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September 1, 2020
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The Update | September 1, 2020
Industry Update Provided by NPC
COVID-19 has pushed the bulk of recruitment online, NPR reports, forcing fraternity/sorority life to reconsider its pitch to students now that social activities are less of an option. Gentry McCreary, a consultant for Greek-letter organizations, says that several schools are reporting “record-breaking numbers of students” signing up for recruitment as sororities pivot strategies to focus on meaningful experiences beyond partying. If Greek organizations, especially the large social chapters, can't provide a more meaningful experience beyond the parties, McCreary says, "there's no way that those groups will be able to survive."
An article from Teen Vogue offers the latest take on the abolish Greek life movement, and details numerous experiences and perspectives from current members – detailing their frustrations and points of optimism for the future of sorority and fraternity life (specifically regarding racial and other forms of systemic bias and inequity within the community).
CNN reports that COVID-19 outbreaks have been identified at four Kansas State University sororities. Alpha Delta Pi and Alpha Xi Delta have six cases each, while Chi Omega and Kappa Delta have five cases apiece. Located 75 miles from Kansas State University, the University of Kansas reported a 10% positivity rate among its fraternity/sorority community, with 270 members of sororities and fraternities there testing positive.
New Workforce Role
We are pleased to announce a new role within Theta’s volunteer workforce, the director of diversity, equity, & inclusion. This is different than a committee chairman position and the director will participate directly in Grand Council meetings. If you are interested in applying, please submit the Workforce Volunteer Interest Indicator by Wednesday, Sept. 23. The Workforce Volunteer Interest Indicator is located in Theta Portal > Forms. To learn more of the roles and responsibilities for this position, view the job description. Please note a DEI committee chairman position will be announced shortly. Questions about the role may be sent to Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jenni Schmaltz.
Workforce Training Session Today
Remember our September workforce live discussion is today, Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 8:30 p.m. EDT. Sign up to join us. Assistant Director of Alumnae Engagement Laura Stelsel will join us to facilitate a discussion on change management. This same discussion will be offered for advisors on Tuesday, Sept. 8 and alumnae chapter officers on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Workforce Opportunity
Kory Linde-Ellefsen, alumnae district director (ADD) in Alumnae District XII, is resigning. She has agreed to remain in office until a replacement is found. To learn more of the roles and responsibilities for this position, view the job description. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit the Workforce Volunteer Interest Indicator by Friday, Sept. 18. The Workforce Volunteer Interest Indicator is located in Theta Portal > Forms. Questions about the role and responsibilities may be sent to Director of Alumnae Engagement Liz Drake.
2019-2020 Theta Foundation Scholarship & Grant Recipients
Congratulations to the 328 college and alumnae members and one college chapter that received more than $890,000 in Theta Foundation scholarship and grant funding during the 2020 fiscal year. Learn more about these remarkable women in the 2019-2020 Scholarship & Grant Impact Report (click on the image within the blog to view the report), and be sure to congratulate your sisters on their accomplishments!
Holiday Closing
The Fraternity, Theta Foundation, and Fraternity Housing Corporation offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in recognition of (U.S.) Labor Day.
The Bulletin
The August issue of The Bulletin has been posted in Theta Portal > chapter portal > HQDocs > The Bulletin for all college and alumnae chapter officers and advisors, and this school year we went back to sending it via email versus an email notification only. Workforce members always have access to The Bulletin via Igloo > Files > The Bulletin. The Update is Theta’s main communication source for the workforce, and The Bulletin is Theta’s main communication source for college chapter officers and advisors and alumnae chapter officers.
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Helpful Links
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