Happy weekend, gents!
I hope you are all excited for what's sure to be an excellent weekend. I know you're especially excited for some fun reading and blogging this weekend! Here are your assignments for this week:
- blog away and have blogersations (of course!)
- read chapters 6&7 of Leadership for a Better World
- read this great article on Community
- read this amazing article on fraternities and sororities
It might be a good idea to start talking as a group as to what you all want to do for your Group Leadership Commitments. As a reminder, your groups are:
Group A
- Alex Q.
- Niko
- Jon
- Ozzy
- Tre
Group B
- Alex L.
- Eli
- Tim
- Nick
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Blog #5: What does good Citizenship mean to you?
What does good citizenship mean to you?
My definition of good citizenship has evolved over the years. Before I started college, I thought good citizenship was simply doing community service. Then, as I entered college, my definition of good citizenship evolved some to include philanthropic giving and community service. As I got older, my definition of good citizenship included community service, philanthropic, and civic engagement (voting primarily). Now, my definition of good citizenship has developed to include all of these things and to, most importantly, include being an informed citizen. I wish I could say I was all of these things, but I am so far from being a good citizen.
I think that all aspects of this definition are important in being a good citizen.
Community service is a way for us to be involved in our community, helping those directly around us. When I look at my community here in Columbus, I see so many people in need of help. My experience on my Alternative Spring Break in undergrad (now called Buck-I-Serv) allowed me to witness firsthand how community service can help those around you as well as reemphasize the fact that we need to help those around us. I saw people who were no different than me who were impacted by world events in ways that I couldn’t even fathom. They were so appreciative of the help my peers and I were offering, but also helped so much in educating my peers and me on the reality of homelessness.
As for my philanthropic efforts, I really wish I could say I was like a Rockefeller, but LBH, I don’t make that kind of money. And I’m okay with that, but I think it is important to give what I can. We’ve all heard the saying from some football coach about paying it forward and I really do believe that to be true. I think it is important for someone to invest in something they care about. For me, I know that I care about and believe in Ohio State and our students here. I can’t give much money, but I give what I can to areas of the University I think are important and to which I have ties. Additionally, I have a fondness for the Capital Area Humane Society as that’s where I found Elph. The work the Humane Society does makes our community better and provides much needed services for these neglected animals.
When I think of being a good citizen with voting and with being an informed citizen, I think the two go hand-in-hand. I believe that we live in a great country and that no matter what your political ideology; I think it is important for you to vote. BUT, I think you need to be informed as to what you are voting about. By being informed, you can positively change the world for what you believe. I can’t stand when people vote one way or another because that’s how their parents vote or because they follow a candidate or issue that they only see on TV. You wouldn’t buy a bump-it just because you saw it on TV, would you? NO. Bump-its are stupid, so don’t be stupid and buy one. Likewise, don’t vote for a candidate or issue just because you’ve seen them on TV. They could be as stupid as a bump-it.
I think it’s easier to be a good citizen in some aspects of this definition than in others. For all of us, we can focus on educating ourselves and voting twice a year. Our time can be limited, but we can still find an hour here or there to do community service. And, while money can be tight, every little bit helps. I know I’m still trying to be an even better citizen. How about you?
My definition of good citizenship has evolved over the years. Before I started college, I thought good citizenship was simply doing community service. Then, as I entered college, my definition of good citizenship evolved some to include philanthropic giving and community service. As I got older, my definition of good citizenship included community service, philanthropic, and civic engagement (voting primarily). Now, my definition of good citizenship has developed to include all of these things and to, most importantly, include being an informed citizen. I wish I could say I was all of these things, but I am so far from being a good citizen.
I think that all aspects of this definition are important in being a good citizen.
Community service is a way for us to be involved in our community, helping those directly around us. When I look at my community here in Columbus, I see so many people in need of help. My experience on my Alternative Spring Break in undergrad (now called Buck-I-Serv) allowed me to witness firsthand how community service can help those around you as well as reemphasize the fact that we need to help those around us. I saw people who were no different than me who were impacted by world events in ways that I couldn’t even fathom. They were so appreciative of the help my peers and I were offering, but also helped so much in educating my peers and me on the reality of homelessness.
As for my philanthropic efforts, I really wish I could say I was like a Rockefeller, but LBH, I don’t make that kind of money. And I’m okay with that, but I think it is important to give what I can. We’ve all heard the saying from some football coach about paying it forward and I really do believe that to be true. I think it is important for someone to invest in something they care about. For me, I know that I care about and believe in Ohio State and our students here. I can’t give much money, but I give what I can to areas of the University I think are important and to which I have ties. Additionally, I have a fondness for the Capital Area Humane Society as that’s where I found Elph. The work the Humane Society does makes our community better and provides much needed services for these neglected animals.
When I think of being a good citizen with voting and with being an informed citizen, I think the two go hand-in-hand. I believe that we live in a great country and that no matter what your political ideology; I think it is important for you to vote. BUT, I think you need to be informed as to what you are voting about. By being informed, you can positively change the world for what you believe. I can’t stand when people vote one way or another because that’s how their parents vote or because they follow a candidate or issue that they only see on TV. You wouldn’t buy a bump-it just because you saw it on TV, would you? NO. Bump-its are stupid, so don’t be stupid and buy one. Likewise, don’t vote for a candidate or issue just because you’ve seen them on TV. They could be as stupid as a bump-it.
I think it’s easier to be a good citizen in some aspects of this definition than in others. For all of us, we can focus on educating ourselves and voting twice a year. Our time can be limited, but we can still find an hour here or there to do community service. And, while money can be tight, every little bit helps. I know I’m still trying to be an even better citizen. How about you?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Week 4 Assignments
Good afternoon, gents!
Here's what you'll need to be working on for your assignments this week:
- Blog about your ritual and what it means to you (see previous post)
- Have blogersations on one and others' blogs (shoot for commenting on at least 1/2 the classes
- Read chapters 8 & 5
- Submit your Individual Leadership Commitments in class on Tuesday (see Blogabus for original assignment)
- Read this article on the future of the Greek experience
I look forward to reading your blogs and your papers! Happy blogging!
Here's what you'll need to be working on for your assignments this week:
- Blog about your ritual and what it means to you (see previous post)
- Have blogersations on one and others' blogs (shoot for commenting on at least 1/2 the classes
- Read chapters 8 & 5
- Submit your Individual Leadership Commitments in class on Tuesday (see Blogabus for original assignment)
- Read this article on the future of the Greek experience
I look forward to reading your blogs and your papers! Happy blogging!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Blog #3: Values Congruence
What does my ritual mean to me and how do I show congruence and commitment to it?
When I think of what my ritual means to me, I try to imagine what our Immortal Six set out to do when founding FIJI. Did they set out for a Fraternity that would lead to the brotherhood that I've experienced through FIJI? Did they set out for a place where any college man could call home? Did they set out to build a Fraternity that would be accepting of any college man who shared our values?
I think (and hope) they set out to do all of these things. In FIJI, I have found a bond that I had not found with any other peers. Through FIJI, I have learned to push myself to be a better person and a better brother. Being a part of FIJI, has taught me to live the values of my Fraternity in all that I do (see previous post), but even more so, I know what it means to be a part of something bigger than the individual.
My values are shared by all FIJIs and Greeks are united by the rituals we perform. As we work to improve our community, we have to rely on our values to guide our actions. Not only do we need to guide our own actions, but we need to hold our brothers and community members accountable to represent our Fraternity and community in the best light possible. By following our values, we can live our ritual in a way that the Immortal Six envisioned. And when living our values, we can be sure to carry on the legacy that our Immortal Six set out when founding the alpha chapter of Phi Gamma Delta.
When I think of what my ritual means to me, I try to imagine what our Immortal Six set out to do when founding FIJI. Did they set out for a Fraternity that would lead to the brotherhood that I've experienced through FIJI? Did they set out for a place where any college man could call home? Did they set out to build a Fraternity that would be accepting of any college man who shared our values?
I think (and hope) they set out to do all of these things. In FIJI, I have found a bond that I had not found with any other peers. Through FIJI, I have learned to push myself to be a better person and a better brother. Being a part of FIJI, has taught me to live the values of my Fraternity in all that I do (see previous post), but even more so, I know what it means to be a part of something bigger than the individual.
My values are shared by all FIJIs and Greeks are united by the rituals we perform. As we work to improve our community, we have to rely on our values to guide our actions. Not only do we need to guide our own actions, but we need to hold our brothers and community members accountable to represent our Fraternity and community in the best light possible. By following our values, we can live our ritual in a way that the Immortal Six envisioned. And when living our values, we can be sure to carry on the legacy that our Immortal Six set out when founding the alpha chapter of Phi Gamma Delta.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Week 3 assignments
Good evening, gents!
In addition to blogging about topic #2- values and having blogersations and additional blogs, you're going to want to be sure to do the reading for class on Tuesday. This will lay the foundation of all of our work here in class and hopefully help you all understand your greater role in social change.
Be sure to read Chapters 9, 10, and 11 from the Komives (2009). You'll also want to read these great articles on Values and Action congruence, A Call for Values Congruence, Branding, and Ritual.
And don't forget to comment on Eli's bonus blog this week!
And here's something just to make you chuckle.
In addition to blogging about topic #2- values and having blogersations and additional blogs, you're going to want to be sure to do the reading for class on Tuesday. This will lay the foundation of all of our work here in class and hopefully help you all understand your greater role in social change.
Be sure to read Chapters 9, 10, and 11 from the Komives (2009). You'll also want to read these great articles on Values and Action congruence, A Call for Values Congruence, Branding, and Ritual.
And don't forget to comment on Eli's bonus blog this week!
And here's something just to make you chuckle.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Blog #2: What are my values?
Well, I think it's safe to say that I value knowledge, morality, service, friendship, and excellence. Both as an undergraduate member of FIJI and as a graduate brother, I still value these principles.
Knowledge- when first reflecting upon this value as a graduate brother, I had to think about how I value knowledge now that I am no longer in school. Working in higher education is an easy example of how I value knowledge. BUT, outside of work, I see that I value knowledge in my daily life as I seek to learn more about my profession, my community, and the world in which I live.
Morality- I see this as two-fold. I believe I live a moral life and true to my background as a Christian. I also believe that I have a life of integrity and when I commit to something or someone, I keep my word and am honest in all that I do.
Service- I believe in paying forward. While there are days that I don't feel that fortunate or well-off, I look at the world around me and realize that I can have great impact on those around me. Unfortunately, I don't currently do much around my Columbus community and I really do need to change that. Compared to what I did for service as an undergraduate student, I really should be doing more.
Friendship- There is no doubt in my mind that I have made the right choice in making a lifetime commitment when I joined FIJI. My closest friends now are brothers that I met through the Fraternity. Some of those friends were friends before I joined FIJI, but the bond has only been strengthened by our membership in FIJI.
Nathan (OSU, '05) and I celebrating our birthdays last summer.
To this day, I put these friendships first above all my current relationships and obligations in life and model other relationships off of those I have with my brothers.
Excellence- Every day of my life, I strive to do everything to the best of my ability. There are days that I don't do this to my fullest, and often, I find myself feeling guilty about my performance that day. I try to be the best professional I can (whether I do a good job with that or not is debatable) and in all that I do, I live myself the same whether that be in personal relationships, sports, or in my family.
As an individual and as I've grown up, I have also learned that equality for all is important and a much larger issue than any one individual. We all are responsible for changing the world in which we live and hopefully, we can work together, no matter what our backgrounds or beliefs, and make this a better world for everyone.
Knowledge- when first reflecting upon this value as a graduate brother, I had to think about how I value knowledge now that I am no longer in school. Working in higher education is an easy example of how I value knowledge. BUT, outside of work, I see that I value knowledge in my daily life as I seek to learn more about my profession, my community, and the world in which I live.
Morality- I see this as two-fold. I believe I live a moral life and true to my background as a Christian. I also believe that I have a life of integrity and when I commit to something or someone, I keep my word and am honest in all that I do.
Service- I believe in paying forward. While there are days that I don't feel that fortunate or well-off, I look at the world around me and realize that I can have great impact on those around me. Unfortunately, I don't currently do much around my Columbus community and I really do need to change that. Compared to what I did for service as an undergraduate student, I really should be doing more.
Friendship- There is no doubt in my mind that I have made the right choice in making a lifetime commitment when I joined FIJI. My closest friends now are brothers that I met through the Fraternity. Some of those friends were friends before I joined FIJI, but the bond has only been strengthened by our membership in FIJI.
Nathan (OSU, '05) and I celebrating our birthdays last summer.
To this day, I put these friendships first above all my current relationships and obligations in life and model other relationships off of those I have with my brothers.
Excellence- Every day of my life, I strive to do everything to the best of my ability. There are days that I don't do this to my fullest, and often, I find myself feeling guilty about my performance that day. I try to be the best professional I can (whether I do a good job with that or not is debatable) and in all that I do, I live myself the same whether that be in personal relationships, sports, or in my family.
As an individual and as I've grown up, I have also learned that equality for all is important and a much larger issue than any one individual. We all are responsible for changing the world in which we live and hopefully, we can work together, no matter what our backgrounds or beliefs, and make this a better world for everyone.
Additional Blogging Assignment
Here is the list of additional blogging assignments and the dates to which you're assigned.
***PLEASE TRY AND POST THE ADDITIONAL BLOG TOPIC BY NOON ON THE SUNDAY BEFORE CLASS IN ORDER TO GIVE EVERYONE ENOUGH TIME TO POST.***
***PLEASE TRY AND POST THE ADDITIONAL BLOG TOPIC BY NOON ON THE SUNDAY BEFORE CLASS IN ORDER TO GIVE EVERYONE ENOUGH TIME TO POST.***
1/18: Eli Nader
1/25: Alex Lindsey
2/1: Tim Liutkus
2/8: Nick Weaver
2/15: Jon Brown
2/22: Chris Osborne
3/1: Niko McMurray
3/8: Alex Quintero
Friday, January 7, 2011
Week 2 Assignments
Happy blogging, Gentlemen!
I hope you're all blogging away. As a reminder, be sure to do the readings for this Tuesday's class. It's important to do these as they will impact your blogging and class discussion. I've already gotten about 3/4 of the way through and think there's lots of relevant information coming from the Komives book from 2009 Leadership for a Better World. You will want to be sure to read Chapters 1 and 2.
You're also going to want to read the article "Origin and Evolution of College Fraternities and Sororities." It's a great history about the changing Fraternity.
Don't forget to blog this weekend!
I hope you're all blogging away. As a reminder, be sure to do the readings for this Tuesday's class. It's important to do these as they will impact your blogging and class discussion. I've already gotten about 3/4 of the way through and think there's lots of relevant information coming from the Komives book from 2009 Leadership for a Better World. You will want to be sure to read Chapters 1 and 2.
You're also going to want to read the article "Origin and Evolution of College Fraternities and Sororities." It's a great history about the changing Fraternity.
Don't forget to blog this weekend!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Class expectations
Class:-to learn about becoming a more effective leader
-finding own leadership techniques
-keeping it fun and interesting
-get to know each other better
-gaining new and better perspectives on place in OSU and Greek community
-addressing mission statement values and what your own values are
-deeper discussions in the class
-getting to know yourselves better
Of Instructors:-offer insight and personal experiences
-outline what it takes to be a good leader
-being honest
-be prepared
-keeping it fun and informative
-being creative
-Be Here Now
-The Vegas Rule
One Another:
-open mindedness
- listen
-respect each other’s opinions
-honesty
-participate actively in class
-take each other seriously
-don’t take things personally
-be prepared
- Be Here Now
-The Vegas Rule
-finding own leadership techniques
-keeping it fun and interesting
-get to know each other better
-gaining new and better perspectives on place in OSU and Greek community
-addressing mission statement values and what your own values are
-deeper discussions in the class
-getting to know yourselves better
Of Instructors:-offer insight and personal experiences
-outline what it takes to be a good leader
-being honest
-be prepared
-keeping it fun and informative
-being creative
-Be Here Now
-The Vegas Rule
One Another:
-open mindedness
- listen
-respect each other’s opinions
-honesty
-participate actively in class
-take each other seriously
-don’t take things personally
-be prepared
- Be Here Now
-The Vegas Rule
Blog Assignment #1
Who are you, why did you join FIJI, and what are you thinking after reading this Blogabus in its entirety?
Who is Josh?
Well, for the sake of this class, I'm your instructor. And in my role in FIJI, I serve as your Purple Legionnaire. At Ohio State, I am the Director of Student Programs for the Ohio State University Alumni Association. But, I'm also a son, grandson, brother, proud parent of Elphie, a boyfriend, White, a Christian, and a gay man.
All of these different roles and identities make me who I am. The work that I do is impacted directly my experiences, my beliefs, and my relationships. I am proud of who I am and hope to serve as a positive role model to the students with whom I work.
On a personal note, I enjoy doing things outdoors (eg.- hiking, camping, running, etc.) and spending time with Elph. I'm also a huge nerd and am obsessed with all things Star Trek, Stargate, Battlestar Galactica, and Harry Potter. But, don't waste my time with Twilight. That series is so elementary compared to good sci fi.
Why FIJI?
I had absolutely no intention of ever joining FIJI or any other frat (yes, I intentionally used that word and will explain why shortly) for that matter. I was already very involved on campus through the Student-Alumni Council, class honoraries, and major campus events by the time I was a sophomore/junior. At that point in my life, I had already made up my mind about Greek life. With the chapters that were on campus back in 2003/2004, only one or two were high caliber and I didn't have the respect for frats because of the way some of the members behaved and represented their organizations in public.
Fast forward to the end of my junior year when a Fraternity named Phi Gamma Delta was recolonizing on campus. Many of my close friends and even my roommates were being recruited by this Fraternity. Now, I didn't know much about FIJI, but I knew that just because my friends joined, I didn't think it was right for me. Again, I had seen so many other Fraternities on campus, that I knew I didn't want to be associated with the community nor did I feel that I had the appropriate amount of time to dedicate to recolonizing. That was until my advisors and now friends Kay Robinson and Jen Pelletier encouraged me to rethink my preconceived notions of Greek life. As I learned more about the values of Greek life (and more specifically FIJI), I found myself intrigued as to how I could be a Fraternity man. At this point, my roommates Jon Horn, Dennis Ditullio, and Adam Barbina (Princess) had already joined the Fraternity. I learned that I could really help in redefining the Greek community at Ohio State and help to lay the foundations for a strong chapter here at Ohio State in Omicron Deuteron.
The more I've grown in the Fraternity, the more I understand what it means to be a FIJI and a Fraternal man. From not wanting to be a part of a "frat," I can truly see what a Fraternity can be and how proud I am to be a FIJI. I'd like to think that I've not only learned the difference between a "frat" and fraternity, but that I've also helped others see how great a Fraternity can be.
Blogging
Well, this should be interesting. Haha. I really am liking the idea of blogging and am learning a lot as I blog about not only myself but this new (to me) venue for me to share my thoughts and ideas. I'm also looking forward to learning more about each of the students enrolled in the course. I've worked with you all for many years and in different capacities, but I'm hoping that this platform allows for stream-of-consciousness sharing that we may, otherwise, be hesitant to share.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts about the Blogabus as well as learning more about each of you!
The Art of Blogging
So, here we are in 2011 and a new decade is upon us. Sure, this is the decade that the Mayans predicted as the End of Days, but it's also a decade of endless possibilities. As we work in a world that is constantly changing and in a world where more and more individuals can instantly share their thoughts and feelings with others via the web (see: ).
For this class, we will be utilizing blogging as a tool to communicate class updates as well as for each of us to share our thoughts and reflections about the larger questions of leadership and social change with one another. Before we get started with class assignments and readings, let's break down a few things here in my blog:
What is a blog?
To get a better understanding of what a blog is, I suggest you check out the ever-reliable Wikipedia. According to Wikipedia, "A blog (a blend of the term web log)[1] is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video."
How-to Blog
Here is a great resource for how to Blog and some helpful tips on blogging in general.
And if you're more of a visual learner, you can check out Blogger's video tutorials here.
Why Blog?
There are plenty of good reasons to blog. In addition to the reasons mentioned previously, here are even more practical reasons to blog:
Blogging is fun(ny)! You might be familiar with this "blog" or here's another fun one!
Blogging is informative. You can help folks plan their weddings through blogging or teach them to build a deck.
Blogging is adaptable. You can insert photos:
Or videos:
No matter what you do with your blog, we hope that it reflects who you are, what you are learning in this course and in school, and ultimately, you enjoy updating your blog! Make it fun, make it informative, and make it adaptable to your personality and style.
For this class, we will be utilizing blogging as a tool to communicate class updates as well as for each of us to share our thoughts and reflections about the larger questions of leadership and social change with one another. Before we get started with class assignments and readings, let's break down a few things here in my blog:
What is a blog?
To get a better understanding of what a blog is, I suggest you check out the ever-reliable Wikipedia. According to Wikipedia, "A blog (a blend of the term web log)[1] is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video."
How-to Blog
Here is a great resource for how to Blog and some helpful tips on blogging in general.
And if you're more of a visual learner, you can check out Blogger's video tutorials here.
Why Blog?
There are plenty of good reasons to blog. In addition to the reasons mentioned previously, here are even more practical reasons to blog:
Blogging is fun(ny)! You might be familiar with this "blog" or here's another fun one!
Blogging is informative. You can help folks plan their weddings through blogging or teach them to build a deck.
Blogging is adaptable. You can insert photos:
Or videos:
No matter what you do with your blog, we hope that it reflects who you are, what you are learning in this course and in school, and ultimately, you enjoy updating your blog! Make it fun, make it informative, and make it adaptable to your personality and style.
Blogabus
The
School of Educational Policy and Leadership
In partnership with The Office of Student Life and The Ohio Union
EDU P&L 270.04 #9487
Student Career Development and Leadership Training
WI2011 Curriculum
Assumptions
The material that follows is a result of the following assumptions:
- The relevancy of Fraternity is being questioned in today’s society more so than ever before and in order to remain relevant to the lives of our college students, Fraternity must not only go under a process of social change to achieve redefinition, but must also become themselves agents of social change.
- If Fraternity can change and adapt to fit the needs of our global, technological, and advanced society, Fraternity has the potential to become not only the most relevant organizations on the college campus, but also within our collective society.
- The process of achieving the type of social change required to make Fraternity truly relevant requires a level of creativity and imagination never seen before.
- Today’s college students spend more time on the internet than anything else in a given day, and there are vast arrays of technological and multi-media resources that must be taken advantage of in order for our society to reach our greatest potential.
Course Purpose
This focus section of EDU 270.04 provides the men of Phi Gamma Delta the opportunity to realize the enormous and magnificent potential each member has to change the future of the Fraternal Movement as well as their responsibility to act upon such potential. The course provides an overview of the theory related to, and skills necessary for the practice of effective leadership within the Fraternal Movement by using the Social Change Model of Leadership Development as a foundation to achieving such change.
Course Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course students will:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the remarkable process of leadership, specifically, in relationship to the Social Change Model of Leadership Development
2. Demonstrate an increased awareness of the personal qualities and skills they bring to their fraternity/sorority, their group, and to their global leadership potential
3. Demonstrate increased confidence and skill in practicing leadership within the chapter environment, the group environment, the community environment, and within society
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the current trends and issues that define the Fraternal Movement and an ability to argue the relevance of Fraternity
6. Develop an Individual Leadership Commitment, a Chapter Leadership Commitment, and a Community Leadership Commitment which will guide the actions of all officers for the duration of their term in office and which will facilitate positive social change.
Required
Komives, et al., Leadership for a Better World, 2009.
Various supplemental readings to be provided by the instructors electronically via the Blogabus.
Course Syllabus
In the spirit of Assumption #4 and the value that must be placed on technological resources, the syllabus for this focus section of 270.04 will take the form of a Blog entry and is available here:
An up-to-date copy of the syllabus is available in the first blog entry from the above blog, known in this course as a Blogabus. Students should visit the Blogabus for updated course information.
The rational behind the Blogabus allows the instructors to model the type of creativity and limitless possibilities that will be asked of from all students. Furthermore, it serves as the initial model for the first requirement of the course: the Fraternal Change Blog.
Course Requirements
- Fraternal Change Blog (30 points)
Each student is asked to maintain a blog throughout the duration of the course, reflecting on their shared experiences within the class. All blogs will be titled “Fraternal Change Blogs” and will require students to actively and creatively reflect on and make meaning of class material in an experimental and holistic manner. Students will be given a series of ten prompts during the course of the class (one prompt per class period), and must respond to the prompt on their Blog prior to the start of the following class period. Each assigned prompt will be graded and is worth 3 points each.
- Blogersation Participation (10 points)
In addition to maintaining their own Blogs, each student is asked to serve as active participants on their classmates and their instructor Blogs. Students should be actively visiting one another’s Blogs and providing comments for one another. Furthermore, each student should not be limited by his or her 10 Blog prompts: while not graded, students are encouraged to Blog 3-4 times a week on non-prompted issues. A total of 10 points will be given to students who display an exemplary commitment to actively updating their own Blog beyond the 10 assigned prompts and who actively comment on their peer’s blogs.
- Individual Leadership Commitment (15 points)
Each student must compose a 5-7 page formal reflection paper discussing how they would define their personal leadership style in relation to the Social Change Model while also making a concrete commitment to how he will challenge him to grow personally and professionally as a result of his role in the fraternity. Specific details and expectations will be distributed to the class via the instructors Fraternal Change Blog closer to the due date.
- Leadership Commitment (15 points)
Working together in their respective groups, each group is asked to complete a Leadership Commitment. Using the Social Change Theory, each group must develop a comprehensive action plan which will guide the group’s vision, goals, and actions steps for their year in office. Each group will submit only one Commitment, and all group members will receive the same grade. Furthermore, each group will present a 5 minute presentation to the other groups on their Commitment. Specific details and expectations will be distributed to the class via the instructors Fraternal Change Blog closer to the due date.
- Final Exam – Community Leadership Commitment (20 points)
As a class, all students will be asked to redefine the American Fraternity as their Final Exam. Working together as an entire class, the class will be asked to re-create what Fraternity would look like were it to be invented in the year 2011. Putting aside all preconceived notions, history, and traditions of fraternities and sororities, the class must determine what the concept of Fraternity would look like, were it never invented until a year from today. They are to start from a fresh slate, assuming that Fraternity has never existed before: what would it look like were it invented today? Once developing that vision, the class must produce a single tangible product (paper, article, Blog, YouTube video, Virtual Seminar etc) that depicts that vision. They must then publish that vision to a national audience, ensuring that their vision is reaching out farther than the
By the assigned Final Exam meeting time, the class must come prepared to present a 30 minute presentation to the instructors which includes:
(1) A showing of the final product of their vision (a paper, article, Blog, video etc)
(2) An explanation of how they have published their final product to the nation to see and what type of response they have received
(3) An explanation of how they plan to use concepts from the Social Change Model to implement a detailed action plan as to how they will achieve their vision on both a local and national scale during their terms in office
This assignment will not be presented to the class until Week 8. The entire class will receive one grade for this project.
- Class Participation (10 points)
Each class session will include both in-class activities and discussion. Because of the interactive nature of this class, students are expected to attend and contribute to each class session. Students should also have readings for the week completed before each class session, so that they will be prepared for the day’s discussions and activities. All students will receive up to 10 points for class participation.
Attendance
Section size is generally limited to a small number of students. Since much of the learning in the course is derived from in-class experiences and discussion, more than 1 unexcused absence in sections meeting once per week will automatically result in a drop of one letter grade. Absences will be excused for legitimate medical, family, or other reasons. Consult with your instructor for additional guidance.
NOTE:
Students requiring modified versions of written materials (large print, Braille, tape, etc.), class modifications (e.g. American Sign Language), or an alternate format for submission of written materials, please privately contact one of the instructors. Every effort will be made to work with you to accommodate your specific learning needs.
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