Industry Update Provided by NPC

The Columbus Dispatch published an editorial calling on Ohio colleges and universities to keep students safe from exposure to COVID-19 and work to eradicate racism. The editorial board also called for institutions to prioritize hazing prevention. “We hope that the cases still working their way through the criminal justice system in Athens will help keep the danger of hazing a top concern with Ohio University administrators and faculty—and for all college and university administrators everywhere.” This editorial comes on the heels of a guilty plea from an individual charged in connection with the hazing-related death of Collin Wiant.

The New Jersey State Senate passed a bill named for Timothy Piazza 39-0 last week that would classify hazing that results in bodily injury as a crime of the fourth degree or third degree if the bodily injury is serious, according to The Star-Ledger and New Jersey News Network. Additionally, any student, fraternal organization, or higher education institution that “knowingly or recklessly promotes or facilitates a person to commit an act of hazing or aggravated hazing” would be subject to fines of $5,000 to $15,000 and may be forced to forfeit any proceeds or property connected to the hazing activity. The bill must still be passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor.

A cluster of coronavirus cases in Oxford, Mississippi, is tied to fraternity recruitment parties that are in violation of the governor's executive order, according to NBC News and CNN. Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said the parties are violating Gov. Tate Reeves' executive order that indoor gatherings where social distancing can't be enforced be limited to 20 people or less. Of the new coronavirus cases in Oxford, 81 percent are among people between the ages of 18 and 24 years old.

Inside Higher Ed reports new research suggests that for a large campus dealing with COVID-19. accurate testing and limits on class size and social contact may be of critical importance. The researchers also discuss the importance of reducing contact rates outside the classroom in large group settings such as dining halls and parties. The article notes college administrators have been wary to touch on social contact between students and how it will be prevented, and punitive measures will be unpopular with students.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Town Hall Sessions

Theta is hosting three town hall sessions for members with underrepresented identities to join staff and Grand Council members to share their membership experiences. Please click on the links to register. If you do carry identities that are well-represented in the organization (these include but are not limited to white, heterosexual, Christian), we ask that you refrain from joining these particular sessions. Thank you!

• Session 1: Wednesday, July 1 at 8:00 pm Eastern
• Session 2: Thursday, July 2 at 5:00 pm Eastern
• Session 3: Tuesday, July 7 at 2:00 pm Eastern

Theta Foundation Pansy Patch 2020

While Thetas are not able to gather for Grand Convention 2020, Pansy Patch will still be brightening Thetas’ days for the month of July. Since its creation, Pansy Patch has been a tangible way for sisters to express how much they mean to each other and the spirit of loving connectedness. Pansy Patch 2020 will bring Thetas together to celebrate our unique bond and the unwavering power of Theta sisterhood.

If you would like to join in on the excitement, here are instructions (for Gmail or Outlook) to change your email signature for Pansy Patch! The Foundation team encourages you to keep the signature active through July 31. After that, feel free to switch your email signature back to the general Theta signature. 

The Kite Selected for Midwest Film Festival

As you may recall, we launched a film earlier this year depicting the story of Theta’s founding. The Kite, completed in collaboration with Think Ahead Studios, has been selected for the Heartland Film Festival Indy Shorts. The shorts will be shown at the Tibbs Drive-in Theatre on July 23. It will also be available in their Virtual Festival running July 24 to 30.

Year-End and Expense Reports

The Fraternity’s 2019-20 fiscal year ends TODAY, June 30. Because some of your expenses may be for the 2020-21 fiscal year, please note on your submitted expenses if they are for the 2019-20 or 2020-21 fiscal year.

2019-20 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.

Holiday Closing

The Fraternity, Theta Foundation, and Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in recognition of Independence Day.

Helpful Links

• Upcoming Important Dates and Visits
• Workforce Contact Information
• New Volunteers
• Previous Updates
• Coronavirus Update