Initiation

Planning and Conducting a Successful Initiation Process April 5, 2008 District Seven Conference

Notify Eligible Members (Candidates)

 Letter to Candidates – Formal sample letter on web – “Invitation to Orientation” note card – E-invitation  Letter to Parents from Dean – Sample letter on web  Phone calls

Elements of an Orientation Meeting

 Opportunity to meet “The Family” – Deans & Advisors – Chapter officers – Current / Alumni Members  Communicate “What is Tau Beta Pi?” – TBP History Video / CD – Brochures – Flash presentation / PowerPoint slides – Own chapter history slides / video

Elements of an Orientation Meeting

 Discuss election criteria / character evaluation  Discuss cost of membership – Breakdown of one-time fee – Cost should not be a deterrent!

 Timeline of initiation process  Let candidates ask questions

How to evaluate character?

 Listed in your chapter bylaws – Informal discussion – Get-acquainted meeting – Resume / Essay – Interviews – Departmental caucus – Project work  Possible project work – Bent polishing – Engineering Futures sessions – Group service projects – Signatures of members / faculty

TBP CD

Each chapter should have one Available from HQ April 5, 2008 District Seven Conference

New Member PowerPoint

Available on web site under Chapter Resources April 5, 2008 District Seven Conference

Election Meeting

 Election to membership in Tau Beta Pi remains an

explicit act taken by deliberate chapter action

.

 Election is not "automatic" means by lack-of objection assumptions or by default of chapter action accomplished by

Election Meeting

 Quorum of members is required – 3/4 members – Members may be deemed inactive, but not suggested solution to this issue  Affirmative vote of ¾ of quorum is required to be elected  If member is rejected on first vote, a second vote should be taken

Election Methods

 Traditional – Individually considered – For small chapters  Group – For large chapters – Read all names to be considered as a group – Member may request for individual to be removed & voted on separately

Election Results: Chapter

 Elected  Rejected: Select the reason code – Reason "A1": Candidate known to have no interest – Reason "A2": Candidate did not respond – Reason "B": Candidate does not meet the exemplary character requirements – Reason "C": Candidate is not technically qualified because of transfer-student rule or other restrictions – Reason "D": Candidate was on Co-op or below chapter deadline and was not contacted

Notify Candidates of Election

 Letter to Electee – Formal sample letter on web – “Invitation to electees” note card  Letter to Parents from Dean – If not used earlier for candidates  Phone calls

Election Results: Electee

 Accepted Election  Refused Election

Initiation Ceremony

  Invitations to other Tau Betas – Deans – Faculty – Alumni that are Tau Bates – Current members – Your District Director :-) Possibly hold 2 nd ceremony for guests  Reception / dinner following ceremony?

Rules for the Ceremony

 Be sure your kit works and is complete!

– Check 2 weeks prior to ceremony – Look at ceremony text – are all pages there?

– Check kit for safety issues (wiring, lighting) – Have extra parts on hand! (flashlights!)  NO ONE gets in after the ceremony starts!

– Post people at the door!!

– This included everyone, from initiates to DD’s to the Dean to EC members

Rules for the Ceremony

 Tell electees about “oath” BEFORE the ceremony  Be sure everyone is dress appropriately  No cell phones!

 Discuss what to do if someone refuses at the oath  Be sure everyone knows when their part will occur  Read through your part several times

Image for Projection Replaces Light Box

Guest Presentation

Available on web site under Chapter Resources April 5, 2008 District Seven Conference

What if someone misses the ceremony?

 Are there any ceremonies close to you?

 Is the person a graduating senior?

 Postpone the electee