Industry Update Provided by NPC

Insider offers reporting on recruitment and sorority life amid a pandemic through the lens of a student at the University of Florida. The piece focuses explicitly on the cost of membership in a period in which the traditional offerings of membership look significantly different on most campuses.

The Los Angeles Times reports that, according to an investigation by The San Diego Union-Tribune, fraternity and sorority chapters at San Diego State University (SDSU) were widely and repeatedly called to account for a slew of violations in the five years leading up to the 2019 death of a student who had pledged Phi Gamma Delta. These violations include underage drinking, abusive hazing rituals, and accusations of sexual harassment and assault, according to confidential records obtained by the reporter. The disciplinary letters showed that 19 out of the 49 fraternities and sororities with chapters at SDSU found themselves in some level of official trouble with the school from 2014 through 2019. 

The Columbus Dispatch reports that Ohio House Bill 310, also known as Collin’s Law: The Ohio Anti-Bullying and Hazing Act, was passed by legislators. Collin's Law would strengthen consequences for acts of bullying and hazing, making it one of the most-comprehensive laws of its kind in the country, said sponsor Rep. David Greenspan (R-Westlake). Collin's Law would also expand the definition of hazing in Ohio to include the forced consumption of drugs and alcohol. Most notably, Rep. Greenspan said the bill increases the criminal penalties for hazing, which in Ohio is now a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Under the new law, it would be raised to a second-degree misdemeanor for general hazing and a third-degree felony for any hazing involving drugs or alcohol. Ohio would become the 11th state in the nation to make hazing a felony charge if the Ohio Senate passes the proposed law and it is signed by the Ohio governor. 

Grand Council Action

At its two November meetings Grand Council took the following action:

• Received an extensive alumnae program report from Alumnae Committee Chairman Laura Bright, Director of Alumnae Engagement Liz Drake, and Assistant Director of Alumnae Engagement Laura Stelsel.
• Voted to reorganize Alpha Epsilon/Brown beginning May 2021. This decision will not to be shared beyond this publication for several months. Thank you for keeping it confidential.

Background: On October 5, the members of Alpha Epsilon Chapter voted to surrender the chapter charter. The vote failed and 101 new members/members resigned. Only eight initiated members and two new members remain. Six of the eight graduate this coming spring. Since the chapter vote, Fraternity officers have met with each remaining new member/member, held a chapter meeting, and met with the advisory board.  

Chapter reorganization is possible via an NPC membership growth plan. Such plans currently span a maximum of 12 months, thus the late spring start date. Any questions may be directed to Katharine Murphy, director of collegiate services.

• Considered two officer appointments.
• Amended Article I, Section 9 of the Fraternity Bylaws: 

Reinstatement

A former member who voluntarily resigned or whose membership was terminated for financial delinquency and who is no longer matriculated at the university or college where she last had active membership may apply to Grand Council for reinstatement as an alumna member. Any former member whose membership was terminated for discretionary discipline may not apply for reinstatement. A former member may only apply for reinstatement after at least one year has lapsed since her membership resignation or termination but may not apply if more than four years has lapsed since that date.

Explanation: Grand Council planned to present this amendment to the 2020 Grand Convention for consideration. Because requests for reinstatement continue to be submitted, and returned because of timing, the board felt it wise to consider the change now. As with all Fraternity Bylaws amendments made between Conventions, this action will be considered for ratification by the 2022 Grand Convention.  

To be clear, this amendment addresses the time window of eligibility for application only. The process and required approvals remain the same. The Constitution and Bylaws (including Article 1, Section 9 in its entirety) has been updated. The updated Reinstatement Form is located in Theta Portal > Documents > Membership Status Forms. Questions about the reinstatement process may be directed to Angela Merk, executive assistant. Questions about the reinstatement rationale may be directed to Betsy Corridan, chief executive officer. 

#GivingTuesday2020 – Dec.1

Theta Foundation’s 8^th Annual #GivingTuesday is just one week away! Here are two things you can do to prepare for the day. 

1. Mark your calendar! You will not want to miss following along with Theta Foundation on social media. You can watch the countdown to #GivingTuesday here. 
2. It is never too late to sign up as an ambassador! Make sure you check out the exciting Theta items you can receive when you serve as an ambassador. Thank you to those who have signed up to help us spread the message of Theta Foundation!

Do not forget that a limited number of donors who make a gift of $150 or more will receive a special-edition sesquicentennial #GivingTuesday pansy pin. Make sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday, Dec. 1 to receive your pin!

The Bulletin

The November issue of The Bulletin has been posted in Theta Portal > Chapter Portal > HQDocs > The Bulletin. The Bulletin is intended for all college and alumnae chapter officers and advisors, and they were notified by email. Workforce members always have access to The Bulletin via Igloo > Files > The Bulletin. The Bulletin is Theta’s main communication source for college chapter officers and advisors and alumnae chapter officers. The Update is Theta’s main communication source for the workforce and should not be shared or forwarded to non-workforce members.

Government Relations

The government relations committee is seeking potential candidates, both active and alumnae members, for our annual Congressional visits. In order to reduce barriers to participate and allow more students the opportunity to better understand the work of the government relations committee this year’s upcoming visit will be in virtual format next April 13-15, 2021. Please send government relations committee member, Kristin Anderson Warner any names, chapter affiliations, and email addresses of women who are chapter CEOs, Panhellenic Council presidents, student government leaders, or anyone who may have interned in a Congressional office (Senate or House) by Dec. 8, 2020 if you think they may be interested in this opportunity to advocate on behalf of the fraternal experience. 

Additionally, if you are an interested alumnae member please send Kristin  your email address, current alumnae role, and contact information. Alumnae applications will differ from student applications this year. You can always make an impact by donating to our continued efforts at http://fspac.org/. 

Workforce Contact Updates

• Cheryl Phillips, college district director(CDD) in College District VIII, is away from her Theta desk. Please email any items needing immediate attention to College Committee Chairman Laura Locke. 
• Brittany Ela, recruitment and Panhellenic district director (RPDD) in College District II, is away from her Theta desk until Monday, Nov. 30. Please email any recruitment and Panhellenic issues for those chapters to Assistant Director of Collegiate Services Brittany Booth.

Workforce Monthly Educational Programming

Our December Tuesday educational programming will be about Theta’s Plan of Aspirations. If you haven’t yet signed up, you can do so here. We are looking forward to talking with you about the Plan on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 8:30 p.m.

Headquarters Holiday Closing

The Fraternity, Theta Foundation, and Fraternity Housing Corporation offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Friday, Nov. 27, in recognition of the (U.S.) Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Theta Blogs

• Our Summer/Autumn 2020 Issue: A Digital First!
• Students Win as Rights Affirmed with Conclusion of Harvard Suits

 Helpful Links

• Upcoming Important Dates and Visits
• Workforce Contact Information
• New Volunteers
• Previous Updates
• Coronavirus Update
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 
• ThetaConnect