Section I

Responsibility to Self

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The Brotherhood Creed

With a realization of the responsibilities and obligations conferred upon me as a prospective Brother in Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, I pledge:

•To faithfully observe the ethics of Alpha Sigma Phi, assisting and encouraging my Brothers.

•To adhere to the constitutional authority within the chapter and Fraternity, governing my actions with a high sense of honor.

•To retain in my confidence the private business of this Fraternity, impressing upon my heart and mind that initiation into Alpha Sigma Phi shall bind me to her as a Brother all through life.

•To develop a deep loyalty to my alma mater, maintaining the highest standards of scholastic purpose and performance.

•To devote myself to the principles of charity and patriotism, promoting the unity of spirit and purpose, which prevails in Alpha Sigma Phi.

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Fortunately, on the other hand, a dramatic emotional event is not the only path for this strong bonding to occur. The same cumulative effect can also be achieved without a significant crisis if the net effect of caring and understanding, over time, is too overwhelmingly positive that any occasional affront or insult will not eliminate that trust and commitment.

Attempting to duplicate this deeper level of commitment through formal or planned events is not an easy task. It is often serendipitous, personal, and, in many ways, spiritual. In the life of an Alpha Sig chapter, there are, however, many occasions when extraordinary bonding can be achieved. Significant philanthropic or community projects, a well-organized and well performed Ritual ceremony, a meaningful chapter retreat, success on the intramural field, are all opportunities that can strengthen the Brotherhood.

If our Brothers sincerely embraced and lived according to the virtues embedded in the Ritual, there would be no need for a Code of Conduct or a Risk Management Program!

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Planned events, however, only have the potential to perpetuate the brotherhood process. They are certainly not guarantees for success. For example, the effort and hard work required to have a successful philanthropic event may easily provide a much more effective bonding experience than the fun and enjoyment of a successful party. On the other hand, there are certainly other well-known methods to build organizational commitment. Essential to these methods, however, is the involvement of the entire Brotherhood! As Dr. Stephen Covey, well-known author of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, says:

Without Involvement, There is no Commitment

Also essential to the brotherhood building process is a thorough appreciation for the climate on college campuses today. As we embark on the new millennium, the very survival of Greek organizations is in jeopardy. Too many fraternities and sororities are squandering their heritage though their immaturity, especially in the area of alcohol and substance abuse. We would like to think that the Old Gal is above those concerns; but, unfortunately, she is not. And, yet, we know that at their best, our undergraduate Brothers do have the maturity and intelligence to not go along with the crowd. Indeed, at the 1988 National Leadership Conference and Convention (NLCC), the undergraduates adopted a comprehensive Code of Conduct.

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