My College of Chapters Journal (Virginia)
College of Chapters
Editor's Note - Over the duration of the 2019 College of Chapters, we enlisted several attendees to journal their four-day experience through Sigma Nu's premier leadership training program. Participants chose from several prompts provided and answered their selections at the end of each day.
This journal comes from Beta Chapter (Virginia) Commander, Nick Kozilek.
Day 1 - Arrival
What was your journey like to Roanoke for College of Chapters?
I started my journey in Annapolis, Md. at 8:00am. After driving through DC and Northern Virginia, I stopped at the Beta Chapter House in Charlottesville, VA to make notes on housing improvements to be made prior to our upcoming recruitment period. I then continued on to Roanoke where I checked in and began to see tons of Sigma Nu’s all around the hotel.
Coming into College of Chapters, what are some of the challenges that your chapter faces? What do you want to improve on this semester?
In the years before I joined Sigma Nu, the chapter did not make much of an effort to communicate or interact with alumni. I was on the phone with an alumnus this fall who said that he hadn’t heard from the chapter in many years, perhaps since 2010. Our chapter faces the challenge of rebuilding relationships with many of these alumni so they can continue to engage with Sigma Nu. In addition, it will help the chapter to utilize the vast experience and support that our alumni can offer. We want to improve our communication with alumni this Spring and have better events so that they can re-engage with the chapter.
What was your first chapter meeting like at College of Chapters?
My first chapter meeting was largely a meet and greet between the Commanders from many of the chapters in the Mid-Atlantic region. It seems like a great group of guys and I look forward to getting to know all of them throughout the conference. It was really interesting to hear what other chapters are up to so close to my own chapter. We formed a bit of connection through talking about our respective college football teams, although it hurt to have Virginia Tech’s commander remind me of University of Virginia’s loss this fall.
Day 2 - Curriculum
What were your core sessions today? Which breakout sessions did you attend? What sessions stood out to you and what were your takeaways?
Today my core sessions were focused on delegation, chapter finances and utilizing committees to better operate the chapter. I found that the session on delegation was particularly applicable to my leadership style, as I often prefer to do as much as I can on my own. However, I do recognize that the chapter has too much to do for one person, and effectively delegating throughout my time as Commander will benefit the chapter as well as my own workload. I attended breakout sessions on motivating the chapter, emotional intelligence and a coaching session where I was able to speak 1 on 1 with an alumnus from the University of Georgia chapter. The section on motivating the chapter focused on generating internal motivation and drive rather than focusing on external rewards. The emotional intelligence section taught me the important of both understanding my own emotions, as well as those of others so that I can better manage the chapter.
What ideas have you picked up from other Commanders at College of Chapters?
The other Commanders at college of chapters all carry unique perspectives on how to best run a chapter and I’ve heard some great ideas for improving my chapter. One idea focuses on making chapter meetings a more attractive use of time by having a brotherhood meal prior. Another idea was to make chapter meetings more efficient by utilizing a powerpoint with the chapter meeting agenda. This will increase organization and set a professional tone.
What do you want to see your chapter become? How did the session on Vision help you create a compelling vision for the chapter?
My primary goal for the chapter is that our brothers look back as alumni and view Sigma Nu as the best part of their collegiate experience, inspiring them to live the ideals of the fraternity as brothers for life. I have a notion that many of our brothers already view the chapter as influential to their collegiate experience but I hope that the chapter grows to continually impact them after their college days are over. I started the vision session thinking about what I wanted the chapter to accomplish, improve our philanthropic efforts, improve our recruitment efforts and develop our brotherhood. However, the session helped me to realize that this isn’t the focus of a vision. A vision is what the chapter can become and I was focusing only on how to get there. Zooming out and recognizing that the vision is to create an organization that all of the brothers are proud of for life will be particularly powerful in guiding my decisions this upcoming year.
Day 3 - Pilgrimage to Lexington, Va.
What are three words that you would use to describe your College of Chapters experience?
Engaging, inspiring, and demanding. With days starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 11 p.m. the entire experience was demanding, but those long days were necessary. We were always covering a new topic or strategy. Whether, I was engaging with other chapter leaders from across the country or hearing from one of our inspiring keynote speakers every minute was valuable.
How do you think College of Chapters has helped you prepare for the upcoming semester/quarter?
College of Chapters has done many things to prepare me for the upcoming semester. First, it gave many excellent examples of value driven leadership that I can look to for inspiration throughout the semester. The experience also helped me to develop skills in delegation, creating a vision, and inspiring those who have elected to lead. However, I believe that the most important thing that it gave me is the confidence that I need to lead the chapter to new heights.
What did you think of the closing keynote from Bill Courtney? What messages stood out to you from his remarks?
Bill gave one of the most inspiring speeches on leadership that I have ever heard. In particular, I believe that I will take the most away from his section on the motivations for one’s leadership. When Bill was coaching one of his football teams, one of his players questioned if he was coaching because he cared about the players or because he wanted to make himself feel better. I now know that as a leader of my chapter it will be easy to appreciate the recognition that comes with the position, but if my motivation isn’t to serve those who elected me into the position then I will not be successful. Motives matter in leadership.
Day 4 - Departure
What have you realized about your role as Commander from your time at College of Chapters? What have you learned about yourself?
I’ve realized that my role as Commander of my chapter will likely be one of the most demanding but also rewarding experiences of my life. I was elected to serve the brothers in my chapter and it’s my responsibility to help guide them to success. I believe that after my term I’ll look back and appreciate the sacrifices that I’ll make over the upcoming year to serve my chapter. I learned a ton about myself throughout the program but I think the most valuable for my term is that I can’t run the chapter on the own. I often have a tendency to do things on my own rather than delegate, following the “If you want it done right, do it yourself” mindset. When leading a large organization with a number of complex goals, that mindset doesn’t work. I will have to engage and inspire my chapter in order to effectively manage the organization.
What kind of network did you build from attending College of Chapters?
I had the opportunity to meet commanders of chapters from across the nation but spent a particular amount of time with those from the mid-Atlantic region. I also develop a much tighter relationship with some of Sigma Nu’s alumni and faculty. I know that these leaders can act as a support group if I ever have any questions on how to lead my chapter. I’m certain that I’ll be reaching out them over the next year.
What did you expect College of Chapters would be like coming into Roanoke on Thursday? How were your expectations correct? Incorrect?
I expected College of Chapters to be a 3 day long intensive study on all of the rules and regulations of Sigma Nu and some powerpoints with vague leadership tips. I was very wrong. We did talk about some of the rules but those sessions were more engaging than I anticipated. What I was very impressed by was the leadership training. I got to hear from some of the top leaders in the nation and speak with other commanders who faced some of the same challenges as my chapter.