It is not an exaggeration to say that the New Member Education Period is often looked back on as the best part of a ∆KE's university career. The camaraderie, the education, and the life skills acquired during the course of Delta Kappa Epsilon's New Member Education Process not only shape who we are as ∆KEs, but who we are as men.

What is a New Member Education Period?

For those unfamiliar, a New Member Education Period is the period of time after receiving a Bid Card before being a fully initiated member of a fraternity. For most fraternities at UBC, this period lasts up to a few months, varying fraternity to fraternity and year to year. Think of it as a probationary period, where a fraternity and a Prospective New Member (PNM) may acquaint themselves more intimately, to be really sure its a good fit. After all, a fraternity is more than just four years; it's for life. 

Brothers Chandra (PA '15), Torres (PA '14), and Kawasme (PA '16) at our annual Winter Semiformal 

∆KE's New Member Education Process

Delta Kappa Epsilon's New Member Education Process is an essential part on the road to becoming a full member of Delta Kappa Epsilon with all the rights and privileges that offers. Throughout this process, prospective members acquaint themselves with the history and traditions of our illustrious fraternity, as well as the values we pride in ourselves and propagate into the world.

    While participating in our education process, PNMs attend weekly meetings to bond with their PNM Brothers, and to learn more about the UBC Greek System, Delta Kappa Epsilon, and themselves as men. Weekly topics include our Heritage, UBC Greek Life, how to be a gentleman, responsible event planning, how to succeed, the songs of ∆KE, and many more.

    In addition, we partner with the Sexual Assault Support Centre and PLAID to help address the critical issues of alcohol awareness, sexual assault, and hazing for incoming fraternity members. Our programs are uniquely suited toward the Fraternity environment. 

    Vocab Check

    • PNM: Prospective New Member. An uninitiated member of ∆KE during the New Member Education Period. Historically referred to as a 'pledge'.
    • New Member Education Period: The time after being extended a bid, and before being a fully inducted member of the fraternity. Historically referred to as 'pledging'.

    Brother & President George W. Bush (Phi '64)

    Pledging Eligibility

    As defined by Article V, Section II of the ∆KE Constitution, the qualifications for membership of an eligible student shall be:

    "good standing in the work of the curriculum; excellence in scholarship being a worthy recommendation; high moral character; general affability and consideration for the rights and views of others; courteous deportment; a gentlemanly and self-respecting spirit; an active and energetic character; and an appreciation of the objects and principles of DELTA KAPPA EPSILON, coupled with a capability and desire to be loyal thereto."

    Locally, the Phi Alpha chapter requires PNMs to be actively enrolled students at the University of British Columbia, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and possess the qualities of a gentleman, a scholar, and a Jolly Good Fellow.

    4 Generations of Big/Little Brothers

    Big Brothers

    As a PNM of Delta Kappa Epsilon, you will be assigned a 'Big Brother' within the fraternity, to act as a guide and mentor throughout the probationary period. A Big Brother is your direct line to the fraternity, and the bond between Big Brother and Little Brother is one that will hold well beyond your years at UBC. A Big Brother is a confidant, a friend, a study partner, a teammate, and a life coach.

    Your brothers are there to help you when things get busy. (Our study guide backlog doesn't hurt, either)

    Time Commitment

    Delta Kappa Epsilon's PNM education process consists of one 1.5-hour meeting on Wednesday evenings. This meeting is mandatory, so that a PNM  has the opportunity to learn more about the Fraternity and to get to know his PNM Brothers and the Active Chapter better. Outside of this, there are a multitude of events a PNM may choose to attend, including Social Exchanges with sororities, parties, weekly study sessions, philanthropic events, sports leagues, and more. While not required, these optional parts form a core part of the ∆KE experience, and PNMs are strongly encouraged to enrich their experience and attend. A fraternity like ∆KE embodies the concept "you get out what you put in" insofar as the more involved you are, the better your experience.

    Still have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or get in touch.

    Ready to begin your journey to ∆KE? Fill out our Rush Application Form.