Immediately after the 1995 Convention, the new Octagon along with representatives of the Sigma Alpha Mu Endowment Fund and Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation participated in a comprehensive Strategic Planning session with an outside facilitator. We had the opportunity to examine many of the operational and philosophical facets of the Fraternity, and the main goals which became our focus was the long-term improvement of chapters, and a refinement of the programs and services offered to our chapters. Many of the outcomes of this meeting have determined the direction of the Fraternity--even until today.

In the interest of creating long-term improvement within the chapters, with an eye toward the role and image of the Fraternity, the Octagon created and adopted a variety of policies and programs geared toward chapter excellence. The crown jewel of these is our Chapter Performance Standards program. This program positioned our chapters for success, and created a comprehensive plan by which the individual chapters, as well as the Octagon, could evaluate their progress and success. Another plan instituted during this time is the Public Relations policy which safeguards the image of the Fraternity and all chapters and members by outlining what may be used “in print” to represent us all.

In order to address the long-term needs, and the best interests, of the Fraternity, the Octagon selected and promoted Aaron Girson to the position of Executive Director, anticipating that he would be instrumental in implementing the Strategic Plan, as well as guiding the Fraternity through the upcoming budgetary, membership, and chapter performance issues. The ensuing years have proven this to be a great decision!

Phillip Glauben
Beta Sigma
April 10, 2008