Making The Most of a Regional Director's Visit

Ever year some of the best and brightest undergraduate brothers compete for what is the most rewarding and thankless position in Sigma Phi Epsilon---the Regional Director. These young men having served their chapters in key volunteer positions ( yes, chapter officers are volunteers!) now want to give back by serving for at least one year in a job that requires living out of a car, sleeping on couches, and visiting chapters that all to often are not all welcoming.

How can chapters and alumni volunteers make the most of the RD visit? Be prepared! One complaint often heard is that the RD spends most of his time collecting checks, or forms, or investigating complaints. The visit should be looked upon as an opportunity to get help. The regional director is merely a consultant, there to offer help, guidance and advice. Plan for the visit by collecting the forms and checks for the RD. Plan by setting up meetings with key exec members, key alumni, and university officials. Prepare a report and e-mail it to the RD before his visit, if possible. This report should answer his questions ( recruitment plans and numbers; registration for CLA's; new member development, etc) so that his time can best be spent answering YOUR questions. Arrange a time for him to meet with more than just officers. He needs a sense of the chapter and they of him. Have him meet new members. Have him attend a scheduled or specially-scheduled for him (Ritual?) meeting so that he can observe and participate in what makes us SigEps.

Most of all, put yourselves in his shoes. Remember that just one or two years ago he was like you-a brother who loves being a SigEp and wants to help others love it as much as he does. Think about how you would feel driving in a car loaded with all your worldly possessions to visit brothers who you want to help, but may not want help from you. Offer him a warm handshake and a smile, a warm meal and bed ( hopefully clean and otherwise empty). This obligation of helping a brother in need is one that undergraduates and alumni share. The result can be a positive experience for all and maybe, just maybe, another lofe-long friend made.