Reservations About Joining? Read This.

-From Former Delta Member Trainer Dave Dziak

Hey there folks! As a former freshman looking into Greek life at Ohio State, I had a few concerns. I was worried about being hazed. I wanted to be accepted and knew that I would have to do something to earn my place, but I didn't want it to be something dangerous, like being forced to drink or do something gross. In my searches among Ohio State fraternities, I wasn't necessarily convinced that I would be able to avoid that. That is, until I came over to Delta Theta Sigma.

Right away I felt at home, something that seemed sort of alien when on my own for the first time in my life. I met then president Nick Atterholt, as well as Cody Beucler (then rush chair), Jed Bookman (then VP), and Joe Greene. After conversing with Nick for awhile, he turned to me and said something I will never forget.

"Dave, you're exactly the kind of big guy we need around here."

Thinking back, I think he was referring to my large stature, but the idea that I was needed and had something to contribute only appeared at DTS. In the other fraternities that I had rushed, I was perceived as just another person. I was a number in a quota of people that the fraternity had to fill. But at DTS, I was already a friend. That friendship with the House would build over the next few times I was over, and I began to trust the guys as people that were there for me. Through random acts of kindness, I realized they actually cared about my well-being, as opposed to some of the risky behavior I noticed while at other houses.

When it came time to join, I knew I was in good hands. I put my trust in them, and they didn't let me down. I began my journey at the beginning of Winter Quarter 2010. I can proudly say that I was not hazed, nor forced to drink alcohol or take place in risky business.

Over the course of the past four or so years, DTS has completely revitalized its "pledge process," and has truly made it into a new member training course.

Our process rests on three main ideas: No Hazing, Professionalism, and Brotherhood.

In its current form, the process lasts six weeks. Each week, new members learn about an aspect of the fraternity's core values, as well as get trained on an aspect of professionalism. Through this process, we have been able to educate our men on brotherhood, service to fellow man, academics, and involvement. In addition, we have prepared our boys to become professional men by:

-Providing training on portfolios
-Resume building workshops
-Social media training
-Public speaking
-Time management
-Risk management
-Diversity training
-Event planning

all culminating with a mock job interview.

By the time our delta members are initiated, they are fully trained on the aforementioned items. They also have accumulated extensive knowledge about DTS, Greek Life in general, and Ohio State history.

Anyone can join a student organization at Ohio State. There are over 1,000 to choose from. But if you as a student want to become a leader of men and succeed in future endeavors, then Delta Theta Sigma is the right fit for you.