Programming
In an effort to keep to these goals that have been set, both individually and as a chapter, the DAA and the AAC can create programming to reinforce academics while creating a motivational environment. Below is a list of programs that have been submitted by chapters. If you have a successful program that is not included on this list, please submit it to greg.budney@delts.net.
Study Tables/Study Hours/Library Hours: Many chapters utilize this program to create an environment conducive to studying. This program may be used as a way to help struggling members and pledges boost their GPA, as well as encourage those not struggling to have a quiet place to study. The DAA and the AAC can set guidelines for those who have to attend these sessions and when they meet. For example, the Gamma Theta Chapter at Baker University created the following guidelines:
- Members with a 2.25 and below GPA require 8 hours per week
- Members between a 2.26 and 2.5 require 6 hours per week
- Members between a 2.51 and 3.0 require 4 hours per week
- Members with above a 3.0 do not have do attend
Again, this just an example of how one chapter has done it. The DAA and the AAC for your chapter can create guidelines they deem appropriate for the chapter. Many chapters have used a timeframe of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at a central location on campus, either the library or academic building.
This program is easily implemented into the pledging process. The Pledge Educator, along with the DAA, can adapt this program to pledges to ensure they have a good academic foundation before being initiated.
Team Delt: Team Delt is a program created by the Zeta Omega Chapter at Bradley University. This program is designed to aid in monitoring members’ grades throughout the semester to help address problem areas and praise accomplishments. Each semester the chapter is divided into approximately ten groups, each with a group leader. (The number of groups may fluctuate depending upon the size of your chapter.) The team leader passes out a packet to each team member. The packet consists of a page for each of the brother’s classes for the current semester. The purpose of these grade sheets is to track the estimated grade he feels he has received on a test, project or homework assignment after it has been completed. These individual grade estimates are combined to create an estimated team GPA. The team GPA is then passed on to the DAA so he can chart the entire chapter’s GPA as the semester goes on. The team that maintains the highest GPA wins an award at the end of the semester, generally a pizza party or gift certificates to a local restaurant.
Another benefit of this program is that it allows the team leader to spot a Delt who is having trouble. The team leader can offer advice to the brother, he can recommend someone to study with or he can even set up a tutor for the brother to use on a more formal basis.
The A-Team: This program comes from the Beta Tau Chapter at the University of Nebraska. The A-Team is a large spreadsheet that consists of each member’s name and ten boxes next to this name. The sheet is posted in the cafeteria near the lunch line where every brother can see it. (You can place this sheet in a common area if you do not have a cafeteria.) Whenever a brother receives an ‘A’ on a test or an assignment worth at least 20% of their final grade, they place a sticker in a box next to his name. This program creates a healthy competition among the brothers. Once a brother receives six stickers, that brother will receive a gift certificate to Best Buy or local restaurant. They have noticed, however, that most brothers strive to have the most stickers at the end of the semester. This can be spun into another competition where the overall winner can receive an incentive as well.
Other Mini Competitions: At the outset of each semester or quarter, you can pair brothers up, using your Greek family or using pledge classes to designate that semester or quarter’s group. Similar to Team Delt, the chapter can recognize the pairing or group with the highest average GPA at the end of the period. You can also use this competition atmosphere to have brothers strive for individual success while having various awards at the end of the period such as top pledge class, highest GPA, most improved GPA and top Greek family. This way, there can be an increased feeling of brotherhood and academic pride among the sub-groups.
Delt Intellectual Forum (DIF): The Beta Pi Chapter at Northwestern University implemented this program. Each quarter, the chapter would reach out to the teaching community and would host a forum. A professor or academic leader is invited to the Shelter for an open discussion with the chapter, usually related to the professor’s area of specialization. Members value these DIFs because they incorporate current events into a discussion beyond the classroom. The forums allow brothers to apply theories learned in class to the real world, as well as interact with the academic community on campus. Likewise, professors have the chance to meet the brothers in a smaller environment and valued relationships can begin as a result.
Scheduling Party: This program comes from the Beta Tau Chapter at the University of Nebraska. Before brothers register for classes, the chapter sets up this Scheduling Party that has proven to be beneficial to underclassmen. Upperclassmen help the underclassmen sign up for the upcoming semester by giving them advice on classes, major requirements and professors. This gathering takes place during dinner hours and pizza and pop is provided by the chapter.
Test Files/Note Files/Study Files: Many chapters have implemented this idea. It is simply an archive of past tests, notes and textbooks from classes on campus. With these files, brothers have access to used material from classes they might be in to help them better understand difficult topics or better prepare for an upcoming exam. These files should not be used for plagiarism purposes, but as a guide to help studying. At the end of each semester, the DAA and/or the AAC should update these files to have more current material for brothers to use.
Class Lists/Professor Lists: This, too, is an easy program to implement. Similar to the above program, this is an archive of classes and professors members have taken in the past, along with comments about each of them. This program can help aid members when deciding what classes to take and what professors to take. This way, brothers can help ensure their success the following semester or quarter.
Faculty Dinners: Faculty dinners are a great way to improve the relationship between the brothers and the university or college. Members, and possibly pledges, invite their professors or staff members to the Shelter for a nice dinner. This dinner allows the school to review our academic policy, improve the understanding between Delta Tau Delta and the faculty/staff members and provide an atmosphere for positive interaction.
Steak and Beans Dinner: This program comes from the Iota Delta Chapter at Quincy University. The purpose of this dinner is to have brothers rewarded for their academic successes. Brothers who achieve a GPA above a certain designated level, such as a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, will receive a steak dinner. Those brothers who fall short of the designated level will receive a baked bean dinner. This helps to remind the importance of academic success. (Designated levels may be different among chapters) |
