The word Magister is a title from the Middle Ages that was given to a professor having a license from a university to teach philosophy and the liberal arts. This term is still used in the modern world as a type of degree in some foreign countries. In the context of Sigma Chi, the Magister is responsible for overseeing the pledge (brother-to-be) program of his chapter. The roles of the Magister include:

• To lead the chapter and the pledgecommitteepledge committee in developing and implementing a pledge program that prepares the new member for initiation and develops the foundation for a life-long commitment to the Fraternity.
• To ensure that all chapter members know that hazing or any activities that are embarrassing, deceptive, demeaning, interfering with academic obligations, or violating Sigma Chi ideals and policies will not be tolerated during any part of the pledge program, I-week, or ritualistic ceremonies.
• To prepare the chapter for initiation and to supervise and direct the ceremonies of initiation.

• To perform his duties as prescribed by the Ritual.
• To provide written documentation of the program for his successor as well as train and assist his potential successor(s).
• To attend the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop
• To hold himself and every member of the Fraternity accountable to the Sigma Chi oath of initation
• To assist the Pro Consul in Post Initiation Training
• To serve on the chapter's Executive Committee
• To serve as an example and role model to the pledges and the Fraternity.

The recent decision by the Fraternity to change the name of bidded potentials from "pledge" to "brother-to-be" reflects a fundamental shift in the role of Magister as viewed by the general Fraternity. It is the responsibility of the Magister to train the pledges in such a manner that they are prepared to be fully-capable and functioning brothers, in knowledge of Fraternity government, history, leadership, and Ritual. This is made possible through a well thought out and comprehensive pledge program.

GOVERNMENT
Pledges should

• Be familiar with both the Constitution of the Fraternity as well as the chapter's individual by-laws.
• Be able to identify each chapter officer's responsibilities within the chapter and within the Fraternity at large.
• Know the current Grand Officers of the Fraternity as well as the roles and responsibilities of each of those officers.
• Be capable of understanding the general method of business using Robert's Rules of Order in a committee style setting for them to be able to properly function in the context of a chapter meeting.

HISTORY
Pledges should

• Know at least three important facts about each of the seven founders, as well as the significance of those facts within the context of the ideals of Sigma Chi.
• Know and be able to relegate the general story and meaning behind the founding of the fraternity.
• Know the founding date of the Fraternity (June 28, 1855)
• Be able to transcribe from memory the Spirit of Sigma Chi, the Jordan Standard, and the Sigma Chi Creed.
• Have general knowledge of the history of their own chapter.

LEADERSHIP
Pledges should

• Be properly challenged to step up to the proverbial plate at some point during pledgeship in a leadership role in the form of event planning or task-oriented problem-solving.
• Be conducted in exercises that challenge communication and leadership skills.
• Have properly relegated to them values-based leadership through use of Character-in-Action and Sigma Chi ideals.

RITUAL
Pledges should

• Know the Purpose of the Fraternity by heart
• Understand the meaning of the Three Great Aims in relation to the Founding of the Fraternity
• Undergo a meaningful and complete I-week that allows proper time to think and sleep.