The Update | March 2, 2021

The Update

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March 2, 2021

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Published

March 2, 2021

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Lorie Land

Industry Update Provided by NPC

In a piece syndicated in business journals nationwide (including in Boston, Charlotte, and Chicago), Biz Journals writes that universities are focusing attention on fraternities and sororities as COVID-19 cases rise. Following interviews with officials at National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), the piece highlights NPC’s “Stop-the-Drops” public health campaign and highlights the move to virtual recruitment as an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

WGN reports the University of Kansas issued a 10-day public health ban against five fraternities due to members violating university and country health regulations.

Duke’s student newspaper The Chronicle reports seven fraternities at Duke University have officially severed ties with the university and the university-sanctioned Interfraternity Council. The decision by the seven chapters follows a university mandate to shift recruitment to the fall semester of sophomore year, among other changes. At least two fraternity chapters are reportedly considering joining the seven.

Numerous campus newspapers are tracking disciplinary action and/or accusations of misconduct by the fraternity and sorority community regarding COVID-19 protocols. Relevant coverage cites incidents at the University of Washington, University of Virginia, and Lehigh University.

Workforce Updates

The alumnae committee is happy to announce the addition of two new alumnae district directors (ADDs).

Jessica Sladek Troike, Zeta Sigma/Ohio Northern, is now ADD in Alumnae District IV.
Molly Shannon Crowe, Delta Eta/Kansas State, is now ADD in Alumnae District XI.

Please join April Brown, compliance committee chairman, in welcoming Holly McNutt, Epsilon Omicron/Randolph-Macon, to the compliance committee. Kelsey Mills has resigned her role on the compliance committee effective immediately.

Workforce Opportunity

Whitney Edwards, college district director (CDD) in College District VI, is stepping down at the end of the spring term. If you or someone you know has a special interest/skill in supporting college chapters, please submit/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.

2021 Theta Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline Tomorrow

Please remind potential applicants that the deadline for Theta Foundation’s 2021 Scholarship Application is tomorrow, Wednesday, March 3, at 6:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. CST/4:00 p.m. MST/3:00 p.m. PST. All application resources, including the 2021 Scholarship Application Guide and Scholarships FAQ, can be found on Theta’s website. Applicants with questions can also contact Foundation Programs Manager Mary Kate Smith.

Government Relations

In honor of Women's History Month, the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC) is hosting a fundraiser Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 p.m. EST. Our special guest speakers for this event will be U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK), member of Alpha Chi Omega, freshman class president for Republicans and the first Iranian-American woman in Congress; and Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA) member of Delta Sigma Theta, a member of the House Education Committee, who will be the lead sponsor this year for anti-hazing legislation that both NPC and NIC support.

View the invitation and register. If you have questions, please contact Director of Government Relations Laurie Connor.

2021 Virtual Capitol Hill Visit Participants

The Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC), composed of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), and the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC), has chosen outstanding campus and chapter leaders to serve as advocates for the fraternity and sorority community in Washington, DC, during its virtual Lobbying Days April 13-15, 2021. Thanks to workforce members, advisory board chairmen, and previous participants who suggested candidates. We know this year will have its challenges, but we are excited to devote several days communicating with our legislators and lawmakers, keeping Greek issues at the front of their minds.

Congratulations to these college and alumnae leading women who will be lobbying virtually with representatives in Washington to advocate for Greek issues.

Kylee Arndt, Gamma Nu/North Dakota State, collegian
Lily Murphy, Epsilon Eta/Centre, collegian
Laurie McGregor Connor, Gamma deuteron/Ohio Wesleyan, alumna
Rainey Sewell, Alpha Omicron/Oklahoma, alumna
Cindy Heine Stellhorn, Beta/Indiana, alumna
Kristin Anderson Warner, Eta Tau/Tampa, alumna

It is vital for Greek organizations to be involved in legislation to defend and protect our single-sex status as well as our members’ freedom of association rights.