The Pillars of OEP

Below is the outlined official pillars, guidelines, and documentation for OEP and the on-campus members.

1.1 The Mission of OEP

1.1.1 Mission of the Brotherhood

The Order of Emulous Patricians exists to create an environment in which men who share the common characteristics of honesty, ambition, intelligence, honor, and a dedication to service can build lifelong relationships and a professional network of brothers.

1.1.2 Ethics of the Brotherhood

• Do not divulge any information regarding the traditions, structure, or membership of the brotherhood.
• Do not put a brother in a position where he must compromise his personal ethics.
• If it is appropriate, always help a brother who is in need.
• Treat brothers with the same respect and dignity you yourself would expect.
• Never allow external disagreements to break the bonds of brotherhood.
• Maintain a dedication and commitment to service.

1.1.3 Goals of the Brotherhood

• To grow a network of dignified professionals to aid brothers in their personal and professional goals.
• To uphold all brotherhood traditions.
• Expect all members to hold an official position of student leadership.
• Improve the reputation of Walla Walla University, both as students and alumni.
• Support Walla Walla University with time, money, and goodwill.
• Promote the awareness of the brotherhood without divulging its secrets.
• Expect and strive for excellence in everything.
• Stay connected to Walla Walla University.

1.2 The Pledge of the Brotherhood

The pledge is recited in unity before each weekly meeting and all official gatherings. It is to be memorized by incoming Chadash within one week following initiation. The pledge is as follows:

Esse quam videri (to be, rather than to seem)
We, the brothers of The Order of Emulous Patricians,
do hereby devote ourselves in unity to
guarding honesty,
upholding ambition,
expanding intelligence,
preserving honor,
and maintaining a dedication to service.
We devote ourselves, and our time here together, to this aim.
(yearly closing phrase)

1.3 On-Campus Structure

1.3.1 Group Size

The on-campus  group should never fall below seven members and should never exceed 20. At all times, consideration of graduating and SM/ACA brothers should be taken into account to ensure a well-balanced on-campus brotherhood. 

The brotherhood works best when there are 12–15 members. Chadash and Zaqen classes should remain as equally balanced as possible to ensure the proper dynamics of the group.

1.3.2 Chadash and Zaqen

There is a division within the on-campus group between new initiates and those who have gone through the commencement and moved into OEP leadership.

“Chadash” (young) refers to a brother once he goes through initiation until he goes through the commencement at the end of that year.

“Zaqen” (ancient) refers to a brother once he has completed his first academic year in OEP until he graduates from Walla Walla University.

1.3.3 The Xamud

The brotherhood is divided into four smaller groups for the intention of splitting up certain tasks and organizing teams for events such as the Esse Quam Videri.

1.3.4 Organizational Positions

Each member of the brotherhood has a specific role within the group. Brothers will help each other with larger tasks and planning regardless of assigned roles, but every member is important and responsible for fulfilling his assigned role.

*If the overall group size exceeds one brother per position, some roles (marked with asterisks) may be split (e.g. Yod (Hand of Recruitment), Yod (Hand of Initiations).

1. Responsible for keeping the momentum and leading the Zaqen to move the order forward.
2. Responsible for channeling the talents of the brothers to develop each other, for furthering the order by leading brothers with personal acts service, and for guarding the well-being of each brother and the order.
3. Responsible for setting the weekly meeting agenda, communicating all pertinent meeting information, managing the yearly calendar, and realizing long-term goals.

1. Responsible for identifying, learning about, and compiling a quantitative report on potential recruits.
2. Responsible for putting together several screening events in order to meet with the potential initiates being discussed.
3. Responsible for the overseeing of the entire process of initiation (letters, Centennial Green meeting, initiation, Atlas meeting, etc.).

1. Responsible for conceiving and organizing promotional events and activities intended to raise the profile of the brotherhood but not the brothers.
2. Responsible for planning the Esse Quam Videri event for winter quarter.
3. Responsible for planning various branding events, ideas for gifts and gift recipients, the (optional) OEP Spring Classic, and other bonding events through service.
4. Responsible for the quarterly Epistle to the off-campus brothers.

1. Responsible for handling finances of the on-campus brothers.
2. Responsible for creating an annual budget with the off-campus financial manager and maintaining communication with him over the year, in conjunction with the Rosh.
3. Responsible for developing long-term plans for the order to invest in WWU as a cohesive unit.

1. Responsible for maintaining and organizing strong documentation.
2. Responsible for keeping organized and thorough meeting agendas and notes.

1. Responsible for maintaining professionalism in meetings, keeping attendance record, holding brothers accountable for the dress code.
2. Responsible for disciplining those who fail to live up to standards.
3. Responsible for leading out in the intensity energetic events like the Esse Quam Videri and the retreat’s early run.
4. Responsible for developing new ways to bring the brothers closer together.

1. Responsible for keeping all the brotherhood treasures (initiation canvas, seal, wax, stationery, goblets, tablecloth, etc.).
2. Responsible for the compiling of the Annals.

1. Responsible for using their time apart from the on-campus brothers to think of ways to improve the order and WWU now and in the future.
2. Responsible for keeping up with the on-campus brothers and investing in their loyalty to the vision of the order.
3. Note: (Any brother off campus temporarily takes this role: e.g., ACA/SM)