THE MEMBERSHIP ORIENTATION OFFICER IS MEANT TO SERVE AS THE PRIMARY GUIDE FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ACROSS THIS SIX-WEEK JOURNEY.
A successful Membership Orientation Officer doesn’t just help Associate Members complete a checklist or pass a National Exam. He enables connection, fosters culture, and sets Associate Members on a path for meaningful brotherhood.
While the Membership Orientation Officer Guidebook is more of an explanation of the role, this document is meant to serve as a detailed snapshot of what each week looks like and focuses on, as the standard.
The Associate Member can use it to see what he has done and what he has coming up, so he can begin planning, reflecting, and scheduling appropriately.
The Membership Orientation Officer can use it to keep track of what he has gone over and what he should prepare for in the comping weeks.
NOTE #1:
This is the standard expectation of what should be delivered during the six-week Associate Member period. Any activity deviating from the "standard" program is prohibited unless the Associate Members are presented with written documentation by National that such activity has been approved.
You should also inform Associate Members that they are encouraged to contact the National Fraternity to report all deviations in the Membership Orientation Program, and that violators are subject to discipline, including expulsion from the National Fraternity.
NOTE #2:
Associate Members must be reported to National prior to beginning their Associate Member program. Access to Phi Tau Portal, and to Plaid (our Learning Management System) is granted after this reporting is completed.
Once Associate Members are reported, they are emailed an invite link to claim their portal account.
Once reported, The Executive Office places an order for new member badges and member manuals (The Red book).
STANDARD ASSOCIATE MEMBER PROGRAM
WEEK ONE:
FOCUS
Introductions, expectations, and diving into the origins & history of Phi Kappa Tau
IN PLAID
Associate Members Complete:
Video: Congratulations...You’re an Associate Member!
Video: Phi Kappa Tau Origins
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with their reflections for the week.
Membership Orientation Officers Complete:
Video: Congratulations...You’re the MOO!
Video: Diving into Phi Kappa Tau Origins
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with Associate Member reflections for the week, and by also bringing reflections of his own, the Membership Orientation Officer will be able to engage authentically with the class, rather than feeling like he is just teaching.
IN-PERSON
The Membership Orientation Officer schedules a session for a day/time in week one that works for everyone. It is critical that 100% of the Associate Member class is in attendance for the entire session.
There are several, "Big Rocks" that should be covered in this session, and it is recommended that the duration be no less than one-hour, with two or more hours being a more appropriate amount of time to cover everything adequately
The Membership Orientation Officer and Associate Member class may choose to meet more often for shorter periods if that works bets for them, so long as 100% of Associate Members can attend. (For instance, meet for one hour twice a week rather than once a week for two hours.)
STANDARD SESSION AGENDA
Begin with Reflections (either go around one-by-one so each Associate Member can share reflections - their answers to the questions answered and downloaded in Plaid)
Introductions & Expectations
NOTE: While you may certainly have more to add and share, at a minimum you should have engaging conversations based on the articles included specifically for this program, which are in the Phi Tau Resource Center. These documents have excellent "Point of Discussion" segments to help guide interactive discussions and learning.
Prep for Week Two
Reminder of assignments in Plaid
Encourage informal connections all week
Schedule the Week Two session(s) - doing it now help get it on the calendar
Anything else you've discussed to do for the week
=============================================================
WEEK TWO:
FOCUS
Brotherhood and Belonging
IN PLAID
Associate Members Complete:
Video: Brotherhood & Belonging
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with their reflections for the week.
Membership Orientation Officers Complete:
Video: Sharing The Meaning Of Brotherhood & Belonging
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with Associate Member reflections for the week, and by also bringing reflections of his own, the Membership Orientation Officer will be able to engage authentically with the class, rather than feeling like he is just teaching.
IN-PERSON
The Membership Orientation Officer schedules a session for a day/time in week one that works for everyone. It is critical that 100% of the Associate Member class is in attendance for the entire session.
There are several, "Big Rocks" that should be covered in this session, and it is recommended that the duration be no less than one-hour, with two or more hours being a more appropriate amount of time to cover everything adequately
The Membership Orientation Officer and Associate Member class may choose to meet more often for shorter periods if that works bets for them, so long as 100% of Associate Members can attend. (For instance, meet for one hour twice a week rather than once a week for two hours.)
STANDARD SESSION AGENDA
Begin with Reflections (either go around one-by-one so each Associate Member can share reflections - their answers to the questions answered and downloaded in Plaid)
Brotherhood
Belonging
NOTE: While you may certainly have more to add and share, at a minimum you should have engaging conversations based on the articles included specifically for this program, which are in the Phi Tau Resource Center. These documents have excellent "Point of Discussion" segments to help guide interactive discussions and learning.
Prep for Week Three
Reminder of assignments in Plaid (note that Tightrope is multiple modules so plan for ample time to complete it before the next in-person session)
Encourage informal connections all week
Schedule the Week Three session(s) - doing it now help get it on the calendar
Anything else you've discussed to do for the week
=============================================================
WEEK THREE:
FOCUS
Health, Wellness, and Safety
IN PLAID
Associate Members Complete:
Video: Health, Wellness, and Safety
Tightrope: This is a multi-module online program that must be completed
Video: Hazing and Alcohol Education Program: The Gary DeVercelly Hazing Prevention Program
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with their reflections for the week.
Membership Orientation Officers Complete:
Video: Commitment to health, wellness, and safety
Video: Hazing and Alcohol Education Program: The Gary DeVercelly Hazing Prevention Program
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with Associate Member reflections for the week, and by also bringing reflections of his own, the Membership Orientation Officer will be able to engage authentically with the class, rather than feeling like he is just teaching.
IN-PERSON
The Membership Orientation Officer schedules a session for a day/time in week one that works for everyone. It is critical that 100% of the Associate Member class is in attendance for the entire session.
There are several, "Big Rocks" that should be covered in this session, and it is recommended that the duration be no less than one-hour, with two or more hours being a more appropriate amount of time to cover everything adequately
The Membership Orientation Officer and Associate Member class may choose to meet more often for shorter periods if that works bets for them, so long as 100% of Associate Members can attend. (For instance, meet for one hour twice a week rather than once a week for two hours.)
STANDARD SESSION AGENDA
Begin with Reflections (either go around one-by-one so each Associate Member can share reflections - their answers to the questions answered and downloaded in Plaid)
Policies
Hazing
NOTE: While you may certainly have more to add and share, at a minimum you should have engaging conversations based on the articles included specifically for this program, which are in the Phi Tau Resource Center. These documents have excellent "Point of Discussion" segments to help guide interactive discussions and learning.
Prep for Week Four
Reminder of assignments in Plaid
Encourage informal connections all week
Schedule the Week Four session(s) - doing it now help get it on the calendar
Anything else you've discussed to do for the week
=============================================================
WEEK FOUR:
FOCUS
Leadership and Involvement
IN PLAID
Associate Members Complete:
Video: Leadership and Involvement
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with their reflections for the week.
Membership Orientation Officers Complete:
Video: Unlocking leadership & intentional involvement
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with Associate Member reflections for the week, and by also bringing reflections of his own, the Membership Orientation Officer will be able to engage authentically with the class, rather than feeling like he is just teaching.
IN-PERSON
The Membership Orientation Officer schedules a session for a day/time in week one that works for everyone. It is critical that 100% of the Associate Member class is in attendance for the entire session.
There are several, "Big Rocks" that should be covered in this session, and it is recommended that the duration be no less than one-hour, with two or more hours being a more appropriate amount of time to cover everything adequately
The Membership Orientation Officer and Associate Member class may choose to meet more often for shorter periods if that works bets for them, so long as 100% of Associate Members can attend. (For instance, meet for one hour twice a week rather than once a week for two hours.)
STANDARD SESSION AGENDA
Begin with Reflections (either go around one-by-one so each Associate Member can share reflections - their answers to the questions answered and downloaded in Plaid)
Leadership
Involvement
NOTE: While you may certainly have more to add and share, at a minimum you should have engaging conversations based on the articles included specifically for this program, which are in the Phi Tau Resource Center. These documents have excellent "Point of Discussion" segments to help guide interactive discussions and learning.
Prep for Week Five
Reminder of assignments in Plaid
Encourage informal connections all week
Schedule the Week Five session(s) - doing it now help get it on the calendar
Anything else you've discussed to do for the week
=============================================================
WEEK FIVE:
FOCUS
Fraternity Structures and Networks
IN PLAID
Associate Members Complete:
Video: Fraternity Structures and Networks
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with their reflections for the week.
Membership Orientation Officers Complete:
Video: Understanding & navigating fraternity structures
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with Associate Member reflections for the week, and by also bringing reflections of his own, the Membership Orientation Officer will be able to engage authentically with the class, rather than feeling like he is just teaching.
IN-PERSON
The Membership Orientation Officer schedules a session for a day/time in week one that works for everyone. It is critical that 100% of the Associate Member class is in attendance for the entire session.
There are several, "Big Rocks" that should be covered in this session, and it is recommended that the duration be no less than one-hour, with two or more hours being a more appropriate amount of time to cover everything adequately
The Membership Orientation Officer and Associate Member class may choose to meet more often for shorter periods if that works bets for them, so long as 100% of Associate Members can attend. (For instance, meet for one hour twice a week rather than once a week for two hours.)
STANDARD SESSION AGENDA
Begin with Reflections (either go around one-by-one so each Associate Member can share reflections - their answers to the questions answered and downloaded in Plaid)
Structures
Borradaile Challenge
NOTE: While you may certainly have more to add and share, at a minimum you should have engaging conversations based on the articles included specifically for this program, which are in the Phi Tau Resource Center. These documents have excellent "Point of Discussion" segments to help guide interactive discussions and learning.
Prep for Week Six
Reminder of assignments in Plaid
Encourage informal connections all week
Take a pulse check and let Associate Members know that they will each have a 1:1 meeting with the Membership Orientation Officer during week-6, as initiation is near and it is important that every person feel comfortable and ready.
This goes without saying...but CONFIRM that every Associate member is paid in-full (Associate [New] Member Fees)
Schedule the Week Six session(s) - doing it now help get it on the calendar
Anything else you've discussed to do for the week
=============================================================
WEEK SIX:
FOCUS
Vision, Mission, Values and Ritual Initiation Preparation
IN PLAID
Associate Members Complete:
Video: Vision, Mission, Values and Ritual Initiation Prep
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with their reflections for the week.
Membership Orientation Officers Complete:
Video: Preparation for initiation into Phi Kappa Tau
Refections: Answer on-screen questions thoughtfully and download their "reflections." They will bring this with them to the weekly in-person meeting that the Membership Orientation Officer hosts with the entire Associate Member class. Discussions will begin with Associate Member reflections for the week, and by also bringing reflections of his own, the Membership Orientation Officer will be able to engage authentically with the class, rather than feeling like he is just teaching.
IN-PERSON
The Membership Orientation Officer schedules a 1:1 session during this week to have individual meetings to discuss feelings, comfort, requirements & readiness.
The Membership Orientation Officer schedules a session for a day/time in week one that works for everyone. It is critical that 100% of the Associate Member class is in attendance for the entire session.
There are several, "Big Rocks" that should be covered in this session, and it is recommended that the duration be no less than one-hour, with two or more hours being a more appropriate amount of time to cover everything adequately
The Membership Orientation Officer and Associate Member class may choose to meet more often for shorter periods if that works bets for them, so long as 100% of Associate Members can attend. (For instance, meet for one hour twice a week rather than once a week for two hours.)
STANDARD SESSION AGENDA
Begin with Reflections (either go around one-by-one so each Associate Member can share reflections - their answers to the questions answered and downloaded in Plaid)
Mission and Vision
Initiation Prep
NOTE: While you may certainly have more to add and share, at a minimum you should have engaging conversations based on the articles included specifically for this program, which are in the Phi Tau Resource Center. These documents have excellent "Point of Discussion" segments to help guide interactive discussions and learning.
Prep for Initiation
Encourage informal support all week
Encourage personal reflection
Remind Associate Members to come to you with any concerns or accommodations they may need
This goes without saying...but remind Associate Members that Phi Kappa Tau does NOT haze, and that the initiation ceremony is a serious and meaningful experience they only get a chance to have once in a lifetime.
Anything else you've discussed to do for the week