The Greek EMerging Leaders Program (GEM)

The GEM program brings together the newest Greek members with experienced Greek leaders to prepare students to be effective leaders, specifically in the Greek Community.  Sessions help students learn more about themselves as leader, increase their knowledge and understanding of the Lehigh Greek community and national umbrella organizations, and encourage students to think about how they will create positive change in the Greek community.

Outstanding new members are selected each spring to participate in this semester long leadership development program during the fall.  Students will participate in an overnight ropes course retreat, seven 90-minute sessions on various topics, and a community service initiative.

Participants are broken up into several “councils” or small groups throughout the duration of the semester.  Each council has a mentor pair who will lead activities and discussion.  Mentors are junior and senior leaders from the Greek community who are required to participate in peer education training prior to mentoring.

Becoming a GEM Mentor

Being a GEM Mentor allows juniors and seniors to positively engage the newest leaders in the Greek community.  The mentors help shape the future of Greek life at Lehigh by:

  • Planning and facilitating the major components of the GEM Program
  • Marketing and recruiting new members and mentors
  • Providing guidance and advice to prepare students for leadership positions
  • Assisting in the organization of service and unity initiatives

As a result of their mentor experience, these upperclassmen develop essential facilitation, communication and public speaking skills. 

President’s Leadership Academy

The President’s Leadership Academy is a half-day retreat that occurs once per semester with all Greek chapter presidents and council executive board members.  The academy’s purpose is to encourage Greek presidents to network, to build their leadership skills to prepare for their role, and to discuss the vision of the greater Greek community.  Chapter presidents’ transition into their role at the end of the fall or spring and the academy allows for new presidents to learn from returning presidents from other chapters.

Accreditation Liaisons

Accreditation Liaisons are faculty and staff members who meet with chapters once a month to assist in the accreditation process and encourage chapter-wide reflection opportunities for individual and organizational success.  Liaisons will review chapter development questions, assist students in making connections with the accreditation metrics, and most importantly serve as a facilitator of reflection for chapter processes and programs.  More information will be available August 2013.