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April 28, 2020
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The Update | April 28, 2020
Industry Update Provided by NPC
In a different year, incoming freshmen would already have in hand a tightly choreographed schedule for late summer and early fall: the move-in date, the orientation and, finally, the first day of classes. But on the coronavirus pandemic calendar, there are no dates yet for the next academic year. Just scenarios. And that unprecedented uncertainty is fueling a second wave of crisis for schools already plunged into financial distress, The Washington Post reports. Inside Higher Ed published an overview of decisions made so far or where campuses may be leaning. Meanwhile, The New York Times considers the long-term future of higher ed that the coronavirus may prompt.
In a widely discussed op-ed in Sunday’s New York Times, the president of Brown University outlines her view of why colleges must “re-open” in the fall and how they can and should do so safely. Some have framed her op-ed as a much-needed roadmap, while others have highlighted the impracticality of her plan and raised concerns that the steps she calls for will only be possible on the most well-resourced campuses—thus exacerbating inequality between elite colleges and others.
The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that the pandemic might permanently change the character of higher learning in America—its culture, its role in society and in the economy, and the business models that sustain it. From cutting costs to changing how professors teach and grade, higher education is beginning to grasp the impact that coronavirus will leave. NPR also examined the financial struggle colleges and universities face due if they cannot reopen in the fall due to impacts from the pandemic.
The parents of Jeffny Pally, a University of Connecticut (UConn) student who was run over and killed by a campus fire department truck in 2016 have settled a wrongful death lawsuit against the state and other defendants for about $1 million. Kappa Sigma Fraternity, which the lawsuit alleged hosted the party where the student drank alcohol, was sued for negligence, recklessness, and other claims. Six UConn students who were members of the fraternity were arrested on alcohol-related charges in connection with the off-campus party, and the fraternity was expelled from UConn, according to the Hartford Courant and Boston.com.
2020 Grand Convention
We do not know when the human, environmental, and economic effect of the crisis caused by the coronavirus will be fully understood. We do know that our top priority is for the health and well-being of our sisters.
It is for this reason that Grand Council has voted to postpone Grand Convention 2020 until the summer of 2022. Please be sure that this decision was not made lightly, especially in our 150th anniversary year! Yes, that means cancelling this summer’s Convention. While our laws give Grand Council the authority to postpone a Convention up to one year, the consent of a majority of our alumnae and college chapters is required to postpone more than a year. Chapters will be contacted later today with a request for that consent. An FAQ document will be sent with the request.
If you have additional questions, please send them directly to CEO Betsy Corridan. Thank you very much for your understanding and support during these very troubling times.
Beta Mu Chapter Update
Last Friday, Panhellenic chapters at the University of Nevada-Reno signed a University Relationship Agreement. This agreement allows the chapters to be re-recognized with the university. Theta is now allowed to refer to Beta Mu’s affiliation as “University of Nevada” instead of “~” (tilde).
Share Your Theta Story
As part of our sesquicentennial celebration, a new web page has launched called Share Your Theta Story where we showcase stories from our members. With nearly 225,000 members, we have plenty of stories to share with one another and with those who will follow in our footsteps.
We want you to share your story, too! Simply fill out this form and type or paste your Theta story in the Message field. In honor of our 150-year history, please tell your story in approximately 150 words. Photo submissions are highly encouraged, along with video! We will add your story to our Share Your Theta Story web page and feature it on social media. (Note that all stories submitted will be considered for publication and edited by staff.)
Members who submit a story through October 18, 2020, will have the opportunity to win a beautiful piece of wall art from Magnolia, the home décor company of HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, and signed by Joanna herself! (Retail value $68.) On October 19, Bettie Locke Hamilton's birthday, we'll draw one name to receive the prize. Also, members will receive a promotional code 10 percent off purchase of our sesquicentennial coffee-table book.
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Thank you all for your understanding and support of Grand Council's decision to seek chapter consent to postpone the 2020 Grand Convention. It's been brought to my attention that there may be questions about Council's decision. If you have questions, please send them to me directly. As well, please direct folks to the FAQ that may grow with additional questions. Thanks very much.