1930–31 Volume 55 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

VOLUMELV THE SCROLL ^^^PHI DELTA THETAEditorialThe selective system is in full operation in most American colleges ofany importance. The system has been invoked long enough to show thata higher precentage of those who enter go through to graduation andthat there is a greater interest in the scholastic side of college life.Fraternities are beginning to benefit by the situation but it is surprisingthat in so many cases chapters are not taking full advantage of it. Mostcolleges know months in advance of entrance exactly who will make upthe incoming freshman class. The coniplete individual records of the newstudents are on file in the college offices and are available for all fraternities,yet a large number of our chapters admit that they make nouse of this invaluable information. They continue to take a chance in thegrab-bag of fall rushing and are then disappointed when the men with onlyfair high school records keep the chapter scholarship average down.This is intended to be a plea to rushing chairmen to begin now to getthe dope on the men who are coming to your college next fall. No matterwhat other qualities they may have, if you can see that they will notmake the scholastic grade of your institution don't burden yourself withthem. If a boy has been frivolous in high school the chances are very muchagainst his being any different in college. A fraternity chapter is not areform school: it cannot make character; it can only help to develop it.Equally important as the selection of men is the selection of leaders.In most chapters officers for next year are being elected and because thefall semester is an important one too much care cannot be exercised in thepicking of these officers.The only consideration that ought to count is the man's fitness for thejob. Choose a president who is a real leader if you have one. His is a greatresponsibility; he should be looked up to and followed. It has been saidthat undergraduates are not capable of conducting their own financialaffairs and this seems to be the case in some instances. Your treasurer,therefore, should be chosen for his business ability, his firmness of purposeand because he is willing to do the large amount of work necessary toIceep the records properly.The successful handling of a chapter office is excellent training for theindividual. Don't accept a position of trust unless you are prepared to gothrough what is necessary to carry it out properly.[491]