The Pledge Program is an extremely integral part of the chapter. Each member should be well versed in its operation and execution, as it is responsible to molding the future of the chapter. The following is a brief outline of the process that all associate members must complete before becoming an initiated member of Delta Upsilon.
The purpose of the pledging process, as defined in the Cal Poly Chapter manual, is as follows:
- The pledge program shall educate the pledge class about the Four Founding Principles, the ideals, and the history of Delta Upsilon International Fraternity.
- The pledge program shall educate the pledge as an entire person as well as a DU brother.
- The pledge program shall build better men by practicing the Four Founding Principles and the Seven Responsibilities of a Delta Upsilon Man.
- The pledge program shall incorporate some of the traditions from Alpha Upsilon with a Delta Upsilon focus.
- The pledge program shall facilitate the assimilation of the pledges into the brotherhood.
- The pledge program shall encourage a measurement of commitment from the pledge to Delta Upsilon.
The pledging process is outlined as follows:
- The pledge program shall be a eight-week program. The program shall contain seven full weeks of pledging plus the Initiation Week. This program excludes university breaks!
- Pledges shall attend weekly chapter meetings and weekly pledge meetings (see Attendance).
- The Pledge Educator shall conduct three chippings or however many when necessary. The procedure for chipping is outlined in the bylaws and the Chapter Manual.
- Each member of the Executive Board shall give a presentation about his position at a pledge meeting upon request by the Pledge Educator.
- The Brotherhood Advisors shall conduct a final written exam the first day of Initiation week.
- Initiation Week is the eighth week of pledging barring non-fulfillment of initiation requirements by the pledges.
The pledge educater is a position voted on by the brotherhood twice a year to be the gateway between the current associate members and initiated members. It is the pledge educator's job to inform the associate members of all requirements of the pledging process, and the source of information and guidance for the associate members when needed. The responsibilities of the pledge educator are as follows:
- The Pledge Educator shall implement the pledge program as defined by the brotherhood.
- The Pledge Educator shall be the facilitator who guides and aids the pledges through the pledge program.
- The Pledge Educator shall be the link between the pledge class and the brotherhood.
- The Pledge Educator shall be responsible for the progress of the pledge class and their attainment of the program-defined goals.
- The Pledge Educator shall advise the brotherhood on the status and progress of the pledge class.
- The Pledge Educator shall schedule and lead pledge meetings.
- By the eighth week of the pledge program, the Pledge Educator shall present the pledge class Initiation Vote (2/3 of the actives present) to the active brotherhood.
During the ten weeks of pledging, potential brothers have many responsibilities, such as learning information, planning activities, interviewing brothers, etc. During those ten weeks, we stress pledge class unity and brotherhood, under the assumption that a strong and unified brotherhood that has been a tradition of Delta Upsilon since 1834.
The pledging process is one of the most important aspects of our fraternity, as it prepares potential future members to be an asset to the chapter and the community. While the process involves a lot of work, it also is meant to be a lot of fun! If you're interested in pledging Delta Upsilon, please visit our
Online Interest Form or come by the chapter house and introduce yourself to a brother! We look forward to hearing from you.