News from the Industry

News coverage of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) this week included stories by the Philadelphia Inquirer and Business Insider. The Inquirer story highlights NPC efforts announced earlier this month calling for sororities nationwide to drive critical change as schools crack down on drinking, hazing, and other negative behavior. Comments from Carole Jones, NPC Chairman, featured prominently in the Inquirer piece. “Solving these issues is not just for the men’s groups in a vacuum,” she said. “We have to be part of the solution.” Conversely, coverage in Business Insider critiqued the NPC member organizations for ‘banning’ alcohol in sorority living units.

A bill proposed in the Tennessee House of Representatives will, if passed, prohibit fraternities and sororities from operating on university campuses throughout the state. Rep. John DeBerry (D) introduced the legislation hoping to force a conversation about the role of Greek organizations after a year of high profile hazing incidents. The proposal has been covered in TIME, The Daily Helmsman, WCYB, and News Channel 5. NPC joined other interfraternal organizations in releasing a statement outlining objections to the legislation.

Reporting on Higher Education Act reauthorization from The New York Times highlights language inserted into the House version of the legislation that would support a number of ‘socially conservative’ causes. This includes language aimed at protecting single-gender organizations—like fraternities and sororities—on campuses where they are recognized.

Coverage of Florida State University (FSU) Greek life continues after a grand jury recommended that prosecutors pursue criminal charges against members of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at FSU, saying the fraternity engaged in hazing and underage alcohol abuse related to the death of Andrew Coffey, a prospective fraternity member. FSU’s President has lifted the suspension on fraternity and sorority activity and laid down new rules for the organizations on campus. The new rules and lifted suspension have been covered by CNN, Inside Higher Ed, the Orlando Sentinel, and more.

2018-2020 Board Service Opportunities

Are you interested in board service or do you know a Theta who would be a great candidate? Nominate yourself or a Theta sister for any of the three board service opportunities during the 2018-2020 biennium. Nominations are now being accepted for highly qualified and enthusiastic women to serve on one of Kappa Alpha Theta's three boards: Grand Council, Foundation Board of Trustees, and Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) Board of Directors. Interest Indicators will be accepted through Monday, March 26, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern/5:00 p.m. Central/4:00 p.m. Mountain/3:00 p.m. Pacific. To learn more about the rewards of board service, read COO Jenni Schmaltz’s blog. Email BoardService@kappaalphatheta.org with questions.

New Staff Campus Contacts

Theta’s Plan of Aspirations aims to optimize our member experience and demonstrate our relevance as an organization. Recently, we’ve been researching our goal that helps us work in partnership with higher education professionals to contribute to student development and positive campus culture. We held several informational interviews with our campus partners asking for feedback.

The most common trends throughout all the conversations came down to two main points: communication and transparency. We will update our communication strategy to achieve the following goals:

1. provide the fraternity/sorority campus advisor with a specific staff contact person and
2. provide information in a timely manner and tailor our communication to campuses.

Campus responsibilities are split by district and assignments are listed below for reference. If you communicate with a campus, please forward to the appropriate staff member and/or include them in your correspondence.

• Kassie Dobbs, associate director of chapter services, College Districts I, IV, VII, X, XI, XV
• Ansley Howze, assistant director of chapter services, College Districts V, VI, VIII, IX, XIII, XIV
• Katharine Murphy, associate director of chapter services, College Districts II, III, XII

Golden Kite Scoring Committee

The 2018 Golden Kite Scoring Committee met in Indianapolis to score the 2017 Golden Kite Expectation submissions. Chapters will receive their feedback in early March. Please contact Assistant Director of Chapter Services Margaret Burke with any questions. A huge thank you to the following individuals who participated in the scoring.

• Liz Bitzer, Alpha Chi/Purdue
• Tamara Hansen, Gamma Chi/Fresno State
• Annie Hornung, Eta Sigma/Chapman
• Jocelyn Nicotero, Lambda/Vermont
• Rachel Radmacher, Eta Omega/Saint Louis
• Morgan Sprecher, Alpha Chi/Purdue

Workforce Contact Update

Theta Foundation President Mary Ellen Fitzsimonds will be out of the country Feb. 9 - March 4 and March 20 - March 28. In her absence, please contact Theta Foundation Executive Director Kelley Hurst or Theta Foundation Vice President Vicki McCluggage.

Theta Foundation 2018 Scholarship Application 

Please help spread the word about Theta Foundation’s scholarship opportunities! More than $700,000 is available to support members pursuing undergraduate and graduate study during the 2018-2019 academic year. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the 2018 Scholarship Application resources, including live and recorded help sessions. Please contact Theta Foundation Programs Manager Mary Kate Kronzer with questions.

Recent Theta Blogs

• Heritage What’s New February 2018
• Serving on a Theta Board: “Rewarding, Fulfilling, and Enjoyable”
• Debunked: 4 Common Scholarship Application Myths

Helpful Links

• Upcoming Important Dates and Visits
• Workforce Contact Information
• Previous Updates