INDIANAPOLIS (May 24, 2018) – Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity launches Bridge to Brotherhood, the official fraternity pledge education program.
In 2007, the Alpha Kappa Psi Board of Directors approved PEP as the official pledge education program which has been maintained with minimal updates for the past decade. With the changes occurring in higher education and the fraternity’s strategic vision, Chapter Congress passed a resolution at the 2015 Convention in Norfolk, VA for the pledge education program to be revisited. After two years of research, the fraternity conducted a pilot program known as LEAD with around 40 chapters to gain feedback on the program structure and implementation. Once the pilot ended, the Alpha Kappa Psi Management Team and Staff used the feedback and observations to create the final program known as Bridge to Brotherhood.
Over the course of Alpha Kappa Psi’s pledge education program, pledges are introduced to the key skills and practices of the Fraternity. Bridge to Brotherhood is designed to target areas of personal and professional development regarding how to become a principled business leader, as well as build an awareness and appreciation for the history, values, and vision of Alpha Kappa Psi.
“I am excited about Bridge to Brotherhood! The program provides a strong look at the pledges to see their ability to contribute to the chapter. It also enables the pledge class and individuals to develop a solid foundation from which to build their fraternal careers.” – Eric Roeser, Western Washington ’09 Chapter Advisor.
A chapter may choose to implement a five, six, seven, or eight-week Bridge program which includes six educational modules, fraternity rituals, and new brother orientation. Chapters have the ability to tailor the program using supplemental elective activities based on the needs of the chapter and university.
All chapters in Areas I and IV, as well as the chapters who were on the pilot, will begin implementing Bridge to Brotherhood in Fall 2018. The remaining chapters in Areas II and III will transition to the program in Fall 2019. A webinar outlining the program will be available on June 12 with a separate training for all volunteers on their role in the program on June 14.
