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Sigma Chi Fraternity
Pledge Exam Answer Key
Rules and Guidelines
• This is a closed-book exam.
• Answer the questions on a separate sheet (or sheets) of paper. Print your name on each page you use.
• Write legibly and number your answers to correspond with the questions.
• Be certain of what each question is asking before answering.
• Point totals noted refer to the maximum score possible on a question, and not necessarily to a specific number of
facts needed for full credit.
• Hand in this sheet along with your written answers.
• A raw score of 136 points or better constitutes a passing grade of 75% as required by Executive Committee Regulation
3.07-3.
This exam was developed under the direction of the Leadership Training Board and revised May 2009.
Brother Magister,
This answer key is to be used with the pledge exam adopted by the Leadership Training Board (LTB) in
September of 2002. The answers offered here for the subjective questions are intended to guide grading.
They are neither comprehensive nor absolute, so some discretion in grading may be appropriate. It is the
LTB’s hope that this revised exam assists you in developing a pledge program that truly allows our future
brothers to have the proper understanding and perspective of Sigma Chi needed to prepare fully for I-
Week, initiation and their life-long quest for the White Cross.
Your Chapter Advisor should be involved in the grading of questions 18-22 on this exam. Please give him
ample notification of your administering of this exam and arrange for a meeting so that the two of you are
able to review the responses to these questions in advance of your I-Week.
The pledges responses should be taken into account as you prepare for activities and discussions of I-
Week. Remember it is our duty to prepare our pledges for their initiation into our Order and these essays
are another useful tool in reviewing their readiness.
Fraternally,
Members of the Leadership Training Board

Note: For questions 1-4 please consult the most recent directory in The Magazine of Sigma Chi.
1. Name the current Grand Consul. List two of his specific responsibilities. (3 points max)
a. oversees operations of the fraternity
b. chairs Executive Committee, Grand Chapter, Sigma Chi Corporation
c. authorized to interpret and enforce the Ritual, Constitution, Statutes
d. appoints committees
(1 point for correct name, 1 point for each responsibility)
2. Name the current Grand Pro Consul. List two of his specific responsibilities. (3 points max)
a. serves as vice-chair of Executive Committee
b. chairs Grand Council
c. assumes duties of Grand Consul should he be unable to perform them
(1 point for correct name, 1 point for each responsibility)
3. Name the current Grand Quaestor. List two of his specific responsibilities. (3 points max)
a. oversees the finances of the Fraternity
b. prepares the fraternity’s budget
c. makes financial reports to the Grand Chapter and Grand Council
(1 point for correct name, 1 point for each responsibility)
4. Name the Grand Praetor for your province. List two of his responsibilities. (3 points max)
a. provides general advice to the chapter
b. visits each chapter in the province at least once per year
c. authorized to enforce the Fraternity’s governing laws
d. appoints chapter advisors
e. appoints undergraduate representatives to the Grand Council
(1 point for correct name, 1 point for each responsibility)
5. List two formal responsibilities and the names of the brothers who currently serve as Consul, Pro
Consul, Annotator, Quaestor and Magister for your chapter. (15 points max)
(1 point for correct name, 1 point for each responsibility)
a. Consul
i. serves as president of the chapter
ii. presides over chapter meetings
iii. cares for security of the Ritual, ritualistic items, and the chapter’s charter
iv. serves as chief liaison with campus officials, alumni advisors, and Fraternity officials
b. Pro Consul
i. serves as vice president of the chapter
ii. chairs the chapter’s executive committee
iii. assumes duties of the Consul in his absence
c. Annotator
i. keeps minutes of chapter meetings
ii. maintains chapter bylaws, administrative files, and other records
d. Quaestor
i. serves as treasurer of the chapter

ii. collects and safeguards all chapter funds
iii. prepares the chapter’s budget
iv. provides financial reports to Fraternity officials
e. Magister
i. guides the pledge education program
ii. assures that the pledge period and the program itself are strictly consistent with Sigma Chi
ideals and laws
6. List the name and responsibilities of the brother currently serving as your chapter’s advisor. (1 point
for name, 1 point for any responsibilities)
a. serves as the chairman of the chapter advisory board
b. works directly with chapter officers and executive committee
c. serves as a liaison with the Grand Praetor, alumni, university, and the General Fraternity
7. List four services or resources provided by the Sigma Chi Headquarters staff. (4 points max)
(1 point for each service or resource listed)
a. publishes The Magazine of Sigma Chi
b. publishes officer and program manuals
c. offers consultation for chapter financial management
d. maintains initiation and membership records
e. administers a range of Fraternity meetings, conferences, and programs
f. supports work of Grand Officers and other alumni volunteers
g. administers Fraternity award programs
h. assist with chapter development and expansion
i. coordinates chapter insurance program
8. Please place a mark (X) by all the following statements that are true about the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
(21 points)
(1 point each for correctly marking--or not marking--each statement)
“X”- signifies a answer that is “TRUE”
a. X Sigma Chi is a non-profit organization governed by its membership and supported by a
comparatively small professional staff.
b. X The Grand Chapter is the supreme legislative body of the Fraternity.
c. X The Grand Chapter includes voting delegates from each of the active undergraduate and
alumni chapters.
d. X The Grand Chapter elects officers of the Fraternity.
e. X The Grand Chapter has the authority to amend the Constitution and Statutes of the Fraternity.
f. The Grand Council is composed of former Grand Officers and holds no formal authority.
g. Chapter Consuls are automatically members of the Grand Council.
h. All chapters elect an undergraduate representative to the Grand Council
i. X The Grand Council convenes in years in which the Grand Chapter does not.
j. X Grand Officers are unpaid volunteers.
k. X The Grand Consul is the international president of the Fraternity.
l. Only the Grand Consul can authorize changes to the Ritual.
m. The Grand Tribune is the treasurer of the fraternity.
n. Grand Praetors serve life terms.
o. X The Executive Committee oversees the Fraternity budget and expenditures.
p. X The Sigma Chi Foundation is a separate charitable corporation that supports the Fraternity’s
educational initiatives.

q. X The Sigma Chi Foundation awards scholarship grants to individuals, and sponsors a range of
programs, including Horizons and Balfour Leadership Training Workshop.
r. X The Executive Director manages the Sigma Chi Headquarters and staff and reports to the
Executive Committee.
s. The Sigma Chi Headquarters staff holds ultimate authority in all matters related to Sigma Chi.
t. X The Risk Management Foundation offers property, casualty, and general
u. liability insurance to undergraduate and alumni chapters and house corporations.
v. X There are undergraduate members of the Executive Committee and Leadership Training Board.
9. Provide information about the Seven Founders of Sigma Chi. For each founder, list his full name, a
trait or virtue with which he is associated, and at least one specific contribution to Sigma Chi for
which he is remembered. (21 points--1 point for correct full name, 1 point for associated trait, 1
point for contribution)
a. Thomas Cowan Bell
i. Traits: “Qualities of learning,” or “instilled an atmosphere of friendship” (or very close
synonym)
ii. Exemplified:
(1). -was especially good-hearted and generous
(2). -had natural teaching talents and became an educator, scholarly
(3). -his aunt’s home was informally considered the first chapter house of Sigma Chi
b. James Parks Caldwell
i. Traits: “True to principle,” faithful, loyal, scholarly, “spirit of youth” (or very close
synonym)
ii. Exemplified:
(1). -especially intelligent and creative, made remarkable literary contributions to the
chapter
(2). -accurate in knowledge, respected and loved
(3). -when captured during the Civil War, rejected an offer of freedom on condition that
he renounce the Confederacy
c. Daniel William Cooper
i. Traits: “Ruler of the spirit,” moral and spiritual, kindly and generous, honest, upright, and
pure, considerate, humble (or very close synonym)
ii. Exemplified:
(1). -particularly well-regarded among the founders and considered the leader
(2). -was the first Consul of Alpha Chapter
(3). -a resort for those in trouble
(4). -set an example by being rich of spirit despite being poor in worldly goods
d. Isaac M. Jordan
i. Traits: “Energetic and faithful to every task,” boundless energy, lofty aspirations, untiring
perseverance, strong will, determined purpose, (or very close synonym)
ii. Exemplified:
(1). -set an example by holding lofty aspirations and being a “self-made” man
(2). -delineated the criteria for pledging new members, now known as the Jordan
Standard
(3). -helped organize two Grand Chapters
e. William Lewis Lockwood
i. Traits: “Honest and trustworthy through life,” organizer, culturally refined, polished
manners (or very close synonym)
ii. Exemplified:
(1). -considered the businessman of the Fraternity, he knew how to manage money and
finances

(2). -his organizational skills were largely responsible for the survival of the young
fraternity
(3). -was the first treasurer of Alpha Chapter
(4). -designed badge with Runkle
f. Benjamin Piatt Runkle
i. Traits: “Courageous in spirit and idealism,” forceful, admired heroism, spirit and idealism,
(or very close synonym)
ii. Exemplified:
(1). -famous for casting off his Deke pin during the confrontation with Millikin and
Reid
(2). -had a particularly noteworthy military career and was wounded at the Battle of
Shiloh
(3). -persuaded other founders to base Sigma Chi symbolism on the story of
Constantine’s vision because he was impressed by the emperor’s idealism and
courage
(4). -designed the original badge with Lockwood
g. Franklin Howard Scobey
i. Traits: “Courteous and loyal in friendship,” enthusiasm, cheerful, sunny, selfless,
encouraging (or very close synonym)
ii. Exemplified:
(1). -set an example with his constantly cheerfulness and encouragement gave new heart
(2). -seen as embodiment of “Spirit of Sigma Chi”
(3). -encouraged Lockwood to join the circle of founders
10. Select any founder whose qualities you admire and describe his unique contributions to Sigma Chi.
Briefly discuss how a leader with those qualities could contribute to your own chapter. (6 points)
This question is an opportunity for the pledge to expand on the characteristics of a particular founder, and
to consider the practical benefits of value-based leadership. For full credit, he must give accurate
information about the founder and his contributions. While there is no absolute answer to the second part
of the question, the pledge should offer observations that show thoughtfulness, particularly with examples
from personal experience.
(3 points for part one, 3 points for part two)
11. Describe the fundamental issues that lead to the founding of Sigma Chi. (9 points)
There was disagreement at Kappa Chapter of DKE at Miami University over the election of the poet of
Erodelphian Literary Society. Erodelphians Caldwell, Jordan, Scobey, and Runkle refused to vote for a
DKE brother whom they considered unqualified for the honor. DKEs Bell and Cooper agreed and took
their side against the remaining six members of the DKE chapter. Both sides refused to change position.
When confronted by Minor Millikin, a DKE alumnus who wished to expel Runkle and Scobey and
discipline the others, Runkle tossed down his DKE pin and said, “I did not join this fraternity to be
anyone’s tool. And that, sir, is my answer!” The other five followed him out the door. All six were
subsequently expelled from the DKE.
Joined by non-DKE Lockwood, they organized a new fraternity, meeting in rooms occupied by Runkle and
Caldwell on the second floor of a building in Oxford. It was there that Runkle and Lockwood designed the
first badge, exactly as it is today except for the Greek letters. (They initially chose the letters Sigma Phi, but
changed them to Sigma Chi). After creating a ritual and constitution, the founders announced the birth of
the new fraternity on June 28, 1855.
(3 points for minimal explanation; 6 points for good explanation; 9 points for command of concepts)

12. List the exact dates of the founding of Sigma Chi and of the establishment of your chapter. (2 points
– 1 point each)
a. Sigma Chi: June 28, 1855
b. Your chapter: consult Charter or chapter history
13. As inspiration for several symbolic themes in Sigma Chi (including the public motto and the design
of the badge), the founders embraced the story of Constantine and his most famous battle. Briefly
discuss why they viewed Constantine’s vision and subsequent victory as a fitting basis for certain
fraternal lessons. (6 points)
According to history and legend, Constantine’s victory was achieved by virtue of military strategy and by
the sheer inspiration of religious principles. The Founders were inspired by the story of Constantine as a
heroic leader of men, and with the story of the vision of the cross. The founders broke away from DKE and
formed a new fraternity on the basis of principle. Furthermore, they believed that to achieve the
Fraternity’s purposes, the motivation needed to be the pursuit of ideals rather than a set of rules. The
founders saw the symbolic parallel between Constantine’s adoption of principles to achieve his goals, and
their own adoption of principles to achieve the fraternity’s goals.
(2 points for minimal discussion, 4 points for good discussion, 6 points for command of concepts)
14. Write The Sigma Chi Creed. Describe in your own words the meaning of its fundamental themes.
(10 points)
a. [CREED]
b. This statement affirms the idea that good reputation is earned through the actions and attitudes of
those with good character. It also makes explicit the obligation of all members to preserve the
Fraternity’s good reputation. There is mutual benefit, since members enjoy association with a
highly regarded organization, and the Fraternity is strengthened by being represented by members
who are worthy of respect and admiration. Explanation of personal experiences that display
understanding of Creed themes are exemplary.
(4 points for accurate “Creed”--may award fewer points for omissions; 2 additional points for minimal discussion,
or 4 additional points for good discussion, or 6 additional points for command of concepts)
15. Write The Spirit of Sigma Chi. Discuss in your own words its meaning. (10 points)
a. [SPIRIT]
b. The founders realized that friendships come relatively easily among people who think alike, have
similar backgrounds, and share interests. When friendships are formed between those who think
differently, have different backgrounds, or have different interests, the bonds tend to be deeper and
longer lasting than those based on more superficial commonalities. In addition, one learns more
from relationships with those who have different experiences, personalities, and points of view
than he does from those who are like himself. In Sigma Chi, the source of unity among brothers is
shared beliefs about the nature of friendship, fairness (justice), and the value of education and
accumulation of knowledge (learning). Although they are obligated to practice those core ideals,
brothers are encouraged to exercise their own sense of good judgment and to be true to
themselves. Explanation of personal experiences of diversity while sharing common beliefs is
exemplary.
(4 points for accurate “Spirit”--may award fewer points for omissions; 2 additional points for minimal discussion, or
4 additional points for good discussion, or 6 additional points for command of concepts)

16. Founder Jordan delivered a speech to the 1884 Grand Chapter outlining the minimum requirements
for the recruitment of new members. He outlined in his speech the need for “men of good
character." Define in your own words the meaning of good character and why it is in Sigma Chi’s
interest to seek men who already possess that quality. (10 points)
a. Given the idealistic aims of the Fraternity, it stands to reason that we consider for membership
only those who have the desire and capacity to join our cause with sincerity and with personal
qualities that are consistent with our high expectations. All of the Fraternity’s purposes and ideals
are based on commonly accepted standards of good character and behavior, so it would be
counterproductive to seek members who do not already posses and demonstrate basic good values.
The values stated in the Jordan Standard are relevant to Sigma Chi’s greater aims, but are the
minimum expectations for prospective members.
b. The use of personal views of meeting the standard of “good character” are exemplary.
(3 points for minimal discussion; 7 for good discussion; 10 points for command of concepts)
17. State the fundamental purpose of Sigma Chi as expressed in the Governing Laws. Describe briefly
why these “high ideals” are foremost in our vision for the fraternity. (8 points)
a. “To cultivate and maintain the high ideals of friendship, justice, and learning upon which Sigma
Chi was founded.” (or a close approximation of this statement).
b. The desire to cultivate friendships during our college years is natural. At the time of our founding
the founders were in search of justice. Justice is found in men of good character, common
decency, and fairness. The ultimate reason for our being in college is for learning. Therefore,
members who demonstrate good values and who are active thinkers and learners will ultimately
enhance our friendships.
(2 points for correct identification of fundamental purpose, 2 additional points for minimal discussion, or 4
additional points for good discussion, or 6 additional points for command of concepts)
18. Describe what you understand to be the essential responsibilities of being a member of the Sigma
Chi Fraternity. (9 points)
a. To live up to the attributes expressed in writings such as the Sigma Chi Creed (e.g., uphold the
reputation of Sigma Chi with character growth).
b. To act in a brotherly way to all members at all times.
c. To fulfill obligations as a member of the organization (e.g., payment of dues; participation in
chapter meetings and activities).
d. Striving for the ideals of the Fraternity.
e. Hold my Brothers accountable for these same responsibilities.
(2 points for each responsibility)
19. Discuss your understanding of the concept of brotherhood (in contrast to simple friendship) in
context of Sigma Chi. What appeals to you about this concept and in what ways have you seen it
exemplified in your chapter? (18 points)
a. While friendship is a fundamental aim of the Fraternity, brotherhood in Sigma Chi cannot be
defined as a mere group of social friends. Sigma Chi brotherhood occurs when members live up to
commitments they have made to a set of ideals--ideals about friendship and about character.
Although two members may not consider each other to be “best friends,” they can nevertheless see
each other as brothers, willing to accord each other the respect and support expected of all Sigma
Chis. In this sense, brotherhood constitutes a higher order of friendship. The principles of
brotherhood faithfully practiced by Sigma Chis have consistently yielded lasting ties between

individual brothers. Just as importantly, the nature of our brotherhood creates bonds between
members from different chapters and different eras. This happens precisely because the Fraternity
is based on shared values and a purpose, which is why two members may meet for the first time,
yet feel an authentic connection as brothers. The concept of brotherhood reaches it’s highest order,
when it is apparent that there are many aspects of shared values apparent (caring, helping,
enabling, sharing, loving, holding accountable, striving, etc.) Explanation of personal experiences
that contrast friendship and brotherhood, or are examples of highest order aspects, are exemplary.
(6 points for minimal discussion—maybe didn’t answer all parts; 12 points for good discussion—answered all parts;
18 points for command of concepts—thoroughly answered all parts)
NOTE: Questions 20 and 21 are “personal reflections.” These questions are designed to give the pledge an opportunity to reflect on
his involvement in Sigma Chi. There can be no “correct” answer, yet it is more than reasonable to expect the pledge to provide
thoughtful responses. After all, one’s promise as a strong, contributing brother is almost entirely a question of attitude and desire.
These questions should be graded with the same thoughtfulness, giving weight to sincere effort, even in the absence of eloquence.
20. What contributions would you make to your chapter as a member? (9 points)
21. How do you envision your involvement in Sigma Chi throughout your life? (9 points)
(3 points for minimal discussion; 6 points for good discussion; 9 points for exemplary discussion)