Chapter Advisor Monthly Fall 2012, Issue 1
Welcome Back! The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is excited to kick off the 2012-2013 academic year! We have had an exciting summer; we have hired new staff in OFSL and the Division of Student Affairs has undergone a new strategic planning process. As an office, we are looking forward to many upcoming initiatives, programs, and events this year. For those who might be new to your advising role please accept our warmest welcome; we look forward to getting to know you better over the course of this year. For those who are returning to work with our chapters, welcome back! As we begin another academic year, we hope to continue to build strong relationships and increase communication between Northwestern University, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, and chapter advisors. As advisors, you are some of our best resources; we can work together to ensure an engaging, productive, and safe undergraduate experience for our fraternity and sorority men and women. In this issue: Wildcat Welcome & University Move-In Freshmen Freeze New Staff Division of Student Affairs Update Student Engagement Spring 2012 Academic Report Reminders for Effective Advising Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Important Dates and Upcoming Events If you have ideas or suggestions for a topic you would like to see in a future issue of Chapter Advisor Monthly, please contact Maggie Heffernan at MargaretHeffernan@northwestern.edu.
Fraternity and Sorority Life Professional Staff Dominic Greene, Director Maggie Heffernan, Assistant Director Alex Suñé, Assistant Director Adlil Issakoo, Program Assistant Liz Melero, Graduate Intern ofsl@northwestern.edu
Everybody has a story. The “…And I am Greek” campaign will launch this week, during Wildcat Welcome. Check out nugreek.org for more on this exciting new initiative.
Wildcat Welcome Northwestern University will welcome the class of 2016 in th addition to transfer students on Thursday, September 20 . This year’s incoming class of nearly 2,200 students is the most diverse to date with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Residence Halls will open on Thursday and the new students will spend the following week getting to know one another, learning about their academic department, attending campus-wide social events, and exploring all that Evanston and Northwestern have to offer. The New Student and Family Programs staff, the Wildcat Welcome Board of Directors and the over 200 Peer Advisers have worked tirelessly to ensure these new students have a fulfilling experience. Fraternity and sorority members are committed to a successful Wildcat Welcome. Seven of this year’s ten board members are fraternity and sorority members and 124 of 201 Peer Advisers (just over 60%) are fraternity and sorority members. Members of IFC, MGC, NPHC, and Panhellenic will be around campus during Wildcat Welcome educating students about the opportunities available to them should they choose to get involved in fraternity and sorority life. The councils will also launch a new marketing campaign showcasing members of Northwestern’s fraternity and sorority community and their personal stories. The “…And I am Greek” campaign launches on Thursday. Check out www.nugreeks.org for a sneak preview!
Freshmen Freeze 2012 th
Thursday, September 20 through Tuesday, October 9
th
Northwestern University restricts first-year students from joining Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, or Panhellenic Association member groups until winter quarter. Specifically, during the fall quarter, freshmen are not permitted to enter fraternity or sorority houses during Wildcat Welcome and the subsequent first two weeks of classes unless it is to visit a close relative for academic purposes. th
After noon on Tuesday, October 9 , freshmen are permitted to enter chapter houses unless alcohol is present. Check with the Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, or Panhellenic Association for additional policies and procedures. During fall quarter no fraternity or sorority may offer an invitation of membership to any first-year student. A first-year student may accept an invitation of membership from a chapter only after the start of winter quarter. Upper-class students and transfer students are permitted to participate in fall, winter, or spring quarter informal recruitment programs sponsored by the chapters. Alcohol is not permitted at any recruitment or new member/pledge activity. st
Chapters shall be allowed to market upcoming events starting on Monday, October 1 . These advertisements (including ALL social media initiatives) must be approved by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. This applies to all forms of marketing, including but not limited to listserv emails, flyers, social media, Evites, and chalk. All marketing materials st th that will be distributed on campus October 1 -9 must be submitted to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life by th Thursday, September 27 at 12:00pm for approval. Failure to get marketing materials approved will result in a referral to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. The councils have been allowed to advertise Fraternity & Sorority Life at Northwestern during Wildcat Welcome Week. All four councils will sponsor educational programs during Wildcat Welcome Week for potential members. In addition, councils will present at munchies, hall meetings, activity fairs, and distribute flyers and posters. Our goal is to present a positive portrayal of our community and attempt to instill in the freshmen a more accurate picture of everything we have to offer. Greek Week will start at the end of the Freshmen Freeze. IFC/MGC/NPHC/Panhellenic will co-sponsor Greek Week events from October 7th-11th. Chapters will not be allowed to sponsor programs, events, and philanthropy events during this week. The final details of the week are being finalized this summer. One component of Greek Week will be an All-Greek Service Event, co-sponsored by all four Greek Councils. More details will be provided as we work them out and move closer to the start of the year. Chapter sponsored philanthropy & educational events will not be allowed September 20th-October 9th. While the policy has been adjusted, the policy has not changed when it comes to chapter-sponsored programs, philanthropy events, educational programs, and any other open events. Freshmen are not permitted to attend any event during the freeze period. As in previous years, chapters are only allowed to sponsor closed, invite-only events (on and off-campus) as long as they are following Inter/national organization, University, and Council policies and freshmen are not present. Please contact OFSL Staff if you have any questions. Freshmen are not allowed to enter IFC and Panhellenic Facilities during the Freshmen Freeze. Like previous years, freshmen may not enter a chapter facility or be on the premise of any on or off-campus (apartments, houses, etc.) fraternity or sorority house during the freeze period. The chapter facility/premise includes but is not limited to front lawns, patios, decks, back yards, parking lots, or any other part of the facility associated with a fraternity or sorority at Northwestern University. During previous years, the Freeze ended in early October. Given the changes to Northwestern’s academic calendar this fall, th the Freeze will end on October 9 . OFSL staff asks for your cooperation and support during the Freshmen Freeze. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of the OFSL staff for clarification. The full policy is available on our website: http://www.northwestern.edu/gogreek/resources/policies/freshmen-freeze.html or in the Northwestern University Student Handbook.
OFSL Welcomes New Staff The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life welcomed two new staff members this summer, Alejandro Suñé (Assistant Director) and Elizabeth Melero (Graduate Intern). Alejandro (Alex) has been with OFSL since August 2012. Alex is working as the Assistant Director and will be primarily working with community-wide new member education, membership development, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Alex joins Northwestern University from Texas A&M University. While at A&M, Alex served as the MGC Advisor and coordinated the office’s educational and risk prevention initiatives. He previously worked in the Office of Greek Affairs and New Student Services at Kansas State University. He holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from Kansas State University and is a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Elizabeth (Liz) is a second year graduate student in the Higher Education program at Loyola University Chicago. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Latino Studies. After graduation, Liz worked as a research associate for the University of Illinois at Chicago in the Institute for Juvenile Research. She currently works full-time as an Applications Clerk in Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management at Loyola University. Liz is a member of Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. She will be completing her internship with OFSL this fall, working primarily with new member education initiatives and MGC programming. We are so excited to have Alex and Liz as part of the Fraternity and Sorority Life team and look forward to a successful year as a staff!
Division of Student Affairs Strategic Plan The Division of Student Affairs at Northwestern, led by Vice President Patricia Telles-Irvin, recently completed a Strategic Planning process. This summer, the Division partnered with Keeling and Associates, a comprehensive higher education consulting firm, to develop our new strategic plan. The plan will inform departmental goals and objectives throughout the coming years and provide a consistent theme for the work we do with our students. It is important for you, as chapter advisors, to understand the future direction of Northwestern so we can work together to elevate the student experience. Below you will find an outline of the strategic plan; more information and a full description are available on the Division of Student Affairs website. Vision We will be full partners in the student learning experience. Mission The mission of the Northwestern University Division of Student Affairs is to educate students, engage the community, and enrich the Northwestern experience. Values Statement Integrity; Social Justice; Innovation; Collaboration; Stewardship Guiding Principles Commitment to Excellence; Accountability; Communication; Curiosity; Authenticity; Intentionality Strategic Themes 1. Build Organizational Health: We will create a healthy, functional and sustainable Student Affairs organization committed to excellence by continuously improving internal and external communications, technologies, professional development, policies, and procedures. 2. Enrich the Northwestern Experience: We will provide services, programs, shared experiences, and a unifying identity that contributes to a vibrant Northwestern community. 3. Further Student Learning: We will create holistic learning experiences for students outside the classroom, remove barriers to student learning, and provide opportunities for the integration of their learning. We will utilize an attainable and measurable framework for student learning outside the classroom. 4. Advance Social Justice: We will work authentically and ethically to create an inclusive and socially just learning environment for all members of the Northwestern University community. 5. Foster Purposeful Partnerships: We will collaborate with our student affairs colleagues, students, faculty colleagues, alumni, departments, and divisions outside of Student Affairs. 6. Optimize Resources: We will continually look for opportunities to attract, align, and maximize resources, and to use them wisely and effectively to improve programs, services, and facilities for students and to strengthen our infrastructure and technology.
Student Engagement Northwestern University’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Patricia Telles-Irvin, announced an exciting change to the th structure of the Division that directly affects Fraternity and Sorority Life. Burgwell (Burgie) Howard was announced on July 5 , 2012 as the newly created Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement in Student Affairs. Burgie has been at Northwestern for the past seven years, first as the Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and most recently as the Dean of Students. Burgie is a graduate of Dartmouth College where he received his undergraduate degree in Psychology and his master’s degree from Stanford University in Higher Education Administration. As of this summer, Burgie will be directly responsible for the following areas: Center for Student Involvement, Multicultural Student Affairs, New Student and Family Program, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Religious Life. The Student Engagement team has been charged “to work collaboratively to increase student-wide signature events, to enhance an inclusive and welcoming community, to create stronger connections among all students and to Northwestern through intentional programming. All of these areas will also work closely with Academic Affairs to provide opportunities for seamless experiences between their out of the classroom learning with some of their classroom experiences” wrote Vice President Telles-Irvin in her Announcement to the Division. OFSL is excited for the new opportunities that come along with this reorganization. The Office previously reported directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Moving forward, OFSL will work closely with the other Student Engagement offices to build a stronger sense of community on campus and to create consistent, educational opportunities for all Northwestern students outside of the classroom. This appointment and reorganization comes at a time of transition for the Division of Student Affairs following Patricia Telles-Irvin’s arrival last August. Northwestern University is currently undergoing a search for a new Dean of Students following Burgie’s transition to the Assistant Vice President position.
MGC and NPHC Intake Policy The purpose of the Intake policy is to provide the fraternities and sororities of the Northwestern University fraternity and sorority community, their Advisors, and prospective members with a source of information regarding membership intake. The following meetings/documents should be completed PRIOR to intake activity: One chapter member (either President or Intake Coordinator) must meet with a representative in OFSL Notice of Intention to Conduct Membership Intake Process Form Verification of Prospective Members (within 48 hours after interest meeting) Prospective members are required to meet with OFSL advisor prior to start of education process All interested members should complete a Grade Release Form (available in OFSL) The Membership Intake Intent Form and the Verification of Prospective Members document are available on the OFSL website: http://www.northwestern.edu/gogreek/resources/forms.html As of fall 2011, organizations may refer to the act of presenting new members to a campus as a New Member Presentation or Neophyte Show. The use of 'Probate' is prohibited both in terminology and in practice. Individuals who are participating in these shows must be INITIATED members of the organization.
Spring 2012 Grades The spring 2012 grade report is available on the OFSL website. The all-Fraternity/Sorority average was a 3.45, equal to the all-student average. Individual chapter reports are available in OFSL for chapter presidents to pick up. We would like to congratulate the Northwestern fraternity and sorority community on another successful quarter and recognize those chapters that achieved the highest averages in their respective council: Delta Chi (3.61) | IFC Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. (3.52) | MGC Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (3.29) | NPHC Alpha Chi Omega (3.57) & Delta Delta Delta (3.57) | PHA
30 Reminders for Effective Advising Adopted from Association of Fraternity & Sorority Advisors’ “Chapter Advisors Manual” 1. Care about the students you advise by showing empathy, understanding, and respect. 2. Establish a warm, genuine, and open professional relationship. 3. Show interest, helpful intent, and involvement. 4. Be a good listener. 5. Establish rapport by remembering personal information about students that you advise. 6. Be available; keep office hours and appointments. 7. Provide accurate information. 8. When in doubt, refer to Northwestern’s student handbook and/or the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. 9. Know how and when to make referrals, and be familiar with referral sources. 10. Don’t refer to hastily; but don’t attempt to handle situations for which you are not qualified. 11. Have students contact referral sources in your presence. 12. Contact students you advise frequently; don’t always wait for students to come to you. 13. Don’t make decisions for students; help them make their own decisions. 14. Focus on students’ strengths and potential rather than limitations. 15. Seek out students you advise in informal settings. 16. Monitor students’ progress toward educational goals. 17. Determine reasons for poor academic performance and direct students to support services. 18. Be realistic with the students you advise. 19. Use all available information sources. 20. Clearly and professionally outline students responsibilities. 21. Follow up on commitments made to the students you advise. 22. Encourage students to consider and develop career alternatives, when appropriate. 23. Keep an anecdotal record of significant conversations for future reference. 24. Evaluate the effectiveness of your advising. 25. Don’t be critical of Northwestern University faculty or staff to the students. 26. Be knowledgable about career opportunities and job outlook for various majors. 27. Encourage students to talk by asking open-ended questions. 28. Don’t betray confidential information. 29. Categorize students’ questions; are they seeking action, information, or involvement and understanding. 30. Be yourself and allow students to be themselves. (Source: www.umich.edu/~salead/advisor/handbook.html#roles)
Student leaders gathered outside of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. This image will be featured in our fall marketing materials.
Greek Emerging Leaders Fall 2012 Greek Emerging Leaders is a six week, non-credit course which meets once a week creating conversation on topics such as leadership, communication, values, and issues in our chapters. The class is facilitated by an OFSL staff member and a student who is a graduate of the program. The fall 2012 Greek Emerging Leaders course will offer a section on Tuesday and Wednesday each from 6:00pmth 7:30pm. The course will start the week of October 8 and participating students can choose which section they prefer, Participants have the opportunity to learn about themselves and their leadership styles and make connections with other rising leaders. Newer members will receive the application via email once registration is live. Chapter presidents will also be notified once registration is live. Please encourage sophomores and newly initiated members to participate! Recommended qualities of the Greek Emerging Leaders participants include: Committed to assuming both positional and nonpositional leadership opportunities Newly initiated member of your chapter (within the last 12 months) At the end of the Greek Emerging Leaders course, we hope students are able to: Articulate a personal value and belief system Act in congruence with personal values and belief system and those of both their organization and the Northwestern fraternity and sorority community Demonstrate willingness to scrutinize and confront personal values, beliefs, and actions of their peers Understand the importance of identifying individuals to lead their team and assist them in moving their vision forward Analyze and understand the issues facing their organizations
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
Month Day Year
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. This way, you can 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. September 20- Freshmen Move-In September 27- Fall Quarter begins September 30- Phired Up Recruitment Program (Panhellenic) October 1- Phired Up Recruitment Program (IFC) October 6- MGC and NPHC Yardshow October 7- Day of Service October 7-11- Greek Week October 9- Freshmen Freeze ends October 14- IFC Recruitment Kickoff October 14- Sorority Recruitment Kickoff (MGC, NPHC, and Panhellenic) October 15- Panhellenic Grand Chapter October 19-21- Northwestern University Parent and Family Weekend October 22-28- Homecoming
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Northwestern’s Illinois Lambda chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was recently suspended by the National Fraternity. Chapter members have been asked to discontinue chapter operations and participation in any recruitment or social events. The men will not be living in the chapter’s facility this fall. Alumni advisors will begin a membership review process in the coming weeks, interviewing all undergraduate members to determine which members to reinstate into the Fraternity and which brothers to release from membership. Northwestern University and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life support Sigma Phi Epsilon’s decision to suspend the chapter and will be working closely with the national fraternity throughout the review process this fall. Any questions or concerns regarding Sigma Phi Epsilon’s closing can be directed to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Vice President Telles-Irvin presenting the new Strategic Plan to Student Affairs staff in September.
Greek Week 2012 th
Greek Week 2012 will run from Sunday, October 7 through th Thursday, October 11 . The captains meeting will be on th Thursday, September 27 - time and location TBA. Advisors are welcome to attend all events and support their chapter member s throughout the week. Sunday, October 7: Day of Service; 11:00 am- 2:00 pm, location varies Sunday, October 7: Greek Tag-a-Long Kickoff; All Week, location varies Monday, October 8: Greek Pride Day & High Five for Letters; All Day, campus-wide Monday, October 8: Greek Week Yoga; 11:00 am- 2:00 pm, Norris Louis Room Monday, October 8: Letters at the Library; 7:00 pm- 10:00 pm, University Main Library Tuesday, October 9: Greek Eats: Chipotle; 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Evanston Chipotle Tuesday, October 9: Greeks Got Talent; 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, Ryan Auditorium Wednesday, October 10: Top Chef: Greek Edition; 3:00 pm-5:00 pm, Kappa Kappa Gamma Thursday, October 11: GreekBuild Kickoff BBQ and Bags Tournament; 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm, Ford Lawn Thursday, October 11: Stroll Competition and Awards Ceremony; 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm, Norris McCormick Auditorium
Chapter Advisor Monthly 601 University Place – Scott Hall, Rm. 29 – Evanston Il 60208 www.northwestern.edu/gogreek - 847-491-4522