Organizational Anaylsis
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Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity was founded along the banks of the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on March 9, 1856 (Sigma Alpha Epsilon). Eight men, led by Noble Leslie Devotie shared a vision to create a brotherhood that would better every man in the organization. Little did he know that would grow to become the largest North American social fraternity in existence. Throughout the 1850’s the fraternity expanded around the South and grew its roots to eight chapters. The first official convention of the fraternity was held in Murfreesboro, TN at the Lytle Street hotel at was formally the campus of Union University, which later moved to Jackson, TN (The Phoenix, 103). The convention was to discuss the future for the realm of SAE. Soon after the meeting of chapters, the Civil War unfolded, and all but one chapter was lost. Many brothers were killed during that tragedy, including Noble Leslie Devotie himself who was the first man killed in the war (The Phoenix, 177.) This pushed SAE to the brink of extinction. After several remaining brothers returned from the war and transferred schools, they were able to start a new chapter at the University of Georgia and began to inspire others to start more chapters. Year after year, SAE spread amongst universities, expanding its dominance as it.
In just over 150 years of existence, Sigma Alpha Epsilon has initiated almost 300,000 men in over 200 different chapters in the United States and Canada (The Phoenix, 96). Today the headquarters has moved from Tuscaloosa and is located in the city of Evanston, Illinois, which is located just outside of Chicago. The fraternity is run by a group of elected alumni known as the Supreme Council, who act as a board of directors, making decisions for the organization. The Supreme Council conducts all major operations in Evanston, and word is passed to chapters on issues regarding fraternity affairs. The building it is housed in is known as the Levere Memorial Temple and is considered a stunning work of art and a landmark for the city. The Temple was dedicated on December 28, 1930 and is a museum for the fraternity, as well as a war memorial and a church (The Phoenix, 176). It features beautiful stained glass, which happens to be the last work of Tiffany who was famous for making gorgeous creations. SAE’s mission statement reads: The mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon is to promote the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, and service for our members based upon the ideals set forth by our Founders and as a specifically enunciated in our creed (Facts and History). John Walter Wayland calls that creed, which helps guide every brother, “The True Gentleman.” It teaches every member how to be a gentleman and appear in all occasions.
History was forever changed on December 13, 1969 when the 39 men Lambda Psi, a local fraternity on MTSU’s campus accepted the challenge to become a chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. The chapter became known as the Tennessee Beta chapter. Since 1969, the chapter has initiated almost 1,000 brothers into the realm of SAE. The Tennessee Beta chapter currently has 63 active brothers, maintains the highest grade point average on Greek Row at over 3.0, and won the Gold Standard Award, which is the second highest award achievable based on scholarship, leadership, friendship, and service (Greek Awards 2007). The fraternity house, located on the first lot on Greek Row, is accommodating 27 men and is guarded by two 1,500-pound stone-carved lions, which is the national mascot. The house has been open since January of 2000 and will be a staple on campus for years to come (News and Public Affairs). Tennessee Beta is lead by President Jimmy Musice, academic advisor Dr. Ken Rushlow, and chapter advisor Kirk Catron, Attorney-at-Law.
STRENGTHS
Dynamic Leadership
One of the key factors for running a successful enterprise is quality leadership. Without quality leadership, the company can have no solid direction and will no doubt, eventually crash and burn. The President of the fraternity is considered the most important and prestigious officer. He must manage internal affairs within the chapter, as well as deal with external affairs on campus and through the Greek Life Office. For all but two offices, elections are held once a semester. However, there are no restrictions on an officer running for more than one term. If the president completes his term, wants to seek reelection for another term, and has the chapter’s approval, he may seek that office again. There are many responsibilities with being in charge of a 60 man chapter and can cause much negative stress, but the rewards are high. The term’s length allows him to step away after his time is up and pass the torch on to someone else if need be, or continue to hold the reigns. The changing of office allows new ideas to better the chapter and does not allow for things to become stagnant. Presidents have always commanded respect and been able to handle whatever situation arises. Since 2002 when I pledged, the fraternity has always had selfless men who have been willing to sacrifice their needs to help out their brothers. Even though there is a large learning curve when new officers take over, there is a strong transitional plan in place that makes things run as smooth as possible. Older brothers are always willing to chip words of advice from previous experiences than can be unbelievably useful. This combination leads to a vast deal of success.
Government
Society has a way of setting acceptable norms and ideals. These further develop into rules and regulations known as laws. If a person breaks the law, then there are consequences for his or her actions. Tennessee Beta has its own set of by-laws that are followed day in and day out. Every brother is responsible in a way for being his brother’s keeper and making sure he does the right thing according to those laws and those of the land. However, that does not always happen the way it should and things must be dealt with accordingly. Aside from the president enforcing the rules, there is a body known as Upper Council. Upper Council is composed of seven members of fraternity and is mostly the eldest members. These members decide the fate of the brother who has broken the by-laws by discussion and vote of simple majority. For example, a brother who has been delinquent on paying his rent is called into the meeting. He explains his situation on why is has failed to pay his money on time, and answers any questions the council may have. He leaves the room and then the members decide how to act. He could be given more time to pay, fined, or voted to move out of the house entirely. Upper Council only has so much power though, much like the United States legal