Distance Mentoring at IL Epsilon SEC

The SigEp Technology Task Force has been developing the concept of bringing mentors to chapters even if they are far from the chapter or member they work with. 

In this example Mike Ellis is using a Google+ Hangout to meet with 4 others who are interested in helping an SEC achieve chartered status. You will notice two significant points that primarily support Mentoring and the learning and review that can result. 

1. All 5 participants are able to see each other.

2. The meeting was streamed live over YouTube and saved for later playback. (like now)

Take a look. We welcome comments or questions.

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Here's what's happening as an example of Distance Mentoring at the SigEp chapter trying to regain its charter (Northern Illinois University, Illinois Epsilon)

http://youtu.be/yOTBez1NcyU

You too could be part of a group helping undergraduates at a chapter somewhere in the country.

Eliminate the distance, make the time commitment manageable, make a real difference.  All that we need is one hour a week, one hour a month.

c: SigEp IL E Mentors

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Discuss SigEp IL Epsilon (NIU) Board of Mentors

If you are interested there is an invitation at the bottom of this post.You will need a Google+ account to sign up, but if you have a Gmail address or any other accounts managed by Google your account is set up already.

Post from Michael Ellis:
Hey SigEps on G+ !   I'm hoping you can help.    

Here's the thing:   
   _1)  Many of you do NOT live near a SigEp chapter._
   _2)  Many of you would LIKE to volunteer but find the time commitment prohibitive._
   _3)  Many of you could contribute greatly to the lives of our undergraduate brothers, if you just could find a way to solve 1 & 2._

So here's what I need.   I'm looking for 7 volunteers to fill positions on our new Board of Mentors for the newly formed colony (re-forming the chapter) at Northern Illinois University, IL Epsilon.   Your commitment is ONE HOUR PER WEEK to serve as a Mentor for an Exec board member of that chapter.   You'll engage with your Mentee remotely over Google Hangout.   Once a month, you'll join a Google Hangout with your fellow mentors to discuss progress, obstacles and challenges, and provide each other with encouragement.    I need volunteers for these Mentoring roles:  President, VP Programming, VP Recruitment, VP Finance, Chaplain, VP Communications, VP Member Development.  Volunteers will be hand-selected based on personal, professional, SigEp experiences and personality matches to current Undergraduates.

I hope some of you will consider joining in this pioneering new Volunteering role.   Join us - it's only ONE HOUR A WEEK - and you will be in on the ground floor of building a TOP chapter.   Great kids, just needing the guidance of some committed older brothers.   The technology helps make the commitment manageable.   Will you sign up today?  

Discuss SigEp IL Epsilon Board of Mentors

Thu, January 17, 6:00 PM CST

Google+ Hangout

Michael Ellis and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity are going

Are you going?

Yes

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Invite more

Check my calendar

Discuss the whos, wheres, whats, hows, whys, whens of a Board of Mentors for the newly formed SigEp colony at Northern Illinois University.

View this event »

Building a Goal for Fall Recruitment

Michael Ellis is a former student NBD member and a world traveling businessman who still manages to stay active on the AVC of chapters as far apart as Berkeley and Purdue. How? He uses the heck out of Google+ and it's hangout (multi-video chat) feature. Click on his name and add him to your G+ SigEp circle.

In this Google+ post he is working with Purdue to build their fall recruiting goals, The attachment is a worksheet posted in G-Drive (new name for Google Docs). It is a good worksheet so use it yourself to help set your goals.

Michael Ellis

Aug 5, 2012  -  Limited

SigEps:  This is how we are building our goal for Fall Recruitment at Indiana Alpha (Purdue).  If you are involved in Recruitment for your Chapter, you should be thinking about your goals RIGHT NOW and making your plans.   Perhaps this document will give you a bit of a model to work from.  Make a copy, adjust it to your situation.  But if you don't KNOW how many guys you're going after, I can assure you from years of experience, you will under-deliver your potential on your campus.   Post a message back here if you need some help in building your own recruitment goal for the fall.

SigEp IN A Recruitment Worksession 2012-07-25 GOALS »

Members in Chapter at end of Spring 2012 Semester. 102. Less Members who didn't or won't come back in Fall 2012. 3. study abroad, co-op. Less Graduating Seniors. 23. Graduated Spring 2012, None in Sum...

A Win for Technology!

Hey Bert, that didn't hurt at all, Did it?

Our Grand President joins G+.

Modern Technology Triumphs!

(Seriously, Bro. Harris shows his commitment to

"Using Technology to Advance SigEp Values". )

We now look forward to LOLCats pictures in the Journal!

Liberty, Technology, Fraternity

G+ Hangouts on an iPhone

This morning I met with two other SigEps - Michael Ellis and ExDir. Brian Warren - to discuss some ideas about a technology task force that would help SigEp use modern tools to add value to our members and to show others the value that is embodied in our fraternity. Nothing particularly buzz-worthy in doing that. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, where the topic comes up with me in the company of brothers. It is one of my hot topics.

It is not even a big deal that we were literally a country apart - one of us (Michael) was in San Francisco, I was in Houston, and another (Brian) was in Richmond. What excited me about the experience was that we were using the Google+ "Hangout" feature that let us share video with each other. And more than that, I was  sharing video with two others on my iPhone.

When I told the others how I was connected we all sort of did a double-take that it was so easy and reliable, and on a platform that I certainly didn't expect to have that capacity. I had thought I would get the no-video conference call version, but no, it worked like a charm.

Mike has been using Hangouts to mentor students at two chapters where he is on the AVC. The first one is close by at Berkeley, and the second is at his Alma Mater - Purdue. Again close contact, face to face meetings halfway across the country. Does anyone else see the huge potential this has for giving opportunities to alumni who aren't near a chapter, or chapters that are not near a big city with a load of alumni nearby?

We have CLAs starting up soon. Those of you who will be in Dallas look me up and ask to hear more about the ideas. If you are headed to the CLA in California look for Michael. We would love to talk more about these and other ideas for using tech tools in SigEp. In fact it will probably be tough to get us to stop talking about it!

Phoenix Conclave 2011 - There's an app for that! #SigEpConclave

Dear Conclave Attendees, When it comes to technology, SigEp is stepping up its game for the 52nd Grand Chapter Conclave. Make sure you're ready for a much more interactive experience! Conclave AppNeed a convenient way to stay organized on-the-go? SigEp is unveiling its first ever customized app for Conclave. Scan this QR code with any smartphone or go directly to guidebookapp.com/getit and download the Guidebook app. Click on “Trade Shows and Events,” and select the Conclave event from the “Future” section. View maps and schedules, set yourself reminders, get more information about events and speakers, and even give your favorite programs a thumbs-up. The app is available now, so download it today! Social MediaIt’s 2011; you can’t go anywhere without sharing it on Facebook and Twitter—Conclave is no different! See what others are saying about Conclave and join the conversation. Throughout the week, SigEp will update fans with statuses, photos and interactive polls. Use the hashtag#SigEpConclave to get your tweets posted on the video screen at the registration desk. Make sure you follow @officialsigep on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Conclave Chronicle The Conclave Chronicle is online this year. Each morning, attendees will be emailed a link to our daily e-publication of recaps, highlights, historical facts and more. It’ll have great information for those of you at Conclave, and to share with brothers who wish they could be there. You can also see it at www.sigepconclave.com. Want to be in The Conclave Chronicle? Keep an eye out for our photographers throughout the resort. See you in Phoenix! Sincerely, Stacy K. Dudley Programs and Events Director

How Social is Your Chapter?

Our twitter account, @sigepblog, follows a number of other fraternity and sorority headquarters just to see what is going on. Yesterday we saw this tweet from @KappaKappaGamma:

KappaKappaGamma
Just a sisterly reminder! #KKG's Officer Training Webinar for Marshals is tonight! http://ow.ly/3Dvgm

Those of us in the workforce are regularly enticed by offers of free webinars, usually 30 minutes to an hour long, with information on all sorts of stuff related to our jobs. Yes there is usually a sales motive, but the information is real and useful and designed to create a favorable impression for the company - and all I have to do is give them an email address. I get useful information, they get an address of someone who is interested in what they have to sell - win-win.

How well does SigEp leverage the interactive tools available today? How can we do better? Is is really a big deal? as a bona fide "boomer" I confess to having wondered just how large the effect is. Even though I am interested and immersed in the concept of "Social Media" I must admit the statistics in this video blew my mind...

Uh, yeah - that is not a big deal, it's a BFD! As that link to the Kappa site shows, other Greek organizations are figuring out how to connect with young alumni, members, and prospective members. We can't afford to be behind the curve.

What, no backpack full of books?

The rise of technology. Or perhaps the hegemony of Amazon.

Six colleges and universities are participating in a pilot program using the Kindle for accessing textbooks. Princeton University, the University of Virginia, Case Western Reserve University, Reed College, Pace University and Arizona State University are all testing the technology in select courses this fall.

In May, Amazon announced its launch of a new version of the Kindle (the Kindle DX) with a larger screen designed for textbook and periodical reading and a better web browser. This pilot program is putting the new e-reader directly in the hands of its intended market

I have had a Kindle for about a year. It's great to read at lunch, or riding the light rail to work. Or on the plane to Orlando. The neat part is only having the one device that can hold as many books as you want. That way I don't have to pack a "backup book" for trips. And if I do run out of reading material, I can buy and download a new book in about a minute right to the Kindle.

Seems like a natural fit.
Colleges Look to Cut Down on Paper with Kindle

SigEp astronaut fixing Hubbel telescope

Andrew Fuestel, a SigEp from Purdue, is on the current space shuttle mission to do repair and upgrades on the Hubble telescope. This information is from his Official NASA bio:

PERSONAL DATA: Raised and educated in Lake Orion, Michigan. Married to the former Indira Devi Bhatnagar of Ontario. Drew enjoys auto restoration, guitar, and water and snow skiing. His parents both live in Michigan, and Indira’s parents reside in Ontario.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Lake Orion High School, Michigan. Associate Science degree, Oakland Community College, Michigan. B.S. in Solid Earth Sciences, Purdue University. M.S. in Geophysics, Purdue University. Ph.D. in Geological Sciences specializing in Seismology, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, 1995.

ORGANIZATIONS: Society of Exploration Geophysicists, American Geophysical Union, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Indiana Alpha Chapter, Purdue University, USA Water Skiing Association, BMW Car Club of America.

..and yes, he was one of the crew who walked in space to make the repairs. (A SigEp first, I believe!)

NASA astronaut bio: Andrew J. Feustel | LOCAL NEWS | KHOU.com | News for Houston, Texas

OMG! Did I text that?

What did you text from that party on Saturday? This site can help you find out, but you may not want to know.

"MyDrunkTxt.com" reads a little like an alcoholic "Post Secret", with plenty of uncomfortable, embarrassing, or sometimes tragic text messages the contributors have received (or sent). There is a bright spot - with a 140 char limit there is only so much you can say to damage your rep.

Examples:

• "hahahaaaa.. seriously! My breathe alone could get an infant hammered."
• "I just broke my thumb...while peeing in a ditch!"
• "just woke up in the room of the guy i drunkedly hooked up with last night. He has a nickelback poster on his wall. i feel ashamed."
• "Saw a Delta Zeta recruitment poster 2day. On it, some1 added, "All you need is your daddy's credit card and a lack of self-respect."

...and then there are the NSFW ones - you can find them yourself.

They also are using Twitter (@mydrunktxt) and Facebook to spread the word. There is nowhere to hide.

A SigEp starts group protesting Facebook Layout - 1+ million strong!

SigEp member Scott Sanders did not like the new Facebook layout. He did what Facebook themselves encourage - started a group about the topic. Now that group has over 1 million members. That is over 1% of Facebook's entire population.

Scott comes in at about 39 seconds into the video. He's wearing his SigEp shirt.



Millions of facebook members protesting new layout - iReport.com

I don't use Facebook enough to care, but some of you obviously think it is a BFD. Go for it. Scott's group is "http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21195574231".

New Blog Address

This one is for the web-heads out there.

If you look up at the address line this morning you will probably see a new, and much simpler, web site address (aka URL, or URI for the purists). We have acquired the domain name "SigEpBlog.org" and will be using it as our primary address from now on. Don't worry if you still have the "redandpurple.blogspot.com" address coded into a bookmark or reader, though. The DNS level redirection should still bring you here.

In the future we plan to migrate to a more comprehensive platform, e.g. Wordpress. A new platform will have needed features like easier "guest posting" and additional, static pages for keeping some information available indefinitely. That is not yet scheduled, though. The darn day job keeps getting in the way of our productivity!

Announcing - Blogger's Breakfast at Conclave

Get ready - The "Unofficial Blogger's Breakfast" will again be held at Conclave!

Mark your calendar for 8-9:30 am on Thursday, August 9

New! Sign up here so we can get an idea of how many to expect.

Join the S&P blog team for an informal breakfast gathering in the Kafe Köbenhavn restaurant, located in the Atrium Tower lobby. Hit the buffet, then come on over and find out what we are up to.

Everyone is welcome - even HQ staff!
Look for our sign on the table.

Why would you want to come to the Blogger's Breakfast?

• Meet the folks who put this blog together.
• Cure last night's "fun" with a Bloody Mary.
• Exchange ideas about better use of the web for communication.
• Share an opinion about the blog - pro, con, suggestions - all are welcome.
• ...Unless you had too many Bloody Marys.
• Get a "Heads-up" on our plans for the coming months.

No reservation needed. There is no extra fee for this event - you are already paying out the wazoo for the "official" registration - but you do have to buy your own breakfast. Just show up at Kafe Köbenhavn between 8 and 9:30 Thursday morning.

Questions? Contact us: wordjunky@gmail.com

Schools go high-tech with online 'gradcasts'

As if the internet hasn't changed lives already, now school districts are live-streaming their own events.

It didn't take much of an investment — just an inexpensive cable, a borrowed video camera and some free software — for Aldine to join the growing ranks of school districts that allow friends and family to watch graduation ceremonies from the comfort of their own homes.

"Gradcasts," as some techies call them, allow viewers to watch live streaming video of the ceremonies without the nightmares of parking, uncomfortable stadium seats and long restroom lines. The Web-based technology is catching on among some school districts who say it costs next to nothing to offer the extra service to students' families. Some districts have even started webcasting sporting events and pre-kindergarten graduations. School plays and open houses aren't far behind.

I suppose this is as good a time as any to ask...

If a Houston school district can sent live video of a Pre-Kindergarten "Graduation" ceremony over the web, why then is it so darn difficult for SigEp to present significant events at Conclave as webcasts? I'm just asking.

Schools go high-tech with online 'gradcasts' | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Finally - We have a winner!

Congratulations to Matthew Bauer OH - Iota '08 (University of Toledo).

Matthew is the winner of our "Who wants to go to Conclave" contest. His entry, entitled "External Tech Chair and Website Construction" was selected as the entry that best embodied the topic of "Sig Ep, Communication, and Technology." Way to go Matthew. We hope you enjoy your Conclave as much as we always do. We'll see you there!

To read Matthew's essay, Click on the "Read More..." link.

After my chapter has recruited men I often ask them, "how did you find out about SigEp?" to get feedback on how our publicity and recruitment methods are reaching potential new members. I often receive the same answers: Balanced Man Scholarship, through people on campus, posters and flyers around campus, the occasional legacy, etc. But more and more often I keep hearing, "I checked out your website and liked what I saw." The first time I heard this, I was somewhat stunned. However, as the world depends more on technology, more young college men are researching the fraternities at their university, using the Internet, and the chapter websites. Even in this age of technology, not enough chapters have a working website. Furthermore, how many chapters have a respectable working website that would make a young man want to join their fraternity? How many chapters have a website at the level of Ohio Eta, Sanguine et Purpure’s "undergraduate chapter website of the year"?

To solve this problem, I first considered educating RD’s on website construction. When they travel from chapter to chapter, they would provide help and advice on website construction in addition to the typical chapter issues. However, RD’s are recruited for their interpersonal skills, not their computer literacy. Let’s not make RD’s into something they are not and besides, they are stretched thin enough as it is without worrying about chapter websites.

Instead, I propose a restructuring at the national level. Currently, the Director of Technology at SigEp HQ, Sean Leahey, works primarily with the internal network and provides support for the Headquarters' staff on help desk issues. The maintenance of the national www.sigep.org website is handled by an outside contractor. I propose making Sean Leahey’s position the Internal Director of Technology, and creating a new second position, (you guessed it) the External Director of Technology. This person’s job would be to identify areas for improvement in chapter websites and actively help individual chapters build websites that are dynamic, appealing, and something to proud of that can be used in recruitment efforts.

We have HQ directors of leadership development, new chapter development, and health and wellness. Why not have the External Director of Technology working on website development with individual chapters? The Directors of Property Management and the National Housing Corporation work to make sure chapters have a decent place to call home on campus. Why shouldn’t the External Director of Technology make sure each chapter has a place to call home on the Internet as well?

We can take this as far as we want:

• We have Recruitment Boot Camp, why not Website Boot Camp
• Website breakout sessions at CLA to share ideas and info between chapters
• Better education on risk management and the Internet (I won’t name chapters, but I’ve seen pictures of SigEp undergrads posing on a truck bed full of kegs on chapter websites…while wearing letters)

Several years ago, we set the national 3.0 G.P.A. goal to send a bold statement to every SigEp. At Conclave 2007, we should set a new goal: to have a presentable, working local website at every chapter of SigEp within five years. When we put our mind to something, we have accomplished great things in the past. Let us see what we can do when we put our efforts into website development. We work hard to present SigEp well to potential new members on campuses and when speaking in person. We need to realize the potential of local websites as a recruitment tool and present SigEp well on the Internet as well.

Matthew Bauer, ‘08
The University of Toledo
Ohio Iota Chapter
VP of Member Development

We will also be sending this entry and all the others to HQ so they can have the benefit of some of the best thinking by undergraduates.

In the coming days look for other entries here and see what people had to say. As always - comments are encouraged.

First Rule of Vaporware - Never give a date you can't meet.

SigEp Professionals - Helping Brothers Get a Foot in the Door.

SIGEP PROFESSIONALS LAUCHING: MARCH 14th, 2005

SigEp Professionals - Helping Brothers Get a Foot in the Door.

S&P Exclusive Scoop - Coming soon to a web browser near you.
This is a placeholder page now but it looks like significant changes are coming.

SigEp Professionals - Helping Brothers Get a Foot in the Door.