MARCH 2008

FRONTPAGE

• 2008 CLA HAS RECORD ATTENDANCE
• 2008 TRAGOS QUEST TO GREECE
• SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
• ALUMNI & VOLUNTEERS CORNER

A BETTER CHAPTER

• ARE YOU READY FOR SUMMER RECRUITMENT?
• GET AN EDGE
• CHAPTER SAFETY / RISK MANAGEMENT

2008 CLA HAS RECORD ATTENDANCE

The 2008 Carlson Leadership Academies (CLA) concluded at the end of February in Atlanta, Georgia. A new record for attendance was reached with over 2,200 undergraduate leaders receiving leadership training and best practices for chapter operations from some of our best and brightest alumni and volunteers. The Lexington, Kentucky CLA was cancelled due to significant storm damage sustained at the host hotel. Thank you to all the chapters that quickly made changes to their travel plans to attend a different CLA!

2008 TRAGOS QUEST TO GREECE

At this year’s Carlson Leadership Academies, 16 scholarships were awarded for the 2008 Tragos Quest to Greece. The Tragos Quest to Greece is an intense 10-day journey June 20-29, through ancient Greece in search of SigEp's foundation. During the Quest, brothers will discuss the Socratic method of teaching in the Agora where Socrates taught, compete in the original Olympic stadium, and study the Ritual in Delphi after learning about the Mysteries of Eleusis. The Quest is an exhausting personal and educational experience that will be intellectually, physically and emotionally challenging. This once in a lifetime experience is made possible by the generosity of Brother William G. and Mrs. Lilli Tragos. Congratulations to our 2008 Tragos Quest to Greece Recipients:

• Matthew Atkins, Oklahoma State University ’09
• Matthew Breen, Georgetown University ’10
• Nicholas Calvo, University of California-Santa Barbara ’09
• William Dorsch, University of Wisconsin ’09
• Cory Gearlds, Western Kentucky University ’10
• Joshua Hamilton, University of San Diego ’09
• Daniel Haverkamp, University of Cincinnati ’11
• Mark Micheli, Drake University ’10
• Peter Movilla, Stevens Institute of Technology ’10
• Colin O’Dell, University of Rhode Island ’10
• Trent Patterson, Wichita State University ’10
• Stilianos Plakas, University of Pennsylvania ’09
• Jason Singer, Washington University in St. Louis ’10
• Michael St. Croix, Clarkson University ’09
• Nicholas Umosella, Pennsylvania State University ’10
• Carl Williams, Mississippi State University ’09

ARE YOU READY FOR SUMMER RECRUITMENT?

An effective summer recruitment program is essential for every chapter in the Fraternity. Some chapters recruit nearly 80% of their new members in the summer preceding the fall term and recruit better quality and more new members than competitors.

The most important purpose of summer recruitment is to secure new men for the chapter long before the competition. For a chapter that is fighting to climb to the top of the ranks, summer recruitment provides the opportunity to recruit men long before the other fraternities are even beginning to think about it.

Even if your university or IFC does not allow the chapter to sign bids before the formal “rush” period, an effective summer recruitment program can still be utilized. Recruitment is simply a process of making friends and contacts, and no regulation can stop you from taking this initial step. Potential members can be targeted and recruited throughout the summer, then wait until the formal recruitment period to give out bids.

Tips for Summer Recruitment:

• Almost every school has a new student orientation program. Chapter members should apply to serve as guides, or the chapter might set up booths and hold a reception for students and parents.
• Summer school students living on campus rarely enjoy a great social life. They are often very receptive to invitations from fraternities.
• Contact the guidance counselors of area high schools to find out which student leaders are attending which institutions in the fall. These are the types of men who make valuable additions to a fraternity, and they deserve special attention in recruitment.
• High school yearbooks are excellent sources. They have photos plus information about each senior’s interests and activities. Some high schools are reluctant to give yearbooks to outsiders. In this case, directly approach the high school counselors, service clubs or local fraternity sponsors, and coaches for their recommendations. Either the high schools or your university may give you access to lists of scholarship recipients, both athletic and academic.
• One of the best sources is your own chapter membership. You should approach each of the brothers, especially the freshmen and sophomores, and have them give you names of good men graduating from their high schools this year. It is reasonable to expect all brothers to recommend at least three prospects during their first year in the chapter.

In order to be successful in recruitment, it is important to have a well-developed plan for summer recruitment. Start preparing for summer now and you will be well on your way to finding recruitment success in the coming year.

EASY WAY TO REGISTER NEW MEMBERS

Register new members quickly and easily at www.sigep.org/registration. Upon registration, Headquarters will distribute pins and The Lifetime Responsibility of Brotherhood books. Prompt new member registration is vital to your chapter’s operations and ensures materials will reach you in time to begin new member programs.

GET AN EDGE

EDGE is about making healthy choices that match your personal values and those of Sigma Phi Epsilon. We choose the lifestyle we wish to lead and participants receive training to overcome potential obstacles that may conflict with their desired lifestyle.  At EDGE, attendees will build a greater self-awareness about the significance of their actions through interactive discussions, reflective activities, and through fun, challenging experiences (ropes courses, physical challenges).  The program involves a highly regarded faculty of senior undergraduates, distinguished alumni, and a nationally renowned guest speaker.  Join the 2,700+ undergraduates who are attending/have attended this year’s EDGE programs.

EDGE is a fully funded program made available through a grant from the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation. To learn more, visit EDGE online.

CHAPTER SAFETY / RISK MANAGEMENT

Crisis Hotline: In the event of an emergency, you and your Chapter Counselor should complete the Incident Report Form and send it to Headquarters immediately. Call 24 hours a day, (800) 767-1901, for immediate guidance in crisis situations. In addition, the crisis hotline offers assistance in dealing with a substance abuse-related issue. A member can call the hotline for referral to a trained counselor. This service can help callers who need assistance in the following areas:

1. The caller needs to speak with someone about his use.
2. The caller needs to speak with someone about a friend’s use.
3. The caller is struggling with a mental health issue (i.e., contemplating suicide) and needs help in dealing with the problem.

Member Accident Protection Program (MAPP) coverage is a benefit of undergraduate membership that complements your health insurance coverage. It is available to all active members (including new members who have paid their membership fees) in good standing with SigEp and enrolled in college. The Accident Medical and Dental coverage limit is $100,000 with a $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment limit. The coverage is subject to some exclusions. Please contact Kathy Johnston, Director of Risk Management, at Headquarters, (804) 612-1402, for details.

“Success is dependent on effort.”
~Sophocles

“I honestly think it is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate.” ~George Burns

“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” ~Hank Aaron

ALUMNI & VOLUNTEERS CORNER

AVC Officer Updates: Updates can be sent to officer.update@sigep.net.
Having up-to-date records ensures your volunteers get the most current information and latest news.

Online Training Modules:
Completion of the SigEp Today, Volunteer Leadership, Mentoring, and Goal-Setting modules will certify you as a SigEp volunteer. New offerings will be available soon for mentoring recruitment and member development.

DIRECTORS' & OFFICERS' LIABILITY (D&O) INSURANCE AND WHY YOU NEED IT

Sigma Phi Epsilon offers chapters and Alumni & Volunteer Corporations the opportunity to purchase Directors’ & Officers’ Liability (D&O) insurance through the national Fraternity on a voluntary participation basis. D&O protects members and volunteers from claims arising out of their fiduciary responsibilities as directors and officers. This coverage is different from General Liability Insurance Coverage in that it protects the undergraduate members and volunteers while acting within the scope of their duties for the Fraternity against negligence claims arising out of bodily injury and/or property damage to a third party.

WHY SHOULD YOU PURCHASE D&O COVERAGE?

• It offers protection for volunteers. Prospective volunteers want assurance that their liability is covered before they agree to serve. A claim could threaten personal assets of directors, officers and trustees.
• Non-profit organizations are not immune from costly litigation.
• Employment-related suits, such as harassment and wrongful termination, are at an all time high. Coverage IS NOT provided under General Liability or Worker’s Compensation policies for these types of losses.
• As a director or officer of the chapter and/or AVC, you are subject to duties of diligence, obedience and loyalty, and you can be sued for negligence in the performance of those duties.
• The financial burden defending a D&O lawsuit can drain the resources of a non-profit organization.

Buying a stand-alone policy could cost you $1,500 or more per year. The national Fraternity is able to offer Director’s & Officer’s Liability Coverage at a discounted cost of $500 per policy year. Please contact Kathy Johnston, Director of Risk Management, at Headquarters, (804) 612-1402, for details on obtaining D&O coverage.

Officers Monthly is sent on a regular basis to SigEp Officers to provide relevant Fraternity news. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future updates, please contact Aaron Granger at (804) 612-1424.