Matching Bigs and Littles in the Fall

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Okay, we all seem to share a lot of similarities.

For ease of explanation, I have to let you know that there are 3 stages of membership in SigEp that you'll need to know about: Sigma (new member), Phi (neo), and Epsilon (full active). Only Epsilons can receive a Little Brother.

So, when you get your bid and come to Ritual and you are pinned, you become a Sigma. During that time, the chapter assigns you with a Sigma Mentor. Sigma Mentors are typically Epsilons, but are sometimes Phis as well. Anyway, we try to assign mentors based on personality match. Also, Epsilons without Little Brothers get priority. Sigma Mentors guide the Sigmas through their challenge and help them adjust to the University, the Community, and the Fraternity.

As a fun side note, every Sigma gives their Mentor a rock at the end of the challenge as a thank you that has been decorated in some fashion. Since we're guys, they're usually just painted.

Anyway, before they cross into Phi, they have to make a list of their top 5 Big Brother choices. Next to each name, they also have to give reason as to why they want them. That way, if we have choice conflicts, we can better assign Bigs and Littles instead of just assuming 2 people are a good match. The selection is done by the VP of Member Development and the Member Development Cabinet. That's like 15 people, so it's a pretty fair distribution. On occasion, twins occur.

Big Brothers function as mentors to the Phis during the Phi Challenge. Most Big and Little Brothers tend to become really good friends. Most Big Brothers are Sophomores and Juniors. The same reasons everyone else mentioned before apply to why the Seniors in my chapter received Big Brothers.

The Big Brother relationship lasts, though, once the Phi becomes and Epsilon. Unlike the Mentors, you are paired with your Big forever.

I think I covered all of the bases I needed to cover. Hope this helps as well!