Industry Update Provided by NPC

Last week

The New York Times highlighted the conviction of five men on charges relating to the March 2021 hazing-related death of a 20-year-old Bowling Green State University student. The men, who are between the ages of 20 and 22, were among eight who were indicted in connection with the death of Stone Foltz, a sophomore who died due to hazing-induced alcohol poisoning at a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity initiation. Three of the men received jail sentences of up to 28 days.

According to The Hill, a grand jury indicted two former fraternity members at the University of Missouri in connection with a hazing incident last fall that left a student blind and with permanent brain damage. Daniel Santulli, who was a Phi Gamma Delta new member, was found unresponsive at the chapter’s house on the night of Oct. 19 and was admitted to the hospital with suspected alcohol poisoning. The grand jury charged Ryan Delanty and Thomas Shultz with a felony charge of hazing and a misdemeanor charge of supplying alcohol to a person under 21. Shultz is also charged with tampering with physical evidence.

This week

According to NBC News, Iowa State University announced Thursday that its men’s hockey club will be suspended from competition for the next academic year after an investigation found the club engaged in hazing, alcohol abuse and personal humiliation of new or rookie members. The club was put on interim suspension in May and a subsequent investigation also found that since at least 2018, the club coerced money from new members for status in the club, the university said in a statement.

ABC News reported on Thursday that the parents of Bowling Green State University student Stone Foltz filed a lawsuit against the university after a hazing incident resulted in their son's death due to alcohol poisoning in Ohio last year. In the lawsuit, Cory and Shari Foltz alleged that their 20-year-old son was subjected to heinous acts of hazing by the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity, known as PIKE, during his sophomore year of college, when he was a pledge.

Ritual Petition

You may have become aware of a petition that was started by an individual member/chapter online about their desire to see change within our ritual practices; rest assured that we are aware of it, too. Currently, there are no pending changes or decisions regarding ritual. Grand Council is the only group with the authority to change or interpret our ritual; it is not simply a decision that can be made by our membership or staff.

Special Committee on Ritual

Authority

Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity Bylaws, Article III, Section 4:
"Special committees may be appointed by the Fraternity president as she deems necessary for the performance of particular functions. If a member of the committee is not a member of the Fraternity, that member will serve without a vote.

"Such special committees shall have no continuing authority or responsibility and shall be disbanded upon completion of the tasks for which they were formed."

Composition

Mary Jane Beach, co chairman
Madison Cannon McGregor, co chairman
Committee members to be announced once all participation is confirmed.

Timeframe

Recommendations are to be made to Grand Council by January 2023.

Charge

In order to make strategic progress with Kappa Alpha Theta’s Plan of Aspirations, Aspiration 1, Goal 1, "Intentionally foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization," the special committee on ritual will review current ritual practices and make recommendations to Grand Council regarding additions, eliminations, or edits.

Considerations

The following areas of ritual should be examined: ritual services including setup, procedures, attire, props, language, and practices.

Board Elections

Congratulations to the newly elected 2022-2024 Foundation Board of Trustees and 2022-2024 FHC board of directors! These new officers are listed on the Our Leadership page. 

The 2022-2024 Grand Council slate is also posted on the Board Service page, along with a letter from Nominating Committee Chairman Katie Busby.

Workforce Updates

The college district director (CDD) II role is now vacant as Aimee Forsythe transitions to a new Theta role. If you are interested in the CDD role or know of someone who would be a good fit, please submit or encourage them to submit the Workforce Volunteer Interest Indicator in Theta Portal under Forms. Questions about the role and responsibilities can be forwarded to College Committee Chairman Mandy Womack or Director of Collegiate Services Katharine Murphy.  

Betsy Corridan: NIC Silver Medal Honoree

CEO Betsy Corridan was honored with a 2022 North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) Silver Medal. The Silver Medal recognizes exemplary service or leadership in a role or task that has advanced the fraternal movement. Betsy was recognized specifically for role in the Harvard Steering Committee meetings and led the charge among sorority executives in supporting and advocating for the rights of students. 

Year-End and Expense Reports

The Fraternity’s 2021-2022 fiscal year ended June 30. Because some of your expenses may be for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, please note on your submitted expenses if they are for the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 fiscal year.

2021-2022 expenses will be accepted until, but no later than, July 31. No exceptions to this deadline will be granted, as the Fraternity’s audit begins in August. Please submit your invoices in a timely manner. Also remember that, in accordance with the Fraternity’s travel policy, only expenses submitted within 90 days of expenditure will be reimbursed. If you have any questions, please contact your staff partner.

Theta Blog

Theta Foundation Chapter Grants: Empowering Chapters to Learn and Grow

Helpful Links

• ThetaConnect
• Workforce Contact Information
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
• New Volunteers
• Previous Updates