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New Model Implementation Is on Track
New Model Implementation Is on Track
As published in the fall 2022 edition of The Phi Gamma Delta magazine, delegates to the 174th (2022) Ekklesia voted to eliminate pledging, effective July 1, 2024, and to immediately allow chapters to initiate new members without the probationary period known as pledging. When provided with the background related to decades-long challenges related to hazing, research which points to hazing concerns as a prominent reason men do not join fraternities, and recent and expected trends related to male college enrollment, they understood the need for a different approach to welcoming new members.
With the decisions of the 174th Ekklesia, the Fraternity began implementation of the New Model – which puts a greater emphasis on quality recruitment, reduces the power dynamic inherent in pledging and at the heart of fraternity hazing, and aims to provide a more fulfilling undergraduate experience.
The New Model, the framework of which has been in development for several years prior to the 174th Ekklesia, is a product of two programs that complement each other in a holistic approach:
The Growth System is a continuous, modern, values‐based recruitment approach that allows a chapter to make a full and honest evaluation of a prospective member before extending him an invitation to join. It leverages technology, education to build recruitment skills, and advisor support to help chapters work toward a continuous recruitment model, not relying solely on the traditional “rush” period and developing values‐based criteria to identify prospects and ensure quality prior to initiation.
Built to Lead is a multi‐level development experience that begins on day one of affiliation and extends throughout the undergraduate experience, focused on building and strengthening skills necessary for Courageous Leadership. Through a framework designed to match the variety of layers of the undergraduate experience, it seeks to enhance bonding and commitment from the start and provides continued learning throughout a man’s undergraduate years. By elongating the recruitment process and intentionally educating and providing developmental opportunities throughout the undergraduate experience, Phi Gamma Delta will see success in both the retention and recruitment of undergraduate members.
Early Adopters
All chapters are required to implement a no‐pledging joining process by July 1, 2024. Those who do so before are implementing the New Model as Early Adopters – supported by Fraternity staff and a coach who assists them in developing their own unique implementation plan. Fifty-seven chapters have done so thus far – with 30 chapters joining in fall 2022 and 27 joining in spring 2023 (listed on page 25)
In its first year, more than 40% of chapters have implemented the New Model, and we expect more than 65% of chapters to implement by the end of fall 2023. These chapters represent a wide range of sizes and campus characteristics, helping the Fraternity adjust and shape implementation for all chapters in the future.
Results and feedback from 2022-23 Early Adopters have been generally positive. It can, and does, take chapters time to plan and adjust their recruitment and member development techniques. However, once they do, chapters are seeing success. Preliminary data suggests two significant themes:
1. Early Adopters are initiating more men and retaining them at a greater rate than their historical four-year average and compared to non-Early Adopters.
2. New Model chapters are not always inviting more men to join, but they are initiating more and being more selective about who they invite to join.
Early Adopters are seeing other anecdotal successes as well. Some chapters have reported that men who joined would not have done so under a traditional pledging model. Early Adopters also appear to be retaining men at a greater rate, though data over time will be used to measure this impact.
The New Model is well received by our host institutions. And with the help of our Chapter Coaches, no Early Adopter has been unable to implement the New Model due to campus and/or IFC recruitment and joining policies.
The Fraternity is adjusting based on the feedback provided by chapters and Chapter Coaches. One example is that the offerings for recruitment education are being expanded and better tailored to a chapter’s needs. Programming requirements within Built to Lead are also being evaluated and modified. To help our chapters get the best start possible, we are working to have Chapter Coaches engage with chapters sooner and provide as much time as possible to plan before implementation. Learn more at www.phigam.org/ NewModel.
The Role of Graduates
One of the most significant predictors of a chapter’s New Model implementation success is the involvement and engagement of its graduate advisors. Chapters who have the support of brothers in three critical roles – recruitment, new initiate onboarding and member development – by and large adapt more quickly and see greater success in implementation. These brothers not only help to guide the chapter in its initial implementation but also provide tremendous overall support and become a point of continuity year-over-year.
The Fraternity needs the help of dedicated graduate brothers who exemplify our values, believe in mentorship and support the direction the New Model guides our Fraternity. As each chapter begins implementation, the Fraternity seeks to identify brothers who can serve in Board of Chapter Advisor roles as Recruitment, Foundation of Courage (new initiate onboarding) and Built to Lead (member development) advisors.
Brothers who are interested and willing to be trained to assist an undergraduate chapter in their implementation can learn more at www. phigam.org/NewModel or contact us at phigam@phigam.org.
