Recruiting a resident scholar

Below are some best practices that have helped many chapters recruit resident scholars:

1.    The Alumni and Volunteer Corporation and undergraduate executive board should educate the chapter on the purpose and benefits of the program. Then the chapter can help recruit a resident scholar.
2.    Create a chapter-specific recruitment flyer and partner with your host institution to circulate the flyer and advertise the position. The flyer should clearly articulate the responsibilities of the position, compensation, and contact information for the AVC. Include information about where to pick up an application and the deadline by when applications must be received.
3.    Circulate the recruitment flyer around campus. Consider publicizing the position in the Greek life office, Career Center, Leadership Office, student activities building, graduate school buildings, Higher Education/Student Affairs Department buildings, and Housing and Residence Life offices.
4.    Evaluate applications once they are turned in to the AVC.
5.    Schedule meetings with the top few candidates. AVC members and chapter officers can interview the candidates together. Headquarters staff can provide additional assistance as needed. During the interview you should cover the following:
       a.    Present basic information about Sigma Phi Epsilon and the chapter.
       b.    Answer questions about the position.
       c.    Address typical concerns, such as time constraints and compensation.
       d.    Highlight the benefits, including:
              i.    The opportunity to help facilitate personal development for students.
              ii.    Stipends, room and board, Educational Foundation grants, local chapter scholarships and other compensation for their service.
              iii.    Office for resident scholars (if available).
              iv.    Chapter facility benefits such as internet, living quarters, etc.
              v.    Nationally provided incentives such as travel and accommodations to attend national conferences, resident scholar training and networking.
6.    Send a thank you note after each interview and follow up with top candidates.
7.    Offer the position to the candidate who best fits the role and responsibilities.
8.    Invite the resident scholar candidate to dinner or a chapter event so that he or she can interact with the chapter to determine compatibility.
9.    If the residential scholar candidate accepts the position, notify the AVC, chapter, Greek Life office, and Headquarters about the acceptance. Headquarters staff can provide additional resources to new resident scholars, and keep them up to date on resident scholar training and best practices.
10.    Send their contact information to Headquarters by emailing officer.update@sigep.net.