Delta Sigma Phi New Member Education Facilitator Guide

Description:

By participating in this activity, new members will practice their communication and cooperation skills as they attempt to travel from a starting point to a finishing point across elevated boards. The facilitation team should obtain the following supplies prior to this activity:

1. 
   Three (3) “2x6” wooden boards.
   
2. 
   Ten (10) concrete/cinder blocks.
   
3. 
   Five (5) handkerchiefs/bandanas.
   

* Additional wooden boards or blocks may be needed depending on the size of your group, we recommend limiting group sizes to a maximum of ten participants.

Outcomes:

1. 
   Participants will work together to accomplish a common goal.
   
2. 
   Participants will evaluate individual and peer strengths and weakness as they relate to the skills needed to accomplish a specific goal.
   
3. 
   Participants will think creatively as they attempt to achieve a goal with multiple solutions.
   

Instructions:

1. 
   In an open space, the facilitation team will create a path using cinder blocks spaced between 3 to 5 feet apart.
   
2. 
   Participants will be given three wooden boards that serve as “bridges”. These bridges will be the only method participants have to reach the end of the path.
   
3. 
   The boards are not allowed to touch the ground. If a board touches the ground, the group may choose to discard the board or start over using all of their boards.
   
4. 
   If a participant touches the ground at any point during the activity, the facilitation team may choose a one of the following consequences:
   
   1. 
      Participant may not talk for the remainder of the exercise.
      
   2. 
      Participant is blindfolded for the remainder of the exercise.
      
5. 
   All participants and boards must reach the end of the path.
   
6. 
   Facilitators should encourage the team, but not offer any assistance or cause any additional hardship as participants work through the process together.
   

Debriefing Questions:

*Not all questions need to be asked, feel free to allow the conversation to evolve naturally.

1. 
   How was success measured for this exercise?
   
2. 
   How else might you measure success as an individual or as a group?
   
3. 
   What were some of your strengths as a group?
   
4. 
   Which idea(s) led to your success or had the greatest influence on the outcome?
   
5. 
   If you could do this activity again, what would you do differently?
   
6. 
   What additional thoughts came to mind while you were going through the activity?
   

Notes:

1. 
   This team building activity should be attempted on the grass, not in the street or on a tile floor.
   
2. 
   When preparing the “path” cinder blocks should be placed on the ground and not stacked on top of each other or any other object. The side of the cinder block with the most surface area should be against the ground and the height of the path should not exceed six inches.
   
3. 
   Facilitators should monitor the activity at all times. Since participants will be slightly elevated, facilitators ought to be in a position to help should someone need assistance.
   
4. 
   Keep all the supplies in a location that can be accessed by the chapter in the future.
   

Ethical Decisions

Description:

By participating in this activity, new members will be able to practice critical thinking as it relates to ethical decision making.

Provide participants with a list of common ethical dilemmas (provided below), and ask them to form small groups of 4-5 people. Ask each group to discuss the ethical statements provided on the list; making a decision if they agree or disagree with the statement.

After approximately 10-15 minutes, discuss each ethical dilemma as a large group using the provided discussion questions.

Outcomes:

1. 
   Participants will express their beliefs based on an ethical situation.
   
2. 
   Participants will think critically and articulate personal opinions with others.
   
3. 
   Participants will practice speaking and debating an opinion in front of their peers.
   

Notes:

1. 
   Let participants know that it is okay to disagree, but personal attacks are not allowed. Stay focused on the issue and ideas, not the people making the comments.
   
2. 
   Let participants know it is okay to abstain from some topics if they feel uncomfortable with the subject.
   

Ethical Statements

Discuss the following statements as a group and decide if you agree or disagree with each statement.

1. 
   It is acceptable to have a classmate or friend help you complete an online assignment or test.
   
2. 
   It is acceptable to date a friend’s “ex”.
   
3. 
   It is acceptable for students to approach college as a place to experiment with alcohol and drugs.
   
4. 
   It is acceptable to post unflattering pictures of yourself and others on social media.
   
5. 
   It is acceptable to deliberately go against a chapter decision or policy if it is a decision that contradicts your personal beliefs.
   
6. 
   It is acceptable to take money from your chapter brother if you pay him back before he notices.
   
7. 
   It is acceptable to tell your friend’s significant other that your friend is cheating on them with someone else.
   
8. 
   It is acceptable to withhold information from the chapter, a university official, or campus police to protect a friend.
   
9. 
   It is acceptable to… (Choose one statement or dilemma to discuss as a group).
   

Discussion Questions

1. 
   Was it difficult to make a decision on any of these statements? Why?
   
2. 
   What thoughts were going through your mind as you shared your beliefs with your small group?
   
3. 
   How often are you forced to make ethical decisions as leaders?
   
4. 
   How did it feel when your decision was with the majority? The minority?
   
5. 
   Why is it important to know how to work with people who might make different life choices?
   

Then and Now

Description:

By participating in this activity, members will have the opportunity to reflect on their past notions of fraternity and compare those thoughts to their current view of Delta Sigma Phi. This activity is best suited for the end of the new member program.

Materials:

1. 
   Flipchart Paper
   
2. 
   Markers
   
3. 
   Tape (if flipchart paper does not have adhesive)
   

Instructions:

Start this exercise by placing three pieces of flipchart paper in different parts of the room. At the top of each flipchart paper, write the following questions:

1. 
   How did I feel about fraternities before I joined Delta Sigma Phi?
   
2. 
   What was my college experience like before I joined Delta Sigma Phi?
   
3. 
   Why did I join Delta Sigma Phi?
   

Divide your participants into three smaller groups, and have each group stand next to a different flipchart paper. Supply participants with markers and allow them to answer each question by writing responses on the flipchart papers. After approximately five minutes, ask each group to rotate to another flipchart paper and provide responses. Repeat this activity until each group has visited every flipchart station.

Once everyone has the opportunity to answer each question, spend time discussing participant responses as a group. As a New Member Educator, try to identify common themes from the responses given and ask participants to discuss those themes in greater detail.

Take down the first three flipcharts and replace them with three more that have the questions provided below. Repeat the activity outlined for the previous set of questions.

1. 
   How do I feel about fraternities today?
   
2. 
   How has my collegiate experience changed since joining Delta Sigma Phi?
   
3. 
   What will keep me involved with Delta Sigma Phi moving forward?
   

View of the World
Description:

By participating in this activity, members will consider their own thoughts or behaviors related to a series of contrasting statements.

Materials Needed:

1. 
   None
   

Instructions:

1. 
   Participants should form a line, standing shoulder to shoulder, facing a single direction. There should be enough space for participants to take a large step forward and a large step backward.
   
2. 
   The facilitator will read a statement from the list below.
   
3. 
   Following each statement, each participant will take a step forward if they agree with the first statement, and a step backward if they agree with the second statement.
   
4. 
   The facilitator should allow participants to observe where everyone stands after each statement and then ask them to reform their original line.
   

Statements:

1. 
   I impact the world; the world impacts me.
   
2. 
   I’m all about the task; I’m all about the relationship.
   
3. 
   I create my own reality; stuff happens.
   
4. 
   I form quick judgments about situations and people; I ask questions to learn more before judging.
   
5. 
   Organizations should allow everyone to have equal say and authority; Organizations should have a structured hierarchy.
   
6. 
   I carry images of hope and optimism; I carry images of criticism and negativity.
   
7. 
   Spontaneous; planner.
   
8. 
   Problems are to be fixed; problems are opportunities.
   
9. 
   I build rapport easily; I find it a challenge to get comfortable with others.
   
10. 
    Talker; listener.
    
11. 
    I love taking risks; I prefer to avoid risky situations.
    
12. 
    I’m always early; I’m usually running late.
    
13. 
    I recharge by spending time on my own; I recharge by surrounding myself with others.
    
14. 
    Open; closed.
    
15. 
    I’m more productive in the morning, I’m more productive at night.
    
16. 
    I manage my fear by sharing it; I manage fear alone.
    
17. 
    Buttons easily pushed; buttons hard to push.
    
18. 
    The world is huge; the world is small.
    
19. 
    I; we.
    
20. 
    Young; old.
    

Processing Questions:

1. 
   How do you think our view of the world impacts our decisions?
   
2. 
   What shapes our view of the world?
   
3. 
   Did the actions or movements of others influence your decisions to step forward or backward?
   
4. 
   How might knowing this information about each other be helpful?
   
5. 
   How might knowing this information about yourself be helpful?
   

The Lamp

The Lamp is Delta Sigma Phi's online learning and training initiative.  This is where our members, advisers, and campus professionals can come to engage with curriculum and resources that promote best practices and allow for the sharing of new ideas.

Presentations, audio clips, and videos are the primary means of content delivery, and all material is accessible via your computer, tablet, and smartphone.  The majority of our content will be contained within The Lamp, but you will also find additional material on our "Chapter Resources" page, and at times will be asked to visit additional sites.

Within The Lamp you will find linear and non-linear learning environments, meaning some programs follow a specific progression, while others allow you to jump around as you see appropriate.  Some programs will include assessments that give you the opportunity to measure your learning and allow you to think critically about the information being offered. 

Learning is not a one-way street, we have also created discussion forums and a personal notepad for you to write down your own ideas or participate in dialogue with others.  You also have the opportunity to create your own presentations and submit them to the National Headquarters for distribution to all Delta Sigma Phi members.

Specifically relating to new member education, The Lamp will provide videos and presentations that support the topics taking place in this guide. Expect to see this material starting in spring 2014.

The Lamp is meant to help us learn together, turn knowledge into action, and begin developing individuals that will build America's Leading Fraternity.  Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts and suggestions as this new initiative takes sail.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 
   Is this new member program required?
   

This new member program has been created in response to the demand of undergraduate members and alumni volunteers. We encourage you to use as much of this program as you see fit. If your chapter has created alternative lessons or activities, please submit your new member education program to the national office for review.

As this guide is new to members of Delta Sigma Phi, we hope you will provide feedback and submit recommended activities to be included in future versions.

2. 
   Does this replace the Gordian Knot?
   

No, the Gordian Knot is still an important part of New Member Education. This guide explores topics that will help prepare new members to be better leaders and engaged chapter members, but the Gordian Knot will provide new members with information about our organization that is essential for every Delta Sig to know.

3. 
   Why are initiated members encouraged to attend new member meetings?
   

While it is not required for initiated members to attend new member meetings, their presence may offer unique perspectives on some of the discussions taking place. Additionally, we have found that chapters create “cliques” within their chapter by having separate activities for new members and initiated members; we believe you can begin to remove barriers and build a stronger brotherhood by having initiated members discuss the topics outlined in this guide with new members. The more experiences you share together, the better.

4. 
   Why aren’t there any tests?
   

Tests provide some proof that information is being retained, but based on best practices from other new member programs created by some of our leading chapters, we have found that chapters are able to teach and learn more from new members through small group discussions versus pen and paper assessments.

5. 
   How do we report new members to the national office?
   

New members can be reported by logging into the member portal on deltasig.org.

6. 
   How do we notify the national office that a new member will no longer be joining the chapter?
   

New members can be removed from the chapter roster by logging into the member portal on deltasig.org.

7. 
   How do we receive a new Ritual book?
   

Ritual Books can be obtained by contacting the National Headquarters. You will be asked to return any outdated or damaged Ritual material before receiving a new Ritual Book. There is no cost associated with ordering a new Ritual Book.

8. 
   How do we order new pledge pins?
   

Pledge pins can be ordered from the National Headquarters or directly from our supplier, Herff Jones. The website for Herff Jones is www.hjgreeks.com.

9. 
   How do members receive their membership badge and certificate?
   

Members will receive a membership badge and certificate once they have completed the

10. 
    How do I contact the National Headquarters?
    

The National Headquarters can be reached at 317-634-1899 during normal business hours. The Fraternity office is located in Indianapolis, IN – operating on Eastern Time. The office can also be reached by emailing [e-mail].

Facilitation Tips

New Member Educators are being asked to coach new members through multiple topics related to Delta Sigma Phi. While this will require some ability to present material to people, the most important skills are those related to facilitation. Facilitation is different than presenting, which tends to be a one-sided model of instruction; instead, facilitation is the act of guiding people through a concept by making the learning process easier to navigate, and by allowing people to discover their own answers to questions.

A Facilitator is… someone who establishes a safe and inclusive environment for participants. He or she helps participants better understand information by providing focus, direction, affirmation, and encouragement. A successful facilitator also appropriately challenges and questions participants’ ways of thinking.

An Effective Facilitator is… natural and genuine, clear and fair. He or she approaches ideas from a space of neutrality and non-judgment. A successful facilitator allows the focus to be on the individual or group, and not on himself or herself.

A Facilitator Encourages Participation by… seeing that participation is distributed evenly among all members, maintaining eye contact with the entire group, and staying alert to non-verbal cues of interest and boredom.

A Facilitator creates an Accepting Environment by… insisting that the group members respect each other’s opinions, accepting minority views, encouraging freedom to express thoughts and feelings without threat of reproach.

A Facilitator Guides the discussion by… providing substance, examples, and facts to emphasize points. He or she listens critically for puzzling concepts that are giving the group trouble. Lastly, the facilitator guides discussion away from inappropriate remarks, respectfully confronting harmful ideas or actions as needed. It is important to challenge the statement and idea, not the individual.

A Facilitator encourages student Self-Evaluation by… challenging students to question the validity of their arguments or reasoning, and helping students examine their method of arriving at conclusions. One way to promote self-evaluation is by asking questions from different points of view.

A Facilitator Summarizes major idea by… having students summarize main points, encouraging students to explain how their ideas or opinions have changed, and encouraging students to predict how the discussion could affect future behavior.

Additional Resources

Some concepts discussed throughout the New Member Chapter Guide can be explored further through the following resources:

Lesson 1: Welcome to Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity

The Gordian Knot by Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity (Book)

Lesson 2: Our History and Vision

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath (Book)

Lesson 3: The Values-Driven Fraternity

Start Something that Matters by Blake Mycoskie (Book)

Start with Why by Simon Sinek (Book)

How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek (Video)

Lesson 4: Men of Action

Decisive: How to Make Better Choices by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

The Response Ability Project by Mike Dilbeck (Website and Training)

Lesson 5: The Leadership Challenge

The Student Leadership Challenge: Five Practices for Exemplary Leaders by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (Book)

Lesson 6: Academic Success

Becoming a Master Student by Dave Ellis (Book)

Dean’s List: Eleven Habits of Highly Successful College Students by John B. Bader

Lesson 7: Giving Back

Give Smart: Philanthropy that Gets Results by Thomas Tierney and Joel Fleishman

Lesson 8: Building A Strong Chapter

Good to Great by Jim Collins (Book)

Team Building Activities

Student Engagement Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty by Elizabeth Barkley

Closing Comments

We are excited to have your chapter participating in the pilot version of the New Member Education Program. The lessons found in this version are our first attempt to compile the best discussions and activities used by chapters across the country. We will update this guide as we receive feedback from your chapter and discover additional activities used by other chapters.

In the future, this paper guide will be combined with online activities and lessons made available through Delta Sigma Phi’s online learning platform, The Lamp. We will provide your chapter with details about The Lamp as soon as the online content has been completed.

For some chapters, a new approach to new member education will be a welcome addition – while for others, change will be a difficult challenge. Do your best to constantly improve by understanding our purpose as a Fraternity and your chapter’s vision for success.

We hope you find this guide useful, please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions.