Industry Update Provided by NPC

Last week

Inside Higher Ed offered an update on a recent discussion of revisions to the Panhellenic Recruitment Eligibility policy. In a statement, National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) CEO Dani Weatherford said there “is a need for further consideration and research to ensure that all [NPC] members have an understanding of the implications of any potential [recruitment eligibility policy] changes. The current policy, which was specifically adopted to ensure that transgender women were eligible for recruitment, remains in effect.”

In a piece for Real Clear Education, Nathan Harden argues why freedom of association – within the context of fraternity and sorority membership – is crucial to the mission of universities. Additionally, Real Clear Education released their College Greek Life Report Card, documenting survey responses assessing freedom of association and speech at colleges and universities across the country.

Grand Convention 2022

We are pleased to announce that Grand Convention 2022 will take place July 8-10, 2022, at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge in Arizona. There are a few changes to next year’s meeting, so please keep reading!

• Because this will be our first large gathering post-pandemic, and because the purpose of Grand Convention is to conduct Fraternity business, we are capping attendance to the delegates required to attend. This adjustment will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Thetas and to be responsible with chapter and Fraternity funds. 
• The Convention program will begin the morning of Friday, July 8, and will end with the Convention Banquet on Saturday, July 9.
• We will not offer educational programming during Convention; we are exploring ways to provide educational sessions for all Thetas throughout the year.
• Details regarding registration and travel will be shared later this year.
• Information on proposed legislation, as well as how to connect with your designated voting delegate, will be provided in early 2022. 

Staff Update

Lauren Palmer, digital media manager, has accepted a new position with Delta Sigma Phi, beginning May 3. Kiera Helm will become Theta’s new digital media manager on May 1. Kiera most recently served as Theta’s sesquicentennial coordinator and public relations specialist. 

Theta Foundation Scholarship Notifications

2021 Theta Foundation scholarship applicants will be notified of their award status by the end of the day on Monday, May 10. Award status notifications will be sent to the preferred email address on applicants’ Theta membership records. The 2021 Scholarship Application Guide (page 3) outlines instructions for verifying and/or updating contact information on file with the Fraternity. Please contact Foundation Programs Manager Mary Kate Smith with questions. 

The Bulletin

The April issue (last for this school year) of The Bulletin has been emailed to all college and alumnae chapter officers and advisors and posted in Theta Portal > Chapter Portal > HQDocs > The Bulletin. Workforce members always have access to The Bulletin via Igloo > Files > The Bulletin. The Update is Theta’s main communication source for the workforce, and The Bulletin is Theta’s main communication source for college chapter officers and advisors and alumnae chapter officers.

Theta Blogs

• April 2021 Heritage News: The Importance of Volunteers 
• Theta Collegians Serve on their Local CASA Board

Helpful Links

• Upcoming Important Dates and Visits
• Workforce Contact Information
• New Volunteers
• Previous Updates
• Coronavirus Update
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 
• ThetaConnect