Industry Update Provided by NPC

Inside Higher Ed and The Advocate report that a federal appeals court said the parents of a Louisiana State University (LSU) freshman who died in a 2017 hazing ritual can pursue claims that the university disciplines its fraternities and sororities differently, and that male students who enter fraternity/sorority life face a greater risk of injury than females. Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver, whose 18-year-old son Max Gruver was a freshman at LSU when he died, argue in their complaint that the university scrutinized hazing in its sororities while disregarding dangerous activities in fraternities. They contend the disparity is a violation of Title IX, the law prohibiting sex discrimination in federally funded institutions. If successful, the case would be the first of its kind to apply Title IX to how colleges discipline fraternities and sororities.

Reuters and The New York Times report that California State University (Cal State), the nation’s largest four-year public university system, said last week that in-person classes at its 23 campuses would be canceled for the fall semester, with instruction taking place almost exclusively online. Cal State is one of few colleges publicly leaning toward online-only classes, including Wayne State University in Detroit, a virus hot spot, and Sierra College in California. This decision affects close to half a million students throughout the Cal State system.

Strategic Plan Introduction 

Join Fraternity President Mandy Wushinske and Chief Operating Officer Jenni Schmaltz for an introduction into Theta’s next Plan of Aspirations. While the webinar is intended to offer context for those working on tactic development workgroups, workforce members are also invited to join to hear more about the new aspirations and goals for the organization. The live webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EDT and will be recorded for those unable to attend. Information on how to attend will be coming soon. Contact Jenni Schmaltz with questions.

Holiday Closing

The Fraternity, Theta Foundation, and Fraternity Housing Corporation offices will be closed Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25, in recognition of (U.S.) Memorial Day.

Workforce Updates

Yianna Kappas, college district director (CDD) in College District II, is resigning from her position. If you are interested in this role, please submit the Volunteer Interest Indicator. Questions about the role and responsibilities can be forwarded to Laura Locke, college committee chairman.  

2020 Theta Foundation Scholarship Award Acceptance Deadline 

All recipients preliminarily selected for a 2020 Theta Foundation scholarship must complete the acceptance process by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 31. Recipients who do not submit required documentation by the deadline will forfeit their awards. Alternate recipients selected for forfeited scholarships will be notified on Wednesday, June 3, via the email address on their Fraternity records. Please direct any questions to Theta Foundation Programs Manager Mary Kate Smith.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Webinar Series

Working Towards Inclusive Sisterhoods Virtually is the April webinar in our Together Tuesdays Webinar DEI series. This Dropbox folder has multiple recordings available, as we have a full-version of the webinar and then two separate recordings for the "national landscape" and "action steps" in case you want to use them for educational purposes.  

Program description: Colleges across North America moved to distance learning as stay-at-home orders were issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Decisions like these are testing the strength of our sisterhoods and the ways we engage members. Responses to COVID-19 have brought out the best in some and the worst in others. Incidents of bias and hate crimes targeting Asian Americans have increased across the country. These acts are layered on top of the challenges of coping with social distancing measures and the sense of loneliness that may be setting in for some. While all college seniors may be struggling with the loss of spring commencement ceremonies and other milestone celebrations, first-generation college students may be feeling that loss a bit more intensely. In what ways are we supporting our members who are struggling financially? What coaching and guidance are we providing for chapters and leaders during this time? How are we supporting those who may be struggling during this time? What does it look like to foster inclusive spaces in a virtual environment? We want to be responsive to the needs of members and maintain a value of inclusion during this time. This will be the first in a series of webinars examining these topics and more. 

COVID-19 Housing Safety Plan

Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) is committed to maintaining a clean environment, but we also want to acknowledge that it is up to each member to do her part to prevent the spread of the virus. We will provide the tools needed for members to create a safe community living environment, and the FHC recommends that each house follow university directives about the number of members living in each room. In some cases, this could mean single rooms; in other cases, there may be no change to the number of members living in. The FHC will work with each of our chapters to find a solution that fits its campus. A separate food service plan will be shared for each house with a meal plan. 

The FHC will incorporate the following protocols in our managed facilities and we recommend that local facility corporation boards do the same.

• Install hand-sanitizing stations in entryways and dining areas and any additional high-traffic areas.
• Increase cleaning of high-touch surfaces in common areas including bathrooms.
• Increase availability of antibacterial wipes so members can clean door handles and faucets after use.
• Where possible, space beds at least six feet apart and ask that members sleep head to toe if sharing a room.

The following are recommendations for residents.

• The FHC recommends members self-screen (take their own temperature) daily. 
• The FHC recommends that members wear masks in common areas of the house.

If a member, or someone she knows, is experiencing symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19, they should take the following actions. First, the member should follow all state and university guidelines for reporting and also report the information to the advisory board chairman, CEO, and FHC property manager (or FCB president if the facility is not managed by FHC). Then the member should self-quarantine. Members will not be able to self-quarantine inside a Theta house. The following steps are recommended (in the order listed).

1. Member returns to permanent home for at least two weeks and until symptoms are gone.
2. Member works with the university to move to a spot designated for students to self-quarantine.
3. If the first two options are unavailable, the member would work with the FHC property manager to secure an alternate accommodation.

Guest policy

For guests to visit the facility, the chapter needs to vote unanimously to allow visitors. The FHC highly encourages chapters to adopt a no-guest policy to reduce the chance of the coronavirus entering the building. FHC acknowledges that out-of-house members will need to visit the facility for activities such as meetings and picking up meals. Out-of-house members may visit the facility, but we recommend that they self-screen for a fever and wear a mask.

Helpful Links

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