Phi Gamma Delta is focused on the future. The future of our organization, the future of recruitment and the future of our members all start with a New Model to Build Courageous Leaders.

Phi Gamma Delta is moving away from the pledging model of joining in favor of a modern approach to recruitment, assimilation, and member development. The delegates to the 174th Ekklesia in August 2022 voted to eliminate pledging in Phi Gamma Delta, clearing the path for implementation of the New Model.

Why the New Model?

We recognized the need to find, pilot and deploy innovative ways to become a Phi Gam to eliminate hazing, strengthen the Fraternity with a smart-growth philosophy, and enhance the undergraduate experience for years to come.

Learn More

For more information about the New Model, our programs, Early Adoption, advisor support, and more, click the link below:

Learn More About the New Model

How We Build Courageous Leaders With the New Model

Two New Programs

The New Model is a product of two programs that complement each other in a holistic approach:

Growth System: A continuous, values-based recruitment system that allows a chapter to make a full and honest evaluation of a prospect before extending him an invitation to join.

Built to Lead: A multi-level development experience that begins on day one of affiliation and extends throughout the undergraduate experience, focused on building and strengthening skills necessary for Courageous Leadership.

New Model Implementation & Program Resources

To view the New Model Implementation Guide and additional New Model programming resources, click the button below:

New Model Resources

Implementation Success

2022-23 Academic Year

In the first year, over 40% of undergraduate chapters began implementation. Results and feedback from 2022-23 Early Adopters have been generally positive. It can, and does, take chapters time to plan and adjust their recruitment and member development techniques. However, once they do, chapters are seeing success.

Preliminary Data Suggests Two significant Themes:
  1. Early Adopters are initiating more men and retaining them at a greater rate than their historical four-year average and compared to non-Early Adopters.
  2. New Model chapters are not always inviting more men to join, but they are initiating more and being more selective about who they invite to join.

Early Adopters are sharing numerous anecdotal successes as well, suggesting they are attracting recruits who would not have been interested under the traditional pledging model, and that new initiates are becoming engaged in their chapters more quickly. This is leading to early successes in increasing retention, though data over time will be used to better measure these results.

2023-24 Academic Year

Through the fall 2023 academic term, an additional 45 chapters began implementation, meaning that 73% of chapters have adopted the New Model as of November 2023.

The Fraternity anticipates additional chapters to begin implementation in late fall 2023 and early spring 2024 so more than 85% of chapters will implement before it is required on July 1, 2024.

Have you had success with the New Model?

Tell us your story on the New Model Testimonial Form.