2014-2016 BIENNIAL REPORT
OVERVIEW
ZETA TAU ALPHA FRATERNITY 246,745 initiated members 251 chartered collegiate chapters 168 active collegiate chapters Second largest in the National Panhellenic Conference 20,808 current collegiate members 238 active alumnae organizations
ZETA TAU ALPHA FOUNDATION $7 million raised during the biennium
BIENNIUM
2250 major donors (donation of $300 or more)
Collegiate Crown Chapters 116 Chapters for 2014–2015 120 Chapters for 2015–2016
325 chapters 166 collegiate chapters 159 alumnae chapters
ZETA TAU ALPHA FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION
1,925 individual donors
$38 million net worth
Percentage of collegiate chapters pledging Quota
$1,397,992 in scholarships awarded to 528 recipients
$10 million spent in 2014-2016 for upgrades and maintenance
292 National Officer volunteers
81% for 2014–2015 (134 chapters) 82% for 2015–2016 (138 chapters) Percentage of new members initiated 95% for 2014–2015 93% for 2015–2016 155 Alumnae Crown Chapters Awarded only in even-numbered years
New Think Pink® partners National Survivor Ambassador of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® Walks for American Cancer Society® Bright Pink® bringing Brighten Up® Educational Workshops to all collegiate chapters Continued partnership with the National Football League’s “A Crucial Catch” campaign
Oldest and largest property ownership and management corporation in the Greek community 159 member associations 115 facilities owned or managed including International Office Partners with 12 local house corporations
During the 2014–2016 biennium, Zeta Tau Alpha immersed itself in the concept of greatness. We began by asking each collegiate and alumnae chapter, each National Officer and each volunteer to Strive for Greatness during the 2014–2015 academic year. Striving, we said, implies working harder, sweating a little and pushing forward. We asked members not to settle for just being good, but to strive to be great. As an organization, we set the example, breaking the norm and talking honestly about major issues facing contemporary women, especially mental health and relational violence. We provided effective communication tools, created interactive workshops and trained volunteers to facilitate them. The results that came from asking each member to strive for greatness were truly inspiring. In fact, Inspire Greatness became the theme for 2015–2016. Our collegiate members inspired greatness as they embraced Crowning Achievements, our web-based academic achievement program, and raised the Fraternity’s overall GPA to 3.21. Our alumnae members inspired greatness by filling 1,881 volunteer positions as National Officers, chapter officers and collegiate chapter advisors, including 51 advisor positions for our five newly installed and reactivated chapters. None of us achieves greatness alone. As presidents of ZTA’s three entities, we work in partnership to provide the best possible sorority experience for our members. Our National Council created a vision for greatness. Our ZTA Foundation made greatness happen through its funding of academic and leadership scholarships and our new programming. Our ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation inspired greatness by providing the safest and most competitive housing possible for each of our chapters. The greatness achieved by our chapters and members inspires us and propels us forward. As we move into our next biennium and approach our 120th anniversary, we remain true to our commitment to strive for greatness, inspire greatness and always “Seek the Noblest” in every endeavor.
Carolyn Hof Carpenter National President Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity
Becky Hainsworth Kirwan President ZTA Foundation
Julia Marthaler Hill President ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation
ACADEMICS Our Crowning Achievements program gives collegians the skills to excel in their academic pursuits and prepare for their career paths. Over 60 percent of the membership used this program in its first two years (2014–2016) and chapters using it extensively saw significant increases in their overall GPAs.
Membership Averages
Chapter Achievements
Online Programs
3.21 GPA Overall 2014-2016
Combining online learning with inperson chapter programs, Crowning Achievements provides helpful strategies members can use right away to manage their time, improve their study skills, relieve stress and plan for their next steps after college.
3.11 GPA New Member Average
Chapters presented 352 academic skillsbased programs to develop members’ abilities in areas such as time management and avoiding procrastination.
Collegians completed 53,000 workshops and questionnaires through Crowning Achievements programs in Z-Learning in its first two years.
The 11 online learning modules are available to all our collegiate members via our Z-Learning hub for educational resources. A threeminute online questionnaire directs the students to the modules most applicable to their own academic situations and goals. In addition to the personal online training, each collegiate chapter conducts a Crowning Achievements Kickoff and Academic Goal-Setting Session and provides or attends at least one skills-based academic program each year.
3.23 GPA Initiated Member Average
CROWNING ACHIEVEMENTS Crowning Achievement’s content covers five key tenants of academic development, spelled out through the acronym CROWN. Concentrate on the expectations you have for yourself on campus and in ZTA. Use resources on your campus and those provided by ZTA. Own your goals for each academic course and involvement within ZTA; set deadlines to meet them. Make wise choices about how you spend your time; prioritize what is important. Nurture yourself by developing healthy habits and managing stress.
HISTORY OF THE ZTA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ZTA established its Foundation in 1954 to offer financial support to members pursuing higher education. Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $8 million in scholarships, including nearly $1.4 million to 528 members during the biennium. Recognition scholarships for 2014-2016 are funded by a minimum $1,400 contribution from individuals or chapters and $400 from ZTA Foundation.
2014–2016
528 RECIPIENTS 18 Founders Grants 234 Recognition Scholarships 136 Endowed Scholarships 113 Achievement Scholarships 27 Service Scholarships
PROGRAMMING
New Member Program: Our new members participate in a first-year experience to help them understand our values and The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha. Newly-revised for the 2016-2018 biennium, the program uses a blended-learning model to teach new members about sisterhood and inspires them to be Zetas for life. The program includes e-learning and training modules specifically for the Big Sisters who mentor new members.
College women face many social and psychological challenges. We strive to help them confront these with the support of their sisters and educational programs, all funded by the ZTA Foundation. Facilitated by trained volunteers, My Sister, My Responsibility: Sisterhood, Safety and Support addresses sexual assault and relational violence prevention. After participating in this program, 96 percent of respondents believed they and their sisters were better equipped to have supportive conversations with friends who were victims/survivors of sexual assault or abuse. Our collegians also report increased help-seeking behavior and coping skills as a result of our mental health curriculum, Behind Happy Faces. The accompanying advisor component equips volunteers working with our chapters to identify those in need of help. New members receive vital information on the prevention of hazing, sexual assault and the misuse of alcohol through the latest version of GreekLifeEdu™. Chapter officers participate in online harm reduction training via Ladder of Risk and Teaching Social Responsibility workshops. Combined with our award-winning Alcohol Skills Training Program, these programs create conversations about risk, reinforce the duty to care for self and others, and emphasize the mission of Zeta Tau Alpha.
TODAY & FOREVER Chapter leaders facilitated 360 programs focusing on values and enrichment.
VERISKY Launched spring semester 2016, this web-based application allows chapters to register events online, rather than on paper, and provides easy access to the information for National Officers. Chapters registered 1,100 events in the first semester of VeriSky use.
ZTA FOUNDATION FUNDED PROGRAMS The mission of the ZTA Foundation calls for support of educational and leadership training efforts that respond to the needs of a changing society. During the 2014–2016 biennium, the Foundation funded the development of the following programs that provided vital information on mental health and the prevention of sexual assault, hazing and the misuse of alcohol. Behind Happy Faces: Pre- and post-test results from 700 members measured the effectiveness of this mental health education program. Results show a reduction in stigma and increases in help-seeking behavior as well as coping and self-efficacy skills. Sisterhood, Safety and Support: Trained National Officers presented this educational program on preventing sexual and relational violence to 167 of our 168 chapters in its first year, increasing recognition of unhealthy or abusive behaviors. Alcohol Skills Training Program: Chapters participate in this interactive workshop on a three-year rotation to prompt discussion on safe, legal and responsible drinking.
GreekLifeEDU: During the biennium, 8,111 new members participated in GreekLifeEdu 2.0.
Z-LEARNING Collegiate members, alumnae and collegiate officers, advisors and National Officers can access online workshops, instructional videos, printed resources and entertaining fraternity education information all in one place—our Z-Learning hub.
PHILANTHROPY Since 1992, the fight against breast cancer has been about much more to Zeta Tau Alpha members than just pinning on pink ribbons. Our national philanthropic efforts are three-pronged: recognize the courage of survivors, educate young women about advocating for their own health and raise awareness of the need for regular breast cancer screenings. The ZTA Foundation proudly offers our members multiple opportunities to make a difference across the country through our three national partnerships. ZTA is the National Survivor Ambassador for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® Walks with the American Cancer Society®. Our collegiate and alumnae volunteers uplift and make connections with survivors at these events across the country, starting with 188 walks in 2015, the first year of our partnership with ACS. With sincere cheers of encouragement and many much-needed hugs, ZTA participates in Making Strides to applaud those who battle this disease and the families who support them. Our partnership with Bright Pink®, a national nonprofit organization focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer, brought the Brighten Up® Educational Workshop to all chapters during the 2015–2016 academic year. This program educates, equips and empowers our members to be advocates for their own health. During the 2016–2017 academic year, the program will expand as our chapters invite the members of the other National Panhellenic Conference groups on campus to Brighten Up® workshops. In 1999, Zeta Tau Alpha teamed with the Washington Redskins for the very first National Football League Think Pink® game. Since then, we have partnered with all 32 NFL teams and have earned the title of official fan outreach partner for the NFL’s “A Crucial Catch” campaign. With the help of the NFL and dedicated volunteers, ZTA now distributes nearly 1 million co-branded pink ribbons each year at stadiums across the country. Our members are passionate about this cause and are motivated to make a difference. We will continue our efforts until pink is just another color.
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Giving Levels 123 chapters achieved Founders Club levels for donations made during the biennium. $50,000+ Level 29 Chapters $25,000 Level 31 Chapters $10,000 Level 63 Chapters
Chapter Think Pink® Events: Think Pink® is a registered trademark of Zeta Tau Alpha. Our collegiate and alumnae members Think Pink® locally by organizing Pink Out events with men’s and women’s college athletic teams, professional sports teams and more.
ZTA volunteers support survivors at nearly 200 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® Walks each year.
Brighten Up® Educational Workshops will bring health education to all NPC groups on campuses with ZTA chapters in the 2016–2018 biennium.
Since 1999, ZTA alumnae and collegians have handed out Think Pink® ribbons to fans at all 32 NFL stadiums.
COMMUNICATION ZTA excels in using today’s technology to teach timeless values and the historic significance of our organization. Our Communication team engages our members in multiple ways every day, using Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Vimeo, Tumblr and Snapchat. New this biennium, our official hashtag, #WeAreZTA, unites members across social channels around the world. ZTA also now leverages the popularity of Tumblr to share long-form content such as interactive quizzes and blog posts—including a favorite about what our Founders would have posted if they had Instagram in 1898. While our channels are entertaining and engaging, we also participate in campaigns like #TheseHandsDontHaze. Our partnership with Alpha Chi Omega, Sigma Nu and Pi Kappa Phi fraternities has taken the lead in addressing current social issues by creating posters and facilitation guides in support of National Sexual Assault and National Alcohol Awareness months.
Introducing Snapchat: Created in March 2015, the ztafraternity account boasts more than 4,500 views on every story posted. One of the most popular features is #FREDfactFriday.
Facebook 53,595 page likes Our posts received 4,213 shares, a 27 percent increase over the previous biennium.
Instagram 29,073 followers Our followers increased by 105 percent over the previous biennium.
Twitter 25,509 followers Our tweets received 37,040 likes, a 104 percent increase over the previous biennium.
Themis redesign: Our quarterly magazine, Themis, helps alumnae stay informed about the lives and activities of collegians, allows collegians to experience post-college life through stories of inspirational alumnae and keeps Zetas across the world connected to the Fraternity. Redesigned in 2015, the magazine’s elegant masthead, upgraded mattefinish paper and large, full-bleed photos make a great first impression and grab readers’ attention. The addition of the “Things We Zeta Love” section keeps readers engaged. Feature stories on educational programming and image-filled chapter news pages inform collegians, alumnae and parents about campus culture and issues impacting members.
Halloween Graphic: Our original and impactful graphic at left encouraged collegians during the Halloween season to think “in terms of all mankind,” a phrase from The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha. Shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the image reminds sisters to be sensitive in their costume choices by considering their potential impact.
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Video Production: We value video as a tool to actively engage audiences online and in person. “New Members Are Not Babies,” created for National Hazing Prevention Week 2015, brought attention to a common and often unintentional form of hazing—calling new members “babies.” The video makes its important point by comparing new members to actual, adorable babies. The visual impact of videos helps us effectively communicate key messages to our membership.
Zeta Tau Alpha received 12 awards from the Fraternity Communications Association during the 2014–2016 biennium, including first-place awards for specific purpose website, human interest writing, news writing and publication improvement. The poster above also won first for printed educational materials, informing students about how gender impacts Blood Alcohol Content.
HOUSING
OWNS 37 houses 3 lodges 1 Panhellenic suite 1 International Office RENTS 35 houses 22 dorm suites 9 chapter rooms 6 Panhellenic suites 1 apartment
Financial strength, decades of experience and valued professional partnerships allow our Fraternity Housing Corporation to continue to set the standard for fraternity/sorority housing. The corporation maintains a net worth of $38 million and allocates between $5 million and $10 million each year for improvements to the 115 facilities it owns or manages. Through smart financial planning, the FHC is able to provide safe and comparable housing for our chapters, including those newly installed or reactivated. In 1977, ZTA became the first organization in the fraternity/sorority community to establish an independent housing corporation, and our experience over the years guides our sound decision making. The 14 volunteers who serve on the FHC board include accountants, realtors, engineers, designers and managers. Their collaboration and teamwork has strengthened the corporation over four decades. The FHC partners with architects, contractors, engineers, wholesale suppliers and other professionals to guide long-range planning and major construction and renovation projects and to ensure ZTA housing provides the best living and meeting facilities for our collegiate members.
The Fraternity Housing Corporation completed the following major projects during the 2014-2016 biennium:
7 new housing facilities Alpha Chapter Longwood University
7 kitchen remodels/repairs
17 residential chapter houses
Omicron Chapter Brenau University Alpha Beta Chapter University of Pennsylvania
25 remodels and redecorations
1 new fire sprinkler system
8 chapter rooms, suites or lounges
5 bathroom remodels/repairs
4 plans for new houses
Gamma Chi Chapter Indiana State University Gamma Epsilon Chapter Pennsylvania State University Theta Theta Chapter Arkansas Tech University Iota Chi Chapter Middle Tennessee State University
MEMBERSHIP The results of a 2016 survey of our members show we are succeeding in providing a values-based collegiate fraternity experience. The customized values assessment, designed by Dyad Strategies, asked members to indicate their agreement with several statements in each of nine value categories, with 5.0 being “strongly agree.” Over 16,000 of our 20,486 collegiate members at that time completed the survey—a response rate of 78.2 percent. Based on their answers, members scored 4.0 or higher in their demonstrated behaviors of loyalty and commitment, lifelong learning, service and philanthropy, responsibility, love, and seeking understanding that we might gain true wisdom—a phrase from The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha. In the other two values—being rather than seeming (another Creed reference) and humility—our members scored above 3.5. The results indicate ZTA collegians display devotion to our organization and members, go above and beyond what is expected, demonstrate intellectual curiosity, are willing to apply past learning to new challenges, give freely of their time to assist others and seek opportunities to raise awareness of community needs.
NEW CHAPTERS IN THE BIENNIUM Reactivated Collegiate Chapters Alpha Zeta The Ohio State University Delta Alpha California State University, Long Beach New Collegiate Chapters Lambda Lambda Kennesaw State University Lambda Mu University of South Carolina Beaufort Lambda Nu Furman University New Alumnae Chapter Fredericksburg, VA Reorganized Alumnae Chapters Coastal Islands of SC Buffalo, NY Greenwood, SC Madison, WI Southern Atlanta East Topeka, KS Upper Palmetto, SC
TRAVELING LEADERSHIP CONSULTANTS
19 TLCs traveled during each year of the biennium. All 168 active collegiate chapters received at least one visit. 164 chapters received more than one TLC visit. Consultants completed 916 chapter visits during the biennium. Types of Visits: 342 leadership training 146 educational workshops Funded in part by the ZTA Foundation 77 Formal Recruitment planning 281 recruitment supervision 29 colonization recruitment 41 Initiation assistance
Leadership Training: Collegiate officers and chapter advisors meet for regional or statewide training, with standardized materials provided by the Fraternity, after chapter elections each year. Collegiate leaders, advisors and alumnae officers participate in training sessions at International Convention every other year.
National Leadership Conference: More than 400 collegiate officers receive additional training at National Leadership Conference 2015 in Indianapolis, funded by the ZTA Foundation, in non-Convention years. International Office: Thirty-six staff members serve our membership at Zeta Tau Alpha’s International Office in Indianapolis.
DUES-PAYING ALUMNAE
THE HONOR RING OF ZETA TAU ALPHA
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT RECIPIENTS
2015
During the biennium, 35 alumnae received the Honor Ring of ZTA, our highest individual award. Recipients earn the required number of points by serving as a National Officer and/or local collegiate advisor or alumnae chapter officers.
During the biennium, 150 members received the Alumnae Certificate of Merit, honoring a minimum of seven years of significant post-collegiate local volunteer service. Recipients must receive the unanimous vote of National Council.
6,519 alumnae
2016
6,804 alumnae
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