The Purpose of Pledgeship
		Sigma Chi, like many organizations, employs a probationary period for prospective members before their initiation into full membership. This period, called pledgeship, serves to educate the potential brother in Sigma Chi before he joins. Because the essence of the Sigma Chi experience can be achieved only when members have a thorough understanding of the extent and depth of their obligations as brothers, the important elements of Sigma Chi cannot be fully captured in a rush manual, a speech, or by any hurried method. Consequently, pledgeship extends for a period sufficient for potentiakl brothers to fully grasp those important elements. The process of pledgeship consists of intellectual excerises, shared experiences, and cultivation of freindship of a higher order- all aimed at enlisting worhty men in a meaningful commitment of lifelong duration. Learning the history, operational workings, and support programs of the Fraternity is an importtant aspect of pledgeship. Pledges are asked to not merely consume facts, but to consider thoughtfully the relevance of those facts to Sigma Chi and their own lives. While the overriding purpose of pledgeship is to prepare a man for brotherhood in Sigma Chi, there are other important objectives that coincide with the aims of higher education, including success in academic endeavors, development of leadership skills and social responsibility, and service to the commuunity. Pledgeship is not a time for meaningless tasks and activities, nor does it license members to humiliate, enslave, or otherwise physically or mentally persecute pledges. Hazing is never appropriate- true Sigma Chis know that such activity directly conflicts with the brotherly spirit of the Fraternity. The pledge period provides a time for the newest associates of the chapter, the pledges, to become an integral part of the organization even before initiation. It also serves as an opportunity for active members to reaffirm their lifelong commitment to the Fraternity. The enduring bonds of Sigma Chi brotherhood can only be forged among men who understand and appreciate the ideals upon which the Fraternity was established. Pledgeship is the crtical first stage for those hoping to attain that appreciation and understanding. Here, in a short list, are essential elements to the pledgeing experience: - The development and enhancement of interpersonal skills through involvment in all aspects of chapter life, and in the positive interaction between pledges, active and alumni members, and the outside communnity, both on campus and off. - The enhancement of leadership skills through meaningful contributions to the chapter that promote mutual trust and respect. - The fostering of a chapter environment that supports Sigma Chi's commitment to the integrity, personal growth, and individual identity. - The enhancement of the college experience and the quality of learning through programs that encourage scholastic attainment and sensitivity to critical social issues.
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