Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Oregon

p. 2 OREGON BETA HEARTBEAT The third challenge, designated for older members, is the Epsilon Challenge. This is the most difficult stage of development in Sigma Phi Epsilon. Unlike the previous challenges, Epsilon encourages brothers to work individually to complete the tasks at hand. It is during this stage that most members gain leadership experience in various roles. Last is the Brother Mentor Challenge, designed for the SigEp who is ready to graduate. A Brother Mentor is required to work on his resume each semester, serve as a leader in the Chapter and another organization, be a mentor for the Epsilon Challenge, and continue participation in other Chapter activities. When discussing Resolution 8 on the floor at legislative sessions, both sides made compelling arguments as to why we should or should not implement the BMP at every Chapter. Yet, what it came down to was a collective desire shared amongst all Chapters to ensure SigEp continued to be the most forward-thinking Fraternity in the country to promote the growth and wellbeing of all members. Ultimately, the resolution passed nearly unanimously, ensuring the abolition of pledging within SigEp. For Oregon Beta specifically, when the members of Headquarters visited our Chapter this spring and proposed the transition, it was immediately met with animosity amongst our members. A large portion of our members felt as if this change was forced rather than suggested, but that was because we simply did not understand. We were proud to be different as a pledge model chapter, and we were afraid to have that taken away from us. Yet, the more we learned about the BMP, we realized that our traditions were not being destroyed with this change, only enhanced. After becoming more familiar with what the change would entail, the members of Oregon Beta decided late spring to become a leading transitioning Chapter toward the Balanced Man Program. We are by no means experts with the BMP yet, and the road to implementing the BMP will be challenging, but with the help of an incredible National staff, a stellar executive board, and a house full of members committed to making this Chapter great, we have begun this incredible transition and move forward every day. Implementing a new member program is no small task, but we at Oregon Beta have realized we have a unique opportunity to build upon what makes us truly great. Working under the guide of equal rights and responsibilities, we have shaped our challenges to craft membership experiences that best reflect the needs and desires of our brothers, and we look forward to continue being a leading transitioning Chapter. Fraternally, Payton Smith '17 Chapter President (253) 495-7053 payton.smith.71@gmail.com SigEp and DG joined residents of Alpine Springs Independent and Assisted Living Community for a night of bunco. Senior members enjoyed a wine tasting on a beautiful day before graduation. Brothers traveled to sunny San Diego for spring break. MAKING THE CHANGE (Continued from page 1) I n addition to receiving the semiannual Oregon Beta Heartbeat newsletter, we would like to keep in touch with you electronically as well. We want to keep you informed with what's going on at the Chapter, upcoming events, and more! Please send your e-mail address and other contact information to oregonbetasigep@gmail.com so we can update our records and help you be more involved with Oregon Beta. We promise we won't send you spam and your e-mail won't be shared with anyone unaffiliated with Oregon Beta. Thank you! Stay Connected with Oregon Beta

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