B2B Participant Manual

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Bridge to Brotherhood
Participant Manual

First Version
Fall 2018 – Spring 2019

Congratulations on your decision to pledge
Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity!
On behalf of Alpha Kappa Psi, congratulations on your invitation to pledge the world’s
Premiere Developer of Principled Business Leaders!
Over 100 years ago, Alpha Kappa Psi was founded by 10 individuals looking to supplement
their classroom education in business. Since then, we’ve grown to accept all majors, races,
genders, orientations, religions, and walks of life. Alpha Kappa Psi was founded on the
principles of educating its members, and the public, to appreciate and demand higher
ideals in business and to further the individual welfare of members during college and into
the world of mankind.
You are beginning the journey into an experience unlike any other at your university, and
truly unlike any other shared by other organizations around the world. Alpha Kappa Psi has
identified you as having the potential to join us in living our Core Values of Brotherhood,
Knowledge, Integrity, Service, and Unity in all you do. Alpha Kappa Psi’s pledge education
process is one designed not to just make you a good pledge, but to develop you into an
impactful brother in your chapter, your university, and the world.
The objective of the pledging process is to provide you with the skills to unlock your
potential to be a leader and a member of something bigger than yourself. Alpha Kappa Psi
is a laboratory for the real world; it is within our brotherhood that one can try something
new and exciting and know that our members will support the learning experience,
whether or not it leads to success. At the end of your pledge process, step back and
reflect on the change in you as a person…I think you’ll be pleased not just at what Alpha
Kappa Psi taught you, but at what Alpha Kappa Psi helped you find already within you.
Alpha Kappa Psi is something you join for life. From pledging your local collegiate chapter
to participating as a member of an alumni chapter or a fraternity volunteer after
graduation, the process you are embarking on is only the first step in a lifetime of
brotherhood and service to something bigger than yourself. I look forward to calling you
my Brother.
Welcome to the threshold!

Michael G. Dickerson, CFV
Fraternity President

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Alpha Kappa Psi’s Key Practices
The overall educational strategy of Alpha Kappa Psi is a comprehensive educational philosophy
and operational approach addressing curricula and content development, testing, and delivery
mechanisms. It is a complete leadership program focused on the traditional student experience
and the transition to alumnus that breeds life-long affiliation.
Leadership Defined
Leadership is the ability to guide, develop, and inspire others who share a common purpose by
applying knowledge and skills to practical situations.
Three Key Practices have been identified for the Fraternity’s leadership
initiatives:
Active Learner
The willingness and active effort to continuously grow in knowledge, skill and
competence.
Principled Decision Maker
The process of gathering information, weighing consequences and accepting
responsibility for choosing a course of action.
Change Agent
The ability to shape the thoughts and actions of others to drive positive growth.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the program, incoming members will be able to:
• Build a fraternal network
• Construct a path for approaching difficult situations
• Define principled business leadership
• Describe AKPsi’s Key Practices
• Describe the expectations of being an Alpha Kappa Psi member
• Describe what it means to be a values-based membership organization
• Explore a comprehensive set of professional and leadership skills
• Explore the fraternity history, structure, and policies
• Identify lifelong commitments
• Practice a commitment to servant leadership and personal accountability
• Reflect on the purpose of Alpha Kappa Psi
• Summarize professional skills and tools on a résumé, portfolio, and in interviews
• Translate chapter, personal, and professional experiences into the leadership development
process

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Table of Contents

The Table of Contents below provides a list of the resources provided in the manual
Bill of Rights………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...5
Expectations of Joining……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Risk Management Policies……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
Initiation Requirements………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14
Pledge Program Calendar………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15
Contact Information………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16
Fraternal Exam Study Guide…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17
Module One: Building Relationships………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..25
Personal Development Plan……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………26
Informational Interview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………30
Module Two: Exploring Values………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………32
Module Three: Risk Reduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………36
Module Four: Interviewing…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………42
Module Five: Handling Feedback………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………44
Module Six: Emotional Intelligence…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..47
Additional Resources………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………50

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Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.
Joining Alpha Kappa Psi should elevate your leadership skills and practices, and prepare you for
entering the workforce. One way we seek to accomplish this is through our Pledge Education
Program. This program in which you are participating should allow you to:
• Describe your personal values and their relation to Alpha Kappa Psi’s Core Values and
Guiding Principles.
• Construct an academic plan which leads you to achieve the highest scholarship of which
you are capable.
• Illustrate a fundamental knowledge of the history and organization of the chapter, fraternity
and college or university.
• Create meaningful and sustaining friendships.
• Describe the benefits and responsibilities of membership in Alpha Kappa Psi.
Additionally, you should never be placed in an environment or situation where your personal
values or ethics are jeopardized. Therefore, you have the right not to participate in activities which
you feel uncomfortable with or you believe may involve hazing. Hazing in any form is prohibited by
the Board of Directors’ Statement of Policy.
During this program, and beyond, you should not be required or suggested to participate in any
activity which:
• Is illegal, immoral, violates the Student Code of Conduct on your campus or reflects
negatively upon you, your chapter or the fraternity.
• Interferes with your academic pursuits or causes you to be ill prepared for academic
courses.
• Treats you as a second-class citizen, in a degrading manner or requires you to relinquish
your rights as an individual.
• Involves mental or emotional distress or abuse.
• Forces or suggests you consume alcohol or provide alcohol to others.
• Places you in any type of physical danger or has the potential to be unsafe.
• Does not allow you to get adequate amounts of sleep or requires an unreasonable amount
of time.
• Involves pranks such as stealing, unapproved scavenger hunts, ‘kidnapping’, vandalizing
property or harassing others.
• Requires your participation in any variation of calisthenics, ‘line ups’ or other confrontational
questioning activities.
• Involves performing personal services for brothers including, but not limited to, cleaning,
running errands or acting as a chauffeur.
If you have questions about your chapter’s Pledge Education Program or activities, contact your
Chapter Educational Resource Coordinator or call the Heritage Center at 317-872-1553.

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Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.
The following rules should be observed:
1. Abide by all university rules and at all times observe the honor system in class;
2. Maintain a high degree of ethical integrity with all fraternity brothers, both pledge and
chapter members, in all dealings personal and fraternal;
3. Pay all fraternal financial obligations in a timely manner;
4. Endeavor to maintain a “B” average or the equivalent in all studies. An average equal to the
minimum required for graduation is required to qualify for initiation;
5. Wear the pledge button (pin) on the left lapel of your coat (or on a shirt, blouse or sweater
over the heart) at all appropriate meetings and events, and maintain a neat and clean
appearance;
6. Participate in all pledge program activities and attend all meetings and events of the
fraternity to which invited;
7. Volunteer on a committee;
8. Treat members with respect and courtesy; and
9. Protect and maintain in good condition your manual and other fraternity handbooks and
materials.
Each potential member must:
1. Be enrolled in the institution at which the college chapter is located;
2. Meet the requirements or regulations with respect to rushing and pledging as prescribed by
the institution at which the college chapter is located;
3. Express his or her firm interest in commerce, economics, business, or business
administration, or their equivalent;
4. Have paid any required pledging fees in full; and
5. Be invited to join the fraternity and approved for pledging by the members of the college
chapter.
To qualify for initiation to college chapter membership each pledge must:
1. Fulfill the qualifications for admittance to the pledge period;
2. Have satisfactorily completed the pledge program and Fraternal Exam;
3. Have paid any required initiation fees in full; and
4. Be invited to and approved for membership by the members of the college chapter.
Once initiated, every member of Alpha Kappa Psi agrees to abide by the following list of
expectations:
1. Attendance at every chapter meeting and function;
2. Membership work: each member should recruit at least one new member per semester to
ensure stability of the chapter;
3. Assume responsibility, be reliable and complete every task assigned and help other
brothers where needed;
4. Cooperate with the president and other officers;
5. Make every effort to maintain at least a “B” average;
6. Meet financial obligations promptly;

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7. Live the values of brotherhood, integrity, service, unity and knowledge;
8. Support, abide by and enforce the fraternity’s Constitution and Statutory Code, Board of
Directors’ Statement of Policy as well as all other fraternity policies and directives;
9. Prepare for professional and business success; and
10. Solemnly avow The Ritual of Alpha Kappa Psi.
Additionally, per the Board of Directors’ Statement of Policy, any student member who misses three
scheduled meetings or required events per semester (or two per quarter) without excuses
acceptable to the chapter’s executive committee may be subject to suspension from the chapter.
Disability Services
Alpha Kappa Psi’s membership is based on mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance of others
without bias. We work to help each other emulate our values of brotherhood, knowledge, integrity,
service, and unity. Alpha Kappa Psi perceives students with disabilities as a valued identity group
and integral to our fraternity’s diversity. Reasonable accommodations in accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act will be made for potential members with disabilities who require
specific instructional and testing modifications to ensure everyone has equal access to our
materials and activities. Students with such requirements must identify themselves to the fraternity
educator or member of the chapter’s executive board at the beginning of the program. Every effort
will be made to accommodate students’ needs.

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Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

Risk Management – Alcohol and Drug Policy
All Members of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity shall abide by all applicable liquor control laws of the
State or other jurisdiction including Colleges and Universities while participating in a Fraternity event.

Responsibilities
Although the leadership of the fraternity at any specific event, whether local, regional or
organization-wide in scope, is responsible for promoting compliance with this policy, every brother of
Alpha Kappa Psi is expected to assist in ensuring adherence to this policy.
In an effort to maintain and abide by this policy, members shall use the following guidelines:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
6.
7.

8.

The possession, use and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages while on chapter premises,
during an official event, whether local, regional or organization-wide in scope, or in any
situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter or by the fraternity, must be in compliance
with any and all applicable state, county, city and university laws or regulations.
No alcoholic beverages may be purchased using chapter, pledge class or fraternity funds; nor
may any member, in the name of or on behalf of the chapter, coordinate the collection of or
provide any funds for such a purpose. In addition, no chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance a
function at which alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.
No chapter may co-sponsor an event with a brewery, vineyard, distillery, alcohol distributor
or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross
sales from alcohol) at which alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those
present. This includes any event held in, at or on the property of a tavern as defined above
for purposes of fundraising. This also includes earning funds from the sale of alcohol,
wristbands, cups, etc. However, a chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern as
defined above for a closed event held within the provisions of this policy, including the use
of a third party vendor and guest list. An event at which alcohol is present may be
conducted or co-sponsored with a charitable organization if the event is held within the
provisions of this policy.
The possession, sale and/or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances at any chapter
house, fraternity sponsored event or at any event, that an observer would associate with the
fraternity is strictly prohibited.
All rush activities associated with any chapter will be a dry rush function.
No alcohol shall be present at any pledge program.
When alcohol is served at fraternity events, one of the following options for conducting the
event must be followed:
A.
Service of alcohol on a no host, cash bar basis by a professional bartender, fully
covered by liability insurance, is preferred;
B.
A Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) event may be held at which only members,
pledges, and invited guests of legal drinking age may bring and/or consume
alcoholic beverages. The quantity of alcohol an individual may bring or possess at
a BYOB event is defined as the amount a reasonable person could consume in one
sitting.
Regardless of the option chosen, the following provisions shall apply:
A. No member or pledge, individually or collectively, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell
alcoholic beverages to any minor (those under the legal drinking age);

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B.

C.
D.
E.
F.

Reasonable precautions will be taken by the chapter to prevent the excessive
consumption of alcoholic beverages and to prevent the service of alcohol to
underage persons by anyone;
Members and/or guests who arrive at an event in an intoxicated state shall not be
admitted;
At each event, there shall be designated non-drinking members;
Non-alcoholic beverages shall be provided at each event;
The service of alcoholic beverages shall be cut off at a specific time, which shall be
established and clearly published in advance of the event;

G. No "drinking games" shall be permitted.
H. The possession or use of a common source container at events or gatherings is

strictly prohibited. Common source containers are generally defined as kegs, pony
kegs, beer balls, trashcans, bathtubs, punch bowls, alcohol-infused fruit, or other
similar device designed to store or mix alcohol in large quantities and intended for
consumption by more than one individual.

Procedure
Charges of violation of this policy must be made in writing to the Chief Executive Officer with
correspondence addressed to the recipient via the Heritage Center. To the extent possible, the
written statement will be confidential concerning the nature of the conduct underlying his or her
claim, although the fact that a claim of policy violation has been made will NOT be held in
confidence. The investigation may warrant that all information surrounding the complaint may need
to be released. The Investigating Committee shall consist of members of the Judiciary Committee.
In instances where a member of the Judiciary Committee is charged with violation, the accused shall
be removed from the committee and a replacement will be appointed. The procedures outlined in
the “Disciplinary Procedures” will be followed as appropriate.

Summary
It is the intent of Alpha Kappa Psi to be reasonably responsive to any member who has an honest
perception that this policy has been violated to the detriment of the complainant and/or the
brotherhood.

Risk Management – Fire and Health Safety Policy
All premises used for Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity operations, prior to, during and following
occupancy, must meet all local fire/health codes and standards as well as any applicable federal,
state, county and municipal laws, ordinances and regulations.

Procedure
Charges of violation of this policy on Fire and Health Safety should be made in writing to the Chief
Executive Officer with correspondence addressed to the recipient via the Heritage Center. To the
extent possible, the written statement will be confidential concerning the nature of the conduct
underlying his or her claim, although the fact that a claim of policy violation has been made will NOT
be held in confidence. The investigation may warrant that all information surrounding the complaint
may need to be released. The Investigating Committee shall consist of members of the Judiciary
Committee. In instances where a member of the Judiciary Committee is charged with violation, the
accused shall be removed from the committee and a replacement will be appointed. The
procedures outlined in the “Disciplinary Procedures” will be followed as appropriate.

Summary
It is the intent of Alpha Kappa Psi to be reasonably responsive to any member who has an honest
perception that this policy has been violated to the detriment of the complainant and/or the
brotherhood.

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Risk Management – Hazing Policy
It shall be the responsibility of all members of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity to determine college,
university or other legal jurisdiction policy regarding hazing, mental or physical, and to comply totally
with such policies.

Guidelines
In an effort to maintain and abide by this policy, members shall use the following guidelines:
1.

Because some forms of hazing can involve criminal conduct (such as unwanted physical
contact), you must immediately report any such criminal acts to the local law
enforcement authorities in addition to Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity.

2.

No member, pledge, chapter, colony or other entity of Alpha Kappa Psi shall conduct or
condone hazing activities. Permission or approval by a person being hazed does not
abrogate this policy. Hazing activities are generally defined as:
Any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, whether on or off
fraternity premises, to produce physical or mental discomfort, embarrassment,
harassment, or ridicule or possibly cause physical harm or injury.
Such activities include but are not limited to: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation
of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; road trips, kidnapping of pledges
by members, kidnapping of members by pledges; consumption of food, beverage or any
other substance except in the course of regular meals; late work sessions which interfere
with scholastic activities; or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the
confines of the chapter premises; but not limited to blindfolds; engaging in public stunts of
buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities
on the part of members or pledges which are not consistent with fraternity law, ritual or
policy, or any and all applicable state, county, city and university laws or regulations.
Activities which could be construed as quests, treasure hunts, or scavenger hunts that are
not pre-approved by the Judiciary Committee will be considered unauthorized events and
by their very nature considered hazing.

3.

Mental hazing would include, but would not be limited to, the activities and procedures
included in the following statement of policy:
A. There shall be no pre-initiation activities on the day or evening prior to the day of
Court of Honor or Ritual Initiation that would cause persons to be physically or
mentally fatigued;
B. Activities during the pledge education period shall be limited to those which attempt
to increase the person's knowledge of the Fraternity and the person's professional
intent; these activities must be carried on in a dignified manner and must show proper
respect for another person as a professional equal;
C. At no time during pledge education is there to be verbal abuse of an individual,
including shouting, screaming and the use of profanity. This includes the use of lineups as defined in the “Judiciary Operations Manual.”

4.

The Chapter President, in general, and the Vice President of Membership and/or Pledge
Educator(s), specifically, are in charge of the chapter’s Membership Education Program. If
any chapter is reported to be hazing in any way, the President and Vice President of

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Membership and /or Pledge Educator(s) will be held personally responsible for the
chapter’s actions, and may be personally disciplined by the removal of office or
suspension of membership. The discipline may be levied by the Chief Executive Officer
with the consent of the Board of Directors.
The Chapter is also liable for discipline in hazing cases, and the Chairman of the Board of
Directors may appoint an alumni committee to hear evidence and testimony in such
situations. Should the committee find the chapter in violation of the Board of Directors
Policy, it may recommend to the Board of Directors appropriate punishment including
suspension of the chapter’s charter.

Procedure
Charges of violation of this policy on hazing must be made in writing to the Chief Executive Officer
with correspondence addressed to the recipient via the Heritage Center. To the extent possible, the
written statement will be confidential concerning the nature of the conduct underlying his or her
claim, although the fact that a claim of policy violation will NOT be held in confidence. The
investigation may warrant that all information surrounding the complaint may need to be released.
The Investigating Committee shall consist of members of the Judiciary Committee. In instances
where a member of the Judiciary Committee is charged with violation, the accused shall be removed
from the committee and a replacement will be appointed. The procedure outlined in the
“Disciplinary Procedures” will be followed as appropriate.

Summary
It is the intent of Alpha Kappa Psi to be reasonably responsive to any member who has an honest
perception that this policy has been violated to the detriment of the complainant and/or the
brotherhood.

Risk Management – Investigations conducted by outside persons
It is the policy of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity that any investigation conducted by the chapter’s
school, college, university, student life department, any police agency or any other entity must be
reported to the Judiciary Committee Staff Liaison at the Heritage Center within five business days
of the chapter becoming aware of said investigation. This responsibility falls on the chapter
executive board, chapter advisor, section director and/or regional director. Failure to report any
investigation shall result in charges levied against the chapter, the chapter officers and/or chapter
volunteers.

Risk Management – Publication of Inappropriate Material Policy
It is the policy of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity to prohibit its members from producing, publishing,
and/or distributing any material, whether written or electronically as text, audio, video, or some
combination of all three that could be deemed harmful to the good name and reputation of the
Fraternity.

Procedure
Charges of violation of this policy on "Publication of Inappropriate Material" must be made in writing
to the Chief Executive Officer. To the extent possible, the complaint should include evidence as to
the nature of the violation, including, but not limited to, copies of the material and/or links to
websites containing such material, along with any available information pertaining to the party or
parties involved in producing, editing, or distributing the material in question.
The staff of the Heritage Center is charged with assessing validity of the complaint, and if
warranted, ordering the material to be destroyed, if printed, or removed from any website, if

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published electronically. It shall be the responsibility of the regional director, or his or her designee
to ensure compliance with directives from the Heritage Center.
An initial warning letter shall be issued to the offending party(s) by the Heritage Center with
instructions to remove, delete, or otherwise destroy the inappropriate content. Future violations of
the Policy may result in disciplinary action imposed upon a member(s) up to and including
suspension or expulsion from the Fraternity.
Member(s) deemed the owner of this material may appeal the decision if he/she believes the
material is not in violation of this Policy. An Investigating Committee shall be formed by the
regional director to review the decision. In the event that the matter in question involves
individuals or chapters in more than one region, or instances where the allegation(s) involve
members of the regional management team, the Investigating Committee shall consist of
members of the Judiciary Committee.

Summary
Despite the subjective nature of attempting to determine inappropriate content, it is the intent of
Alpha Kappa Psi to be reasonably responsive to any complainant who has an honest perception of
a violation of this Policy. The Heritage Center shall have latitude to use its best judgment to
evaluate each complaint based upon merit and with an eye toward how this content could be
interpreted as inappropriate, offensive, or potential evidence of criminal conduct by members,
guests or other third parties by the community at large.

Risk Management – Sexual Harassment Policy
It is the policy of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity that unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors and other sexually offensive verbal or physical contact will not be condoned or permitted, and
may in fact be in violation of state and/or federal law. Nonconsensual sexual physical contact and
similar acts are a crime, and you are required to immediately report any such incidents to the local
law enforcement authorities in addition to Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity.
The fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexually abusive behavior on the part of its
members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions that are demeaning
to any person, which would constitute Sexual Harassment of any type or form.

Procedure
Charges of violation of this policy on Sexual Harassment must be made in writing to the Chief
Executive Officer with correspondence addressed to the recipient via the Heritage Center. To the
extent possible, the written statement will be confidential concerning the nature of the conduct
underlying his or her claim, although the fact that a claim of policy violation has been made will NOT
be held in confidence. The investigation may warrant that all information surrounding the complaint
may need to be released. Alpha Kappa Psi is aware of the sensitive nature of the issue of Sexual
Harassment, and will endeavor to ensure the confidentiality of the complainant as well as the person
charged with the violation. The Investigating Committee shall consist of members of the Judiciary
Committee. In instances where a member of the Judiciary Committee is charged with violation, the
accused shall be removed from the committee and a replacement will be appointed.
If fraternity involvement is deemed warranted, the procedures outlined in the “Disciplinary
Procedures” will be followed as appropriate. Alpha Kappa Psi will consider each sexual harassment
complaint by a case-by-case basis and will determine the appropriate course of action which may
include deferring to other authorities to render a determination before proceeding with a fraternity
investigation of the complaint.

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Parties will be notified in writing within 10 days of the written complaint regarding a course of action.
Follow-up may include, but is not limited to, a formal investigation or sensitivity and awareness
educational training.

Summary
It is the intent of Alpha Kappa Psi to be reasonably responsive to any member who has an honest
perception that this policy has been violated to the detriment of the complainant and/or the
brotherhood.
Keep the above policies for your record and return the signed Assurance below to the chapter.

By signing below, I agree that I have received and read the Board of Directors Statement of Policy
regarding risk management. I agree as a brother or pledge of the
Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi at the
(school) that I
will abide by these polices. I will also do everything within my power to help fellow brothers and
pledges follow by these policies.

Signed
Printed
Date

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Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.
The purpose of our time together is to educate incoming members about Alpha Kappa Psi, its
history, structure, ideals and objectives, requirements for membership and how to develop and
enhance an individual’s professional abilities and interests.
The requirements for the pledge process include:
• Attending the educational modules
• Completing a personal development plan
• Creating a résumé
• Conducting an informational interview
• Completing the Mid-Term Interview
• Completing all chapter-added elective requirements
• Delivering the Court of Honor Presentation
• Passing the Fraternal Exam with at least a 76%
• Reciting the anthem and creed to a member of the pledge education committee

Performance Improvement Plans:
Occasionally, there are instances when a pledge is not performing according to expectations, or is
exhibiting behavior that is not tolerated in the organization. When attempts to improve
performance are not successful through discussion alone, a Performance Improvement Plan may
be used. A Performance Improvement Plan is an opportunity to give struggling pledges the ability
to succeed, while still holding them accountable for past performance.
A Performance Improvement Plan plays a vital role in correcting performance discrepancies, but
should not be viewed as a disciplinary mechanism. It should be used as a tool to monitor and
measure the unmet expectations or undesired behaviors to improve performance or modify
behavior. Any improvement plans given must be completed prior to Initiation.

Elective Activities:
Chapters can tailor the program with supplemental elective activities based on the needs of the
chapter and university. Any electives indicated on the Program Syllabus are included as chapterspecific requirements, provided they follow all fraternity guidelines. Should a pledge not be able to
complete an elective for any reason, the chapter should provide accommodations.

Financial Requirements:
The pledge fee is $
of which $48 is sent to the Heritage Center. This covers the
cost of the Participant Manual and Fraternal Exam. This is due
The initiation fee is $
of which $84 is sent to the Heritage Center. This covers a
membership certificate, membership card and membership pin. This is due
If you have concerns about meeting a requirement, talk to your Fraternity Educator on setting up a
payment plan or how they can work with you to ensure you can meet all obligations.

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Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.
Time Management is an important part of the pledge process. To help you organize your time,
Insert the dates of the following modules and rituals to remember them.

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Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.
Chapter Contact Information

Position

Name

Email

Phone

President
Vice President of
Administration
Vice President of
Alumni Relations
Vice President of
Membership
Treasurer
Secretary
Master of Rituals
Volunteer Contact Information

Position

Name

Email

Phone

Chapter Advisor
Faculty Advisor
Section Director
Regional Director
Alpha Kappa Psi Heritage Center Contact

Position
Chapter
Educational
Resource
Coordinator
Associate Director
of Education
Associate Director
of Risk Reduction/
JC Staff Liaison

Name
Alec Morand (Area 1)
Kimberly Millies (Area 2)
Jess Seabolt (Area 3)
Ruth Massillon (Area 4)

Email
alec@akpsi.org
kimberly@akpsi.org
sjess@akpsi.org
ruth@akpsi.org

Phone

Mackenzie Lauka

mackenzie@akpsi.org 317-872-1553

Liz Vickers

liz@akpsi.org

317-872-1553

317-886-8343

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Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.
The Constitution and Statutory Code of Alpha Kappa Psi requires the Fraternal Exam is to be taken
by each prospective member prior to Initiation to be admitted to the Fraternity. The minimum
passing score is 76%.
All material on the Fraternal Exam is covered in the following Study, and there are quizzes
available to help prepare prospective members for the Exam. The quizzes will have no bearing on
a prospective member’s candidacy and are solely to be used as study tools. Chapter history should
also be provided and learned, but is not a component of the Fraternal Exam.

Fraternity Policies
The Governing Documents of Alpha Kappa Psi are:
There are several documents within Alpha Kappa Psi that helps things work
smoothly. The following are considered governing documents by which all
members must abide.
1.

The Constitution and Statutory Code - The Constitution and Statutory Code are two different
sets of laws stored together in one document and is the highest ranking governing
document of the fraternity. The Constitution outlines the structure of the fraternity and its
governing bodies. It also includes definition of membership and the rights contained therein.
The Statutory Code outlines specific chapter structures, discipline and financial policies. A
chapter’s bylaws MAY NOT conflict with anything in these documents. In case of conflict the
Constitution and Statutory Code supersedes all documents including chapter bylaws, the
Board of Directors’ Statement of Policy and The Ritual of Alpha Kappa Psi. Changes to the
Constitution and Statutory Code can only be made at the Chapter Congress meeting and
must be approved by a 3/4th and majority vote respectively.

2. The Board of Directors Statement of Policy - The Board of Directors’ Statement of Policy
outlines policies as set by the Fraternity Board of Directors. This includes detailed fraternity
and chapter financial policies, chapter minimum standards, detailed discipline, risk
management policies, communication policies, chapter attendance at events and member
attendance. A chapter’s bylaws MAY NOT conflict with anything in the Board of Directors’
Statement of Policy and this document will supersede in case of conflict. Changes to the
Board of Directors’ Statement of Policy can only be made by the board of directors by a
majority vote.
3. The Ritual of Alpha Kappa Psi - The Ritual of Alpha Kappa Psi contains all necessary rituals
for student and alumni chapters. This ritual manual is never to be added to or deleted from
and all its rituals should be presented in their entirety. These rituals are the ties that bind
brothers regardless of their chapter or experience.
4. Chapter Bylaws - Each chapter writes its own chapter bylaws to reflect local chapter
operations. Chapter bylaws must incorporate policies from the Constitution and Statutory
Code, the Board of Directors’ Statement of Policy and The Ritual of Alpha Kappa Psi. Changes
to the chapter bylaws must lie on the table for at least a week and an affirmative 2/3rd vote
of the chapter is required. Any changes to the bylaws, as directed by changes in the
Constitution and Statutory Code, Board of Directors’ Statement of Policy and The Ritual of
Alpha Kappa Psi, are to be automatically reflected in the chapter bylaws; no vote required.
Chapters should have a committee to review the chapter bylaws and changes should be
presented to the chapter, however, this document should not be always in a state of

17 | P a g e

change. Policies should be debated keeping in mind that, although chapter bylaws evolve
over time, it should not be completely rewritten each year.
Classes of Membership
The membership of the Fraternity shall consist of Student Members, Faculty Members, Alumni
Members, Honorary Members and Suspended Members. No individual shall be denied
membership on the basis of race, creed, national origin, sex, religion, marital status, sexual
orientation, age, or handicap.
Risk Management Policies:
The Fraternity has the following risk management policies:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Alcohol and Drug policy
Fire and Health Safety policy
Hazing policy
Investigations conducted by outside persons
Publication of Inappropriate Material policy
Sexual Harassment policy

The complete policies can be found in the Participant Manual, Resource Manual, and on the
website to review.
Meeting Requirements:
During the school year, chapters are required to hold two initiations.
Each month of the academic year, the chapter is required to hold a minimum of two business
meetings. Student members can miss up to three meetings per semester or two per quarter;
chapter-specific and should correlate to the university calendar, before they are subject to
suspension from the chapter.
At chapter meetings, quorum is 50% +1 percent of the total number of eligible votes.
Duties of Alpha Kappa Psi Members:
1) Attendance at every meeting and function
2) Membership work: each member should recruit at least one new member per semester to
ensure stability of the chapter
3) Assume responsibility, be reliable and complete every task assigned and help other
brothers where needed
4) Cooperate with the president and other officers
5) Make every effort to maintain at least a “B” average
6) Meet financial obligations promptly
7) Live the values of brotherhood, integrity, service, unity and knowledge;
8) Support, abide by, and enforce the fraternity’s Constitution and Statutory Code, Board of
Directors Statement of Policy as well as all other fraternity policies and directives
9) Prepare for professional and business success
10) Solemnly avow The Ritual of Alpha Kappa Psi

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Fraternity and Foundation History
Alpha Kappa Psi’s Founding Date and Location:
October 5, 1904 at New York University.
Alpha Kappa Psi’s Incorporation Date and Location:
May 20, 1905 in New York.
Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation Founding Year:
1951
Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation Mission Statement
The mission of the foundation is providing resources for enhancing the educational experience of
future business leaders.
Month and Year Women were admitted into the Fraternity:
August 1976, by vote of the Board of Directors.
Alpha Kappa Psi’s tagline
Shaping People, Shaping Business.
Alpha Kappa Psi vision
Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.
Locations of Alpha Kappa Psi Chapters:
United States, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong
Ten Founding Fathers (*denotes the Brooklyn Four):
• Howard M. Jefferson*
• Frederick R. Leach*
• George L. Bergen*
• Nathan Lane Jr. *
• William O. Tremaine
• Robert S. Douglas
• Morris S. Rachmil
• Irving L. Camp
• Daniel V. Duff
• Herbert M. Wright
The Brooklyn Four are credited as the four original founders of Alpha Kappa Psi.
The Objects of Alpha Kappa Psi:
The objects of Alpha Kappa Psi, adopted at the time of its founding, are:
1) To promote and advance in institutions of college rank, courses leading to degrees in
business administration.
2) To foster scientific research in the fields of commerce, accounts and finance.
3) To further the individual welfare of its members.
4) To educate the public to appreciate and demand higher ideals therein.

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Alpha Kappa Psi Core Values:
Brotherhood – Trust, respect, cooperation, companionship, and aid to Brother Members is the
expected norm.
Knowledge – Education and experience, whether gained in the classroom or the workplace, is
emphasized and shared.
Integrity – All actions, whether in business or in life, are guided by honesty, ethics, and fairness.
Service – Sharing of time, talent, and treasure with both communities and our Fraternity is a priority
Unity – A common understanding of our vision and values that transcends chapter, generation, and
profession is utilized to anticipate and create the future
The Anthem of Alpha Kappa Psi
Tune: Auld Lang Syne
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And Alpha Kappa Psi?
Shall we pass slowly out of view,
Without regret or sigh?
For Alpha Kappa Psi, my friend, for Alpha Kappa Psi;
We’ll bless the days that we have spent,
In Alpha Kappa Psi.
We’ll work with might and main to win
Our meed of daily praise.
But ne’er shall we in after years
Forget fraternal days!
For Alpha Kappa Psi, my friend, for Alpha Kappa Psi;
We’ll bless the days that we have spent,
In Alpha Kappa Psi.
The Creed of Alpha Kappa Psi:
Alpha Kappa Psi recognizes that
We live in deeds, not years;
In thought, not breath;
In service, not in figures on the dial.
We count time by heart throbs,
When they beat for God, for man, for duty.
He lives most who thinks most,
Is noblest, acts the best.

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The Symbols and Emblems of Alpha Kappa Psi

Coat of Arms
Our coat of arms is AKPsi’s heraldic insignia and possesses secret
significance. The objects on the coat of arms include a coin bag,
Phoenician galley, chain of four links and a pair of balances. Today’s
version of the coat of arms was designed in 1930 and replaced the former
one which was not in accord with the rules of heraldry.

Logo
The fraternity’s logo was first created in 2001 as an alternate option to the
coat of arms, it was updated in 2017. When promoting the fraternity to a
corporate or non-fraternal audience, this is the preferred choice.

Seal
The fraternity’s seal is used to attest charters, membership certificates
and awards issued by the fraternity. The date “1905” is the year the
fraternity was incorporated in the State of New York.

Flag
Alpha Kappa Psi’s flag features the Greek letters in gold on a middle
panel of navy blue, with panels of gold on each side. Navy and gold are
the fraternity’s official colors.

Jewel
Alpha Kappa Psi’s official gem is the blue sapphire. It was adopted as the
symbol of our alumni objectives.

Flower
The fraternity’s official flower is the yellow rose. The yellow rose
symbolizes joy and happiness, but most of all, yellow roses stand for
friendship.

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Fraternity Structure
Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity: Not-for-profit 501(c)(7)
Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation IRS designation: Not-for-profit 501(c)(3)
Alpha Kappa Psi Websites:
Alpha Kappa Psi has three websites, linked together which can be accessed from each homepage.

•
•
•

akpsi.org – houses general fraternal knowledge and leadership development for
anyone interested in the organization.
myakpsi.org – houses chapter oriented training and development for members only.
akpsifoundation.org – houses foundation information, giving opportunities, and
information on grants and scholarships.

Fees:
The Fraternal pledge induction fee is $48.00 which is sent to the Heritage Center. The induction fee
covers the costs of the pledge program resources, technology, and support.
The Fraternal initiation fee is $84.00 and covers the costs of a Membership card and Certificate,
student subscription to the Diary, and Member pin.
The Fraternal portion of student member dues is $60 per academic term and are payable to the
Heritage Center on October 15 and February 15.
Regions of Alpha Kappa Psi:
Alpha Kappa Psi is split up geographically by area and region. There are four areas, and sixteen
total regions. Each region is managed by a Regional Director, who is part of the Management
Team.
Area 1:
Central Pacific
Desert Southwest
Northern Rio Grande
Pacific Northwest

Area 2:
Eastern Great Plains
Western Great Plains
Western Great Lakes
Valley Crossroads

Area 3:
Atlantic Metro
Central Atlantic
Eastern Great Lakes
Northern Atlantic

Area 4:
Atlantic Gulf Coast
Carolina Coastal
Southern Bluegrass
Southern Delta

Operational Structure of the Fraternity
Chapter Congress

The Chapter Congress is the supreme governing body of the fraternity. It is composed of voting delegates
from each student and alumni chapter in good standing. The duties of the Chapter Congress are to consider
and vote on amendments to the Constitution and Statutory Code. The Chapter Congress also elects the
president and the executive vice president, and enacts legislation. In addition, the Chapter Congress sets the
fees for student members and elects the board of directors. All of this takes place at the Chapter Congress
meeting held at the Convention every two years, with the exception of the election of the board of directors
which takes place annually through a mail ballot to all chapter delegates.

The Fraternity Board of Directors

The fraternity’s board of directors is composed of nine alumni members elected by the Chapter Congress for
terms of three years. The board in turn elects its officers who are the chairman, vice chairman, treasurer and
secretary. The responsibility of the board of directors is to set policies and procedures that will guide the
fraternity into the future. It acts as the supreme governing body of the fraternity between meetings of the
Chapter Congress. It is charged with approving the fraternity budget, setting annual goals of the fraternity,
overseeing the performance of the CEO and, most importantly, strategic planning. In strategic planning, the

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board takes input from members through a variety of sources and determines the fraternity’s core values, its
vision for the future, or in laymen terms — what does Alpha Kappa Psi want to be known for? Further, it is
charged with the responsibility of measuring how programs assist chapters and members to reach the vision.
The board is the “big picture” strategic thinker of the organization much like the board of a corporation. The
chairman of the board is the highest-ranking volunteer in the fraternity.

The Management Team

The Management Team is the volunteer operational arm of the organization. It is composed of the fraternity
president, executive vice president, four area vice presidents and 16 regional directors. The Management
Team is charged with the responsibility of servicing the chapters of the fraternity within the guidelines of
policies and procedures set forth by the board of directors. The Management Team also manages a vast
number of fraternity alumni volunteers, such as regional managers, section directors and chapter advisors.
The fraternity president serves as the chairman of the Management Team, presides over meetings of the
Chapter Congress and appoints operational committees.

The Foundation Board of Directors

The Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation, founded in 1951, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to
promoting the ideals of AKPsi. Its mission is: providing resources for enhancing the educational experience of
future business leaders. The governing body of the foundation is its board of directors, comprised of nine
members. It is charged with the responsibility of setting polices, fundraising goals and plans, an operational
budget, and the overall vision of the foundation. A professional staff oversees day-to-day activities. The
foundation funds the Academy, All-AKPsi Academic Team, Case Competition and numerous scholarships. So
the fraternity can have quality speakers at its events (such as the Principled Business Leadership Institute or
the College of Leadership), the foundation also underwrites expenses for many speakers through its
Principled Business Leadership Fund.

The Heritage Center

The Heritage Center’s staff members are the only paid employees of the fraternity. The chief executive
officer has similar duties to other corporate CEOs. The CEO is charged with the day-to-day operations of the
fraternity and foundation, supervision of the staff, meeting goals and objectives and ensuring the financial
integrity of the organizations through budgets approved by the boards. The CEO is also charged with leading
the organizations, overseeing the fraternity’s Management Team and providing the boards with the
information they need to do their job. To assist in the operations of the fraternity and foundation, a number of
directors and clerical staff are employed to head certain areas of operations. These areas include alumni
development, communication, education and training, expansion, finances, foundation fundraising and
programs, meetings and events, member services, and technology.

Leadership of Alpha Kappa Psi:

Chief Executive Officer: Steve Hartman
Chairman of the Fraternity Board of Directors: John LeVering
Chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors: Alison Jennings
Fraternity President: Mike Dickerson
Fraternity Executive Vice President: Jacqueline Ginarte

Events and Programs

Alpha Kappa Psi as an organization is committed to providing its members services they cannot get
anywhere else. These services come in the form of events and educational opportunities designed for its
members to develop their professional, personal, fraternal and leadership skills.

The Academy - Funded by the Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation, this leadership institute is based on the

contemporary concepts contained in the business best seller The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes
and Barry Z. Posner. A limited number of participants ensure the experience will be highly personal and
members will build a strong network with other Alpha Kappa Psi participants from around the world.
Interactive group sessions are complemented by small group discussions led by AKPsi facilitators and
successful business leaders.

All- AKPsi Academic Team – The Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation’s All-AKPsi Academic Team recognizes

students who maintain excellence in academic standing while making positive contributions to their campus
and community. From among the team members, eight outstanding individuals receive the Top Scholar
award and are recognized with educational grants.

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Case Competition - The Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation sponsors the Case Competition. At each event, teams
compete and the top three teams are awarded scholarships. Through the Case Competition, students are
introduced to the realities of decision making—including incomplete information, time constraints and
conflicting goals—giving them first-hand experience in analyzing business situations.

College of Leadership – Held in conjunction with the Convention, the College of Leadership provides

students advanced professional and leadership skills. Dynamic sessions, focusing on team and chapter
leadership, effective recruitment strategies, fundraising and risk management, equip students with the tools
needed to lead successful chapters and encourage personal growth. These programs are designed to be
interactive discussions that give students opportunities to learn and share ideas from AKPsi leaders and
chapters from around the world.

Convention – Held every other summer, the Convention consists of two main parts—the Chapter Congress
and the College of Leadership. The Chapter Congress is made up of one delegate from each student and
alumni chapter in good standing. These delegates meet in committees to review and discuss proposed
changes to the Constitution and Statutory Code, and vote upon legislation and elect the fraternity president
and executive vice president during the Chapter Congress meeting. Other gatherings held during the
Convention include the Celebration of Brotherhood, awards luncheons and Grand Banquet. The next
Convention will be held in 2019 in Dallas, Texas.

Fraternity Advisors Conference – Alpha Kappa Psi recognizes its advisors (chapter advisors and faculty

advisors) are integral to the continuous education of chapter officers and maintaining successful chapters. To
support these individuals, the Fraternity Advisors Conference is held each year so advisors who want to gain
education on the “bigger picture” of working with successful chapters, maintaining a healthy Chapter
Advisory Board, and being the best resource to the fraternity and the chapter, can take their knowledge and
skills to the next level.

President’s Academy - The Presidents Academy is an educational leadership experience and is designed
to provide chapter presidents with in-depth learning focused on self-awareness, understanding vision, and
how to be a coach to those you are leading. This weekend experience will seek to provide participants with
an intimate knowledge of servant leadership and with the necessary tools to educate peers and other
officers to improve communication and develop an overall chapter success plan.

Principled Business Leadership Institute – Held in multiple cities across the country, the Principled

Business Leadership Institute offers students a weekend focusing on professional skill building at the
individual level, while allowing for the opportunity to network with other chapters and business professionals.
Attendees participate in a curriculum centered on the values of principled business leadership and the
values of AKPsi—brotherhood, integrity, service, unity and knowledge.

Yellow Rose Society - Alumni are not the only ones who support the Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation with

donations. With a minimum annual contribution of $10, students can join the Yellow Rose Society and receive
a monogram AKPsi lapel pin, a ribbon at events and special recognition in The Diary of Alpha Kappa Psi.

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Module One: Building Relationships

This module is an opportunity to begin developing the relationships between members of the
pledge class and the brotherhood. This is an opportunity to see potential connections for a Big
Brother, and start building a fraternal network with one another.

Objectives touched on during the module:
•
•

Meet the potential Big Brothers
Discuss the expectations of the Personal Development Plan and Informational Interview

This module will touch on the following Key Skills
•
•
•

Listening & Comprehension
Oral Communication
Relationship Building

Things to consider:
What are you going to do to get to know the members of the chapter?
How are you going to reach out and practice your relationship building?

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Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

To achieve something you have never accomplished requires the development of new
skills. A personal development plan is a tool to assist you in your career and personal
development, allowing you to tailor your experience in Alpha Kappa Psi to your own
personal skill development, and decide where you want to focus your growth during the
program.
Think about what is important to you. Are there any opportunities you would like to have
on campus or in your community? What skills would you like to develop?

Key Skills
Analytical &
Critical-Thinking
Confidence
Creative & Innovative
Thinking
Decision-Making
Emotional Intelligence
Gratitude
Listening & Comprehension
Oral Communication
Organization
Relationship Building
Research
Resilience
Written Communication

Definition
Accurately analyze and interpret relevant information in the
context of organizational decision making
Self-assuredness, reliability, and trustworthiness to complete
tasks
Conceive and implement original mechanisms and processes
Cognitive ability to select a course of action among several
possibilities
Recognize internal emotions, their meaning, their impact on and
your perception of those around you
Expression of appreciation, genuineness, and kindness
Recognition of speech, sounds, and meaning of the spoken
language
Compose and effectively deliver ideas and thought processes in
a clear and professional manner
Planning, arrangement, and administration of processes and
projects
Mutual understanding and connection between individuals or
groups of people
Systematic study of mechanisms and process to authenticate
facts and determine conclusions
Capability to recover from difficult situations
Proficient in language use, excellent mechanics, and uses
language conventions effectively

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Assess Yourself
In what area(s) do you already feel comfortable? View the definitions on the previous page.
Analytical & Critical Thinking
Making
Emotional Intelligence
Organization

Confidence

Gratitude

Relationship Building

Creative & Innovative Thinking

Listening & Comprehension
Research

Resilience

Decision-

Oral Communication
Written Communication

Other:

Based off your selections in the previous questions, where do you want to improve?
Analytical & Critical Thinking
Making
Emotional Intelligence
Organization

Confidence

Gratitude

Relationship Building

Creative & Innovative Thinking

Listening & Comprehension
Research

Resilience

Decision-

Oral Communication
Written Communication

Other:

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Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals
One type of goal is known as S.M.A.R.T. Goals, which stands for:
Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Timely

Specific - A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal.
To set a specific goal you must answer the six "W" questions:
*Who:
*What:
*Where:
*When:
*Which:
*Why:

Who is involved?
What do I want to accomplish?
Identify a location.
Establish a time frame.
Identify requirements and constraints.
Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.

EXAMPLE: A general goal would be, "Get in shape." But a specific goal would say, "Join a health
club and workout 3 days a week."
Measurable – Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each
goal you set. When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and
experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to
reach your goal. To Determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as “How much?”
“How many?” “How will I know when it is accomplished?”
Attainable - When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways
you can make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to
reach them. You begin seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the
achievement of your goals.
You can attain most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame
to carry out those steps. Goals that may have seemed far away and out of reach eventually move
closer and become attainable, not because your goals shrink, but because you grow and expand
to match them. When you list your goals, you build your self-image. You see yourself as worthy
of these goals, and develop the traits and personality allowing you to possess them.
Realistic – To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing
and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just
how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress. A high
goal is frequently easier to reach than a low one because a low goal exerts low motivational
force. Some of the hardest jobs you ever accomplished seem easy simply because they were a
labor of love.
Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished. Additional ways to
know if your goal is realistic is to determine if you have accomplished anything similar in the past
or ask yourself what conditions would have to exist to accomplish this goal.
Timely - A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there's no
sense of urgency. If you want to lose 10 lbs., when do you want to lose it by? "Someday" will not
work. But if you anchor it within a timeframe, "by May 1st", then you have set your unconscious
mind into motion to begin working on the goal.
T can also stand for Tangible - A goal is tangible when you can experience it with one of the
senses, that is, taste, touch, smell, sight or hearing. When your goal is tangible you have a better
chance of making it specific and measurable and thus attainable.

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Define Your Goals
Now that you have created the scope of your targeted skill development, what are the
specifics you hope to accomplish? This can be related to your professional career or
personal life, both large or small. No goal is too small.
Write down three to five goals which are important for you to achieve.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Hold yourself accountable and list three people with whom you plan to share your goals.
1.
2.
3.

Track Your Progress
It is important to keep track of the progress you are making towards achieving your goals,
especially if it is a long-term or complex goal. As you progress through the pledge
program, keep a list of things going well and things to change in your skill development.

Things going well (accomplishments):

Things to change (improvements):

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Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

The purpose of an informational interview is to provide an opportunity to gather career and
industry information from a professional currently working in the field. This is done through
asking questions related to the aspects of the specific career or job and the professional’s
experience. The interview is designed as a learning experience and not meant to be a
solicitation for a job or internship, but to gain knowledge about an intended career path.
As part of pledge education, each pledge is expected to conduct an informational
interview. To complete the interview, pledges select an industry of interest to them,
research contacts in the industry and make an introduction, followed by scheduling and
conducting the interview.
Benefits
The informational interview can be beneficial to both the pledge and the professional.
These benefits can include the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Provides direction in choosing a career field or preparing for a career change
Offers insight to guide future job searches
Prepares you for an upcoming interview
Allows you to assess your compatibility with a career
Expands your professional network
Improves interviewing skills

Your Responsibilities
The informational interview is not required to be held in person. If needed, the interview
may be over the phone, via email or any other method feasible for both parties. By
reaching out to a professional contact with the intent to conduct an informational
interview, you are taking responsibility for direction of the interaction. Your responsibility
for this assignment includes:
•
•

•
•
•

Demonstrate desire to explore career options, personal skills, and attributes
Generate your own list of questions addressing specific career-related aspects such
as work environment, career preparation, average salary, lifestyle, a typical day,
problems, referrals, and placement as well as questions about the contact’s
personal experiences
Maintain professional presence and conduct during the entire interview
Coordinate the scheduling of the interview and related details
Have a polished and professional résumé available if the contact requests it

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Making the Connection
The interview can be conducted with anyone – executives, alumni, supervisors,
colleagues, family friends, or anyone you connect with in your intended industry. Usually,
conversations and informational interviews are initiated through an introductory email.
Here are a few tips that can simplify the process.
•
•
•
•
•

Do not skip the subject line
Introduce yourself
State your request
Keep it simple
Spelling and grammar still count

Sample Questions
The most beneficial interview will come through asking personalized questions based on
the professional’s experience and what information the interviewer is seeking. Below are
some sample questions by category.
Industry/Career Field
1. What trends and developments do you see affecting career opportunities?
2. What are the most significant changes you have seen in the industry over the past 5
years?
3. What recommendations can you give to someone looking to enter this field?
Skills and Experience
1. What skills and education are needed to enter this field?
2. Are there additional certifications or skills which would help me stand out in the
industry?
3. What can I do now that would put me in a good position to work in the industry?
More Information
1. What are some career paths to consider?
2. Who else would you recommend I speak with? When I call, may I use your name?
3. What are additional resources I should consider?
Adapted from the UNC Asheville Career Center’s “Information Interview Guide”
https://career.unca.edu/sites/default/files/documents/Job_Search_PDFs/Informational%20Interview%20Guide.pdf

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Module Two: Exploring Values

During this module, the pledge class begins to dive deeper into understanding the values
and principles of Alpha Kappa Psi. This module begins to shape you into the type of
brother you will be in the Fraternity as you explore the concept of Servant Leadership and
enhance your connection to the organization through the start of the Big Brother/Little
Brother Mentor Program.
Objectives touched on during the module:
• Identify personal values
• Discuss Alpha Kappa Psi’s core values
• Define principled business leadership
• Describe what it means to be a values-based organization
• Discuss servant leadership
This module will touch on the following Key Skills
• Decision-Making
• Listening & Comprehension
• Oral Communication

Things to consider:
Do your actions and your values align?
How can you work to live by your values more intentionally?

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List of Sample Values
Acceptance
Accessibility
Accomplishment
Accountability
Accuracy
Achievement
Activity
Adaptability
Adventure
Agility
Altruism
Ambition
Amusement
Appreciation
Approachability
Availability
Awareness
Balance
Beauty
Belonging
Boldness
Bravery
Brilliance
Calm
Candor
Capability
Caring
Certainty
Challenge
Change
Character
Charity
Cheerful
Citizenship
Cleanliness
Clear
Cleve
Collaboration
Comfort
Commitment
Common Sense
Community
Compassion
Competence
Competition
Composure
Concentration
Confidence

Cooperation
Cordiality
Courage
Courtesy
Creativity
Curiosity
Decisiveness
Dedication
Delight
Dependability
Determination
Dignity
Diligence
Discretion
Diversity
Domination
Drive
Eagerness
Education
Effectiveness
Efficiency
Elegance
Empathy
Empowerment
Encouragement
Energy
Enjoyment
Excellence
Experience
Fairness
Family
Fearless
Fidelity
Flexibility
Focus
Friendship
Generosity
Goodness
Growth
Happiness
Harmony
Health
Honesty
Hope
Humility
Humor
Imagination
Independence

Individuality
Innovation
Inspiration
Integrity
Intelligence
Intensity
Joy
Justice
Kindness
Knowledge
Leadership
Learning
Liberty
Listening
Lively
Logic
Longevity
Loyalty
Mastery
Meaning
Merit
Mindful
Moderation
Mystery
Neatness
Nerve
Obedience
Open-minded
Optimism
Organization
Originality
Passion
Patience
Peace
Perfection
Persistence
Personal
Development
Philanthropy
Playfulness
Potential
Practical
Professionalism
Profitability
Progress
Punctuality
Quality
Realistic

Recognition
Resilience
Resourcefulness
Respect
Responsibility
Safety
Security
Sensitivity
Service
Sharing
Significance
Silence
Simplicity
Sincerity
Skillfulness
Smart
Solitude
Speed
Spirituality
Spontaneous
Stability
Standardization
Status
Strength
Success
Support
Sustainability
Talent
Teamwork
Transparency
Trust
Uniqueness
Unity
Virtue
Vitality
Wisdom
Wonder
Work/Life
Balance

33 | P a g e

My Top Five Values:
Value #1

Value #2

Value #4

Value #3

Value #5

Unity Service Integrity Knowledge Brotherhoo
d

Core Values
In developing principled business leaders, Alpha Kappa Psi adheres to these lifetime
values:

Trust, respect, cooperation, companionship, and aid to Brother Members is
the expected norm

Education and experience, whether gained in the classroom or the
workplace, is emphasized and shared

All actions, whether in business or in life, are guided by honesty, ethics, and
fairness

Sharing of time, talent, and treasure with both communities and with our
Organization is a priority
A common understanding of our vision and values that transcends chapter,
generation, and profession is utilized to anticipate and create the future

34 | P a g e

Guiding Principles
Building Brotherhood
The esoteric quality we call “Brotherhood” is of vital importance though difficult to define.
Our members, from the day they become Brothers until the end of their lives, foster a
great love of the Organization and a fondness for Brother Members. While Brotherhood
manifests itself in a multitude of ways, at its center is a sense of duty and respect for both
the Organization and individual members. All activities and decisions that involve the
Organization are guided by a sense of stewardship and selflessness. Members are
anchored by the need to do what is in the best interest of the Organization as a whole and
are not swayed by individual self-interest.
Lifelong Learning
College is merely the beginning of business education. Our members share their
knowledge and experiences openly with the people they work with, regardless of rank or
position. In addition, they seek out opportunities to share their real-world experience with
Brother Members, and in doing so they enhance the lifelong learning of those members.
High Ethical Standards
While the business world offers many opportunities for success and advancement, it also
requires us to make decisions about how we succeed. Our members understand the
importance of making decisions and conducting business in a way that takes into account
both legal and ethical considerations. Our members serve as role models through their
consistently fair and ethical conduct.
Improving Communities
Much is expected of those to whom much is given. Business professionals who seek to
improve the communities in which they do business improve lives and develop goodwill.
Our members actively give back to their communities through volunteer activities and
monetary support.
Enhancing the Fraternity for Life
College chapters serve as living laboratories for classroom concepts and professional
conduct. In turn, lessons learned in the Organization prepare members for success in the
business world. Because they recognize the value and importance of our Organization, our
members are united in their passion to build a legacy for the future. They support the
Organization through volunteer leadership and monetary gifts.

Alpha Kappa Psi is the premier developer of principled business
leaders

35 | P a g e

Module Three: Risk Reduction

During this module, the pledge class will participate in an activity that allows you to
exercise your analytical and critical thinking skills to make principled decisions regarding
risk reduction. This helps pledges further their understanding of the principles of Alpha
Kappa Psi and prepares them for situations where their decision-making abilities will be
critical to their success.
Objectives touched on during the module:
• Explore the Risk Management Policies
• Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to applicable scenarios
This module will touch on the following Key Skills
• Analytical & Critical Thinking
• Confidence
• Decision-Making
• Listening & Comprehension
• Oral Communication

Things to consider:
Do your actions elicit proactive or reactive thinking?
How can you practice making smarter decisions to reduce risk?

36 | P a g e

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

You have been a pledge with Alpha Kappa Psi for a few weeks and have started getting to
know your pledge class. As soon as you received your Court of Honor Presentation group,
your group decided to create a text group to stay in touch and work on the project. One of
your pledge brothers posed in the group chat the pledge class should host a pledge only
party at his house to get to know each other even better. Another pledge brother
mentioned her older sister was over 21 and would purchase alcohol for them if everyone
chipped in money. Everyone agreed it was a great idea, until the night of the party. The
pledge brother whose sister purchased the alcohol for everyone ended up having too
much to drink and blacked out and hit her head on the staircase, resulting in a concussion.

Where did this scenario go wrong?

37 | P a g e

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

You have been anxiously waiting for Big Brother Reveal to receive your big brother. To
make the night more exciting, the chapter decided each pledge will be blindfolded and
led to the room from outside by a guide. Once they remove the blindfold, the pledge will
turn around and see his or her big brother. The room reserved in the basement of the
business building holds 100 people, and when including the pledges, it brought the
number of attendees to just over that amount. Since it was the only place available, the
chapter decided the number was close so it would be fine because all the posters fit along
the walls comfortably anyway. To ensure the little brothers did not peak and to create a
certain ambience, they also kept the lights dimmed in the room. As your guide walked you
through the business building you got caught up in the excitement and tripped over one of
the chairs at the front of the room that the brothers had pushed off to the side. You
thought nothing of it at first other than the fall hurt, but later found out you sprained your
wrist.

Where did this scenario go wrong?

38 | P a g e

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

With a large pledge class, it was hard to find a time for all the pledges to meet for the
weekly modules. The chapter and pledge class decided the best time to meet was at 10
p.m. on Monday night. Normally, it is not an issue and you are out by 11 p.m., but one night
the fraternity educator was late and did not arrive until 10:30 p.m. You considered telling
him you had an exam the next morning and needed to leave so you could study, but did
not want them to think you could not balance your academics and extracurriculars. The
module also went over and you ended up not leaving until midnight. By the time you
arrived back at your dorm and put in a few hours of studying, it was nearly 3 a.m. You
managed to get a few hours of sleep before you had to leave for your exam, but struggled
through the rest of the day.

Where did this scenario go wrong?

39 | P a g e

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

One night while you are scrolling through your Instagram feed you notice a few pictures a
chapter brother posted from a house party the previous weekend. The pictures show
brothers playing drinking games, chugging beers and a few of the members in the photos
are underage.

In one of the pictures a brother is wearing fraternity letters and each of the posts include
hashtags referencing the fraternity.

Concerned about the image this reflects on the chapter you are hoping to join and the
individual brothers whom you have gotten to know, what should do you do?

40 | P a g e

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

As a new member, you are very excited to attend your first Principled Business Leadership
Institute. You have heard a lot of great stories, and are really excited to network with
members from other chapters and attend the sessions to enhance your professional
development. The chapter set aside a certain amount of money to reimburse the
registration costs of every brother attending, but it is an expectation that you attend the
entire conference.

During PBLI weekend, you notice that a few brothers decide to leave the conference early
to tour the city. They posted photos on social media while the conference was still
occurring, so there was no doubt they were not in attendance. When you return to
campus, nobody says anything and the chapter refunds them the full cost of registration
even though they did not meet the expectations.

As a new chapter member, what should you do?

41 | P a g e

Module Four: Interviewing

During this module, the material starts to shift away from fraternal information into
professional development. In advance of the Mid-Term Interview, this module will cover
the basics of interviewing, how to prepare and what to expect, to prepare you for both the
ritual and future interviews.
Objectives touched on during the module:
• Discuss the expectations before, during, and after an interview
• Share tips for preparing for an interview
• Practice selling and making connections
This module will touch on the following Key Skills
• Creative & Innovative Thinking
• Listening & Comprehension
• Oral Communication
• Relationship Building

Things to consider:
How can you apply your experience thus far in the pledge process to
a job interview?
What can you do to better prepare yourself for your future career?

42 | P a g e

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

Before the Interview
•

Know the details
You don’t want to be blindsided on
the type of interview you are
walking in on, or if you needed to
prepare something ahead of time.
So, get the details.
Show up on time
Showing up late is the easiest way
to hurt your chances. Look up
where you are going ahead of time
and give yourself extra time.
Dress appropriately
Do you have the right clothes for
the interview? Do they fit and look
appropriate on your body style?
Look presentable.

•

•

•

•

•

Have your interviewer’s contact
information
Emergencies happen and plans can
change. Make sure you know how
to get ahold of your interviewer if
you need to reschedule or are going
to be late.
Research the company
Be prepared to talk about your
knowledge of the company and
why you want to work there. Do you
know what they do and what you
would be doing?
Get in the right mindset
It’s ok to be nervous, but walk in
confident and ready to sell yourself!

During the Interview
•

•
•

Watch your body language
Don’t give them a reason to
doubt your abilities, so watch
your posture, hand gestures, eye
contact and smile!
Speak up!
It does you no good if they can’t
hear you!
Don’t focus on your
weaknesses
They are going to hire you
based off what you’re good at,
focus on your strengths and how
you can benefit them!

•
•

•

Ask for clarification
If they ask a question you don’t
understand, ask!
Don’t talk bad about previous
experiences
If you talk poorly about a bad
experience, they will think you’ll
eventually talk poorly about them
as well.
Wait to discuss salary
Don’t seem to eager. Let them
bring it up first.

After the Interview
•
•

Remember to ask questions before you leave, including what the next steps
are and when you should expect to hear from them.
Send a thank you note and be sure to follow up if they don’t!

43 | P a g e

Module Five: Handling Feedback

During this module, the pledge class will reflect on their experience at the Mid-Term
Interview and focus on feedback. Pledges will receive their Mid-Term Interview feedback
and discuss what to do next, as well as have the chance to practice giving feedback.
Objectives touched on during the module:
• Discuss the importance of importance
• Discuss the difficulties of giving and receiving feedback
• Review a model for giving feedback
• Discuss tips for giving and receiving feedback
• Practice giving and receiving feedback
This module will touch on the following Key Skills
• Analytical & Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intellgience
• Listening & Comprehension
• Oral Communication
• Relationship Building
• Resilience

Things to consider:
How do you handle receiving feedback, both positive and negative?
What do you do with feedback you’ve received?

44 | P a g e

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

The Robert Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership has developed a model for giving
feedback. It follows the pattern of Fact, Impact,
Next.

Next

Fact

Fact: What happened?
Impact: What was the result?
Next: What will we do next time?

Impact

Following this model can help both the person
delivering feedback avoid inputting personal
biases, and the person receiving feedback to hear how their actions are affecting others.

Giving Constructive Feedback
It can be difficult to give feedback because of the unknown in how the other person will
react. Follow the tips below to help focus on providing constructive feedback which
targets the person’s behavior and how it made you feel personally.
Tip
Make sure your intention is
to be helpful;
Use “I” statements;
Deal only with behavior
which can be changed;
Describe the behavior you
see, do not evaluate it;
Focus on the behavior, not
the person;
Be as specific as you can be
(use examples);
Explain the impact of the
behavior on you;
Remember the value of
silence.

Example
Ensure you are sharing information to benefit them
as opposed to just getting a feeling off your chest.
“I am frustrated you did not complete your
assignment on time, causing us to turn it in late.
Next time I need you to consider the timeline.”
Don’t confuse behavior with personality. They can’t
change how their voice sounds or if they prefer to
spend time by themselves.
Explain what happened so the person can
understand what needs to happen.
Don’t let personal biases get in the way and focus
on a specific action and its impact.
“Tuesday when we had lunch at Steak and Shake,
you said….”
“When you said that, I felt…”
Give them time to digest what you said before
asking questions.

45 | P a g e

Receiving Feedback
When receiving feedback, it can be difficult to digest what may come across as negative.
Not all feedback is bad, and should be treated as an opportunity to improve as opposed to
a reason to critique your behavior.
Tip
Do not explain or try to
defend your behaviors;
Ask clarifying questions
only;
Focus on the value the
information may have to
you;
Paraphrase what you
heard to ensure proper
clarification;
Say thank you;
Decide what you want
to do with the feedback.

Example
“I never did that…”
“From what you’ve said it seems….”
Ask yourself, “how can I use this information to better
myself?”
“In other words…”
“I appreciate your feedback…”
Not all feedback should be taken, make a personal
judgement on what to do next.

Mid-Term Interview Rubric
What are your thoughts and impressions looking at your feedback from the Mid-Term
Interview Rubric? How are you going to take this information to improve?

46 | P a g e

Module Six: Emotional Intelligence

During the final module before Court of Honor, the pledge class will look critically at the
personalities of their presentation groups and how to work in a team environment. They
will learn about the basics of emotional intelligence, how understanding personality types
can play into group dynamics, and apply their new knowledge to their own experience in
their Court of Honor Presentation groups.
Objectives touched on during the module:
• Identify the elements of emotional intelligence
• Discuss the team styles in the DISC assessment
• Evaluate the styles in the Court of Honor Presentation Groups
This module will touch on the following Key Skills
• Analytical and Critical Thinking
• Confidence
• Decision-Making
• Emotional Intelligence
• Listening and Comprehension
• Oral Communication

Things to consider:
How do you work with people who learn differently than you?
What do you do when there is conflict in a team?

47 | P a g e

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

In his book titled "Emotional Intelligence - Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" 1995, Daniel
Goleman, an American psychologist, developed a framework of five elements that define
emotional intelligence:
1. Self-Awareness – People with high emotional intelligence are usually very selfaware. They understand their emotions, and because of this, they don't let their
feelings rule them. They're confident – because they trust their intuition and don't let
their emotions get out of control.
They're also willing to take an honest look at themselves. They know their strengths
and weaknesses, and they work on these areas so they can perform better. Many
people believe that this self-awareness is the most important part of emotional
intelligence.
2. Self-Regulation – This is the ability to control emotions and impulses. People who
self-regulate typically don't allow themselves to become too angry or jealous, and
they don't make impulsive, careless decisions. They think before they act.
Characteristics of self-regulation are thoughtfulness, comfort with change, integrity,
and the ability to say no.
3. Motivation – People with a high degree of emotional intelligence are
usually motivated. They're willing to defer immediate results for long-term success.
They're highly productive, love a challenge, and are very effective in whatever they
do.
4. Empathy – This is perhaps the second-most important element of emotional
intelligence. Empathy is the ability to identify with and understand the wants, needs,
and viewpoints of those around you. People with empathy are good at recognizing
the feelings of others, even when those feelings may not be obvious. As a result,
empathetic people are usually excellent at managing relationships, listening, and
relating to others. They avoid stereotyping and judging too quickly, and they live
their lives in a very open, honest way.
5. Social Skills – It's usually easy to talk to and like people with good social skills,
another sign of high emotional intelligence. Those with strong social skills are
typically team players. Rather than focus on their own success first, they help others
develop and shine. They can manage disputes, are excellent communicators, and
are masters at building and maintaining relationships.

48 | P a g e

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.
C
Appears reserved and somewhat timid
Is quiet
Focuses on details
Asks many questions
Studies specs and other information
carefully
Proceeds with caution
Does not easily express disagreeing
viewpoints

D
Often appear to be in a hurry
Is direct, says what they are thinking
May be blunt
States their own opinions as facts
Interrupts others
May talk to many people at the same time
Wants to know “what is the bottom line?”
Is aggressive/demanding

S
Appears calm
Does not get easily excited
Listens carefully
Nods and goes along
Is easy-going
Asks questions and inquires about the
specifics
Seems to have strong opinions but does
not express them vocally

I
Is open and friendly
Talks a lot
Gets easily excited
Is animated
Talks about people he/she knows
Does not focus much on details
Does not listen for long

Using the chart above, determine which styles are represented in your Presentation Group
and discuss your preferred styles. Is your team weighted heavily in one area or another?
What might be missing from your team? How might this affect how your team functions?
Team Member

Preferred Style

Behavior or Characteristic

49 | P a g e

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders.

This is a list of resources available to assist you throughout the pledge education process
and throughout membership.
Fraternal Exam Quiz Links
Fraternity Policy Quiz: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/leadpolicyquiz
Fraternity History Quiz: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/leadhistoryquiz
Fraternity Structure Quiz: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/leadstructurequiz
Website: www.myakpsi.org
•

About:
o AKPsi Today
o AKPsi History
o Board of Directors
o Heritage Center Staff
o Management Team
o Governing Documents

•

Collegiate Chapters:
o Programs
o Personal and Professional
o Road to Brotherhood

•

Programs:
o Educational Events:
▪ Academy (application required)
▪ Case Competition
▪ College of Leadership
▪ Convention
▪ Fraternity Advisor Conference
▪ Officer Training
▪ President’s Academy
▪ Principled Business Leadership Institute
o Foundation Scholarships
o Member Accident Protection

50 | P a g e



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