2008 Chapter Strategic Plan
The Gamma Lambda Chapter of Sigma Chi at McGill University

Our Values
Friendship, Justice, and Learning


Our Purpose
We are here to become the leaders of society, to develop our character as high-minded men and gentlemen, to face challenges most University students never encounter, and to overcome them. We are here to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, and to leave this fraternity with life-long friends. We are learning about each other and how to deal with people on a high level. Sigma Chi provides us with a unique opportunity to nurture and promote our individual and collective values, as well as to act on them through our daily conduct.

Consul (Phil)
Where are we?
Brotherhood is strong in Gamma Lambda. The ritual and Indoctrination week are taken very seriously, and there is a high level of organization with respect to how business is conducted.
Where can we improve?
Our relationship with alumni needs to be improved. There are not enough events in place to recognize and strengthen bonds with alumni. Although feedback from the 80th Anniversary has been nothing but positive, we have not capitalized on the opportunity it presented us to rekindle those bonds of brotherhood.
Opportunity?
We have done a good job recruiting. There is room to grow as a chapter, participation needs to increase, as well as attendance at meetings.
Obstacles?
Small chapter size makes it difficult to get more done, and to delegate. Some brothers feel like they are being “spread thin.” A larger chapter would alleviate the burden on some brothers, open up new opportunities for brothers to take up different executive positions, and decrease the probability of brothers suffering event fatigue.
Vision
The Peterson is won yearly, it should be a bare minimum for any chapter to be worthy of a charter. The changes we are trying to instil become Gamma Lambda tradition; develop a method of getting our alumni to give back. All of our progress and achievements are documented for reference in the future, this includes getting our Peterson available online. A hard drive will be purchased to store all chapter-related information, and kept in the Annotator’s closet.

Pro-Consul(Peter)

PIT
Currently, I am not the P.I.T. coordinator, by next semester I’d like to have a consistent working interactive P.I.T. program, will document them. Because a set date and time was never confirmed, commencement of program didn’t start early enough, and participation is still lacking. This is the best opportunity to get feedback from the pledges regarding I-week, and to improve on our initiation program. I-week is not discussed nearly enough as it should, memorization is weak, brothers need to be held accountable for their parts, memorizing well before hand so that the program runs like a well-oiled machine.
Communication/Timeliness
Communication is Good, but not great. Email is not a reliable source of communication, neither, the telephone is slightly better. It is difficult to hold members accountable for their actions, especially if they are difficult to read. Emails need to be responded to more quickly, Schedules should be disseminated to know when a “good time” to call, etc. Events should be attended on time, and that should be a reliable fact. Perhaps each member could post a “schedule” and update as needed to inform brothers when he is unavailable for whatever reasons.
Officer Transition
Currently, officer transition resources are very limited. The ‘conversation’ that takes place is short, and not nearly sufficient for an inexperienced exec to begin leading. The process of “training” the new exec must being much soon, and continue well beyond the beginning of the term. Through use of Google Docs, and other means, I’d like to have positions completely documented so that training and transitioning becomes much smoother over the years.

Quaestor (Devin)

Where are we?
Poor officer transition made transitioning into a mess frustrating. There were many unexpected expenses to be paid, $1200 in receipts were not on record.
Vision
Hand off chapter finances in stable condition. Ensure next Quaestor experiences a smooth transition, and is fully trained to fulfill the duties listed by the S.O.P., ritual, and bylaws. Ensure all receipts are put on record, brothers are informed, and the budget is monitored vigilantly.






Annotator (Pat)

Where are we?
We have a great charity that matches any donation we make (Huntsman), and as one of the dominant fraternities on campus, we do not have much competition in the Greek community in throwing large calibre events.
Where can we improve?
Generally, lack of planning has produced many events that generated relatively little money. Often, much time is spent and the reward is minimal. Traditionally, the position has not been taken seriously, this could be due to poor exec transitions. Who are our contacts? Where can I go for help? Are questions we shouldn’t have to ask when entering a new position, it should already be clear. There is no documentation regarding how to go about conducting external events. If there’s a “formula,” we need to find it.
Opportunity?
There are places on campus to raise money, we could be raising a lot more money. People, as a whole, are “decent.” We need to decrease the number of events, increase the quality of events and how much we make, and this will result in stronger sense of accomplishment and personal reward. Putting in personal time is more important than signing a check.
Vision
A template for minutes and meetings is made to be used and passed along to the next exec. It will make creating the minutes easier, and garner interest in reading the minutes again. We will throw outdoor events for the year, using a “prop” to bring in larger return than previously. Photos from trips to the children’s hospital and soup kitchen can be made public via submission to McGill daily. By the end of year, have checks that have not been “designated” to charities from before distributed. Create this “formula” so that the next annotator has a smoother ride. Create an annual event, obviously to be repeated every year.

Magister (Jalil)

Where are we?
Good pledge program structure, smooth officer transition. It’s good that despite a general outline, there is much room for creativity and innovation. The program accommodates each pledge class’ dynamic personality.
Where can we improve?
More pledge bonding events, they should have exchanged contacts immediately. Due to a lack of clarity, scheduling and time conflicts, program did not get off to a smooth start. More emphasis should be placed on big brothers, and the seriousness of pledging.
Vision
Live in weekend is taken seriously, stresses and promotes bonding amongst the pledges within the chapter house. More pledge “bonding” events. The pledge project is done in the house through equal pledge participation, and ultimately works to reinforce these bonds.

Recruitment Chair (Jesse)

Where are we?
We have great brotherhood events that are fun and eagerly attended by brothers. Many enjoy coming to the house and hanging out. However, generally, the chapter could improve on its sense of responsibility, respect (for other brothers, and this organization), and commitment to our chapter. The degree of change necessary varies from brother to brother. Our culture is very welcoming to new faces. Older brothers have a confidence that is generally instilled in younger members. At times, we are not focused on the right things. Why is it that events that involve drinking get better turnout than most chapter and executive meetings? Older brothers, who sometimes take on the attitude of being in the process of “checking out”, are not involving themselves in the chapter as much. They should be mentoring the younger generation.
Recruitment has been strong over the past years, and we’re growing, but inadequate training and preparation is threat to our future. Our image is “mixed” in the Greek community, our participation in IGLC events is generally low. We haven’t had one philanthropy even since recruitment began this semester, but have had plenty of “getting drunk” events. We need to start focusing on different kinds of events, especially because the pledges will be emulating our style in the future.
Vision
Increase numbers by focusing on friends of brothers, not so much official “events.” Brothers will be rewarded for successfully bringing in pledges that get initiated.

Tribune (Asif)

Where are we?
I have just finished writing all the stories that have to be included in the February newsletter. Some of the stories that will be present in the future newsletters include recollections from the different road trips during reading week (brotherhood events), Jersey soiree, interview with Ernest, Mixers, Pledge Experience , Housing updates Rush Chair quotes, Sweetheart details, Sports (like broomball), pics and alumni input from Sweetheart, etc.. For the summer months, I would like to include alumni recollections of their time in Sigma Chi, as well as get one of the recent alumni (like Tyler, Santiago, etc.) to write a brief story on post-college life, what they are doing in the summer, anything related to them. It’s just something for everyone to get to know that person better.
Where can we improve?
Since I still haven’t sent out my first newsletter, I cannot confidently say that I am meeting all of my duties. However, during elections, I said that I would like to send out newsletters every 2 months, instead of every quarter, as had been done in the last year. I would now like to revise that goal to a newsletter every month. This would serve two purposes: not only would it give our alumni a constant bird’s eye view of what’s happening in their chapter, the newsletter would also serve as a platform to raise money for house repairs. By showing them what a state of disarray our house is in, and raising the possibility of creating a scholarship fund, I hope to get alumni taking more interest in the our chapter, which over the long run could prove to be financially positive for us.
Opportunities?
When I finish my term, I hope to have increased the contact information of alumni that we possess. I am also making a list of expenses that are part of the Tribune’s role. These two documents, with the Publisher template of the newsletter, will be a perfect guideline for the incoming Tribune. I will also be around if the new Tribune has any questions.
Obstacles?
The alumni list, which currently starts from 1961, is in a very pathetic state. Apart from the 1970’s, most of the other decades have less than 50% of correct alumni information. Tracking them down is a daunting task, which involves several costs (like mailing, telephoning, etc.), and also, since most of them went to McGill so many years ago, they are relatively reluctant to use email addresses, as it might seem a sort of hassle for them. Motivation and heavy work load.
Vision
Raise $10,000 for the House.
Presence of alumni brothers at I Week.
Get alumni to submit as much as they can about themselves and their experiences.
Increase the information in the member book up to 50%.

House Manager (L.P.)
Vision
Legitimatize housing procedure, by the end of term clear rules established so as to minimize friction amongst brothers who desire to live in the house. Work with housing core towards making improvements to house.










Action Plan 1: Alumni Relations

Goal
Implement a program at Gamma Lambda to recognize its alumni and re-involve them directly with chapter activities. To have more alumni as guiding resources for the chapter.

Brainstorming
To increase information on alumni, have a few brothers sit in a room and call them up, confirming “good” addresses, telephone numbers, and contact information for other brothers. Emails are easy to ignore, phone calls are not. This plan doesn’t require every brother to call simultaneously, but is preferred. Use contacts in McGill calling center to help create a script for some brothers who would feel more comfortable with one.

When?
By the first week of May, program commences. We have the tools necessary to begin calling. The newsletter is out by the week of March 15th, calling for contact information. The Tribune will be responsible for asking brothers one-on-one for their participation, before plan is introduced in meeting, and after.

More Brainstorming
Create a list of alumni based in Montreal, develop a plan to include them in our chapter. Doesn’t necessarily have to be one event for all of them. Because many of our alumni are based in Toronto, organize an event with U of T and our combined alumni. Include alumni achievements and anecdotes in the coming newsletters, focus on younger alumni who have more ties to our chapter recently. Tabulate a list of interested and supportive alumni.

When?
List of alumni in Montreal and Toronto by first weekend in May. Get in contact with U of T chapter by May 1st and discuss organizing a trip to Toronto. Would like to have an Alumni Weekend sometime in September or October, great opportunity to introduce them to new pledges. Will finalize this date at BLTW.







Action Plan 2: Philanthropy
Goal
To transition from multiple smaller events to one, very successful, well-planned event that garner participation and enthusiasm from the entire chapter.

When?
April 20th, hopefully annually
March 10th – Jesse finds out how to rent out lower field
Week of March 10th-17th – Pat posts on craigslist, figure out cost of rental
Week of March 10th – 17th – Pat and Jesse figure out who we are giving money to
Eventually – When plan solidifies, ask sorority (Gamma Phi Beta) if they’d be interested in participating (Isabelle).

What?
Dunk tank on Lower field when the weather has warmed up

Brainstorming
-Signup lists, getting “VIPs” to volunteer to be dunked, Mutter to MC event, perhaps getting professors to want to participate. Barbequing.

How?
Every exec meeting on Sundays will track progress on this event, ensure it takes shape and gets done.

Action Plan 3: Recruitment

To increase incentive to bring in pledges, a $25 rebate will be awarded to any brother who sees a pledge through initiation. A 6-pack of beer will be provided to a brother who plans to bring a friend by the house, but the Recruitment Chair has to approve the event. The friend will not be under the impression that he is just receiving “free alcohol”, rather it is beer that was “owed” from one brother to another.

To further recruitment efforts, brothers will sign up to be international and first year buddies. This is a great opportunity to build repor with a new student looking for comfort in the coming months.

Lastly, the chapter will participate in one intramural a semester, and use the opportunity to potentially build bonds with teams played (perhaps by sharing a few beers back at the house after the game).

Pledge Project

Ideas will be generated by the executive committee, the choice of project will be left with the pledges. If they find a project they want to pursue, and the House Manager approves it, they may pursue that project.
-Painting the front bathroom
-Finish painting staircase from the lodge up
-Replace Basement doors, EX carving, “saloon” doors
-Fix lighting fixtures in basement

Moleskins

The Ritual
As discussed at Strategic Planning, Consul will implement a program to hold brothers accountable for memorization by Tuesday, March 11th. He will also find out about receiving more Rit. Books

Communication
As a committee, we have agreed that email is never the best form of communication. Other, more effect ways over communicating are text messaging, and facebook. We will look into software that informs sender that the receiver has received and checked the email. Phone calls need to be utilized more often, but if a brother knows why he is being called, and that he hasn’t performed his duties, he is less likely to pick up. Thus, texting is the more effective choice.


Looking upon our Fraternity as it then was and as it now is, I am filled with wonder and amazement, and can only exclaim; Is it possible that this growth and advancement has been made in the short space of fifty years? As Jacob of old, in early youth, setting out to make his fortune, crossed the Jordan with no possession but a staff, but at length, after many years, returned with great abundance of what constituted the riches of that day; so we, the seven, without even a staff, left our Alma Mater, and lo! We return today, rich, not in flocks and herds, but in the inconceivably higher, better riches of enlightened, earnest manhood and brotherhood. As the poet “breathed a song into the air,” the results of which he knew not for many years, but at length found it complete, from beginning to end, ‘in the heart of a friend;” so the song of the seven which we sang fifty years ago, viz.,

We here, united heart and hand,
For all that’s good and true will stand,
And pledge our word henceforth to be
The Sigma Chi Fraternity.

…
Be it yours, then, my brothers, in laboring for the advancement of all that the Sigma Chi Fraternity stands for, to do all in the right spirit and from the right motives, so that you may hand down our Fraternity to those who come after you with its strength undiminished, its beauty untarnished; and may it continue to advance in all that is good and true, until time itself shall be no more!

-Daniel William Cooper
Address to the Fraternity – Semi-Centennial Celebration, Oxford Ohio, June 28, 1905