5 minute read
Persistence Through the Pandemic
This quote may never be as true as it is today, as the Fraternity faces one of its greatest challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall Phi Gamma Delta remains strong due to the creativity and perseverance of our undergraduate and graduate brothers. We have compiled responses to many of the common questions the Fraternity receives to keep our brothers updated on how the Fraternity and our chapters are adapting and moving forward.
What do campuses look like during the pandemic?
Most campuses adopted hybrid instruction models, meaning some or most classes are held online with some, generally smaller, classes in-person. A small number of campuses went fully remote, meaning no inperson classes and in a few cases no students on campus.
Wabash is one of many chapters that have adapted their service project to the pandemic. Even with students on campus, campus life is very different this year. There are limited, if any, in-person gatherings. For our undergraduate chapters that means a lot of the events that we are used to – such as recruitment, philanthropy, social events and even chapter meetings – must be done differently. Student housing, including residence halls and chapter houses, is also operating differently to limit exposure.
What are our chapters doing to adapt?
Undergraduate brothers certainly miss the ability to be together in person – as we all do – but, as evidenced by the On Campus section in this issue, chapters are finding innovative ways to keep everyone engaged. From Zoom chapter meetings and new member education, to supporting local COVID-19 relief efforts, they are adjusting every aspect of chapter operations to leverage technology and/or do their work in small groups.
We see a lot of changes in chapter house operations as well. House corporations did a great job this summer and fall adapting the resources and guidance provided by their campuses and the Fraternity’s 1848 Housing Committee to create and execute plans for continued operations. Many chapter houses are operating at a reduced capacity, with enhanced sanitation procedures and modified food service. All of our brothers, from chapter officers to House Corporations and Purple Legionnaires, deserve a lot of credit for their response to the pandemic and for how they have adapted to the different local scenarios and restrictions which they and their chapters face.
How has undergraduate membership been impacted?
Overall, the Fraternity’s undergraduate membership is down from last year, but remains stable. Many chapters saw a few brothers not return this fall, but not as many as we expected early on. The Fraternity did lose two young colonies at the start of the fall, and we have a few chapters now struggling with membership. Though recruitment looks very different, many of our chapters have remained successful in
those efforts. The pandemic forced many chapters and campuses to decrease their reliance on formal recruitment and get back to the basics of getting to know potential new members and inviting them to join. Those that adapted quickly are seeing great success, with about half of the chapters that have reported thus far seeing recruitment numbers as good as or better than last year. Some are struggling, with fall membership classes smaller than normal. Like beginning of the year membership, the Fraternity’s overall fall recruitment numbers are down from last year but seem to be stable.
How is the Fraternity addressing chapter behavior?
Campuses and localities are rightfully taking COVID seriously, as is the Fraternity. Prior to the start of the academic year, the Fraternity amended its risk management policy to include the expectation that brothers and chapters adhere to all local COVID-19 guidelines. On many campuses it took a few weeks for students to understand these new expectations, and we have a few chapters that have learned that the hard way. The Fraternity is holding chapters accountable through its disciplinary process and is working with our campus partners to move forward productively.
What about graduate chapters & graduate activities?
The Fraternity continues to work with graduate chapter leaders to find ways to maintain activity, whether in-person following recommended local and CDC guidance or virtually. Like undergraduate chapters, many graduate Indiana's 50th pledge class reunion was one of many chapters have virtual graduate events held during the pandemic. found success in maintaining regular Zoom events and meetings to keep brothers connected and offer support. social distancing and daily health screenings are required for those working in the building. The Headquarters building Unfortunately, many Pig remains closed to visitors. Dinners did not take place in 2020. Many from the spring were initially postponed, but ultimately cancelled as it Staff travel continues to be on hold and responsibilities have been adjusted to best support became clear that they could our brothers and chapters. not be held in accordance with local guidance. Several chapters and graduate chapters saw sucWhat does the Fraternity expect for 2021? cess with virtual Pig Dinners, Like everyone, we are anxious and the Fraternity is working on to see what the coming year has additional suggestions for chap- in store. In terms of our underters to conduct these or similar graduate chapters and camevents in the future. puses, we expect this spring to look very similar to the fall – a How have the continuation of hybrid instrucHeadquarters & staff been tion, limited in-person gatherimpacted? ings and reliance on technology Like many businesses, the to conduct business. We are Fraternity staff made some hoping to see advances throughquick adjustments in the out the year that will allow our spring, many of which have campuses and chapters to begin continued throughout the year. to operate more normally in the Following local guidance, the next academic year. We are also Headquarters building was tem- hopeful that as the coming year porarily closed, but reopened progresses, our graduates and early in the summer at a limited graduate chapters will continue capacity. Most staff members to be creative in finding opporare now working either fully tunities to celebrate friendships or partially remote. Mask use, and brotherhood. t
