Chaplain

The chaplain is bestowed with the care and guard of the Fraternity’s Ritual. He also leads the judicial branch of the chapter.  In doing so, he is responsible for holding all members accountable to the principles of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love, as well as the other standards of membership.  Additionally, the chaplain plays a key role in recognizing and reinforcing the positive behaviors and actions of his brothers.  By recognizing brothers during weekly chapter meetings, or with awards at the end of each semester or year, he can reinforce the importance of living each day in accordance with the Cardinal Principles.

The top priorities of the chaplain are to:

• Ensure the presence of the Ritual in everyday chapter life.
• Plan the performance and study of the Ritual, and maintenance of all Ritual equipment.
• Lead the standards board in enforcing both Grand Chapter and local chapter bylaws, and resolving disputes among brothers.
• Preside over trials and appeals for brothers in violation of bylaws or chapter standards.
• Review proper risk management practices for upcoming events.
• Manage chapter awards to recognize positive actions of chapter brothers.
• Set and work to achieve SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely).

A great chaplain is the moral center of the chapter.  He is a role model for all members and upholds all of the chapter’s standards.  Additionally, he understands the standards set by the Fraternity’s Grand Chapter Bylaws and his local chapter, and can follow the procedures for the trial and appeal of brothers.

People that will assist or support the chaplain are:

• AVC members
• Chapter counselor
  
  
• Undergraduate leaders
• Standards Board members, including the guard, guide, junior marshal and senior marshal

The chaplain should be familiar with many of the resources available through the Fraternity.  For additional resources, visit the following pages.

Chapter standards and bylaws
Risk management