners.
We have to change our recruitment practices if we are going to be
successful in the future. We can no longer wait for quality men to
find us – we have to actively find them through one-on-one recruitment efforts. Places to go and people to speak with include:
• Residence hall move-in (either as a chapter or coordinated
with IFC)
• Freshman event (potentially in cooperation with residence
assistants)
• Residence halls (being sensitive to rules and regulations)
• Student organizations in which brothers are members
• Interfraternal Council/Greek Life master interest list (if
compiled)
• Generate a names list of contacts through the members in
the chapter
• Presidents of student organizations on campus
• Resident Assistants/Community Advisors
• Brothers serving as Orientation counselors
• Men who made the Dean’s List
• Sports teams
• List of Transfer students
• Speak with sorority women; do they have any friends what
would be good Phi Mu Delta brothers?
• Contact alumni and parents
Dynamic Recruitment
Think back to the way you were recruited into Phi Mu Delta.
Most Brothers will tell you that it was one member, one person that
made an impression on him. It was that one man who most influenced him to join the Fraternity. Many Fraternities, even Phi Mu
Delta, spending a lot of time putting up posters and holding big
events. The truth is that no one has ever joined Phi Mu Delta because
of a cool poster or awesome wings night. They join to be around others who share their values and support their common goals.
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Dynamic recruitment is a philosophy that we must always be recruiting through the relationships that we build on a daily basis.
Think of most recruitment programs as static. We through up an
events calendar and wait for men to come to us. How successful is
this really? We inevitably look at men who may not meet our standards and this often leads to taking the wrong men into Phi Mu Delta.
Through dynamic recruitment, we are always in control of our standards, who we recruit, and who gets a bid. We identify the men who
we want in our Fraternity. We create the strategies to go after those
men and get them to join through the relationships that we build with
them. We are always in control with dynamic recruitment.
Values-Based Membership Selection
If we recruit men who meet our standards from membership, then
we know the caliber of a man before he receives his bid. What are the
values-based membership expectations for your chapter?
For most, these standards include academics, service, leadership,
and demonstrations of good character. How do we measure these
standards? Obviously, academics can be measured by GPA, and previous experience in service organizations can help us identify top
men. But, character is something that we must observe over time.
This is where meaningful relationships come into the dynamic recruitment program. We can only recruit those men that we know.
It is important to be genuine throughout the recruitment process and
to make sure that we do not scare people with immediate proposals of
membership. Good recruiting takes a little bit of time and organization.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl #14: Life Long Membership
We need to remember that Fraternity is the only organization on campus that asks us to be loyal to for life. There are very few obligations
in life that ask so much! Beyond your college years there will be
more opportunities to grow, build relationships and mentor the next
generation of members!
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The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Joining a fraternity, unlike other college organizations, is for life.
Your level of commitment to the fraternity beyond your college
years is a personal choice. Earning this Pearl will require you to
learn more about the alumni from your chapter and how you may
remain active after your graduation.
Almost all chapters of Phi Mu Delta have an alumni association.
Those chapters with housing also have a housing corporation. In
some cases, these two organizations are fused together into one
organization, although they should always be separate and distinct. In any case, alumni associations and housing corporations
serve to maintain the future of the chapter. In addition, they organize and carryout alumni functions for the benefit of the
fraternity.
The Alumni Association – The main function of the Alumni Association is to maintain a database of alumni, raise money for the
chapter. Organize alumni functions and serve as an advisory
board to the chapter officers and members. In addition, they are
charged with ensuring the future existence of the chapter through
fundraising and performing other needed projects.
The Housing Corporation (Control Board) – The main function
of the Housing Corporation is to maintain the current chapter
house and ensure the long-term housing of the active chapter are
met. In essence, they are the chapter’s landlord. They collect rent
and other housing charges, pay the utilities and taxes, and perform
structural repairs, as needed.
Who serves on your Alumni Board?
President: ___________________________________
Vice President: _______________________________
Secretary: ___________________________________
Treasurer: ___________________________________
Who serves on your Housing Corporation?
President: ___________________________________
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Vice President: _______________________________
Secretary: ___________________________________
Treasurer: ___________________________________
Alumni Recognition
Many chapters have famous alumni. In some cases, there may be
buildings on your campus named for them or scholarships named
in their honor. Each year Phi Mu Delta recognizes the accomplishments of our alumni with two different honors. The
Distinguished Alumni Chapter recognizes the accomplishments of
alumni who have contributed greatly to their professions or community. The Distinguished Service Chapter recognizes those
alumni who have significantly served the National organization or
their local chapter.
List the names of famous alumni from your chapter:
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
If you get an opportunity to meet with alumni during your New
Member education period, take the time to talk to them about their
experiences and how Phi Mu Delta continues to play a role in
their lives. For most, they will describe how Phi Mu Delta helped
them form life-long friendships with classmates. Many alumni
have chosen to get intimately involved with the local chapter and
serve on the alumni or Housing Corporation. Others have volunteered to serve on the National Council. The commitment to serve
Phi Mu Delta after graduation is yours to make, but in all cases, it
is a rewarding experience and one worth your consideration.
Alumni Recognition Program
There shall be a Distinguished Service Chapter, which shall consist of alumni who have served the national fraternity, its chapters,
and alumni associations, alumni chapters, trust funds, foundation, or
other operational affiliates in a superior and unusual manner.
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There shall also be a Distinguished Alumni Chapter, which shall
consist of alumni who have contributed greatly to the advancement of
their community and/or profession.
Election to these chapters shall be considered the highest honor,
which may be bestowed upon a member of Phi Mu Delta. Members
of the National Council not holding certified membership in Distinguished Serviced or Distinguished Alumni Chapters after the adoption
of these criteria in May of 1967, shall be ineligible for election as
members of the Chapters during their terms of active service on the
National Council.
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
Members of the Distinguished Service Chapter, which recognizes
alumni for their dedicated service to the Fraternity, include:
* = Deceased
1. Fred W. Erdmann* (Nu Theta 1951), Past National President
2. Sidney A Dimond* (Nu Beta 1943), Past National Councilman/Editor of the Triangle
3. Lloyd K. “Jack” Miller* (Gamma Gamma 1925), Past National President
4. Perce R Appleyard* (Mu Alpha 1922), Past National President
5. J. Ralph Spalding* (Nu Gamma 1923), Past National Councilman/Editor of The Triangle
6. Edson M. Bailey* (Nu Beta 1923), Past National President
7. Leroy J. Higgins* (Nu Beta 1923), Past National Councilman
8. Albert D. Nutting* (Nu Epsilon 1927), Past National Councilman
9. Richard T. Lassiter* (Nu Delta 1924), Past National Secretary/Editor of The Triangle
10. Robert C. Lomison (Mu Zeta 1977), Past National President/Chairman of Triangle Trust Fund
11. Owen J. Sanderson (Mu Delta 1954), Past National Vice President
12. George E. LaTour (Nu Eta 1960), Past Executive Director/Editor of The Triangle
13. James A. Vitale (Mu Epsilon 1961), Past Executive Secretary/Editor of The Triangle
14. William H. Wilson (Mu Epsilon 1958), Past National President/Past Chairman of Trust Fund
15. Ronald H. Jury* (Mu Zeta 1972), Past National President
16. Peter A. Akerman (Nu Beta 1980), Nu Beta Chapter Advisor
17. Stephen MacDougall (Nu Xi 1973), Past National Traveling
Secretary
18. Brian W. Gallup (Mu Alpha 1970), Treasurer of Alpha Sigma
Omega, Inc.
19. Walter R. Hartfield (Nu Zeta 1961), Past National Councilman
20. John A. Roberts, Jr. (Mu Zeta 1972), Past National Secretary
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21. James Murphy (Nu Omicron 1974), Past National President
22. John E. Klay (Mu Beta 1969), Treasurer of Mu Beta House
Corps
23. James Harris (Mu Alpha 1988), President of Alpha Sigma
Omega, Inc.
24. Paul R. Kittle, Jr. (Mu Pi 1991), Past National President
Members of the Distinguished Alumni Chapter, which recognizes
alumni for their contributions to their profession and community, include:
1. Emilio G. Collado* (Nu Delta 1931)
2. Roger M. Blough* (Mu Alpha 1925)
3. French M. Schwemmer* (Mu Beta 1926)
4. Maurice C. Bond* (Nu Gamma 1920)
5. John Wilbur Armstrong* (Nu Gamma 1920)
6. Kenneth Pratt Morse* (Nu Delta 1926)
7. Austin J. Paddock* (Gamma Beta 1929)
8. William M. Gardner (Nu Beta 1970)
9. John Rigas (Nu Theta 1950)
10. Gerald Francis Burrill* (Nu Epsilon 1929)
11. James E. Carnes (Mu Epsilon 1961)
12. John K. Tsui (Mu Epsilon 1960)
13. Dan Gwadowski* (Nu Xi 1976)
14. Edward C. Dupont (Nu Beta 1971)
The Phi Mu Delta Fraternity
Pearl #15: Values Based Action
“All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep
their WHY clear year after year. Those who forget WHY they
were founded show up to the race every day to outdo someone
else instead of to outdo themselves. The pursuit, for those who
lose sight of WHY they are running the race, is for the medal or to
beat someone else.”
― Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
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The Values Based Action Workshops
The object of Ethics and Values Workshops are to tackle and discuss ethical scenarios that may otherwise be difficult to handle in
a real life situation. They are designed to prepare you for similar
situations and, hopefully, teach you a little about your personal
values and the values of others.
There are sixteen scenarios on the pages that follow. The topics
of the scenarios range from financial responsibility to the ethics of
others. These scenarios are not fictitious. They are based on action events that have occurred in fraternities around the country.
Hopefully, by working through these situations in an artificial environment, you will be better prepared to deal with similar
situations in the future.
New Members and Brothers should gather in groups no larger
than six and randomly choose up to five scenarios to consider.
The group should elect a leader who shall take notes and moderate
the discussion. Plan to spend at least twenty minutes on each scenario and, wherever possible, attempt to apply the scenario to the
Founders’ Creed and The Basic Expectations of Fraternity Membership.
Scenario 1: APATHETIC MEMBERS
Your chapter used to be the most involved fraternity on campus.
Recruitment consistently attracted campus leaders to your group
and not only were you the largest Brotherhood on campus, the
quality of the Brotherhood was second to none. However, over
the last few years, rush numbers have declined and the quality of
members coming into the chapter has declined. Chapter projects
have gone incomplete and no one wants to run for a leadership
position. The only projects that ever get completed are the social
gatherings, which appear to be going on every evening.
You step up and decide to run for President with the goal of “turning things around”. You present your plans for increasing
scholarship, new service projects, and a more effective rush program. However, a very vocal minority expresses their opposition
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and pushes an agenda very different from yours. This agenda, in
your opinion, will only make things worse for the chapter and
possibly to its demise.
Points to Consider:
As President, how would you deal with this problem?
Do you believe apathy can be the death of a chapter?
What should the priorities of the chapter be?
How can a chapter address the issue before its too late?
Scenario 2: WHO IS IN CONTROL?
The Chapter’s Executive Board has been concerned about the
amount of partying going on in Brothers’ private rooms within the
chapter house. As an FIPG member, Phi Mu Delta chapters are
not permitted to serve alcohol to individuals. However, individual
Brothers have been serving people in the privacy of their rooms
within the chapter house. The Executive Board has confronted the
Brothers and accessed sanctions as required by the chapter’s bylaws.
When the accused Brothers are confronted, they argue that their
room is private and FIPG policy does not apply to them. As a result, they refuse to follow the sanctions.
Points to consider:
Was the executive board within their power to sanction the Brothers?
How would you diffuse the situation?
Could the Executive Board have handled the situation differently?
Assuming the Brothers were wrong, how would you guarantee
that the sanctions would be completed?
Scenario 3: ACADEMIC PRIDE
In the past, your chapter GPA was above the All-Male GPA on
campus every semester. Lately, the chapter GPA has been slip-
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ping farther down the scale each semester. In addition, the New
Member GPA has consistently been poor.
You have noticed that members are rarely going to class and no
one seems to be able to study in the chapter house. Your scholarship Chairman rarely goes to meetings and when approached
about the problems in the house he consistently ignores your
please for assistance.
The end of the school year comes and the Greek Director on campus informs the chapter of a new accreditation program for Greek
organizations on campus. All fraternities and sororities must
maintain a GPA above or equal to the Campus GPA in order to
remain recognized by the college. You are sure this may spell
danger for the chapter.
Points to Consider:
By what means could the chapter begin to deal with its academic
problems?
Does the college/university have the right to deny the chapter
recognition for poor grades?
What is the responsibility of the chapter to an individual’s academic success?
Scenario 4: WHO SHOULD WE CHOOSE?
Members have gathered to determine who will receive bids for
this semester’s New Member class. Thirty men are seeing bids
and the chapter has carefully considered each candidate.
Bill, a New Member candidate, has attended all rush functions,
knows most of the Brotherhood, and has shown a true desire to
become a productive member of the chapter. However, Bill is
now dating the ex-girlfriend of a current Brother, John. John and
his five closest friends in the chapter are attempting to block giving a bid to Bill. John claims Bill “stole” his girl and he could not
possibly be his Brother.
Points to Consider:
Should John’s dislike of Bill keep him from receiving a bid?
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Is there a way for the chapter to compromise with John and his
friends?
What are some valid reasons for not extending a bid to someone?
Scenario 5: THE ALUMNI’S TRUST
Several years ago, the alumni from the chapter came together and
financed the building of a new chapter house. They re-formed the
Alumni Corporation and began to oversee chapter funds, pay the
taxes, and manage the utilities associated with the house.
In early May, the chapter decided to throw an all-out end-of-the-year
party. However, the chapter’s social funds had gone dry after an active year of social gatherings. The Vice President of Finance had
access to the alumni’s housing account and mentioned he could take
the money from this account to finance the party. “After all, the money did come from us to begin with.”
The chapter took $2000 from the account and had a big end-of-theyear blowout. When it was time for the alumni to pay for the utilities,
the money was gone. The chapter claimed the money was used to pay
for unexpected utility costs at the end of the year.
Points to consider:
Was the chapter justified in taking the money from the housing account?
What should be the reaction of the Alumni Corporation?
How can the chapter better manage its funds?
Scenario 6: HIGH TIMES
FIPG Policies clearly prohibit the use of marijuana in the chapter
house. The chapter membership has created strict rules for dealing
with drug use in the chapter.
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Greg has invited several of his friends from high school over to the
chapter house for the weekend. While hanging out in Greg’s room,
one of these friends produces a bag of pot and begins to smoke it from
a pipe. Greg, not wanting to confront his friend, allows him to smoke
in his room. Within minutes, the odor can be detected in the house
and other Brothers confront Greg. Greg explains that the house rules
do not apply to his friends and he has no control over what they do.
So, he should not be held responsible. The chapter disagrees and
charges Greg with using marijuana in the house.
Points to Consider:
Was Greg in the right?
Did the Chapter handle the situation correctly?
Are Brothers responsible for the actions of their guests? If so, how
should those Brothers be held accountable?
Scenario 7: THE RACIAL SLUR
It was a sunny day and many Brothers were outside enjoying the nice
weather. At some point, a football was overthrown and hit a car
parked in the Hispanic Union’s parking lot. Soon, a member of the
Hispanic Union came outside and asked the Brothers to throw the ball
in another direction, so as not to hit any more cars. Moments later a
voice yells out a racial slur at the individual.
The next day, the Dean of Students calls in your chapter president to
discuss the matter. The Dean orders the chapter to go through sensitivity seminars as a sanction.
Points to Consider:
Was the Hispanic Union justified to be upset with the chapter?
Does the chapter have a responsibility to discipline members who use
racial slurs?
Would sensitivity training help the chapter in the future?
Scenario 8: MY BROTHER’S KEEPER
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Kyle was a new Brother in the chapter. When he was a New Member, he would frequently spend very little time at the chapter house
and with his New Member Class. He was frequently late for meetings
or never bothered to come at all.
At the most recent Brotherhood meeting, Kyle shoed up very drink
and became a disturbance several times during the meeting. After the
meeting, many Brothers were very upset and refused to speak with
him. After Kyle sobered up a bit, he revealed to his Big Brother that
he had been very depressed for over a year and was considering suicide. He hoped that joining the Brotherhood would help him with his
depression, but Brothers just seemed to push him away.
Points to Consider:
Does the Brotherhood have a duty to help Kyle?
Should the Brotherhood have noticed Kyle’s depression sooner?
Does Kyle’s Big Brother have a duty to tell someone about Kyle’s
depression and suicidal threats? If so, whom does he go to?
How can the chapter and/or individual members help Kyle?
Scenario 9: A LINE IN THE SAND
Rick joined the chapter his freshman year. Ever since his New Member days, he had difficulty controlling his anger. This had become
worsened by his use of alcohol. He had threatened to hurt several
Brothers on several different occasions and each time the chapter
threatened him with action, but Rick promised to get better and seek
help for his anger.
One night, after several drinks, Rick got into a heated debate with another Brother. Within moments, Rick began to throw punches and he
struck the other Brother in the head.
At the next chapter meeting, Rick was charged with striking another
Brother and was found responsible. Due to past incidents, the chapter
decided to remove Rick from the chapter and the national fraternity.
Points to Consider:
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Could this event have been prevented? If so, how?
Was the penalty too harsh for the crime?
The chapter new about Rick’s problems when he was a New Member,
could the chapter have intervened earlier?
Scenario 10: ROBBING PETER TO PAY PAUL
Things are pretty tough these days. Jake’s Lifetime Membership Fees
were due to the National office months ago and the Brotherhood has
decided to travel to Florida for Spring Break. Instead of paying his
dues, he decides to go with the others to Panama City Beach.
Weeks later, the chapter is informed that they are ineligible for chapter awards and their next free mailing has been cancelled because
their dues are not all in.
The Brotherhood gets angry at the National office and blames National for not assisting the chapter in a time of need.
Points to Consider:
Was Jake’s decision a sound one?
Was the National office justified in their decision?
Was the chapter justified in blaming the National office?
Scenario 11: SHARING
Brian joined the chapter early in his sophomore year. He soon displayed above average leadership skills and was quickly appointed to
several different positions in the chapter. In his junior year, he was
elected President of the chapter and was very successful with chapter
programming, earning the chapter top awards on campus and with the
National organization. During his senior year, he was elected IFC
President and Greek Man of the Year.
During the last initiation of his senior year, Brian was actively assisting during the ceremony. He carefully listened to the words of the
ceremony and was moved by its message of sharing with his fellow
Brothers.
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The next day, Brian decided to tell the chapter he was gay. While this
cared him, at first, Brian felt he needed to share this with the Brotherhood. Brian felt it was important that the Brotherhood accept him for
who he was.
Points to Consider:
Should Brian have told the chapter he as gay?
How would you have reacted?
How does your chapter support gay brothers?
Scenario 12: IT WAS JUST A JOKE!
The chapter was three weeks into the New Member program. Ron, a
senior, decided to have fun with a few of the New Members. He told
a few of the older Brothers that he wished to return to the “good old
days” and how the new program just did not live up to the “way
things used to be”. He decided to challenge the New Members, had
them dress up like women, and then brought them to the dining hall.
During dinner, Ron told the New Members to get up on the tables and
dance. After a few of the New Members protested, Ron threatened to
have them expelled from the fraternity.
A few hours later, the Executive Board discovered what Ron had
done. When he was asked about the event, Ron said, “It was just a
joke!”
oints to Consider:
Would Ron’s actions constitute hazing?
If Ron had not threatened the New Members would the acts still have
been hazing?
What should the chapter do about hazing by its members?
Is there ever a good time to haze new members?
Scenario 13: THE 21ST BIRTHDAY
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Saturday was Dave’s 21st birthday. The whole chapter planned to
take him out for the time of his life.
The Brothers arrived with Dave at The Village Tavern at 9 p.m. and
soon shots and other drinks were being passed to Dave. By 11 p.m.,
Dave had consumed ten shots and was very intoxicated. Brothers
continued to cheer him on until he finally passed out at the bar.
The Brothers took him home and left him in bed to celebrate his 21st
birthday in grand style.
Points to Consider:
Was this an example of responsible alcohol use?
Are there other ways to celebrate this milestone event?
Do the Brothers share the responsibility for Dave’s intoxication?
What would happen if Dave had died?
Scenario 14: ACCUSATIONS
During the first party of the semester, the Brothers invited several
women to a party. When Heather arrives, she soon met Scoot and began to spend the rest of the evening with him. After several hours of
partying, Scott invited Heather to his room and offered her some beer.
An hour later, Heather and Scott began to get more intimate. Scott
began to force himself on Heather and She refused his advances. At
one point, Scott began to get too physical and Heather stormed out of
the house.
The next day, word had got around that the Brothers were rapists and
that Scott had attempted to rape Heather the night before. The Women’s Resource Center organized a protest on the chapter’s front yard.
Brothers began to call Heather a liar and a slut.
Points to Consider:
Could this situation have been avoided? How?
Did Scott do anything wrong?
Did Heather do anything wrong?
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How should the chapter handle the aftermath?
Scenario 15: THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS
Several Brothers were on their way home from the bar district when
they passed the Gamma Tau house. Suddenly, someone from the
Gamma Tau house yelled out to the Brothers and began to taunt them.
Just then, Jim picked up a rock and threw it at the house, shattering a
large picture window. Bill followed with another rock and damaged
the front door. Before any of the Gamma Tau brothers could get outside, the Brothers had run away.
Later that night to police arrived at your house and began to question
Jim and Bill. Both Brothers pretended to know nothing.
Points to Consider:
Did the Brothers handle this in the appropriate manner?
Who is financially responsible for the damaged property?
Were the Brothers living up to their expectations as Brothers when
they lied to the police?
Scenario 16: CARING FOR THE HOUSE
Larry came home last night after a two-hour argument with his statistics professor. Larry felt he had been given a lower grade than he
deserved and it threatened to take away his scholarship.
As Larry entered the chapter house, he punched out the plaster wall in
a moment of anger. Soon Brothers were upset about the damage and
Larry stormed into his room. Hours later he emerged and apologized
for the hole in the wall. He offered to pay for the materials and do the
repairs himself.
Months later, the hole still existed in the front wall.
Points to Consider:
Was Larry’s damage to the wall justified by his anger?
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Who is responsible for repairing the wall?
How should a Brother treat the property of the fraternity