DIRECTOR OF NEW MEMBER EDUCATION

Responsibilities

Directors of New Member Education are not tasked with molding or training a new member, but to empower him to develop the tools that enable him to discover his own qualities and characteristics of excellence. If the program instills in our newest members loyalty to FarmHouse, an understanding of the fraternity's values and a desire to live those values and concepts upon which FarmHouse was founded, then the program has been a success. New Member Education is the first component of Total Member Education, which is why the Director of New Member Education will work closely with the Total Member Educator.

Director of New Member Education

Every FarmHouse new member is entitled to the best fraternity education and experience possible. It is your responsibility to ensure that that right is fulfilled. New Members are the key to the sustenance and growth of your chapter and the fraternity as a whole. It is your duty to ensure that new members meet their expectations and requirements.

Organize and acquaint new members with the rules and policies of the Chapter, how
     business is handled and the various facilities available at the chapter house and
     throughout the university.

Provide each new member with a 3-fold resource - including a New Member Education
     Handbook, FarmHouse Membership and History Handbook and FarmHouse Songbook.

Instruct the new members about FarmHouse locally and internationally.

You are responsible for the conduct of the new members, lead by example.

Liaison between the chapter and the new member class.

Seek methods to enrich membership education so that it is a stimulating learning
     experience.

Assist each new member in developing a plan for personal growth and development.

Holds the chapter accountable for their portion of new member education.

Plan and implement pledge retreats (at least one per semester).

Co-direct the alumni Big Brother/ pledge Little Brother Program with the Director of Alumni
     Relations.

Send initiation ceremony invitations to parents of New Member s.

Plan, direct and supervise pledging and initiation ceremonies and activities.

Oversee the administering of Bid Invitations.

Send letter to parents of new pledges informing them of FarmHouse and expressing
     desire for their involvement in their son's FarmHouse experience.

Assign Big Brothers and direct Big Brother/Little Brother Program.

New Member Education Committee

The Director of New Member Education is responsible for designing and implementing the program, in conjunction with the Total Member Educator, but he is not solely responsible for its execution. Indeed, one of the main purposes of any introductory program is to assimilate the new members - this can only happen if the entire chapter is involved. This is why the participation of the New Member Education Committee is important - it provides the dual benefit of getting more men actively involved in the education program and generates additional interest among other brothers just by the presence of their closer friends.

Total Membership Educator

In some chapters, the Director of New Member Education may be a part of the Total Member Education Committee, in others, as a legacy of the traditional pledge program, the Director of New Member Education will be in place and the Total Member Education program may only be slowly developing. Either way, it is vital that both of these programs be aligned in their goals and message. You need to work closely with each other. A "pledge" program that breaks brothers down and tests their worthiness will alienate new members after initiation if they are then asked to continue participating in the total member education process that is supposed to Build Men by the Four-Fold Development.

Chapter

A successful new member program depends upon the involvement of every member of the Chapter. This means taking an active interest in each man and new member class, as well as being engaged in the Chapter's goals for New Member and Total Member Initiation. The entire chapter should have input to the Educator and his Committee to determine which activities are best suited to reach the programs goals. The chapter should also be part of the evaluation of the program.

Enlist the help of others and delegate authority. The entire membership should involve itself with the new member program. Each member must understand and uphold all program policies, and must keep himself informed about new developments. Have faith in your brothers and enable them to make their positive contributions. The sooner you organize your program, the more the brothers will be able to help. Through organization you empower those around you to choose where they will assist.

Organizing does not help, however, if no one agrees with the program's objectives-there must be consensus within the chapter. Involve the chapter in formulating and approving a program that includes goals, policies, and rules. Listen to everyone's suggestions. Debate with them if necessary. Encourage creativity and open lines of communication. Just remember that people work hardest to bring to fruition the projects in which they have a personal stake. Involve as many people as possible.