Southern Identity?

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by KyleMcGuire1983

yeah I mean I tried to institute a proper dress code and hygiene code and it didn't even get a second. Damn California rebels

Yeah.. we have/had very well defined dress codes for meetings -- "Class A Attire" which was basically suits and ties, socks and polished shoes required. There was also "Class B" attire for some meetings which was generally a pair of khakis, some closed-toe non-sneakers and polos. Class A was typically what meetings would consist of. Class B would be generally for meetings which were more informal, or where we had a lot to do afterwards.

I'm not sure the "rebel" thing is a really good excuse. It's not like Oklahoma is a place dripping in formalism

[KyleMcGuire1983]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Yeah.. we have/had very well defined dress codes for meetings -- "Class A Attire" which was basically suits and ties, socks and polished shoes required. There was also "Class B" attire for some meetings which was generally a pair of khakis, some closed-toe non-sneakers and polos. Class A was typically what meetings would consist of. Class B would be generally for meetings which were more informal, or where we had a lot to do afterwards.

I'm not sure the "rebel" thing is a really good excuse. It's not like Oklahoma is a place dripping in formalism

Well we have proper dress attire for Chapter Meetings...but as formal as yours...we have a business casual policy: button down shirt, khakis or slacks, brown or black shoes, tie, and badge.

I've also found that making meeting attendance optional gets rid of the guys who fool around all meeting with their side conversations. When I was Recorder my policy is: You don't have to be here but don't whine when we do something you don't like. If you ARE here you better have a pen, paper, and not have any side conversations.

Totally gave off a feeling of serious business.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by KyleMcGuire1983

Well we have proper dress attire for Chapter Meetings...but as formal as yours...we have a business casual policy: button down shirt, khakis or slacks, brown or black shoes, tie, and badge.

I've also found that making meeting attendance optional gets rid of the guys who fool around all meeting with their side conversations. When I was Recorder my policy is: You don't have to be here but don't whine when we do something you don't like. If you ARE here you better have a pen, paper, and not have any side conversations.

Totally gave off a feeling of serious business.

Have y'all tried a seating chart to break up the cliques? The dress code isn't a big deal. I don't know much about how things are out West, but if you say that asking for coat and tie is a dealbreaker, I'll take your word for it.

Have you talked to your chapter about how in order to get your pursuit of excellence points, everyone needs to participate? (at minimum, show up to chapter?)

ETA: I'm not trying to judge your chapter or anything.. just trying to offer perspective. I know y'all are doing just fine.

[ARSigmaNu]

We focus alot on the etiquette and all that, but I'm not really sure by what you mean as "southern". We did ballroom dancing every other week, suits on campus every monday, and a few other full weeks. Open doors for all the ladies, no cursing in public, ect. ect.

When I think "southern" I think about the AGR's, bunch of farm boys, rebel flags and all that. I grew up in that culture, you're just as likely to see me in a pair of boots, and I love the outdoors with all my heart, but I wouldn't call that sort of southern a "good thing".

[KyleMcGuire1983]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Have y'all tried a seating chart to break up the cliques? The dress code isn't a big deal. I don't know much about how things are out West, but if you say that asking for coat and tie is a dealbreaker, I'll take your word for it.

Have you talked to your chapter about how in order to get your pursuit of excellence points, everyone needs to participate? (at minimum, show up to chapter?)

ETA: I'm not trying to judge your chapter or anything.. just trying to offer perspective. I know y'all are doing just fine.

That seating chart is a GREAT idea, thanks for the advice! Well we usually have like 90% attendance so it's not a huge problem...just a couple guys who are a bit burned out I guess.

[SNUIGC]

Although just getting back onto our feet, we're pretty Southern when it comes to our policies... we open the door for ladies, stand when they enter the room, have etiquette classes, ballroom dancing classes every sunday with the ballroom dancing club, etc.

Also, we talk about the honor part of Sigma Nu alot...the fact that we're Knights and that we should be Southern gentleman at all times... believe me, the moms are starting to love us, I've had several ladies already tell me that they hope their daughter marries a guy like me. lol

[ealymc]

Originally Posted by KyleMcGuire1983

I've also found that making meeting attendance optional gets rid of the guys who fool around all meeting with their side conversations.

That would NEVER work at UCA... making meeting optional would mean that exec would be your only sure guarantee every week. And what a horrible showing for the sororities that come by to announce events and shower us with gifts weekly?!

I hate to say it, but damnit, I miss college!!