Lambda Chi Alpha was the first fraternity to abolish pledges when associate membership replaced pledging in 1972. Since that time, associate members have had full and equal rights in the chapter, including voting privileges and the ability to hold office, attend all meetings and functions, and wear the letters and regalia of the Fraternity. The Fraternity replaced pledge education with fraternity education, which dictates ongoing education for all members throughout their university years. New members are integrated immediately into the chapter. A big brother is assigned to each new member, and he teaches the essentials of chapter operations to the new member. Each week throughout the school year an educational session is held for all members. These educational sessions are either internal (history, ritualism, risk management, goal setting, recruitment skills, etc.) or external (study skills, current topics, alcoholism, date rape, CPR, etc.).