Purpose of New Member Education (NME) and Greek Life
The Purpose of New Member Education (NME) during the allocated period (about a month) is to be a comprehensive program to teach the history, values, and traditions of each organization. New member education programs will help to develop qualified, participating members of your chapter. NME is designed to teach the fundamentals of being an active member of your fraternity or sorority based on the values and traditions of the individual chapter and the greater Greek Community. NME will, in all instances, maintain honorable behavior by new members and active members. There have been specific safety measures set in place to ensure the safety of all faculty, staff and students throughout NME. The purpose of Doane’s Greek System is to foster personal and professional growth by building a strong sense of siblinghood and teamwork around shared goals. It encourages academic success, respect for fraternity and sorority traditions, and a commitment to philanthropy. Through this experience, members gain self-confidence, develop communication skills, and build valuable social and career networks, all while creating a positive image for the Greek community and enhancing their leadership skills.
The objectives of an effective New Member Education Program are:
- To assist and develop members to be outstanding members of their greater community - not just within the organization.
- To develop members intellectually, emotionally, and morally.
- To familiarize new members with their fraternity or sorority - the organization, the people, and the history.
- To demonstrate friendship and to build strong, lasting friendships.
- To prepare new members to uphold the standards and ideals of their fraternity or sorority, and strive to continually improve it.
New members want:
- To make meaningful relationships.
- To have a positive experience with their chapter.
- To learn about the organization.
- To be respected as individuals and members.
- To be supported in campus life, academic pursuit, and chapter responsibilities.
- To have fair treatment and not be subservient to initiated members.
- To feel safe and supported during New Member Education requirements.
- To have fun.
Active members want:
- To build meaningful relationships.
- To cultivate a positive experience for their chapter.
- To develop engaged new members.
- To positively represent the chapter.
- To teach the missions and values of the chapter.
- To have new members learn the values and traditions of the chapter.
- To feel safe and supported in campus life, academic pursuit, and chapter responsibilities.
- To have fun.
What you need to know about New Member Education (NME)
When does NME start and how long does it last?
NME officially begins the weekend following Bid Day. All New Members are required to attend initial meetings before they are eligible for participating in NME activities. New Members who cannot attend these meetings must meet with the Assistant Director of Campus Engagement, Sorority & Fraternity Life individually before participating in NME activities. Official NME education hours will be communicated to each New Member Class by their group before the start of NME.
What are NME activities like?
Because each group on campus is different, they have different NME activities, but all activities are designed to teach New Member about their organization and build camaraderie among their members. All activities are closely monitored by the University, and each fraternity and sorority is required to have an advisor present at all times during NME hours.
What if I’m joining and can’t attend all NME activities for my group?
It’s important for New Members to be present during as much of the NME process as possible. However, conflicts do arise. It’s each New Member's responsibility to communicate with their group in advance of when they will need to be absent from NME activities so their group can manage the situation accordingly.