College fraternities are fraught with secret rituals, symbols and titles. They serve to add structure to organizations run largely by men in their late teens and early 20s. A few of the positions, like that of the fraternity warden, are created to enforce the fraternity's rituals and preserve its traditions.
Position
The fraternity warden holds a commissioned positions within the organization. There are wardens at the national and chapter levels. Both types have the same duty to uphold the conventions of the fraternity.
Duties
Fraternity wardens are like the bouncers, ushers and gatekeepers of the fraternities. They ensure that unauthorized people are kept out of official meetings. Wardens also maintain the fraternity's traditional materials, equipment and rooms. They also ensure that the rituals and conventions are performed according to the fraternity rules and standards. Wardens act as fraternity representatives while also serving meeting and disciplinary notices as needed by the fraternity.
Appointment
Wardens are appointed by the fraternity president. The national warden is appointed by the General Council and delegates of the local clubs and chapters.
Significance
Coed Magazine called the position "fraternity muscle" because of the gatekeeping and service duties. However, the wardens are much more important to their fraternities. Wardens work to ensure that the traditions, conventions and standards are upheld at every function. They are the authorities on how the fraternity operates.
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