Candidate Development
Colony completes all LEAD Phase I sessions and utilizes guest facilitators in the program.
The Eta Nu colony of Sigma Nu Fraternity is a testament to the potential of the fraternity's nationally acclaimed LEAD program. The original sixteen candidates who were recruited in the spring semester of 2010 completed phase I of the program in that same semester and layed the foundation for how members of the colony would be instructed throughout the duration of the colony's journey toward becoming a chapter. The then newly elected Marshal conceptualized the New Candidate Education program complete with evaluation measures, guest facilitators, and a new candidate retreat. All sessions outlined by phase I were covered by the Marshal and invited guest facilitators in weekly new candidate meetings. New candidates also received information on leadership development and college success strategies.
-Ryan Shelly
New Member Candidate
Evaluations:
To view a copy of the last evaluation given to the Candidates, please click here.
To view the complete Candidate Education Map, please click here.
To view the complete Candidate Education Plan, please click here.
At the end of the Spring 2010 semester, the colony hosted a supplement recruitment session to worked with candidates and trained them for the summer ahead. The session included a presentation from the Director of Orientation, Paul Eaton, to expose candidates to the mind set of an incoming freshman. There was also a presentation from Dean Tucker Sappington, Assistant Dean of Students and Fraternity Advisor, which went over recruitment strategies and forms of recruitment that complied with the University and IFC standards.
To view the complete Recruitment Workshop Schedule, please click here.
-Dustin Daigle
Former Recruitment Chairman
Colony can articulate the impact of LEAD on their candidate education program and Candidates.
The colony holds the LEAD program to the highest regard and, emphasize the importance of development from a colony and professional standpoint.
-Justin Benoit
Former LEAD Chairman
"We continue to improve ourselves academically by following the “LEAD” program... LEAD is currently helping me with my academics as an extra tool for motivation that will acquire me and, most likely my other brothers much success...I could not have accomplished all that I have accomplished without them and the guidance that the LEAD program encompassed."
-Ryan Shelly
New Member Candidate
Colony has clearly defined outcomes for their candidate education program.The colony recognizes candidate education as an integral factor to the success of its members. As a major cornerstone of the brotherhood, the New Candidate Education Program, as outlined by the Marshal, is required by all new members without exception. This program was designed to foster a sense of pride and development in all members of the colony. Sigma Nu history and values, leadership skills, college success strategies, and involvement were major themes in the program. All new candidates who entered the program were made aware of its benefits. Requirements and outcomes were emphasized throughout the process, while the Marshal measured their progress and development.
-Tyler Choate
Former Marshal
Candidate Education Plan
Relevant Bylaws:
-Article Two Section Three
"A. The Marshal shall direct and coordinate the Colony’s Candidate Education Program. He shall guide and lead the Candidates in their meetings and insure proper education of the ideals and principles of Sigma Nu.
B. The Marshall shall ensure all Candidates are fulfilling all requirements as set forth in the Candidate Education Program.
C. The Marshall has the power to call any Candidate who does not fulfill the Candidate
Education Program requirements to the Honor Board."
-Article Five Section Five
Colony has clear expectations of its Candidates and clear expectations for what Candidates can expect of the Colony and active members.Marshal expectations from the Candidate Education plan:
Relevant Bylaws:
-Article Two Section Three
To view a copy of an evaluation given to the Candidates, please click here.
Colony utilizes the Candidate Class Retreat from LEAD Phase I.Potential Candidate Retreat:
The first of the scheduled meetings for the new class of candidates will meet over a weekend. This first meeting will be called the Potential Candidate Retreat (PCR). The PCR will provide an opportunity for the new class of potential candidates to meet each other, form strong bonds, and develop leadership skills collaboratively. This meeting will also be educational; three sessions from phase I of the LEAD program will be presented at PCR (Fraternity, History, and International Organization & Chapter Operations). The retreat will intentionally evoke some very deeply rooted emotions and opinions among this new group of leaders. The Chaplain and the Marshal will work together to create a set of activities that will prove to change relationships between friends into relations between brothers. The PCR will take place off campus. Upon returning to campus, the potential candidates will become initiated as official candidates for knighthood. 
To view the complete schedule of the event click here.
"After the LEAD sessions explained to us, our drive for excellence went beyond receiving grades in the classroom. All members are using this program, not taught in the college classroom, to help us to achieve our goal of graduation and in the work place after receiving a degree."
-Ryan Shelly
New Member Candidate
Colony reinforces the messages communicated through Values-Based Recruitment with members serving as role models of the mission and values of Sigma Nu.
The Sigma Nu Values-Based Recruitment policy was incorporated into every event, advertising, and function the colony hosted/created. We prided ourselves on the reputation and image we set for ourselves and have ensured that every new member inducted shares the values stated in our recruitment plan.
-Dustin Daigle
Former Recruitment Chairman
Candidates complete a community service activity as part of the candidate education program. Experience includes follow-up discussion to help candidates understand the importance of these activities to the community and to the Fraternity.
As members of the colony, we held a community service project in conjunction with a campus event called "sneaux day." Sneaux day is an annual event held on the UL campus as a celebration of the christmas holiday for faculty and students. We decided to create an event to benefit a member of the Helping Hands Initiative, St. Jude Children Research Hospital.
We sold baked goods at the event as well as holiday greeting cards. The cards that were collected were mailed to patients at the hospital during the holiday season. The money raised was also donated to the hospital, making this event double as a philanthropy event.
Candidates attend all campus based programs sponsored for new members.
October 15, 2010:
New Member Fusion:
New Member Fusion is a program hosted by Greek Council designed to engage the new members of each greek organization on campus, become introduced to each other, work together, and build socials bonds with one another.
Colony initiates at least 90% of candidates (excluding those de-pledged for disciplinary reasons).
The colony has continued to recruit and maintain over 90% of its membership since the Spring of 2010.
Spring 2010 First Name
Last Name
Justin
Benoit
Austin
Bourque
Tyler Choate Alex Clausen Dustin Daigle Ryan Davis Josh Derouen John Fournier Chris Groh Greg Groh Ethan Guidry George King Joe LeDesma Elliot Mountgomery Malloy Moulis Andre Theroit Fall 2010 First Name Last Name Gbadebo Adewusi Justin Benoit Austin Bourque Luis Arturo Chinchilla Joey Chitwood Tyler Choate Alex Clausen Dustin Daigle Ryan Davis Josh Derouen Mateo Duque Larry Escagne Doug Fournet John Fournier Chris Groh Greg Groh Ethan Guidry Ryan Guillory George King Torian Latiolais Joe LeDesma Matthew Lincon Elliot Montgomery Malloy Moulis Ryan Shelly Andre Theroit Spring 2011 First Name Last Name Gbadebo Adewusi Justin Benoit Austin Bourque Alex Catlin Luis Arturo Chinchilla Joey Chitwood Tyler Choate Dustin Daigle Ryan Davis Josh Derouen Gerard Ducharme Mateo Duque Larry Escagne Doug Fournet John Fournier Chris Groh Greg Groh Ryan Guillory George King Torian Latiolais Joe LeDesma Matthew Lincon Elliot Montgomery Malloy Moulis Andres Olivares Umame Pedro-Egbe Ryan Shelly Andre Theriot
Chase Weaver Colony articulates to all members and candidates that Sigma Nu is an anti-hazing organization and all members understand the definition of hazing as described by The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. and the Risk Reduction Policy and Guidelines.
The colony emphasizes time and time again, it's history and the stance it took against hazing. Candidates, old and new, are brought up to the same level of membership rights immediately following the candidate induction. Members are informed of the definition of hazing by the university, IFC, and The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
"In the beginnings of Sigma Nu, its founders wanted to create a brotherhood without having to humiliate prospects through hazing. We still acquiesce to these same virtues as the founders and brothers before us. Everyone who pledged Sigma Nu along my side was all treated fairly and without the humiliation that hazing causes."
-Ryan Shelly
New Current Candidate
"2.3 Hazing is any action taken or sitation created, intentionallly, whether on of off FRATERNITY premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or didicule. Such activites may include but are not limited to the following: paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests; treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, lineups or any other such activities carried on outside or inside the confines of the Chapter house; wearing, publicly, apparel which is conspicuous and not normally good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution."
-The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc
Article Seven, Section Two
