Pledge Education

[Tom Earp]

Originally Posted by joescott

Hey guys,

I was just wondering what goes into your pledge education process. Right now, ours is composed of:

-fraternity history and traditions
-local greek life
-chapter history and traditions
-social/dinner/dress/LIFE etiquette
-anything else that our Director of Pledges feels appropriate (how to tap a keg, names of local advisors and alumni, etc.)

Next semester I think we'll be incorporating parliamentary procedure through Robert's Rules of Order.

So, any suggestions for additonal material to cover?

You seem to have covered most of the Basics and all of the above have given great insights.

Trying to keep the attention is also important for Members.

1. GPA or held over or gone. You are in school to grad!
2. National History.
3. National Principles= R & M and what is expected.
4. History of the local Chapter.
5. Etiquette- while basic is important. Easy, do not dress like a slob, treat your date well and do not be an ass.

Since today, many HQ's want to get new Associates Initiated with a shorter Association period, it gets harder and harder.

LOL, learning Roberts Rules, that can be trained in the Class or when they become members. If it is not done correct, they will not get much be done properly.

Remember, You do not make and admendment!

You Move!

Sounds good over all! Getter Done!

[Elephant Walk]

First off, why do you have ettiquette lessons?
Do they not already have proper ettiquette? They were raised by their parents!

Pledge education has a "normal ring to it.

[PenguinTrax]

Actually, just New Member Education for sororities. Once they accept a invitation to membership, they are no longer 'potential' new members.

[LaneSig]

Originally Posted by joescott

1) Of course the pledges are well-mannered. We use a book called "How To Be A Gentleman" by John Bridges. It goes over everyday etiquette. Here are some sample chapters:
How To Write A Sympathy Note
How To End A Conversation
How To Make A Toast
When To Send A Thank-You Note
Anyone can open doors for girls or carry their books. The etiquette section helps make these guys better men.

Hampden-Sydney College, an all male school in Virginia, issued to issue (and still might) its students a pamphlet titled "To Manners Born, To Manners Bred". My chapter requested a copy from a brother at the campus. It was very helpful in 'fine tuning' for situations that some of our members had never dealt with before college.

[LaneSig]

Originally Posted by yale08

So I guess during line-ups you grill them on the proper way of writing a thank you note?

Uh, no. We used it as a referrence to talk to pledges about the proper behavior and actions in certain circumstances. Even people raised with proper manners come across situations that they have not encountered before. And, the girls loved the fact that we went over etiquette with the brothers.

[macallan25]

If you don't know proper etiquette by the time you get to college........something is wrong. Reading a damn book? Ridiculous.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by macallan25

If you don't know proper etiquette by the time you get to college........something is wrong. Reading a damn book? Ridiculous.

Not everyone is raised in a family that knows or understands the importance of social graces. I don't see how offering remedial education is a bad thing.

Often, there can be quite a bit of potential in an individual who, for example is the first in his family to attend college. Some parents just don't know to teach their kids which side of the sidewalk to walk on, how to fold a napkin, which hand to pass with, how to tie a tie, how/when to hold doors, etc.

Fortunately, all of these habits are teachable and trainable.

Every one of our pledge marshals has taken a different spin on pledge education. We do have a few set traditional things we do, but the vast majority of our pledge experience is 'by the book' as far as I know... or at least it was when I went through. My involvement at this point has little/nothing to do with pledges or their education, although after law school, who knows.. they might ask me to facilitate one of the mandatory all-chapter risk management meetings we have.

*we actually call 'em candidates, I just say pledge it does a better job conveying status/meaning.

[PenguinTrax]

Originally Posted by joescott

If one of them fails (below 90%), then the entire class has to return at 5:00 the next morning to take another test. It repeats until they all pass on the same attempt.

Hmm...can you say Risk Management issue?

[macallan25]

Oh Shut Up. Please.

[LaneSig]

joescott -

How long is your organization's pledge period?

[Laak 315]

If you rush TKE at NSU, you'll find out what pledge education entails lol

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Laak 315

If you rush TKE at NSU, you'll find out what pledge education entails lol

I certainly don't doubt that. Y'all probably come up with some pretty interesting stuff up there in the 'quah.

[mystikchick]

Originally Posted by joescott

We don't do line-ups. The pledges take a written test every week. If one of them fails (below 90%), then the entire class has to return at 5:00 the next morning to take another test. It repeats until they all pass on the same attempt. If anyone fails miserably, then we grill them (yes, even if they don't know when to send a thank-you note).

i can't stop giggling about this. but on a more serious note, i think this is a great idea (having etiquette lessons, not the 5 am test!). in fact, i think it's such a good idea i'm sending this thread to my brother.

it doesn't hurt anybody to have etiquette lessons, and it can be a great asset in life, and it guarantees that girls are impressed and talk favorably about you afterwards