At its meeting earlier today, Grand Council took the following action:

*Reviewed the Fraternity audit report of the consolidated financial statements, independent auditor’s report, and tax returns for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018;

*Declined the opportunity to pursue Valparaiso University as a field of extension; and

*Considered ADD and CDD appointments for the term beginning January 1, 2019.

Happy Holidays!!

Industry Update Provided by NPC

The pair of lawsuits filed by four sororities (including Kappa Alpha Theta), two fraternities, and three male students against Harvard University regarding their policy of sanctions for members of single-sex organizations continued to receive coverage in many national and campus outlets. 

• Can Harvard punish its students for their off-campus behavior?(The Los Angeles Times)
• EXCLUSIVE: Harvard frat student says same-sex club policy ‘undermines’ individualism(Ca…

Industry Update Provided by NPC

The pair of lawsuits filed by four sororities (including Kappa Alpha Theta), two fraternities, and three male students against Harvard University regarding their policy of sanctions for members of single-sex organizations have received extensive media coverage over the past week. Widespread interest from national, trade, and regional outlets has largely focused on the impact sanctions have had on women’s organizations specifically.

Last Chance for Your…

Industry Update Provided by NPC

The Advocate reported on the findings of a Louisiana State University (LSU) police investigation into hazing allegations. Earlier this month, the LSU chapter of Pi Beta Phi was suspended based on hazing allegations, and an LSU police investigation into the matter revealed a milk-chugging contest to be the subject of the allegations. The investigation into Pi Beta Phi’s hazing activities is ongoing. WBRZ and NOLA also reported on the investigation.

The Charleston…

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Survey

As a follow-up to the ERM article in the November 13 edition of The Update, the link to the ERM assessment is now available. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration in ranking the severity and likelihood of each identified risk. Please complete the ERM assessment survey no later than Wednesday, Dec. 12. Contact Chief Operating Officer Jenni Schmaltz with questions or if you have trouble accessing the survey.

ChapterSpot Videos for Chapter…

Industry Update Provided by NPC

WAFB reported on the suspension of Pi Beta Phi at Louisiana State University (LSU) based on hazing allegations. The university has begun a formal investigation of possible hazing by the chapter, and it will remain suspended until the investigation ends.

Los Angeles Patch reported on the decision of a Los Angeles judge in a lawsuit filed by five University of Southern California (USC) fraternal organizations. Kappa Alpha Theta and four men’s fraternities filed a…

Seeking Input on Enterprise Risk

As part of Theta’s commitment to proactive thinking, we are committed to the use of enterprise risk management (ERM), a process that is applied to help identify potential events that could affect Kappa Alpha Theta, manage those risks, and ensure we can achieve our strategic objectives. By taking a complete viewpoint on risk and creating a risk-focused culture, Theta is in a strong position to efficiently use resources. Grand Council appoints an ERM committee,…

Industry Update Provided by NPC

The Chronicle of Higher Education published a letter to the editor from Dani Weatherford, executive director of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), and Judson Horras, president & CEO of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), regarding a recent study suggesting fraternity and sorority membership has a negative effect on student learning. The authors point to numerous national studies that deliver opposite findings and suggest the results…

Industry Update Provided by NPC

The Atlantic reported on a recent study that suggests joining Greek life negatively impacts student grades. The study found that on average Greek students saw GPAs that were 0.1 points lower than before they joined their organization. Additionally, the study found that academic performance suffered significantly during the new member education program that follows recruitment. The Chronicle of Higher Education, Business Insider, and Teen Vogue also reported on…