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February 27, 2018
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The Update | February 27, 2018
News from the Industry
The parents of more than a dozen students who have died in alleged fraternity hazing incidents gathered for the first time this weekend, traveling from around the country to South Carolina on a mission to prevent future hazing deaths. The anti-hazing retreat included hazing experts and university administrators. The meeting has been covered by TIME, USA Today, The Post and Courier, and The State.
Miami University suspended fraternity activity after several allegations of hazing in recent days, the school announced Tuesday. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) ended the 2018 new member period early as the university immediately began investigating reports of misconduct. New members were required to be initiated by Feb. 23. All chapter activities and social events were suspended indefinitely. The suspensions have been featured in coverage by Florida Public Radio, The Miami Student, Cincinnati.com, and more.
The parents of a 20-year-old Florida State University fraternity pledge who died during a hazing ritual filed a negligence lawsuit Tuesday against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, 11 fraternity members, and a fraternity adviser. The lawsuit alleges the national fraternity, two related corporations, the fraternity members, and an advisor acted negligently in allowing Andrew Coffey to consume a bottle of 101-proof Wild Turkey bourbon as part of a “Big Brothers” night at an off-campus house leased by two fraternity members. The lawsuit has been covered by CBS Miami, Newsweek, Tallahassee Democrat, SunSentinel, and more.
Kappa Alpha Theta is Hiring
The director of collegiate services position has been posted. If you know someone who is qualified for this position, please encourage him or her to apply.
National Ritual Celebration Week and International Badge Day
The enduring legacy of Kappa Alpha Theta’s ritual is one of the most meaningful aspects of our Fraternity. Beyond the ceremonies and services, ritual serves as a moral guide to help Thetas fulfill the principles and ideals of our treasured sisterhood. Thetas all over the world are bound together by the steadfast permanence of Theta’s ritual, and these words offer a source of strength, peace, and wisdom for many Thetas. As we approach Theta’s 150th anniversary in 2020, the critical role of ritual throughout Theta’s history becomes even more important.
Theta will again participate in National Ritual Celebration Week, beginning March 4, and in National Panhellenic Conference’s (NPC’s) International Badge Day on Monday, March 5. Check out Phi Mu’s National Ritual Week page for ritual program information and ideas. Also, check Theta’s website later this month for resources including a social media profile picture and cover photo.
We encourage chapters to post photos to social media using #NRCW18 and #badgeday18. We’re also looking for members to participate in Snapchat or Instagram takeovers on the topic of ritual. If you know a member who is particularly passionate about Theta’s ritual and might like to get involved, please encourage her to email Digital Media Manager Lauren Palmer for more information.
Eating Disorder Awareness Week
February marks Eating Disorder Awareness Week in both the U.S. and Canada, with U.S. awareness efforts taking place Feb. 26 to March 2. Eating disorders affect women and men from all backgrounds, but data shows women are at a higher risk. Follow Theta’s social media content this week to share and engage with this important message. Use the hashtags #NEDAwareness and #Thetaloveislouder. Our free eating disorder screening is available at bit.ly/thetascreening.
Capitol Hill Visit Participants Announcement
The Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC), comprising the NPC, North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), and the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC), has organized outstanding campus and chapter leaders to serve as advocates for the fraternity and sorority community in Washington, DC, during Lobbying Day on April 25. It is important for Greek organizations to be involved in legislation, especially as the re-authorization of the Higher Education Act works its way through Congress.
Theta participants were chosen from an applicant pool more than 40 names from 32 chapters. Thanks to workforce members, advisory board chairmen and previous participants who suggested candidates.
Congratulations to these leading women who will be traveling to Washington to advocate for Greek issues.
- Tara Al-Haj – Alpha Nu/Montana
- Taylor Finley – Alpha Omicron/Oklahoma
- Porter Geer – Alpha Eta/Vanderbilt
Our alumnae representatives are:
- Mary Jane Parker Beach - Beta Nu/Florida State
- Laurie McGregor Connor - Gamma deuteron/Ohio Wesleyan
- Kellie Dickerson – Zeta Lambda/Charleston
- Cindy Heine Stellhorn – Beta/Indiana
For more details, contact Laurie McGregor Connor, director of government relations, or visit the FSPAC website to contribute.
2018 Theta Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline Quickly Approaching
The 2018 Theta Foundation Scholarship Application deadline is next Wednesday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. CST/4:00 p.m. MST/3:00 p.m. PST. Please encourage applicants to attend the live help session webinar on Thursday, March 1, and to review application resources, including our list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers. You can also refer applicants with questions to Theta Foundation Programs Manager Mary Kate Kronzer.
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