SETTING HIGH STANDARDS IS NOT ENOUGH IF WE CAN'T ENFORCE THEM
SigEp chapters need to set expectations for brothers grounded in the principles, ideals, and Ritual of our Fraternity. Achieving high chapter standards is a direct result of holding brothers accountable to our expectations and values. Accountability can often be a touchy subject. No one enjoys being the “bad guy” when we are charged to help brothers in need of support. However, part of helping a brother involves helping him understand the consequences of failing to meet the standards to which he has committed. If we are willing to impart some tough brotherly love to hold members accountable, our chapters and our brotherhood will be made better for our efforts.
Chapters maintain accountability by having an active standards board, responsible for grounding the chapter in the Fraternity’s values. That means planning the performance and study of the Ritual and ensuring it is a part of everyday chapter life. Additionally, the standards board acts as the judicial branch of the chapter by upholding Grand Chapter and local bylaws, holding trials and coordinating appeals for brothers who don’t meet chapter standards, and, when necessary, resolving disputes between brothers.
Consider these 10 actions your chapter’s standards board can take this spring and over the summer to help hold brothers accountable:
- Hold a formal, Ritual, chapter meeting as outlined in the Sigma Phi Epsilon Ritual and Guide and have a brief discussion after the meeting about the Ritual and its meaning.
- Recognize brothers for making a positive contribution to the chapter.
- Create a membership agreement that clearly outlines expectations and standards and have all brothers sign a copy at the start of each school year.
- Review and understand the following documents:
- Review your chapter’s standards and expectations with all members at a chapter meeting.
- Develop a written plan to enforce academic, financial, involvement and behavioral standards.
- Hold a practice standards board trial and ask a volunteer to participate and provide feedback.
- Document the decisions reached by the standards board.
- Review chapter bylaws to ensure they meet the minimum academic requirements outlined in Article I of Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Grand Chapter Bylaws.
- Ask your regional director to host a standards board training workshop.
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