The Greek Letter April 2012 / Volume 3 Issue 2 From the Director W here has this spring semester gone? It seems as if yesterday we were preparing for our students to return from winter break, and now we are about to say goodbye until August! In This Issue . . . Panhellenic Council Strives for Values Congruence Page 2 Values Congruence (cont.) Page 3 IFC Meets with FSUPD Page 3 From Collegiate Members Chapter Consultants to Page 4 Multicultural Greek Council Strives for Unity Page 5 Order of Omega: Greek Week Page 6 FSU Greek Community Awarded $5,000 Grant Page 7 FSU Greek Grant (cont.) Page 8 NPHC Community Service and Extrav Page 9 Emerging Leaders Course Page 10 Greek Community Conversation Page 10 The Office of Greek Life Staff: Robyn Brock, Assistant Dean / Director [email protected] Nicole Gray, Assistant Director [email protected] Danielle Rudd, Student Program Assistant [email protected] Arthur Doctor, Graduate Assistant [email protected] Michelle Robinson, Graduate Assistant [email protected] Susannah Shiner, Graduate Assistant [email protected] Not only has our office been busy, but all four councils have worked incredibly hard this semester. The councils have been occupied planning campus-wide, community service events, and making strides to ensure all Greeks are living their values. New programs are being established, recruitment efforts are being perfected, and the Greek community is coming together stronger than ever. The National Pan-Hellenic and Multicultural Greek Council recently held their annual council and chapter executive board elections. While our office knows some familiar faces on the new executive boards, we are extremely excited to begin working and creating relationships with the new leaders. We are already looking ahead to the fall semester recruitment efforts. Both the Panhellenic Association and the Interfraternity Council are improving their plans for their recruitment process. Panhellenic has been focusing on removing “frills” and implementing values based recruitment days. IFC will still conduct an informal rush process, but will keep track of statistics and better organize the gentleman that are attending events that week. As the semester is starting to come to a close, I want to send big congratulations to our spring graduates. I’m so proud of all your hard work at Florida State. Continue to uphold the Garnet and Gold, set goals for yourself and achieve them, live your values, and make a mark on your community. I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavors. For more information about programs, resources and services related to fraternities and sororities, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our website at http://greeklife.fsu.edu. Fraternally, Page 2 Volume 3 Issue 2 Panhellenic Council Strives for Values Congruence T he Panhellenic Association executive board and the 16 chapters who represent the council have been working diligently to rally their community around the values they were founded upon. The mission statement of the 2012 Panhellenic Council states: As members of the Panhellenic Executive Board we promise to act with integrity and uphold the Panhellenic values of leadership, scholarship, sisterhood, and philanthropy. Since the new officers of the Panhellenic community were installed, they have done just that through various methods. In the area of leadership, the council has be able to provide four women with scholarships to attend the Southeastern Panhellenic Conference (SEPC) and four additional women will be able to take part in the Undergraduate Inter-Fraternity Institute (UIFI). Each scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to build upon their knowledge of Panhellenic and general fraternity/sorority life from peers throughout the nation. The hope is for the eight women to bring the knowledge and skills they have gained back to the community to further the efforts that have already been initiated. Scholarship has always been a priority and strength within the Panhellenic community. However, this past semester there was a sense of complacency within this value. The Vice President of Academic Affairs has worked tirelessly to work with her chapter counterparts to find ways to motivate the women who are struggling, and how to put systems in place to help mentor the younger members through their first few semesters at Florida State University. (cont. page 3) Upcoming Events:  4/12 Greek Awards  4/15 Initiation Deadline  4/23 Finals Begin  4/28 Graduation The Greek Letter greeklife.fsu.edu  Page 3 Volume 3 Issue 2 Panhellenic Council Strives for Values Congruence (Cont.) Sisterhood amongst our chapters has been an initiative for some time now. With the launch of Panhellenic delegate only meetings, president meetings, sister chapters, and an increase emphasis on Women’s History Month, the community is moving forward. Finally, and arguably the most assertive effort the Panhellenic community has made, is the attention that has been paid to how philanthropic service events are executed. For several semesters prior to Spring 2012, the council and its organizations have had intentional conversations about events they would choose and not choose to support. The final product of these conversations was the unanimous passage of the Resolution on Philanthropic and Service Events. In the resolution the Panhellenic community has clearly stated their definition and purpose of a philanthropic and service event. If events are not congruent with this definition and value, they will not take part. In addition, the resolution has provided the opportunity for greater conversations about self/group accountability and about values-based programming. IFC members working with FSUPD during a breakout session The Panhellenic community has started 2012 off strong and the momentum is continuing. The women continue to look towards this community to continue to emulate congruence through their values and history. The Interfraternity Council Meets with FSUPD I n an effort to improve connections and communication between the Interfaternity community and the Florida State University Police, IFC held a joint seminar with FSUPD. Presidents, Risk Management Chairmen, and Social Chairmen from every IFC fraternity were in attendance as well as Chief of FSU Police, David Perry, officers from the Greek Cop program, and Robyn Brock, the Director of the Office of Greek Life. Chief Perry led the productive conversation with brief introductions, recent FSUPD updates and successes., and a breakout session. Groups of fraternity men were grouped with two-to-three officers and discussed rumors, conflicts, any unanswered questions, and ways to assist one another. The goal of the breakout session was to familiarize Greek leaders with proper policies, rights, and responsibilities that they are entitled to. Attendees were also able to interact with the officers in a positive environment and create a working connection between FSUPD and IFC to make our campus safer. Chief Perry with IFC President Nicoo Spayde speaking to IFC members The Greek Letter greeklife.fsu.edu  Page 4 Volume 3 Issue 2 From Collegiate Members to Chapter Consultants F our IFC men from Florida State University have been chosen to be chapter consultants for their national headquarters. Dan Amato (Kappa Alpha Order), Ryan Schell (Phi Delta Theta), John Frazier-Strickland (Pi Kappa Phi), and Bradley Middleton (Pi Kappa Phi) will begin their work as consultants beginning this summer. Dan Amato is eager to begin his experience as a consultant. “I’m looking forward to becoming close with the Associate Directors for Chapter Services and the rest of the national office staff ”, said Amato. “The staff seems to be just as close with one another as our chapter brothers are. It’s pretty incredible to be afforded an opportunity to travel to different chapters, and help make multiple young men’s college and fraternal experiences the best they can be.” Although Amato does not know which region he will be assigned to, he is hoping to work with chapters either in the West or South East part of the country. Arthur Doctor and Michael Mahramus Ryan Schell will be working directly with Phi Delta Theta’s expansion team. The fraternity currently has interest groups and colonies across the United Sates, which means Schell will spend most of his time traveling. Some of his responsibilities will include meeting with university officials and students, holding recruitment clinics, and ensure new chapters have the skills and knowledge to become successful. Schell is most excited about meeting students not just interested in joining a Greek organization, but starting one themselves. “The process of becoming a chapter can be long and trying, but I look forward to guiding our new chapters through the process.” Bradley Middleton will be working directly with Pi Kappa Phi’s chapters on the East coast. He will begin his training in June and start traveling in August to help with the chapter expansion process. “I think the most challenging part of the job will be getting use to the long days and staying accountable for my work; however, I think once I get into the swing of things the new routine will be normal”, said Middleton. The Greek Life Office is very proud of these four individuals, and wish the best of luck in their new journey as fraternity men. 2012 IFC Executive Board with David Ward, Austin Black, and Robyn Brock The Greek Letter greeklife.fsu.edu  Page 5 Volume 3 Issue 2 Multicultural Greek Council Strives for Unity T he Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) was founded on the ideal to promote unity and cohesion on Florida State University’s campus. Over the past academic year, the 11 culturally-based fraternities and sororities have achieved many goals. Each organization held several fundraisers and participated in many community service efforts. Amongst the various philanthropic and service events each chapter initiated, the council came together as one unified group to participate in FSU’s Dance Marathon. Their participation was not only to support Children’s Miracle Network, but to show how the unification of these organizations can benefit great cause. In addition to MGC’s commitment to working together, the council has taken a critical look at how they implement systems to guide them forward. The council passed a progressive, new expansion policy in which the community will be open to new organizations in the fall. MGC has recognized the need for continuing to bring organizations to campus that represent all student populations at Florida State University. While the council will welcome expansion in the upcoming academic year, they have also developed an extensive plan to help grow, develop, and assimilate these organizations into Florida State University, the Multicultural Greek Council, and the Greek Life community. The commitment to work as a council and develop new organizations will bring a sense unity that will sustain the council and its member organizations. As the academic year comes to a close, the Multicultural Greek Council has welcomed eager groups of new members. These newly initiated members are visiting Voting Council meetings, running for executive board offices, and learning what it means to be a member of the greater Multicultural Greek Council community. In addition to the newly initiated members, two organizations gained Full Membership status within the Multicultural Greek Council. Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Hermanidad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. completed numerous amounts of programs, community service events, and seminars. Both organizations have successfully sustained themselves within the Florida State University community allowing them to move from Associate Membership to Full Membership. Please congratulate members of both organizations for their hard work and continued success at Florida State University and within the Multicultural Greek Council. MGC members at GLS in Panama City, FL "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go." -Dr. Suess The Greek Letter greeklife.fsu.edu  Page 6 Volume 3 Issue 2 Order of Omega Prepares for Greek Week T he Omega Epsilon chapter of Order of Omega has started this semester off with a bang. The group held it spring membership drive in late January and early February, and the response was amazing. After completing the application and interview process, fifty new members representing all four councils were initiated on February 29. In addition to their membership drive, Order of Omega has been working diligently on preparing for Greek Week 2012. Greek Week events will take place from April 9-11 and culminating with the Greek Awards Banquet on April 12. The events for the week are as follows: Monday, April 9: Field Day Tuesday, April 10: Bone Marrow Drive Wednesday, April 11: Dance Competition at The Moon Thursday, April 12: Greek Awards VP of Programming, Paulina Cromwell, and her committee have been working hard to make sure this week is fun, exciting, and promotes unity among Greek students at Florida State. If you have any questions regarding Greek Week, feel free to contact her at [email protected]. Congratulations to the new members of Order of Omega: Alexandra Balandis Brooke Behrmann Chris Beude Alexandria Brobst Nicole Bryan Courtney Buchanan Kendall Clark Amy Crane Logan Desouza Sarah Elam Ashley Fagan Hillary Freesmeier Andrew Gonzalez Rachel Griffin Christina Gualtieri Alexandra Harper Elise Hauerman Robert Holroyd Andrea Johnston Sarah Kalis Jillian Laskowitz Evan Levey Elizabeth Major Jenna Manelli Brittany Manin Arron McCausland Lauren McCormack Chesley Mcleary Order of Omega looks forward to having all chapters participating in the week. Cameron Miller Serkon Mutlu Caitlin Parks Ryan Rabac Ashley Rembert Mary Rohrbacher Jordan Sandberg Sheena Sanil Sara Saxner Leonard Schrager Jordan Simas Jennifer Stitch Brooke Swilley Amanda Terrell Kali Tripodis Javier Verdeja Frankie Vignone Hope Williams Alexis Wilpon Kayleigh Whitman Patrick Wolfe The Greek Letter greeklife.fsu.edu  Page 7 Volume 3 Issue 2 Florida State University Greek Community Awarded $5,000 Grant I n the Fall semester the Panhellenic president, along with members of the Greek Life staff, worked tirelessly to secure a grant through Kappa Delta Sorority’s Confidence Coalition. The ConfidenceU Grant is provided to colleges, universities, and/or individuals who are looking to create and sustain confidence -building programs. The grants are supposed to bring awareness to one or multiple issues facing young women in today’s college community. Within these guidelines and collaborative efforts with the Florida Center for Preventative Research, Women Advocating for Healthy Relationships was developed and submitted. Alpha Delta Pi, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Pi Kappa Alpha volunteering at The BIG Event Background Information: Research indicates that women are exploring intimacy at younger ages with college-age women being at a greater risk of sexual assaults and coercion. In Women’s Safety Survey, the studies found that young women between 18 and 24 were at a greater risk of physical or sexual assault, but only between 12 – 20% of such incidents are being reported. At Florida State University, the Police Department has been intentional about holding programs such as RAD – Rape Aggression Defense - to educate women about the ways to protect themselves from such harm. In addition to RAD, Thagard Health Center and the University Counseling Center offer peer-lead programs and groups to discuss issues of intimacy as it relates to contracting unwanted sexually transmitted diseases. However, the above statistics suggest a need for prevention and education efforts to engage women in conversations about sexual relationships. With the large population of sorority women, over 3,000, and our partnership with the Florida Center for Prevention Research, Florida State University is the perfect place to engage women about such a relevant issue in our community. (cont. page 7) Panhellenic Association Executive Board at their retreat The Greek Letter greeklife.fsu.edu  Page 8 Volume 3 Issue 2 Florida State University Greek Community Awarded $5,000 Grant (cont.) The Program The interactive, participant-driven program will provide a space for college women to address and discuss issues relating to: the pressure to have sex, providing and obtaining consent, misperceptions about sexual relationships, and rape myths, as well as, self and group accountability. The program will provide a consistent, cyclical, and realistic conversation among the women of our sorority community. Each presentation will be executed to small groups within each sorority and will provide ample opportunities for participant interaction, as well as, feedback. The participants will leave the program with a wallet-size, business card that will provide phone numbers of the resources they can use in case they find themselves in an unhealthy, high-risk situation. Panhellenic Association Executive Board rock climbing Intended Outcomes: By the end of the program, participants will be able to: 1. Identify pressures relating to healthy relationships of being a woman at the Florida State University. 2. Define the concept of consent as it relates to sexual relationships. 3. Comprehend the gap that exists between realizty and perceptions of healthy, sexual relationships. 4. Summarize accountability expectations of self, family, and sorority sisters. 5. Use information and skills to become Peer Leader Facilitators and educate the greater female population at Florida State University. After much time, effort, and dedication by all of the people who worked on the grant, the office was awarded one of ten (10) $5,000 grants to implement this program. The money will be used to purchase the materials necessary to provide the program to each sorority. Each sorority will have the chance to attend the program, with the hope of all 26 participating before the end of Fall 2012. Be on the lookout for more information. Megan Thompson, Emily Talpalar, and Jenn Kreuzpaintner at SEPC The Greek Letter greeklife.fsu.edu  Page 9 Volume 3 Issue 2 Working Together in Service to Others Upholding the shared value of service, the National Pan-Hellenic Council at FSU has committed numerous hours of their time and talent to bettering the Tallahassee community. In observation of National Black HIV AIDS Awareness Day, council members volunteered to attend and prepare participant materials for awareness events hosted by Thagard Student Health Center. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Week, the council joined several student organizations in wearing pink during Market Wednesday as a show of community support for the cause. The FSU-NPHC has formed an ongoing partnership with the LawrenceGregory Community Center at Dade Street. Representatives from every chapter have spent their afternoons playing games and mentoring local youth. The unity step team has also performed for the community center patrons and shared the rich history of their organizations. The council will continue to support the Community Center at Dade Street and a variety of charitable causes across campus. Greek Life facts: The Interfraternity Council (IFC) currently has 23 chapters. The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) currently has 11 chapters. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) currently has 7 chapters . The Panhellenic Association (PH) currently has 16 chapters. NPHC Extrav 2012 A successful Extrav Step Show was held on Saturday, February 25 in the Tully Gymnasium by the National Pan-Hellenic Council. About 300 people were in attendance including representation from all four Greek councils, alumni, and campus partners. The theme for this year was Mission Impossible. Six organizations took part in the competition. Phi Beta Sigma won first place for the fraternities and Zeta Phi Beta took first for the sororities. Both first place winners received a $1,000 prize. NPHC appreciates the community’s support with another successful Extrav program. The Greek Letter greeklife.fsu.edu  Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 10 Emerging Leaders Course T he Emerging Leaders Course is a three credit-hour course taught each spring semester by staff from the Office of Greek Life. This selective leadership development course blends academic and cocurricular content. The course helps students identify and formulate personal values in the context of their Greek experience, develop relationship skills through interactive dialogue and presentations, and demonstrate cognitive development through selfevaluation and the creation of leadership action plan. About 50 students are enrolled in the two-section course. This semester’s topics range from courage, diversity, professionalism, team building, and many more! Students are encouraged to keep a journal to reflect on what they have learned the classroom. With the completion of the course, students will be able to use their journal entries to reflect on the legacy they want to leave at FSU, the type of leader they would like to become, values that define them, and goals they would like to achieve. Greek Community Conversation T he firsts steps for the Task Force for the Advancement of Greek Life began during the fall semester. The Task Force has created an intentional plan of action with the goal of better aligning the Greek community with its espoused values of scholarship, leadership, service, and friendship, and with the overall mission of Florida State University. At the first Task Force meeting, five committees were created: Hazing, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Scholarship, Over-Programming, and Values Congruence. The subcommittees have been busy meeting, conducting research, and having group discussions as to what the Greek community is doing well and what can be improved upon. The subcommittees presented their findings, and gave their final recommendations to the FSU community and stakeholders on Sunday, March 18. Students, advisors, and alumni provided beneficial feedback to all subcommittees. The Task Force was happy to find that the community is very supportive of the proposed recommendations. The next Task Force meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 11 to review final feedback. The Task Force will also submit a final report with recommendations to Mary Coburn, the Vice President for Student Affairs. For more information on the Task Force, visit http://greeklife.fsu.edu/ taskforce/index.html. A day at the “Rez” working on t eam building activities in the Emerging Leaders course. The Greek Letter greeklife.fsu.edu 