Field Secretary Program
The Field Secretary program was created by the 64th Ekklesia in 1912 to provide a yearly assessment of chapters, as well as a resource and conduit to share ideas. Phi Gamma Delta’s Field Secretaries serve as consultants to the undergraduate chapters, the Purple Legionnaires and Boards of Chapter Advisors.
Field Secretaries make a multiple-day visit to each chapter at least once a year to:
- Advise on all phases of chapter operations.
- Present leadership programs, alcohol education, academics, health & safety programs and more.
- Meet with college/university staff.
- Work with involved graduate brothers/advisors.
The ideal Field Secretary is a man who is confident and selfless. He is professional, thoughtful, persistent and dedicated, and he has high expectations of himself and his brothers. He also has been steadfast as an impactful leader, insistent on pursuing excellence during his time as an undergraduate, and is passionate about the Fraternity. Above all, he sets an example by exhibiting our core values and challenges himself and others to continually do so.
The Fraternity is looking year-round for new men who match the above description to accept a two-year appointment as a Field Secretary. If you have a deep seated love of the Fraternity, a willingness to travel, an outgoing personality, and a desire to further improve Phi Gamma Delta, apply to become a Field Secretary and help brothers maximize their fraternal experience.
Being a chapter president or a chapter officer is not a requirement; all leadership experience is desirable. Applications, available below, are reviewed by the Directors on staff and qualified applicants travel to Lexington for a comprehensive interview at Headquarters. Brothers should submit applications by November 1 for fall interviews, and December 31 for spring interviews (not guaranteed, conducted on an as needed basis), with employment to begin the 1st of the following June.
New Field Secretaries typically arrive in Lexington this first weekend in June to begin three months of summer training. This intensive education period is highlighted by leadership training, practice in and development of professional skills such as public speaking, comprehensive coverage of all chapter/provisional chapter concerns, and preparation for life on the road.
The single most important expectation of a Field Secretary is a commitment to the values and beliefs of Phi Gamma Delta. Field Secretaries must challenge the process when actions are inconsistent with values. They are positive role models who inspire a shared vision of what the fraternal experience is all about. A Field Secretary also encourages the heart, helping brothers to understand the true meaning of fraternity and the genius of Phi Gamma Delta.
In return, a brother who dedicates two years of service to the Fraternity will gain countless skills which will be invaluable in his future career. Field Secretaries often affirm that the challenges they met on the road were the best preparation they received for day-to-day practice in the workplace. Finally, he can expect two of the most fun and exciting years of his life. He will travel over half of North America and have opportunities others only dream of experiencing.
If you are a graduating senior and interested in serving the Fraternity as a Field Secretary, simply download the Field Secretary application and email your completed applications to Emily Sledd, Director of Chapter Services – West. Alternatively, you may send a hard copy of your application to: The International Headquarters of Phi Gamma Delta, 1201 Red Mile Road, Lexington, KY 40504.
If you have any questions, please email Emily Sledd.
