Chapter One: Introduction
Pledges,
Welcome to the Sigma Chi Fraternity!! Having made the decision to pledge here at Sigma Chi you have chosen to make a life-long decision that will change your life forever!
You were selected based on the values that represent Sigma Chi and all brothers who have become members of this great Fraternity; Values which we strive to uphold and incorporate into our daily tasks and actions.
During your pledge-ship you will not only grow as a potential brother of Sigma Chi, but also will be given the chance to learn about yourself, a chance to discover the true potential dwelling within yourself.
This guide, as well as all the members here at the Beta Omicron Chapter of Sigma Chi, is here to help aid you in learning and becoming a brother in Sigma Chi. This alone will not teach you all you need to learn; most of you knowledge will be gained through the experiences and relationships that will develop over the course of your pledging here at Sigma Chi.
Having made the decision to pledge here at Sigma Chi you have agreed to embark on a life changing adventure, a growth of spirit and faith, and a betterment of yourself as a human being, and a truly good man.
Welcome to the Beta Omicron Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Sincerely,
You’re Magister
Chapter Two: Pledging/Policies
Pledge Meetings:
The pledge meetings are designed to help teach new members the traditions and history of Sigma Chi. Each week we will have a meeting consisting of the pledges, the Magister, and any active brothers who have news concerning the Chapter.
Guidelines:
1. Be on time. In order for the meetings to run smooth and efficiently it’s important that everyone, pledges and brothers, come to the meetings on time. If there are conflicts please let one of your pledge brothers or the Magister know prior to the meeting.
2. No tobacco is allowed during the meetings. The meetings won’t take forever, so please take a break from the use of tobacco during the meetings.
3. Quizzes will be given each week over the topics discussed the week previous to the meeting. Along with these quizzes it is important that you have 3 new interviews from the active chapter. Interviews are important when getting to know the actives that may someday be your brothers. Have fun with these interviews while learning about your potential future brothers.
4. Along with the pledge meetings there will be one-on-one meetings between a pledge and the Magister. These meetings will be set up on an individual basis, setting up a time that works for both people. These are designed to get your input on the activities going on during pledge-ship and to allow the Magister to help advise you if you have any concerns regarding the activities being setup during pledge-ship.
-- We want you to succeed and grow as a new member of Sigma Chi! Don’t be afraid to talk to any of the active brothers for guidance or help during your time pledging here at Sigma Chi. ---
Additional Pledging Extras
Academics: It is important that pledges, along with actives, maintain a GPA of 2.5. We like to have fun but it is more important that we all maintain a high academic standard while attending college.
Study hours: will be required for all pledges and brothers who have not met the goal GPA for the semester. These hours will be held Sunday through Thursday, from 6-8. These are directed and controlled by the house Scholarship Chair and are subject to change if decided on by the Scholarship Chair.
Alcohol: In order to keep a high standard for academics, drinking and the use of any drugs is prohibited Sunday through Thursday. Exceptions may be made on Thursdays by the discretion of your magister.
Call Boy: Every weekday morning you will take turns signing up for times where you will come and do morning calls. The rules are posted on the wall by the tags in the bathroom. Everybody in the house has to do it for two semesters. This will be set up by the house managers
Work Sessions: Every day you will have daily work sessions. They are not bad, they only take about 10-15 minutes, and everyone in the house has had to do them for two semesters. This will also be organized by the house managers.
Interviews: Three new interviews of members of Sigma Chi are required each week, totaling 21 interviews. Every brother living in the house must be interviewed; the rest may be made up with out of house brothers, the housemother, and alumni.
The Pledge Daily: Every morning the pledge class is responsible for posting a daily report above the urinals. This will include the forecast throughout the day (morning, afternoon, evening) a dirty joke, a funny picture or anything you think will brighten the brothers’ day. This will be posted above the urinals by 7:00am every weekday.
Collecting Cans: Throughout the course of the semester the pledge class will be collecting cans. With the money raised, the pledge class will throw a brotherhood or party for the brothers at the end of the semester. Use your magister for ideas and planning, he will help you organize whatever you need. The money may also be used towards buying the house a gift.
Formal Wear: Formal wear is mandatory for all ceremonies, and is to be worn every Wednesday through dinner at the house.
Pledge Skip: Each pledge class is given the task of trying to set up and execute what is known as the Pledge Skip. This is where the pledge class chooses 2-3 of the active brothers and kidnaps them for the weekend. Usually they will contact another chapter, in order to bring the kidnapped brothers to that chapter. If successful in kidnapping the brothers, it is up to the pledge class to show them a good time. The only catch is that if the pledge class is caught, or if they attempt a kidnapping and the brother gets away, the pledges will be required to clean the entire house that following week…top to bottom.
Pledge Class Positions
1. President: in charge of making sure the meetings run smoothly and everyone attends all meetings
2. Treasurer: Collects and maintains accurate records of the Pledge Class funds
3. Historian: Accurately records minutes of the pledge meetings and keeps track of everyone who is attending the meetings
4. Scholarship: Helps enforce study hours and keeps track of fellow brothers academic success
5. Social: Helps set up functions for Thursday nights and helps maintain close ties with all sororities
Links
At the start of pledge ship each pledge will be given 7 links. These links are to be carried on you at all times. It is meant to be a reminder of your pledge ship and the morals and ideals Sigma Chi stands for. If asked by an active to be shown their links, and the pledge does not have them, it will result in the loss of a link. When a pledge reaches 3 links left he will be sent to Pledge Review. This is when the chapter will vote and decide whether or not the pledge is worthy enough to continue his pledge ship. Links may be taken away for the things listed below and in extenuating circumstances more.
· Not wearing formal wear on Wednesdays
· Failing a Pledge Quiz
· Missing a work session
· Missing their assigned call boy time
· Failing to stay up to date with interviews (3 a week)
· Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs Sunday – Thursday
· Missing study hours and failing to notify their magister or scholarship chair
· Not having their links on them when asked by an active
· Showing harsh disrespect to any active
· Any act of conduct that does not represent Sigma Chi in a positive manner
· Not attending Lip Sync without informing the Lip Sync Co-Chair
The following will result in the loss of more than one link and automatically being sent to pledge review:
· Being under the influence of any drugs or alcohol during a pledge meeting
· Being under the influence of any drugs or alcohol during a ceremony
· Possessing or Consuming or Distributing any illegal substance on the property
· Being on the property during Chapter Meeting hours
Chapter Three: Weekly Meetings Outline
Week Zero:
· Introductions/Expectations
· Fill out pledge forms
· Questionnaires
· The prayer
· The Jordan Standard
· Miami Triad
· First Greek Letter Society
· Elect Positions
· Closing
Week One:
· Quiz #1
· Spirit of Sigma Chi
· Founding of Sigma Chi
o Original Name
o Conflict/Resolution
· The Purdue Case
· Founder Isaac M. Jordan
· Founder Benjamin Piatt Runkle
· Closing
Week Two:
· Quiz #2
· Sigma Chi Creed
· Public Motto & Meaning
· Greek Alphabet
· Purpose of Sigma Chi(as stated in the Constitution)
· Founder Thomas Cowen Bell
· Review Previous Material
· Closing
Week three:
· Quiz #3
· Spirit of Sigma Chi
· The Constantine Chapter
· Founder Daniel William Cooper
· Founder Franklin Howard Scobey
· Closing
Week four:
· Quiz #4
· Founder James Parks Caldwell
· Grand Officers
o Grand Consul
o Grand Pro Consul
o Grand Quaestor
o Grand Tribune
o Grand Historian
· The Peterson Significant Chapter Award
· Founder James Parks Caldwell
· Closing
Week five:
· Quiz #5
· The Badge
· Location of Headquarters
· Ritual
o Common Experience
o Purpose
· Founder William Lewis Lockwood
· Closing
Week Six:
· Quiz #6
· Review of previous material
o Jordan Standard
o Sigma Chi Creed
o Spirit of Sigma Chi
o Founders
· Closing
Week Seven:
· National Quiz
· Beta Omicron History
· BLTW/Horizons
· Closing
Sigma Chi Code of Conduct for Pledges
As a pledge of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, I will conduct myself in a manner that will reflect favorably upon this fraternal organization.
I understand and accept the obligations stated in the Jordan Standard and the Sigma Chi Creed.
I will learn and use correct manners and exercise good grace when among women or men, and will strive to make those around me feel at ease.
I will strive for academic achievement and practice academic integrity.
I will meet my financial obligations when they are due.
I will protect the health and safety of all human beings.
I will respect the dignity of all persons; therefore I will not physically, verbally, psychologically, sexually abuse or haze any human being.
I will respect my property and the property of others and will neither abuse nor tolerate the abuse of property.
I will neither use nor condone the use of illegal drugs; I will neither misuse nor condone the misuse of alcohol.
Paramount to this pledge is my promise to confront my peers whose actions conflict with the standards of membership in Sigma Chi.
I freely accept these responsibilities and commit myself to be a pledge of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Signature
Date
Pledge Information Sheet
Name:
Age, Year:
Hometown:
Major:
Phone Number:
Email (include parent’s e-mail):
7:00 / 8:00 / 9:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:00 / 1:00 / 2:00 / 3:00 / 4:00 / 5:00 / 6:00 / 7:00 / 8:00 / 9:00Mon
Tues
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Write down classes, where they meet:
Name:
What made you chose to pledge Sigma Chi?
What do you hope to gain from pledging Sigma Chi?
What are some expectations/concerns you might have about pledge-ship?