Question

[sigmaceli]

Our current president is a sophomore, and she is doing a fantastic job! We were in a rebuilding phase in my chapter, and she was elected as a replacement VP the semester before and proved herself in that role, establishing the largest retention rate in our chapter's history. So, we took a chance on her.

This woman had taken on leadership roles right off the bat, not only in our GLO but in our Student Programming Council as well. I think the reason she has been so successful is because she's had outstanding mentors in both, and she has really proven herself. She's maintained a fantastic GPA despite being on two executive boards and participating in our Homecoming committee. Honestly, at the end of the year, I think I will be able to say that she was the best president our chapter's seen - and I was on our officer board myself!

All I'm saying is, class standing has nothing to do with it. If a member has the potential and is surrounded by positive influences and mentors, they can succeed.

[ree-Xi]

Being elected president is at first, an honor. Then the reality sets in.

-There are times when your vote is the deciding factor in failing or passing a motion. Imagine having 1/2 or 1/3 of your chapter knowing that you were responsible for blowing their idea.

-During almost anything "official" that deals with the University, law enforcement, etc., will come to you. You may most often represent your chapter at at conferences and conventions.

-Interchapter issues, such as fighting, cliques, etc., are often brought to you for mediation. You are expected to remain impartial.

-All eyes really are on you. At parties and other events, people will look at you as the moral leader of your chapter. Forget drinking excessively, hooking up randomly, or doing a lot of things that many students do without fear of exposure.

-You and the treasurer often are the official names on the GLO's books/accounts. If money is mis-spent, lost, or unaccounted for, you are legally responsible.

-You may have to be the bad guy, enforcing rules and "encouraging" members to perform service projects or attend campus events.

-You are basically oncall 24/7 for every member of your GLO as well as University and law officials.

One key thing to remember is to delegate as much as possible. There is a ton of responsibility but it is very rewarding. If you are considering applying, make sure that your grades are SUPER, that you keep yourself under the moral radar, and that you can step up to adverse situations when necessary.