New Member Education

The development of our members is one of our essential purposes as a Fraternity. New member education is the foundation of membership development. New member education allows us to take a young man worthy of our ideals and educate him to live by those ideals.

Our purpose is not to mold or train a new member, but to help him identify and develop his own qualities and characteristics of excellence. Ultimately, we hope that loyalty to Chi Psi, an understanding of the Fraternity’s values and a desire to live by those values all result from the new member program.

Spring 2009 Pledge Class

As a new member, you’ll get a Big Brother, an upperclassman who will assist in the academic transition between high school and college, orient you to fraternity and college life, and serve as an advisor through your new member period.

Meetings are held weekly for approximately 8-10 weeks, and focus on the foundations of the Fraternity and the University. Some meetings are coordinated by the Active members of the Lodge, and other programs are facilitated by volunteer alumni. Topics include: the mission and history of Chi Psi and of Alpha Omega Delta, fraternity traditions, Chi Psi lore and fraternity governance and structure. In addition, you’ll also learn about the expectations of membership: recruitment, campus involvement, proper risk management, academic excellence and community service.

Although you have a lot to learn during your new member period, understand that Chi Psi is committed to strengthening total member education, from new membership through to senior year. Once you are initiated as a full member, the learning doesn’t just stop. You’ll know the basics about the Fraternity, but you’ll continue to learn about leadership and preparing for success after graduation.