The Sigma Initiative

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  • What the Sigma Initiative is:

    • A road map for success and intentional action over the next three years.
    • A public statement indicating our community has room for growth and that we are committed to making it stronger and more vibrant.
    • An action-oriented living document which calls chapters, leaders, constituents, and administrators to a shared vision and purpose.
    • A collaborative process which includes voices from various perspectives including, but not limited to, students, alumni, parents, IFC, NPHC and CPC chapter affiliated persons.
    • “Strategy designed through strength” as described in the Greek words:
      • Στρατητγός (Strategos, meaning strategy)
      • Σχεδιά (Schedia, meaning plan or design)
      • Σθενος (Sthenos, meaning strength)
    • Identification of the community’s strengths and how those could be best capitalized on to mitigate or reduce areas of weakness.

     

    What the Sigma Initiative is not:

    • A guarantee of success or improvement.  Success will ultimately require buy-in, action, and flexibility as the dynamic of the experience changes.
    • A historical sketch highlighting strengths or greatness in the past.
    • A rigid and inflexible document.
    • A vision constructed through an opaque process unbeknownst to our fraternal brothers and sisters.

     

    Mission
    As members of fraternities and sororities at The University of Southern Mississippi, we are committed to ensuring our success and students and invested partners in our organizations through celebrated friendship, scholarship, service, and social advancement while appreciating the diversity of our member organizations. Furthermore, we support the University’s mission and vision of engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities.

    Vision
    Every member’s personal and professional potential is realized as a result of membership in Greek Life at The University of Southern Mississippi.

    Core Values
    Greek Life at The University of Southern Mississippi is composed of a collection of organizations, each guided by their respective mission. Within these organizations are individuals who come to college with families, peers and society having influenced their values’ system. Additionally, our University has values that guide how it serves students. These separate values structures become united through our existence as Southern Miss Greek Life. As we seek to be the best community we can, we acknowledge that we have several values in common: 

     

    We value:

    • Responsibility: Being aware that your actions influence the greater good. When demonstrated, we become more accountable to the lofty ideals we espouse and gain the credibility we aspire to.
    • Character: That our personal, social, and group character be in congruence so as to personify honesty toward others and integrity in the face of daily adversity.
    • Leadership: Purposeful, directed action toward a common set of objectives intended to leave a person, group, situation, or circumstance in a better condition than that, in which, it was found.
    • Brotherhood and Sisterhood: Fostering relationships rooted in genuine care and concern for others. These friendships are a the core of who we are and what we do.
    • Philanthropy: Assisting the community around us through volunteering and raising money. Through this commitment, we become engaged in local and national efforts to help others improve the community.
    • Tradition: Recognizing that our rich heritage shapes how we experience membership in a fraternity/sorority. We understand that others have come before us, and others will come after.
    • Ritual: Treasuring a set of ceremonies which demonstrate and illuminate a framework of aspirations unlocking the secret wisdom of becoming a better person. Recalling these lessons on a daily basis reminds us of our solemn promises and duty to fellow person and community.
    • Respect and Class: Remembering that Southern life and culture requires a prevalent degree of sophistication, maturity, and social graces. When demonstrated, we give and earn the respect of others.

     

    Outcomes of Membership & Our Community’s Role

     

    Internal Audit

    This information was obtained through an analysis at the 2010 Greek Leader retreat. This is entirely the feedback of chapter presidents and council officers and is reflective of the student perspective relative to the issues and strengths of our community.

    External Audit

    This information was obtained through a dialogue with the Blue Ribbon Committee. This is entirely the feedback of the committee and is reflective of the alumni and student perspective relative to the issues and strengths of our community.

    Stakeholder Analysis

     

    Blue Ribbon Committee & Timeframe
    The strategic areas and action items are setup to achieved in the next three years.  Given the dynamic nature of society, a set of targets relevant to success in the next three years was considered best practice for goal attainment.

     

    Strategic Areas
    Coming soon.

     

    Action Items
    Coming soon.

     

    Office Personnel, Responsibilities & Roles