What is an Associate?

Lambda Chi Alpha was the first fraternity to get rid of the pledge system. The associate system replaced pledging in 1972; since that time, associates have had rights equal to that of Brothers. These include voting privileges, the ability to hold office, the right to wear letters and regalia, and the right to attend chapter meetings. The Fraternity replaced pledge education with fraternity education, which dictates ongoing education for all members throughout their university years. New members are integrated immediately into the chapter, and a big brother is assigned to each new member. The big brother teaches the essentials of chapter operations to the new member and serves as a guide throughout the member's first semester. Each week throughout the school year an educational session is held for all members. These educational sessions are either internal (history, ritualism, risk management, goal setting, recruitment skills, etc.) or external (study skills, current topics, alcoholism, date rape, CPR, etc.)

This website and the links contained within are meant to give you, the potential candidate, a good idea of what Lambda Chi Alpha is all about. At the core of our fraternity are the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and leadership. As you proceed through your period of associate membership you will witness firsthand how much of an emphasis Lambda Chi puts on personal growth. Our mission is to make good men better. As our motto goes, it's not four years, it's for life.

Typically a man comes into Lambda Chi through the rush process. This is a period of time at the beginning of the semester when men are taken to each house and introduced to the brothers and their fraternity.

A few things to keep in mind during rush;

•  Keep an open mind. You might think you already know where you want to be, but different Fraternities offer different things. Choose the one that best fits you.

•  Ask questions. Gather as much info as you can about the chapter. Ask about their values and missions. If you never seem to get a straight answer, you might be at the wrong place.

•  Have fun! The greek system was established to promote social growth. Meet new people and enjoy the time you spend with them.

The main question a potential candidate has while surveying the Greek system is, "What can (insert name of fraternity) do for me?"

Besides the obvious social advantages that come with joining a Fraternity, there are many other privileges to be derived from membership. The first (and most widely known) is the Alumni network. You are walking in the footsteps of thousands of other men who decided affiliate with Lambda Chi. These men are successful, and in most cases willing to give a fellow brother a hand. Whether it is mentoring through the Joe Charles Mentor Program or just giving a good reference, Brothers know where to turn to when they need help.

Another advantage that members have over non-members is that Lambda Chi offers excellent leadership training programs (Impact Leadership) that are oriented around real-life situations. These programs are taught at regional and national conferences year-round. When it comes time to step into a leadership role, Lambda Chi's are ahead of the game.

Philanthropy plays a major part in who we are as a fraternity. Members of Lambda Chi take part in a wide array of community service activities that help to dispel the "frat boy" image some people associate with us. Lambda Chi Alpha's largest philanthropic event is the North American Food Drive , which annually helps to feed over 1 million less-fortunate individuals. Lambda Chi also participates in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life , Take Back the Night, and the Adopt-a-Highway program.

Last but certainly not least is the fact that Lambda Chi is a social organization! There's always something to do or somewhere to be. Lambda Chi sponsors or participates in a variety of social activities including Intramural Sports, Greek Bowling, Mixers, themed parties, Formal, Informal, the All-Sing talent show, and Watermelon Bust. Navigate to the Photo Album to learn more.

How much you participate in fraternity activities is completely up to you. Several of our brothers work and carry full course-loads, yet still find time to enjoy Lambda Chi. As with most things in life, the more you put into something the more you get out of it. That statement rings very true for our fraternity. Lambda Chi is what you make of it; you can walk a million steps and be guaranteed LCA always one step behind you.

If you need further information you can visit our International Headquarters Website here.