Chapter Advisor Monthly Spring 2013, Issue 1
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Update Spring quarter is nearly over and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is preparing for the campus-wide events still to come, including Dillo Day and Commencement. Spring quarter is a good time to look back on the past academic year and thank everyone who has supported our students; thank you for your commitment to the fraternity and sorority community. Summer presents an opportunity for each of us to reflect on the year and set goals for fall quarter. It is an exciting yet bittersweet time of transition, development, goalsetting, and positive change for the future. We wish you all a relaxing summer! In this issue: MaySing Greek Awards Greek Scene Greek Leadership Retreat Winter 2013 Academic Report Spring Recruitment & Intake Commencement End of the Year Check-in If you have suggestions for future articles or topics, please contact Maggie Heffernan at MargaretHeffernan@northwestern.edu.
MaySing 2013 MaySing, the community’s annual lip-sync and dance th competition, was held on May 9 . Chapters team up to compete in the event which consists of a five minute performance in accordance with the year’s theme. Teams typically consist of one Panhellenic chapter, one or two IFC chapters, and at least one MGC or NPHC chapter. This year’s theme was “Blast from the Past”- teams chose from the past six decades and selected music from that decade (50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s). A cross-council programming team is responsible for coordinating and executing the event; a special thanks to this year’s programming team- Kallie Culbertson, Alpha Phi; Gio Delgado, Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc.; and Dan Jacobs, Alpha Epsilon Pi. We would also like to congratulate this year’s winners for a job well done! 1st place: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Phi Beta, Phi Delta Theta 2nd place: Alpha Phi, Delta Chi, Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. 3rd place: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Chi, Zeta Tau Alpha
This year’s MaySing champions- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Phi Beta, and Phi Delta Theta, in the midst of their winning performance. The team represented the 90’s in “Blast from the Past.”
Spring Recruitment and Intake Congratulations to the men of La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda and Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc. for becoming active members of their respective international organizations. La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda and Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc. are two of the newest members of the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC). This is a significant milestone for both groups as they have now crossed their first line of active brothersCongratulations! Additionally, we congratulate the Interfraternity Council (IFC) for successful spring recruitment. The IFC community welcomed an additional 27 men amongst ten chapters and the number continues to grow. Finally, the Panhellenic community has extended bids to 18 women through continuous open bidding thus far this quarter. Panhellenic chapters under Panhellenic total (122) are eligible for Continuous Open Bidding (COB).
Greek Scene Greek Scene, the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s annual st step show, took place on Sunday, April 21 . NPHC hosts Greek Scene each year as an opportunity for the chapters to choreograph and execute their own stepping performance. Each of the “Divine Nine” NPHC organizations is represented on the judging panel. Judging criteria includes crowd participation, stepping, theme, and overall performance. This year, three NPHC organizations participated in the show. A large crowd was in attendance to support the organizations and the council in their hard work and efforts. Congratulations to NPHC and the participating chapters on a wonderful show! And congratulations to this year’s Greek Scene winner- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Greek Leadership Retreat th
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life’s annual Greek Leadership Retreat was held April 12-14 in Burlington, Wisconsin. Council officers and chapter presidents from all four councils participated in Greek Leadership Retreat. Participants were led by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life staff, eight student facilitators, and two professional facilitators in discussions about the current strengths and weaknesses of the fraternity and sorority community at Northwestern and what can be done to move the community forward over the next year. Participants also discussed effective leadership strategies and spent time getting to know one another as a team of community leaders. Students and facilitators discussed values congruence, accountability, cross-council collaboration, developing the courage to lead, and personal influence. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life would like to recognize and thank the lead and student facilitators for their hard work and commitment to the Northwestern fraternity and sorority community: Noah Borton, Senior Director of Educational Programs, Delta Upsilon Fraternity Sharrell Hassell-Goodman, Assistant Director of the Ohio Union for Fraternity and Sorority Life, The Ohio State University Jake Bodner, Phi Delta Theta Andrew Brugman, Delta Chi Alma Gallegos, Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc. Allison Gullquist, Kappa Alpha Theta Jessica Holden, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Shelby Lopez, Delta Gamma Ethan Merel, Alpha Epsilon Pi Patrick Schnettler, Pi Kappa Alpha
Small-group and lead facilitators at Greek Leadership Retreat.
Divine Legacy Banquet The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) held their th inaugural “Divine Legacy” Banquet on Saturday, May 11 . The event highlighted NPHC’s achievements over its time at Northwestern as well as the legacy of member chapters throughout each of their histories at Northwestern. An award was presented to each chapter for their contributions to the NPHC community. A collection of presentations were given by the member chapters to highlight the impact of Black Greek Letter organizations on Northwestern’s campus life. Graduating seniors were also recognized by the neophytes of their respective organizations for their commitment, service, and involvement to their organizations and to NPHC over their undergraduate career.
Chapter presidents and council officers from the Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council at this year’s Greek Leadership Retreat.
Winter 2013 Academic Report Congratulations to members of Northwestern’s fraternity and sorority community on a successful winter quarter! The all-Greek average was a 3.45, above the 3.44 allstudent average. The all-women’s average was a 3.49 and the all-men’s average was a 3.40. Individual chapter reports are available in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life for the chapter presidents to pick up. We would like to recognize those chapters that achieved the highest averages in their respective council: IFC- Delta Chi (3.61) MGC- Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. and Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc. (3.51) NPHC- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (3.16) PHA- Alpha Phi (3.54) The full grade report is available online.
Greek Awards th
This year’s Greek Award ceremony was held on Thursday, May 16 . Greek Awards is presented by Order of Omega, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Panhellenic Association, Gamma Sigma Alpha, and Rho Lambda. Chapters can apply for recognition in 11 chapter categories, seven individual award categories, and two community-oriented categories. A full list of award winners will be available on the Fraternity and Sorority Life website and some highlights from the evening are listed below: Chapter Advisor of the Year Congratulations to the following advisors or alumni members of their organizations for their dedication and continued service to our community: Ed Senechal, Phi Mu Alpha; LaSondra Frazier, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Carrie Perll Von Hoff, Chi Omega. Chapter President of the Year Congratulations to the following chapter presidents for their year of service and commitment to change in our community: Will Ritter, Sigma Chi; Stephanie Fernandez, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.; Kerease Epps, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Nicole Schindler, Alpha Chi Omega. New Member/Neophyte of the Year This award recognizes new members/neophytes who have, in their first year, become an active and contributing member of their chapter, the fraternity/sorority community, and the Northwestern community. These new members/neophytes have made a positive impact within their organization and community. Congratulations to: Brad McCandless, Phi Kappa Psi; John Castellanos, Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Darlene Reyes, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Jen Reese, Alpha Chi Omega. Undergraduate Service Award This award recognizes members of the community who have displayed a commitment to their communities and an exceptional pledge to philanthropy and service. These students are involved on campus, in the Evanston and Chicago communities, and around the globe. Congratulations to: Corey Moss, Phi Delta Theta; Monique Brown, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Hannah Martenson, Kappa Delta. Greek Leadership Award The Greek Leadership Award was designed to recognize graduating seniors who have helped shape the direction of the community. These students are selected by the Fraternity and Sorority Life staff to honor the significant impact that the students have made on their chapter, council, and community. Congratulations to Brad Stewart, Delta Upsilon and Allison Gullquist, Kappa Alpha Theta. Awards for Outstanding Senior, Greek Man of the Year, Greek Woman of the Year, and Chapter of the Year will be presented at th this year’s Wildcat Excellence Awards on Tuesday, June 4 . This is the first year for the Wildcat Excellence Awards which will honor individuals and student organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the community through their involvement, service, and leadership activities. The Wildcat Excellence Awards will recognize students and organizations from across campus, including the highest levels of recognition within the fraternity and sorority community. Thank you to the four councils and three honor societies for helping to host such a lovely evening. Congratulations to all award winners!
Dillo Day 2013 st
Northwestern University’s Dillo Day will celebrate this year’s festivities on Saturday, June 1 . The first Dillo Day was held in 1972 when Northwestern students from Texas held a small celebration in honor of the armadillo. Today, Dillo Day is an annual festival on campus organized by Mayfest student group and takes place on the last Saturday of May as a culmination of Mayfest. The day features an all-day music festival, special events, promotions, games, and food on Northwestern’s lakefill. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, IFC, and Panhellenic will sponsor a free pancake breakfast on campus Saturday morning and free pizza Saturday afternoon for all members of the Northwestern community. IFC and Panhellenic also donated a combined $5000 to Mayfest toward the water station on the lakefill. The IFC and Panhellenic executive boards will be doing rounds throughout the fraternity and sorority quads. Staff members from the Division of Student Affairs will be on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods throughout the day should any students need assistance. Chapters should have their own risk management policies in place for Dillo Day that might include officers stationed in the house, sober brothers and sisters on call, and a simple way to share emergency contact information. Chapter presidents are encouraged to have open conversations with their advisors about the plans for Dillo Day. IFC and Panhellenic are hosting a st Dillo Day Risk Management meeting for all chapter presidents and risk managers on Tuesday, May 21 at 5:00 pm.
End of the Year Check-in Graduation marks a significant transition in the academic year; students are heading away from campus for the summer, Month Day Year seniors are leaving the chapter, and everyone will return in the fall with new goals and a new vision in mind. The seniors’ departure can cause a cultural transformation within any chapter. It is an opportunity to ensure that the incoming senior class stays committed throughout their senior year and does not lose sight of the lifetime commitment they have made to the organization. The summer presents an opportunity for chapters to reflect on this past year, address current challenges facing the chapter, and set goals to elevate the organization. Summer is also a wonderful opportunity for chapter advisors to reflect on the year with their members and address personal challenges to most productively move into the fall and continue building a successful relationship with the chapter. Summer provides a much needed reprieve for all advisors from daily student interaction and allows for personal reflection and goal-setting. The Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors has provided a list of questions for advisors to ask themselves and reflect upon: 1. Do I know all of the brothers/sisters and pledges/new members by name? 2. Have I attended meetings of the chapter or the executive committee or both on a regular basis? 3. Do the chapter and I understand what we expect from each other, and are we meeting those expectations?
One Hundred and Fifty-Fifth Commencement Northwestern University will celebrate its one hundred and st fifty-fifth annual commencement on Friday, June 21 . The commencement ceremony will take place in Ryan Field; gates will open at 8:00 am and only those guests with a ticket will be admitted. The ceremony begins with the procession of graduates, the faculty, and the President’s party. The program is expected to last one and a half hours and will include the awarding of honorary degrees, this year’s featured commencement speaker, the President’s message to the graduates, and the conferring of degrees by school. Each nd school will hold its own convocation on Saturday, June 22 . A full schedule of ceremonies is available on the Commencement website. Mikhail Baryshnikov will speak at this year’s commencement. Baryshnikov is the founder and artistic director of the Baryshnikov Arts Center, a critically acclaimed film, television and theater actor, and one of the world’s greatest ballet dancers. Baryshnikov will receive an honorary degree following his address during the 155th Commencement. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life extends our sincerest congratulations to those fraternity and sorority men and women graduating this year. We thank the 2013 graduating class for their years of service, commitment, and dedication to the community- they will be truly missed.
4. Am I satisfied with my relationship with the chapter officers?
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
5. Do I maintain adequate communication with and receive support from the (inter)national headquarters? 6. Do I believe that the chapter communicates adequately with me, and vice versa? 7. Have I been approached by brothers/sisters and pledges/new members at least occasionally for help with personal problems? 8. Am I promoting the objectives of the Fraternity or Sorority? 9. Is the chapter a better one because of my association with it?
It is important that chapter advisors are aware of what is going on within the fraternity and sorority community and the greater Northwestern campus community. Please encourage chapter members to participate in community events and attend relevant campus programming. If you have questions about a specific event, please contact an OFSL staff member or speak with your chapter president. As changes are made to this schedule, we will be sure to update advisors via future newsletters or email correspondence.
11. What challenges did we face this year? 12. What will we focus on for fall 2013? And what role do I play in helping the chapter focus on these goals? If you are uncomfortable, in all honesty, with any of your answers to these questions, then use this opportunity to analyze the 10. Do I enjoy my time spent with the chapter or working on chapter-related tasks?
May 27th- MGC and NPHC Barbeque June 1st- Dillo Day June 3rd-June 7th- Reading Week June 4th- Wildcat Excellence Awards June 10th- June 14th- Finals Week June 17th- June 20th- Senior Week June 21st- 2013 Commencement September 16th- Wildcat Welcome Begins September 24th- First Day of Classes
reasons for the discomfort and treat them as areas for improvement.
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