Pi Kappa Phi
Theta Rho Chapter
New Member Education Syllabus
Warden: Matthew Cain
Superior Associate Member Educator: Patrick Schick
Introduction
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I.
Congratulations, men. You have made a vital first in choosing to become men of class
with Pi Kappa Phi. This experience will grow you into men that will change the face
of Greek Life, make you leaders on campus, and propel you into a fulfilling career
after. The process will be arduous, demanding, and taxing, but in the end, you will
grow for better, and the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi are with you every step of the way.
Good luck, and we will all be with you.
Where We Stand on Hazing
The Supreme Chapter and the National Council of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity unequivocally
oppose all acts of hazing. The National Fraternity, as well as Western Michigan
University and the laws of the state of Michigan, define hazing as any action taken or
situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental
or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule, regardless of a person’s
willingness to participate. While the Fraternity’s risk management policy provides a list
of activities that may constitute hazing, Pi Kappa Phi expects its chapters to provide an
atmosphere where all members, associate members, and guests feel safe by ensuring that
respect for human dignity is a chief priority. Additionally, members of the Fraternity are
expected to hold each other accountable to our shared standards.
All alleged incidents of hazing will be investigated and adjudicated in accordance with
the Fraternity’s Disciplinary Code. Any member found in violation of Pi Kappa Phi’s
hazing policy will be sanctioned in accordance with the Code. Such sanctions may
include suspensions and expulsion from the Fraternity.
Members and associate members who are aware of behavior that is inconsistent with this
statement or Pi Kappa Phi’s hazing policy should contact the Fraternity’s National
Headquarters at (704) 504-0888.
II.
Membership Commitment
Membership is a life commitment to the values and initiatives of brotherhood in Pi Kappa
Phi. Fulfilling your role as a brother of Pi Kappa Phi includes fulfilling your time and
financial obligations. Associate members will be asked to make the following
commitments:
A. Time Commitment
a. One associate member education class each Sunday.
b. One associate member education activity once a week (Day pending).
c. Weekly subordinate ritual(s) during class or on activity night.
d. Attendance at all chapter meetings, excluding formal meetings.
e. Attendance at 75% of fraternity events (including social events).
f. Attendance at 75% Ability Experience events.
g. Attendance at one or more other service/philanthropy event.
B. Financial Commitment
a. Pre-Initiation Fee: $85.00 – Due Prior to Pre-Initiation (including
Associate Member Pin & copy of The White Diamond)
b. Initiation Fee: $195.00 – Due Prior to Initiation
c. Member Badge: $15.00 – Due Prior to Initiation
d. Associate Member Chapter Dues – $55.00
i.
Includes participation in IM Sports and chapter activities.
e. Outside costs may include class paddle, class project, and big brother
paddle.
C. Academic Commitment
a. Sign a grade release form.
b. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.70.
c. Provide the Scholarship Chairman with a copy of their course schedule.
d. Abide by the Academic Integrity/Honor Code of Western Michigan
University.
e. Present a mid-term progress report to the Scholarship Chairman in order to
ensure they have successfully demonstrated a desire to strive to attain the
highest possible standards of scholarship.
III: Expectations:
The Xi associate class will be expected to complete the following prior to initiation:
a. Maintain at least a 2.70 GPA, demonstrated at midterms
b. Each associate member must participate or regularly support at least one
IM Sports team or Greek Week event.
c. Each associate member must attend another RSO meeting with a brother.
d. Each associate member must make a paddle for his big brother.
e. The class shall organize, execute and promote one Ability Experience
event and have it completed before initiation.
f. The class shall develop a project to be given to the chapter, with plans and
any necessary financing done prior to initiation and complete the project
before the following class is initiated.
g. Make a class paddle before the following class is initiated.
h. Each associate member shall get to know all active members of the
chapter and obtain their signature as verification. In turn active members
are also expected to get to know all associate members.
i. The class shall hold weekly class meetings; led by the class officers.
j. Pass the New Member Education course with at least an 80%
k. Pass the Final National Exam with at least an 80%
l. Complete part one of Greek Life edu.
m. Fulfill requirements with the Social Plan
n. Sign up for OmegaFi and be current on dues.
o. Attend New Member education sessions twice a week
p. Attend the New Member Education Retreat
q. BOND AS A CLASS! You will need to work together to be successful.
r. Learn the values the students creed
s. Create a sub ritual to be presented to the chapter before initiation. You will
be told what the topic is.
IV: Tentative Schedule
Week
Date
of
Class
0
2/6
1
2/8
2
2/15
3
2/22
Class Topic(s)
White
Diamond
Reading
Date of
Activity
(ies)
Sub Ritual
Pinning
Syllabus
EC Basic Explanation
The Creed
Greek Alphabet
Executive Council
Chapter 1
Class Elections
Chapter 2
2/9
Pgs21-43
“Web”
Human Knot
Dinner with
Eligible Bigs
Pgs 45-87
2/16
Pages
89-106,
145-154
2/20
Quiz Night
3/02
Living the creed
4
3/01
Campus involvement
(Ch.6)
Chapter 7
5
3/15
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 8
6
3/22
Chapter 3
FIPG/Risk Management
3/23
7
3/29
Gold Book/By-laws
Theta Rho History
3/30
8
4/05
-Brother Bio’s
-Signatures
-Prep for Achievement
Week
4/06
157-173
3/17
TBA
Jeopardy
Achievement
Week
4/12
4/18
V: Goals
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These are not the bare minimum to pass New Member Education, but are lofty goals
that will set you apart from other men on campus.
A. Have an average class GPA at 2.95
B. Have all associates in your class to pass every quiz during New Member
Education
C. Have all Xi class score 90% or higher on the National Exam
VI: Dress code
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For their New Member Education class and for Achievement Week, Associate
members should be dressed in proper pin-attire. This will be khaki dress pants, a
white dress shirt, tan/brown dress socks, a tan/brown belt and the tie that will be
distributed to them. Nu Class will vote in their first week whether or not a suit jacket
is required; unanimous vote required. If an associate member has difficulty obtaining
this attire, he should talk to the Superior Associate Member Educator and the chapter
may be to provide assistance
VII: Contact Info
Warden
Matthew Cain: (517) 404-8450
Superior Associate Member Educator
Patrick Schick (734) 474-2945
Email: Matthew.j.cain@wmich.edu