Regional Leadership Consultants

Evening all!

As you may, or may not, know I will not be returning as your Director after this year. It has been an honor to serve you all and to help give back to the organization that has given me so much. I have made countless connections, been able to travel to all of our chapters, learned amazing bits of history, restarted a chapter, and been given the opportunity to leave my mark on a great organization...And somehow I was paid to do all of it!

Video credit: Jake Dubois, Nu Gamma

Next year this position will split into two, one man will cover the Nu district and the other will cover the Mu/Sigma districts. These men will spend less time on the road and more time helping our chapters. They will also have the opportunity to run expansion efforts!

I have full faith that the men I met on the road will be able to lead this fraternity on a national level in the near future. If not you, who?  

Email questions, comments or concerns to me at derrick.dubois@phimudelta.org

Frostburg State University -- Mu Omicron

Courtesy of FSU Alumni Association, Facebook

FSU is located in the pan handle of Maryland. Its student body and alumni have heavy connections with Baltimore and Washington D.C.

Frostburg State University Greek Life has a long history of local organizations. In fact, there are more local groups than national fraternities currently. This provides an interesting challenge for our men. No, we do not want the men that join these local organizations, as they have a tumultuous reputation. We may want their friends or roommates. Mu Omicron, like many of our chapters, consistently battles the poor reputation that is shed on the Greek Life community.

Courtesy Andy Krehbiel, Facebook

I had the privelege of speaking with Father Ed, Doug B., and Dr. Bowling (all of which are members who joined as professionals). Each of them spoke of the community's remarkable change and growth but that there is a long way to go. They all recognized that Phi Mu Delta was central to that growth.

Prior to the end of winter break, Mu Omicron ran into some grade troubles with several officers. Our men were quick to fix the issue and move forward. Two gentlemen stepped forward to fill those roles and put in place a concrete plan which included chair binders, effective meeting agendas and the reworking of the organization's work-flow.

Problem solving and efficient meetings are definitely a strong suit in Maryland, along with a laundry list of others.

Founder's Day -- A reminder that we are still relevant?

What are we doing? What is this thing we are a part of? There are academics, national headquarters staff, writers, television hosts and professional speakers who are all paid for their professional opinion on the matter.

And you know what? They all have different answers. Many change their definition of fraternity and some of them even have trouble defining what fraternity is. (If you are going to recruit, you better shape up your answer...and don't just say: brotherhood. People benefit much more from your experiences than some generic answer.)

For 96 years, this fraternity has operated, succeeded, failed and, most importantly, continued on. This year alone we will take more new members than we had active just 8 short years ago! Our ideals are present in each chapter and we are growing. This semester we are working on chartering three colonies.

The question of relevancy is answered. Fraternity is relevant. People are joining us and there is an interest from campuses nationwide. But why? What is it that we offer and, as always, how can we improve with the times?

Happy Founder's Day, please take time to reflect and celebrate the ideals of this fraternity (and the men who brought this gift to you).

Here's brother Marpheen, Nu Xi, speaking about his why.
(Edit 3/4, I realized I had used the above video in an earlier post)

So here's another..

Dan J. of Nu Xi, speaking about his why.

Derrick Dubois

Director of Chapter Services

derrick.dubois@phimudelta.org

Ohio Northern University-- Completed

I'm done at ONU and we have a total of 19 new brothers with more accepting each day.

The last two weeks of the process were the hardest and the most fruitful.

Getting through the names list and meeting with all the men while keeping track of where each man was in the process was difficult but as long as I kept the names list updated I was able to balance all efforts.

This chapter will surely flourish with advisers like Dr. Tom Kier, interim Dean of the Pharmacy College and noted Mu Beta alumnus, and Dave Smittle, noted Mu Beta alumnus and national council Member-At-Large.

In addition, the membership consists of an eclectic compilation of student leaders, ranging from student senate to residential life. This project has no doubt been a success on the National Office's position and we all will be looking forward to Mu Beta's hard work this year.

I am a recruiting machine.. and here's why

I just got over 100 names within an hour.

I'll tell you what, it was easier than you think. How many of you men want to have a better relationship with the organizations on your campus? I bet it's a pretty high number of you.

You, as a leader or student or fraternity man, have the ability to do what I just did.

I contacted the sororities, fraternities and several other student organizations on campus and asked to present. Today, I met with Zeta Tau Alpha, FIJI, Kappa Alpha Theta and Alpha Xi Delta.

ZTA and Theta were within an hour and I spent less than ten minutes presenting.

I walked out of each of those chapters with more than 100 names each.

First, I brought some type of gift..candy, coffee or flowers.

Second, I researched them a little bit. I knew I needed to know philanthropy, flower and other general information.

Third, I'm offering the organization which refers the most men(who actually join) 500 bucks to their philanthropy. What if this is what you used your recruitment budget for?

Fourth, show up. Dress up! Say hi to the people you know. And if you don't know anyone, chat with a person who may be able to give you some information, then add it into your talk. I met a woman who was excited to be taking over alumni networking just before the presentation. I used her name and gave her a positive plug in front of 70 women. In other words, find ways to get the people interactive with your presentation. You don't need a PowerPoint.

Fifth, talk excitedly about what your organization is planning and doing. They want to know what kind of group you are. Practice this beforehand because you must buy into what you're saying.

Sixth, initiate the name harvest! "Do you all remember when you received your bid? Aw, man. That was a great feeling. I felt so honored and happy. I want to bring that feeling to more people on this campus. I want all of Greek Life to grow. Help me do that. The number one reason why people do not join us is because they were never asked. Can you give me the names of men that should be asked to join? Men who are academically excellent, high caliber,  and service minded." Hand out 3x5 cards and let them at it.

I have advantages as a full time recruiter. But this can be adapted for you. I promise. I'm up to 350 names in a single week. That's nearly 10 percent of this campus and I've just begun.

What is stopping you? What excuses are you making?

Updated travel schedule and news you need to know about

Hello Gentlemen and Happy New Year,

I sincerely hope your days have been restful and you're ready for a jam packed semester of service. 

As you may have guessed, I've been busy. Starting in October with a National Council meeting, a presentation for expansion at The College of New Jersey, chapter visits and then the Annual Meeting of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisers. 

Tom and I have been looking into connections we've made in order to expand at certain campuses, such as U Maine. 

In addition, Tom has been looking into office space in the Cherry Hill region. We think this will make work much more efficient and growth possible at the national office level. Which brings me to a big, exciting announcement! WE ARE LOOKING FOR A SECOND DIRECTOR OF CHAPTER SERVICES!! More information will come but please contact Tom or myself if you have questions. This is a great opportunity for all who want to learn and engage on the national level as well as enter student affairs.

Tom is reworking not only the Oracle, which is nearly printed, but new recognition standards. We have also been planning the 2016 Conclave and beginning strategic conversations about the 2018 Conclave, our 100th!!! 

As you all should know, this is a Conclave year. During conclave years, we hold elections for the National Council. Anyone hoping to apply, this is mainly geared toward alumni or men who will become alumni this summer, should consult the website (http://www.phimudelta.org/?page=NCApplication). Again, Tom and I can answer any questions you may have. This is a major opportunity to plan long term goals for our great fraternity. It is a volunteer position and will require some travelling. Currently, the national council is made mostly of Mu district men, I would hope to see the Nu and Sigma district represented!!

Currently, I'm looking on preparing for Ohio Northern and compiling resources for you all to find on the blog. Things like educational programs or materials that you can use to streamline what you've already got going on. 

I'll leave you with my travel schedule and, as always, stay classy... and warm..

Jan 11 – Feb 9:  Ohio Northern University Expansion
Feb 10 – Feb 14: Mu Rho (Shawnee State)
Feb 15 – 19: Mu Omicron (Frostburg)
Feb 20 – 23: Mu Theta (IUP)
Feb 24 – 26: Mu Epsilon (Penn State)
Feb 27 – March 2 (NGLA)
March 3 – 10: Time at Home in NH
March 11 – 15: Mu Zeta (Lock Haven)
March 15 – 19: Mu Xi (Penn College)
March 20 – 24: Mu Alpha (Susquehanna)
March 25 – 29: Sigma Alpha (Longwood)



Derrick

Director of Chapter Services

derrick.dubois@phimudelta.org

Nu Gamma -- UVM

I've really thought about this entry quite a bit more than others because this was my chapter during undergrad. The privilege of heading back to your chapter as an alumnus is special, but as a member of the national office was quite the experience. I enjoyed seeing old faces and learning new ones.

The week started with me facilitating an alcohol/risk management educational program. The first that I've done in an official capacity. (Undergrads: feel free to request a program during my visit.) We had a great time sharing stories, talking about campus programs and getting serious. Also..candy..lots of candy, it's the hallmark of a great educational program.

It also happened to be Greek Week so I was able to spend a lot of time watching the men compete. Here are some highlights:

Sunday was interfraternal dodge-ball, our men played valiantly:

Our men got the crowd going with an excellent 90's mashup on Monday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwPnI_MDG1s&feature=youtu.be

Tuesday was Greek God/Goddess, David W. showed off his ukulele skills

Wednesday was A Taste of Greek Life:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/this-matilda-scene-is-the-most-intense-scene-in-movie-histor

Thursday was the Spelling Bee, our advisers and members competed:

Nu Gamma won Greek Week and for the first time in this chapter's recent existence the members competed in every event. Nu Gamma rarely talked about winning however, they were so much more focused on having a great time and being present as community members. You know..the important things in life. 

I'll let this video speak for these men: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb5dWNXv63A

Follow them on facebook at Phi Mu Delta: Vermont or online at phimudeltauvm.com

What women want....(to see on your campus)

Nu Beta, UNH, playground construction

My job recently was to walk around Keene State College and ask sorority women questions. It's the middle of recruitment so they're all wearing letters and are easy to find.

So often we see sororities outperforming our fraternities. Professionals have linked this to brain development which influences maturity levels. Grade reports are often divided along fraternity and sorority lines, with sororities well above. I have my theories why but what do you think?

Mu Xi, Penn College of Technology

This generates a fascinating relationship between sororities and fraternities. Fraternities constantly try to develop strategies that are used by other fraternities when we can easily adapt what is successful within the sorority world in order to better our chapters. These are organization operating along similar theories that we are, replace sisterhood with brotherhood.

Some believe that the type of behavior sororities support on campus is reflected as the most sustainable behavior within our Greek communities. This gives rise to the idea that our sororities are in the driver's seat when it comes to what behaviors they would like to see of fraternity men.

[Note: this is applicable only at institutions with a substantial sorority population]

So I asked them... What is their ideal fraternity?

Stop reading and think...

What would you imagine them to say? The ones you know or don't know? More importantly, what came across your mind when you think about it?

The women told me they want respect. They want to be included, in the social sense and in the sense that people feel comfortable around fraternity men. In my experience, Phi Mu Delta is an organization that is socially much more accepting of men and therefore also popular with women. However, sometimes fraternities make women feel uncomfortable. I think we all know too well the stereotype about sexual misconduct and fraternities.

They want gentlemen. They want men who care about how the community operates. They want men who are able to create and sustain a community where all feel welcome. Again, these are not my words.

So often we, as men, look to other men in order to learn how to operate or how the world works but women have much to give. Seek and receive feedback.

What is the nature of your organizations relationship with women's organizations? Comment below. 

derrick.dubois@phimudelta.org

...Said every Phi Mu Delta ever.

Actual quotes from your actual brothers. 

"I never thought I would join a fraternity."

"I just really love all of our values...they are everything I have always believed in."

"We're just not like the typical fraternity experience."

"I found a family...even though I wasn't looking for one."

"I don't know where I'd be without this fraternity and my brothers... I don't like thinking about it because I don't think I would be in a pleasant place."

Nu Beta -- UNH -- Phi Mudder

All hands on deck at 8 am.

Taylor and Tom plan out the "army crawl" station. Set up took less than two hours and all went very well.

Our test subjects get warmed up and ready to go!!

Peter contemplates taking on the challenge. 

Ready..set..go!!

50 pound ruck sack suicides. 

Tire flip, use your legs!!

UNH women's lacrosse shows up to support the wounded warrior's project

Finish line antics. 

Dan and Dan enjoy candied bacon from Christian E. 

Glenn at the finish line.

Chi Omega at the finish line. 

Phi Mudders and Chi Omega

Cody W. and Derek rest after a hard, muddy day.

Andrew finished the course 4 times during the day and helped others complete the course as well. 

Alpha Gamma Rho sends two members to take on the challenge.

After the day was over, the effort raised over 1000 dollars for the WWP. This was Nu Beta's first large event on campus and the impact was HUGE.I'm looking forward to what these men do in the coming months.