Feature Friday: Breezy Maravich, Gamma Phi Beta

Our first Greek student-athlete Feature Friday, Breezy Maravich of Gamma Phi Beta!

As a student-athlete on the women’s tennis team and member of the Greek community, I have been lucky to gain life experiences and knowledge through multiple outlets. Despite having their own unique challenges and rewards, my participation in both groups on campus has given me the ability to be well rounded and learn from many different types of people. There are important skills that I have garnered from being in a sorority that have been beneficial in enhancing my career as an athlete. There are also many ways that my role on a division one team has helped me bring a different perspective to my chapter. One of the most important skills that I have received from being on a sports team is leadership and being able to interact with and get along with differing personalities. My team is very diverse and being with them daily through challenges and successes has taught me how to be inclusive of everyone and find ways to connect with every person on my team. This has allowed me to be able to forge connections with the girls in my chapter, despite having different schedules, interests, and personalities.

            Greek life has been influential in showing me the importance of philanthropy. Being a part of many of these philanthropic events has encouraged me to try to use my position as an athlete to access a range of different people and get them involved in giving back to our community. I have supported Lehigh athletics by being on the Adopt-a-family committee to help with fundraising for underprivileged families to provide them gifts and essentials for the holiday season. I also try to find ways to have my team show its support for other important causes like raising awareness for Breast Cancer.

Most importantly, being a member of both of these influential organizations has pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone. I have strengthened my ability to be vocal and communicate with others. I have also grown from hearing ideas from other people and strive to make the most out of my four years here at Lehigh.   

Final Countdown!

3 Days until Le/Laf!

LE/LAF 2016

https://docs.google.com/a/lehigh.edu/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeA9nAx-TDZp2Ocp-QqG2yQc42Y7bB7CPeYZDtQ3IhBtDzOg/viewform?c=0&w=1

Feature Friday: Joe Mitri, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Another outstanding Feature Friday post from Joe Mitri, Sigma Phi Epsilon

As I’m going through my last year at Lehigh, I’m trying to take everything as slowly as possible. That’s not to say I’m not ready to move on, but it’s more that I’m so appreciative of the people I’ve met on campus and the experiences I have had that I want to make sure it comes with me as I leave. After I joined my fraternity and completed my first year, I knew I wanted to meet as many people as I could on campus. I wanted to make myself a well-rounded and experienced student who would be ready for anything after college.

I found myself joining student senate and being elected as the treasurer after sophomore year. Joining senate was a big commitment and being treasurer allowed me to develop myself as a leader. During this time, I lived in the chapter house and part of the reason I enjoyed working on senate was it gave me a chance to meet and work with so many other people. I developed some very valuable relationships with people outside, as well as inside, my chapter during that time. The commitment of senate was challenging and finding that balance between Greek Life and my extracurriculars was difficult, but I wouldn’t trade that experience, and what I learned from it, for anything. 

Right before the start of my senior year, I was chosen to be an orientation leader. I can wholeheartedly say that this experience changed my college perspective and my outlook on life. I learned so much about other people and their experiences throughout life, that it changed who I was for the better. Our days were filled with fun, random activities and evenings often included intense discussions that reflected on the hardships people go through every day. Being an orientation leader allowed me to get closer to other people by letting myself go. I’ve never felt more free than when I went through training; free from social pressures, free from judgement, free from the stereotypes that I think Lehigh student create too often.

I try to bring these two main experiences back to my fraternity. I learned how to become an effective, open minded, and inclusive leader through my experiences outside of Greek Life and it was, and still is, difficult to bring it to my chapter, but its not impossible. I think it’s necessary for a better college experience for students to branch out. People are always talking about the Greek bubble and exclusive social atmosphere, but it all starts with people becoming more open to the opportunities that are happening on campus and all around them.

Important Accreditation Information for 2016-2017

History & Background of Accreditation

The Accreditation process is designed to review and assess all facets of chapter operations and is a key process in the development and maintenance of chapter standards.  Accreditation evaluates the contributions that each chapter makes to the campus and local communities.  

During the 2002-03 academic year, the decision was made to undertake a comprehensive plan to recommit and strengthen the fraternity and sorority community at Lehigh University. This plan, known as the Strengthening Greek Life Initiative, was the result of a task force commissioned by University President Gregory Farrington.  The original Accreditation process commenced during the 2004-2005 academic year.  In 2010, the “Next Steps for the Fraternity & Sorority Community” report was released.  One sub-committee was tasked with developing what is now known as the Lehigh University Accreditation process for fraternities and sororities.  

In 2014, a re-visioning committee of staff, students, and alumni was charged with evaluating the Accreditation process and identifying areas of change including metrics, requirements, ratings and timing.  At the conclusion of the re-visioning process, the committee identified common themes derived from focus group data, student assessment results, and committee discussion which led to the changes outlined below.  Many thanks to the individuals who served on the re-visioning committee as well as the numerous students who provided valuable input.

Goal of Revisions

Based on the themes identified by the re-visioning committee, the following changes have been made to the Accreditation process for the 2016-2017 academic year.  The goal of these changes is threefold:

1.  To provide chapters increased clarity on metrics and reports
2.  To increase transparency in the evaluation and ratings process
3.  To incentivize improved performance year to year  

What’s changed?

Metrics

Chapters will be evaluated on four or five metrics.  The metrics are the following:

Leadership & Member Development

Organizational Operations

Community Service & Engagement

Academic & Intellectual Advancement

Facilities Management (as applicable)

The metrics largely consider the same criteria as in previous years, but have been reorganized and renamed to create clearer areas of focus.  Additional criteria that has been added at the recommendation of the committee: brotherhood/sisterhood activities, exploration of post-graduate opportunities, and professional/career development activities.  Additionally, there is also an overall rating that considers additional performance indicators.  This rating focuses on the overall performance of the chapter throughout the year.  This is not an average of the ratings received in previous metrics.  Chapters are measured against themselves each year and are encouraged to demonstrate growth and development in each metric.  Full descriptions can be found here. 

Rubric

An extensive guiding rubric has been created that all chapters are encouraged to use.  The rubric covers each metric and rating.  The rubric is not meant as an exhaustive “checklist” but should be used for examples and items to consider when preparing reports and presentations.  Chapters are still encouraged to use organizational values, priorities and requirements in crafting their Accreditation submissions.  To view the rubric, click here. 

Ratings

Chapters will be evaluated and given one of the four possible ratings:

Accredited with Excellence (previously Gold)

Accredited

Unaccredited (previously Poor)

Unacceptable (remains the same)

For a full description of the Accreditation ratings, click here.   

Incentives

Chapters receiving an Accredited with Excellence rating will be recognized in several ways across the Lehigh community.  Chapters Accredited with Excellence will receive preference when scheduling Accreditation presentations for the following year.  Additionally, chapters Accredited with Excellence may select from one of the following options: An Accreditation presentation “bye” year meaning that a chapter may choose to opt-out of presenting the year following their Accredited with Excellence rating OR $250 towards a chapter need.  Full details regarding these options can be found here. 

Reports

Report submissions should not exceed 50 pages total.  The recommend length is between 25-35 pages.  Appendices should be limited and used only if absolutely necessary as supporting documentation.

Next steps

Elizabeth Shayler, Associate Director, OFSA will be attending the following council meetings to provide an overview and answer questions.  Chapters are encouraged to review all the Accreditation information in advance and bring anyone involved with Accreditation to these meetings.

• IFC: TODAY November 7^th at 4:10pm in MG 111
• MGC: TODAY November 7^th at 7:00pm in UC, B025
• Panhellenic: November 10^th at 4:10pm in MG 101

Workshops and programs addressing Accreditation preparation will be offered throughout the spring semester in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Greek Leadership, Carter Gilbert.  More details regarding dates, times, and topics will be available in January 2017. 

Finally, chapters are encouraged to work closely with their Assistant Director to discuss the revisions and begin planning for the 2016-2017 process.  

Feature Friday: Sidney Ro, Alpha Gamma Delta

Sidney Ro, Alpha Gamma Delta, shares her thoughts this week...

My first day on campus was the day I began my Lehigh experience in the prelusion program, OAP (Outdoor Adventure Program). I was far from being an outdoorsy person at the time but thought a trip to meet my peers before actual school started would be helpful in navigating my first experiences at college. I walked into Lamberton late to discover hoards of students in different colored t-shirts sitting in circles and eating bagged lunches together. I was overwhelmed but knew that I wasn't alone in my fear so I sat and mingled. Doing OAP became one of the things throughout my Lehigh experience that I know I'll never forget or regret in any way. I met my best friends and several other amazing individuals through this program and had the opportunity to become a leader for the next two years, and ultimately a coordinator this past August. Aside from being a participant in the program, being a leader has allowed me to make countless connections with other leaders who come from different circles all over campus. Working with such different individuals who want to provide the best transition and unbiased information for first-year students has been an experience that can never be replicated. The passion and diversity of each individual leader in OAP, in my opinion, has had positive and influential lasting effects on the students we have led. I've learned invaluable collaborative and leadership skills while gaining the friendships of some of the most incredible individuals on our campus. 

In the same way, my employment at Lamberton has given me a similar opportunity. I joined the staff my sophomore year and have been working there ever since. The employees at Lamberton Hall, like OAP leaders, come from extremely different spaces on our campus and I've created relationships with individuals that I most likely would not have had if I had not worked at Lamberton. Communication, collaboration, and initiative are essential at Lamberton and these skills combined with the ones I've learned over the course of the four years through OAP have helped me in my leadership in my Greek chapter whether it was as social coordinator or a new member coordinator. 

My Lehigh experience has been a perfect combination of participation not only in my Greek chapter's activities but also activities outside of the Greek sphere here at Lehigh. I think this experience has been extremely formative and critical in my development as a student here at Lehigh and is something from which others would definitely benefit. 

Feature Friday: Gabby Dardis, Kappa Delta

This week for Feature Friday is Kappa Delta's Gabby Dardis!

I began working in the Community Service Office at the beginning of the fall of my freshman year after being introduced to the office through the Volunteer Experience Prelusion.  I had volunteered and belonged to service clubs before in high school, but being a staff member of the CSO felt different.  Everyone in the office was highly dedicated to the work they did, and everyone made the effort to include new staffers and make the office feel like a family.  I loved that our events brought Lehigh students from all across campus together to serve South Bethlehem.

I learned a great deal about meaningful action and our South Bethlehem community in the CSO, and after joining my sorority during Formal Recruitment, I was inspired to run for Vice President of Community Service the following fall.  I believed that I would be capable of handling the entitled responsibilities since I had already been coordinating volunteer opportunities and learning about the principles of service for a year.  However, I faced adversity and unexpected challenges on Executive Council that my time in the CSO could not have prepared me for.

Our Kappa Delta chapter had only been on campus for just over one year at that point, and my member class was the first formally recruited.  Serving as only the second VP-CS in our chapter, I was faced with daily questions and conflicts that had no chapter precedent to utilize in making decisions.  I had just my handbook and the suggestions of the nine other Executive Council members, each in the same position as myself.

Through small but regular challenges, such as low attendance at events and commitment issues on committees, I quickly recognized the difference between being a service leader among other service leaders, versus having that role among your peers who do not necessarily prioritize that commitment.  Despite the fact I met the overall goals of my position during that busy year, my personal goals derived from my CSO training to educate my chapter on the South Bethlehem community and engage all of our members in meaningful service were not entirely met.  At the time my term ended, this disheartened me and did not motivate me to commit to further leadership positions in my chapter.

However, it wasn’t until about a year ago when I took on a larger role in the CSO that I realized how positively impactful my experience in sorority leadership was. Being on our Executive Council taught me about effective service leadership and how I personally can be the best leader for a given group of people.  In my position as the SERVE Trip Coordinator, I work with several different groups of people - from Dean of Students Offices’ Directors to Lehigh students looking to get involved – in planning service trips over winter and spring break, so I have to adjust my style of leadership to best achieve my position’s goals.  As I welcomed the precedence and history behind the SERVE Coordinator position to make decisions and improvements upon, I realized that my work as VP- Community Service was building the very precedent my sisters will welcome years in the future. 

As I reflect back now as a senior, two years after first beginning my VP- Community Service role, I am thankful for the difficulties I faced then that challenged me to grow, and allowed me to now be the best leader I can be in any situation. 

Conduct Update: Chi Psi

On October 25, 2016 the University Committee on Discipline met to adjudicate the following charges against Chi Psi Fraternity:

Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession)

The unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution, or possession of alcohol.

Respect for Community J1 (Encouraging Others)

Encouraging or facilitating others in actions that violate the Code of Conduct.

After reviewing the information related to incident, the Committee made the following finding(s) regarding the violation(s) for which you were charged:

1. Respect for Self A1 (Unauthorized Consumption, Distribution, or Possession) -- Responsible

2. Respect for Community J1 (Encouraging Others) -- Responsible

As a result of this behavior the following sanction(s) will be imposed:

The organization is placed on Disciplinary Deferred Dissolution from October 26, 2016 through

December 31, 2017. During this period of time, the organization is on notice that any further violations of the Code of Conduct will result in the dissolution of the organization immediately without further review. Disciplinary Deferred Dissolution may not be imposed for longer than two regular semesters. If this sanction is imposed during a semester, it may be imposed for the remainder of that semester and two additional semesters.

Chi Psi Fraternity is placed on disciplinary probation effective January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Disciplinary probation is the conditional continuation of a group or organization for a specified period of time not to exceed four semesters. This status implies that any further violation of this Code of Conduct may result in dissolution, termination, or other authorized sanctions. Other sanctions may be imposed, including limitations on social activities, and additional requirements may be imposed as conditions for reinstatement of recognition in good standing.

The organization has lost its right to register and host social events with alcohol effective October 26,

2016 through May 31, 2017. Events without Alcohol may be held as long as they are in compliance with University policy.

The Chapter is required to develop a strong new member education plan that can be used for Recruitment in Jan/Feb 2017. This plan must be approved by OFSA. The plan must include measures that Chi Psi will use to ensure that its members follow the plan and university policy to help mitigate future violations of the code of conduct. The due date will be determined by OFSA

All sophomores and Spring 2017 new members must participate in ASTP training either by Ashley Baudouin or her designee. Costs to execute this training will be the responsibility of Chi Psi Fraternity. It is to be completed by March 1, 2017.

The Chapter is required to work with OFSA to develop a comprehensive risk management plan no later than February 15, 2017. This plan must be approved by OFSA and all members must be trained on this plan and sign a statement clarifying that they understand their responsibilities under this plan.

The executive board is required to work with Julie Ammary and Ashley Baudouin to structure a team consulting sessions to ensure continuity of leadership and the maintenance of standards. It is to be completed by March 31, 2017.

The Committee gave the following rationale for the decision and sanctions:

Rationale for Finding:

The panel finds the student signed statement of 9/27 and the demeanor described by Conduct Officer during the 9/27 meeting to be more credible than the testimony provided today. Based on this it is more likely than not that a student drank at least one alcoholic beverage while at the off campus party hosted by Chi Psi indicating the organization illegally distributed alcohol which was consumed by a minor. The panel is concerned that upon receiving notification that he would have to testify against Chi Psi and his teammates and/or Chi Psi finding out about the charges that the student’s story changed. The student acknowledged that others helped him “piece” together his story.

Key Facts:

1. The statement signed by a student on 9/27

2. Conduct Officer’s testimony and assessment of meeting with the student

3. Testimony of organization

4. The organization provided no witness testimony or statements from Chi Psi members who attended the party.

Rationale for Sanctions:

The panel considered dissolution however, we do believe that one student has the potential to lead the organization in the right direction and begin a culture shift that will help Chi Psi to be a value adding organization to the community. We believe it is important for all members of Chi Psi to hold each other accountable and to be able to clearly articulate the meaning and responsibility that come with membership in Chi Psi separate from their responsibilities as football players.

Chi Psi Fraternity retains the right to appeal this decision, and the Office of Student Conduct & Community expectations has informed the fraternity leadership of the deadlines and process for appeals as outlined in the Lehigh University Code of Conduct (lehigh.edu/go/codeofconduct).  If an appeal is submitted, the Disciplinary Appeals Committee will meet to make a determination.  If the appeal is denied, the conduct hearing outcome will be upheld. If the appeal is granted, a new conduct hearing would occur.  

Friendly Halloween Reminder

                                                                            

As you all know, Halloween is coming up this weekend. As you all gear up for Halloween related festivities, I wanted to take a moment to remind you all to think about both the costumes that your chapter members are preparing to wear, as well as the themes that you may be considering for events that are occurring this weekend. I hope you all have fun, but in the spirit of looking out for the safety and well-being of all members of Lehigh and the South Bethlehem Community and also preserving the dignity of all cultures and backgrounds.  

Other resources to use this weekend if you are unsure about theme and activities include:

• If you are unsure about a specific costume, here is a quick web resource. 

• If you are unsure about a specific theme for an event, please review the Chapter Event Policy included below:

The Lehigh University Fraternity and Sorority Community, comprised of chapters and governing councils, aspire to support and espouse The Principles of Our Equitable Community. As part of this aspiration, the Fraternity and Sorority Community commits to supporting the spirit and intent of these initiatives by prohibiting all events that, through the actions of organizations or individual members negatively affect the dignity of any student, or inhibit the promotion of mutual understanding among Lehigh community members.

Per The Principles: “We confront and reject discrimination in all its forms, including that based on age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomics, veteran status, or any differences that have been excuses for misunderstanding, dissension, or hatred.”

In the spirit of this statement, our belief is that any event sponsored or endorsed by a Fraternity or Sorority in Lehigh’s Greek Community, may not discriminate against any class listed above. Failure to adhere to this, either through the acts of organizations or individual chapter members representing their organization, would result in investigation and adjudication, as appropriate, in partnership with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Expectations. This includes on and off-campus events, activities and actions as well as actions taken on-line via use of social media.

To learn more about the Principles of Our Equitable Community please refer to:http://www4.lehigh.edu/diversity/principles

To report an incident, please refer to the Online Incident Communications Form at:http://studentaffairs.lehigh.edu/conduct

Feature Friday: Dalyan Kosar, Theta Chi

Today for our Feature Friday (where members of the Greek community share reflections on their Lehigh experience) is Dalyan Kosar of Theta Chi.  

There are a lot of misconceptions about members of the Greek community, especially from those who aren’t Greek. The unfortunate truth is that the stereotypical obnoxious and apathetic behavior of a rare few often leads to the entire community being typecast as such.

Since my freshman year at Lehigh I have been involved in a special program called Homework Club, its goal being increased child literacy and STEM proficiency through afterschool tutoring. After a year of being a tutor, I was eventually given the opportunity to become one of the site leaders in charge of running the Broughal Middle School site.  This experience has given me some of the most rewarding memories of my Lehigh career, and as a member of the Greek community, it’s frustrating when all of the work that I have put in to community service projects like this one are overlooked by Greek-life critics (it’s also worth noting that over 50% of the Homework Club tutors are affiliated with a Greek organization).

The perception problem stems from a lack of cohesion between the Greek community and the greater campus population, both of which have no real desire to interact. With Greek residential areas being secluded to the Hill, and most unaffiliated living in Broadhead, Taylor, or Campus Square, there is a geographical divide that makes it not only possible, but likely that the average Greek won’t have a meaningful interaction with someone outside of Greek life and vice versa. This is where I have found clubs and extracurricular organizations to play a vital role in my time at Lehigh.

There are plenty of incredible people who simply didn’t have the desire to join a Greek chapter, just as there are a multitude of phenomenal people who found that they did, and limiting your social circle for such an insignificant reason, bars you from meeting wonderful people that could be some of your best friends. Being in Homework Club has given me that opportunity, as I have garnered friends that I wouldn’t have otherwise met, and had experiences that I wouldn’t have otherwise gained.

Homework Club is more to me than just a job, it’s a chance to expand my horizons--do things I wouldn’t normally do, with people I wouldn’t normally do things with. I encourage all of my fellow Lehigh students to try something similar. Join a club, volunteer, or maybe even start something new, and get a chance to know what life is like on the other side of the Greek divide.

Check out what participants in Social Host Training are saying about it!

Traffic Control and Transportation for Lehigh Lafayette Weekend

This letter contains important information regarding traffic control and transportation for the upcoming annual Lehigh vs. Lafayette match-up.  The following procedures have been discussed by members of the Dean of Students staff, the Interfraternity Council leadership, the Multicultural Greek Council, the Panhellenic Council leadership, Parking Services, and University Police.  Please take the time to review this letter and discuss its contents with your members. 

*Each residential chapter will be issued Lehigh/Lafayette parking passes equivalent to the number of available parking spaces in the chapter’s respective parking lot.  These passes grant one time entry to Sayre Park and will be surrendered upon entry.  Chapters will also be issued two reusable passes.  Chapters have the flexibility to distribute all passes to members, alumni, or other guests based on need. 

*Parking passes will be available to chapter presidents for pickup and distribution beginning Monday, November 7th in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.  Misplaced parking passes will not be replaced.

*Only vehicles with Lehigh/Lafayette parking passes will be admitted to Sayre Park roads (the Hill) between 5PM Friday, November 18^th through Sunday, November 20^th at 5AM.  Your regularly assigned parking permit will not grant you access.

*Students with valid parking permits that wish to move their vehicles to create space for alumni and other guests must do so by Friday, November 18^th at 5PM.  Vehicles can be parked on Mountaintop Campus in the commuter parking lots or in any other University lot available for student parking.  Vehicles parked in non-student designated spots or parked in non-parking areas (e.g. fire lanes) risk being ticketed and/or towed.

* Vehicles parked in fire lanes or along the roadside will be towed at the owner’s expense.  Please monitor illegal parking areas and keep alumni and other guests from parking in these locations as well.  The Lehigh University Police Department has the authority to restrict access to Sayre Park roads (the Hill) during Lehigh/Lafayette weekend if there are safety concerns and impassable roadways. 

* Buses to Fisher Stadium at Lafayette College will arrive at Packer Avenue bus stop at 10AM for boarding. Buses will depart at 10:30AM. Each individual must have a game ticket AND a bus ticket in order to board the bus. Buses will depart immediately following the game.

*Should your chapter wish to hire a private charter to Fisher Stadium, pick up and drop off should be scheduled along Packer Avenue between Vine and Webster streets.  No buses should block any other public streets for loading purposes and will be told to move by the Lehigh University Police Department. 

*Lafayette College has allocated 45 student tailgate spots for Lehigh at the corner of Dietrich Road and Bushkill Drive (901 Bushkill Drive, Easton, PA).  Vehicles may enter the Lehigh tailgate area between 9-10AM or until capacity is reached, after which the area will be closed for vehicles for safety reasons.  Buses may drop off students at this location, and will then be directed to Metzgar Fields in Palmer Township for off-site parking.     

*We suggest you inform alumni and other guests prior to receiving Lehigh/Lafayette parking passes so they may have time to request passes from you.  We also encourage that you post this memo on your chapter’s website; share it with your alumni advisors; and distribute it to your alumni email contacts accordingly. 

*Should you host social events during the weekend and invite alumni and other guests to attend, please communicate expectations regarding social policies and appropriate behavior.  Many alumni are not familiar with current rules and procedures, and your chapter is responsible for ensuring all guests comply with all laws and abide by the Lehigh University’s Code of Conduct. 

* If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs by email at infrasor@lehigh.edu or by phone at 610-758-4157.

Feature Friday: Dan Ritter, Delta Chi

Next up in Feature Friday (where members of the Greek community share reflections on their Lehigh experience) is Dan Ritter from Delta Chi!

This past summer I was offered an internship in the Office of Student Leadership Development, a division of the Dean of Students office that, through the programs and initiatives they provide for students each year, help students become leaders in the campus community. Although I was unsure what the internship would actually entail, I could have never imagined the benefits that the few short months would bring. Not only did I have the opportunity to meet other Lehigh students, faculty, and staff that I would not have otherwise met, but I was able to work on several different tasks and projects that helped me develop skills that I know will benefit me in the future.  

One of the ways that my internship this summer has already started to have a positive impact is through my experience in my fraternity, Delta Chi. One of my largest projects as an intern was to design the Student Leadership Kickoff, which involved planning, organizing, and coordinating several different aspects such as catering, decorations, and invitations. Through that planning process, I was able to gain invaluable project management skills. These skills will definitely be able to help me in future work within my fraternity, such as helping to plan out a philanthropy event or a brotherhood retreat. Balancing various tasks throughout my internship experience, and learning time management from doing so, will undoubtedly help me in my fraternity experience. Between classes, extracurricular activities, and being in a fraternity, there are often a lot of tasks that I have to balance my time between. After more practice with time management this summer, I know that I will be able to effectively balance all of my commitments, and because of this I will be able to dedicate time to Delta Chi in order to help accomplish tasks that the chapter must complete.

One of my favorite aspects of my internship this summer was my role as a ropes course facilitator. Although I was already a ropes course facilitator prior to beginning my internship, I was able to facilitate for a variety of group over the summer, which helped me gain experience in facilitating teambuilding activities and helping groups address the challenges they faced or objectives that they wished to achieve. Facilitating has become something that I love to do, and I hope to be able to facilitate different activities and teambuilding exercises for Delta Chi over the course of the year so that we can grow as a brotherhood and address any challenges that we may face as the year goes on.

I am so grateful for the experience that I had over the summer with the OSLD, and I am excited and eager to see the benefits that will come from the experience that I had. 

Feature Friday: Molly Bankuti, Zeta Tau Alpha

Each Friday, we'll be featuring a different member of the Greek community and sharing their reflections on their Lehigh experience!  Check out our first, Molly Bankuti from Zeta Tau Alpha!

I've noticed over my past two years as a Lehigh student that it’s really easy to forget that we’re part of a larger community outside of this campus.  It’s pretty common to see students turning their nose up at people in the South Bethlehem community who haven’t been afforded the same opportunities that us Lehigh students tend to take for granted.  As a student coordinator in the Lehigh Community Service Office, I’m really lucky to work in an office centered on reminding people how important and enjoyable it is to stay engaged with the surrounding community.  The CSO works not only to create opportunities to become active members in our community, but also to emphasize how much we as people stand to benefit through building these relationships and looking beyond the Lehigh bubble.

But I think if we’re honest with ourselves, it’s also really easy, as members of the Greek community, to even forget we’re a part of a bigger community on Lehigh’s campus, let alone South Bethlehem. We become focused on building a strong sisterhood or brotherhood, creating opportunities for leadership and growth within our chapter, contributing to our philanthropy, and building a strong relationship with our national organization. This leads us to overlook, or maybe just not realize, how much our chapters and the Greek community as a whole stands to gain through integrating ourselves with the rest of campus and other groups and organizations. 

Almost everyone who knows me is well aware that I participated in The LeaderShape Institute last January because I really haven’t stopped talking about it since.  The whole idea behind LeaderShape is getting comfortable with being uncomfortable: it’s about having tough conversations and forcing yourself to confront any reservations, misunderstandings, or assumptions you might have.  While I was at LeaderShape, and as I have ever since, I chose to prioritize confronting the lack of inclusivity on Lehigh’s campus.  When we compared the diversity statistics of students at LeaderShape to the statistics of Lehigh’s population, the discrepancies were shocking.  Without the numerous backgrounds and perspectives that were part of LeaderShape, the connections made, the personal growth, the development of confidence, and the increased understanding of all participants wouldn't have occurred.  The experience made me realize I don’t have the ability to reach my full potential, as an individual or as part of a group, if I’m limited to a very specific population and one way of thinking.

It was this diversity of perspectives and varying backgrounds that enabled us at LeaderShape to have real, honest conversations about why the student population at Lehigh feels so divided, and what we as members of the community can do to bring the campus together.  A lot of the conversations that we had blamed the campus divide on Greek Life.  But rather than turning me against my chapter, it inspired me to become more invested in its growth and more invested in working to break down any unspoken barriers between Greek life and the rest of campus.  While I could talk forever about the leadership opportunities, philanthropic involvement, and the strong sisterhood I find in my sorority, I could talk just as much about growing as a leader and as an overall person through LeaderShape.

My experiences at Lehigh have made me realize that creating a more inclusive Lehigh community, both on campus and as a part of South Bethlehem, is a goal we all need to focus on in order to strengthen our chapters and every other organization on campus.  Sharing our viewpoints and listening to the perspectives of others enables us to learn and grow instead of allowing these divides to remain.  A main way we can do this is by becoming further involved in the South Bethlehem community; through service we can create a more positive, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere on and off campus. My work at the CSO and my experience at LeaderShape have shown me that an increased sense of unity would only stand to enhance every student’s Lehigh experience—even if we don’t realize it.

Meet Brigette Gardner!

Brigette Gardner

Assistant Director, OFSA

Hometown: Springboro, OH

Educational Background: Ohio University, B.S. in Communications

Wright State University, M.Ed. in Student Affairs and Higher Education

Affiliation: Delta Gamma Fraternity

Professional Highlights: 

• Throughout graduate school, I worked in Alumni Relations at Wright State University where I planned and implemented events for alumni as well as advised a student organization, Student Alumni Association.

• As part of my work in Alumni Relations, I also had the opportunity to travel across the country to coordinate our Rise. Shine. Campaign gala events in NYC, LA, Cleveland, and, last but not least, in Dayton where Tom Hanks was our keynote speaker!!

• I interned in OFSA at Lehigh University during summer 2015!! Some of my projects included writing curriculum for the 2015 Greek Leader's Retreat, working with the three council presidents on various projects, and developing OFSA's hazing website (check it out!!).

• I also interned at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England for three weeks this past spring where I consulted on how to increase inclusion efforts across their clubs and societies (their equivalent to our student organizations).

Why did you decide to pursue a career in fraternity and sorority affairs?I t was during my time on Panhellenic Council as an undergraduate member of Delta Gamma that I realized a career in fraternity and sorority life or student affairs, in general, was even possible! I was so passionate about the work Panhellenic Council at Ohio University was doing, growing the community and further developing members, that I decided to go to graduate school and pursue student affairs as a career. Fraternities and sororities have so much power to leave a lasting impact, whether that be positive or negative. I see the value in our Greek-letter organizations and it is my goal, as a professional, to make sure that impact is positive. 

What do you hope to do during your time at Lehigh University? Our organizations were originally founded to further social change in this country whether it be around the women's suffrage movement, the civil rights movement, or others. It is my goal as a professional to help fraternity and sorority members realize the power y'all have and help you to create positive change in your communities: the Greek community, the Lehigh University community, and the Bethlehem community! Apart from that, another hope I have is to make a difference for you all as individual students, however that may look.

What has been your impression of the Lehigh Greek Community so far? With the start off the year and attending my first Base Camp, I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful leaders in the fraternity and sorority community! There are a lot of passionate members who want to make this community the best version of itself! It's also truly impressive to see how high of achievers you are, in and out of the classroom!! Shout out to those of you who are studying abroad! What an amazing experience and it's great to see how many people participate in that. 

Congratulations to...

Congratulations to all of our chapters that received recognition from their National Organization!  Here are the highlights that we've received so far!  

DELTA CHI

-Achievement in Member Education

-Achievement in Alumni Relations

-Achievement in Financial Management

-Achievement in Manpower

-Achievement in Involvement

-Achievement in Housing

-The 'E' Key for excellence in alumni relations

-Outstanding 'C' award 

-Chapter Luminary award

-Alumni Meritorious Service award for Bill Glaser, president of our Alumni Board of Trustees

PI KAPPA ALPHA 

25 Man Commitment -- Sent 25 men or more to Pike University events during the year

Scholarship Plate -- Chapter had a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Alumni Advisory Board of the Year 

Raymond L. Orians Excellence Award -- awarded to top 20% of performing Pike chapters

PHI SIGMA KAPPA

President's Special Achievement Award for Diversity Initiatives

MU SIGMA UPSILON 

Community Service Award 

ALPHA EPSILON PI

Outstanding Performance in Recruitment Award  

THETA XI

Outstanding Recruitment 

Outstanding Community Service

ALPHA GAMMA DELTA

Stephanie Behrens-recipient of the Harriet Fox Grant Scholarship Award

KAPPA DELTA

Margaret Burnett received a Confidence U Grant

KAPPA ALPHA THETA

Award for participating in the 150 Days of Service

DELTA UPSILON

Named one of seven finalists for its Sweepstakes Trophy 

ZETA TAU ALPHA

Crown Chapter Award

Meet Corey Gant!

J.Corey Gant

Assistant Director, OFSA

Hometown: Leesburg, Virginia
Educational Background:

     B.A. Public and Urban Affairs - Virginia Tech

     M.S.Ed. Higher Education and Student Affairs - Indiana University

Affiliation: Delta Tau Delta Fraternity
Professional Highlights:-Coordinated the Greek Assessment and Awards Program (GAAP) at Indiana University, a rubric submission and interview process holding 73 chapters on campus accountable to the five Pillars of Excellence
-Participated as a member of the core planning team for Marian University's SOAR orientation program as well as selected and trained the orientation leaders
-Conducted IRB-approved research at Indiana University regarding student organizations' impact on international students' sense of belonging that was published in the IUSPA Journal
Why did you decide to pursue a career in fraternity and sorority affairs?

When I joined Delta Tau Delta, it was the first time I was ever asked to reflect on my values and how they would impact my undergraduate experience. I soon got very involved on campus in areas such as new student programming, LGBTQ+ awareness, and the larger fraternity and sorority community. It is my hope to help fraternities and sororities realize the importance of being values-based organizations in order to help further develop their members.
What do you hope to do during your time at Lehigh University?

While at Lehigh I want to work with as many fraternity and sorority members as possible. However, I really hope to work with students outside of the fraternity and sorority community as well, specifically first-year students. This semester I'll be facilitating one of the evoLUtion seminars and am really looking forward to that experience!

What has been your impression of the Lehigh Greek Community so far?

Everyone is so passionate about what they do, whether that be research for a class, being involved in other student organizations on campus, community service, etc. I am impressed over and over again when I meet with students from our fraternity and sorority community and hear about everything they do in addition to their chapter membership.

Meet Malcolm McDaniel!

Malcolm McDaniel

Assistant Director, OFSA

Hometown: Queens Village, New York

Educational Background: 

B.S. in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Long Island University, Post Campus. 

M.S. Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies at Hofstra University

Affiliation: Latino America Unida/Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc.

Professional Highlights: Being both a Fraternity and Sorority Life Graduate Assistant at both Hofstra University and The New York Institute of Technology-Old Westbury Campus in the same year!

Why did you decide to pursue a career in Fraternity and Sorority Affairs: Going through the expansion process to join my organization, I saw that there were differences in the way my campus was bringing IFC and Panhellenic organizations vs Culturally based groups. I wanted to understand why that was, learn what goes into advising Fraternities and Sororities, as well as be a supporter and advocate for Cultural Greek Lettered Organizations.

What do you hope to do during your time at Lehigh University: Besides enhancing the Fraternity and Sorority Life community here, I've quickly learned that Lehigh is a place with so much tradition that I want to learn and understand. I also hope that I am able to make a long lasting impact here in whatever form that may look like!

What has been your impression of the Lehigh Greek Community so far: There's so many members!! Haha. But so far everyone that I have had interactions with are friendly, welcoming, and inquisitive in learning more about myself as well as my fellow ADs. They're also very smart and do a lot of internships both nationally and internationally (which is way more than I ever did)