Important Accreditation Information

Check out advice from your brothers and sisters across the Greek community on how to ace Accreditation!

Reminders: 

• Accreditation presentations will be scheduled between Thursday, April 6th and Sunday, April 9th as well as Thursday April 20th and Sunday April 23rd
• Chapter scheduling preferences are due FEBRUARY 3RD AT 12PM NOON on this form https://goo.gl/forms/WnUmLNSiamoqVZE93
• Accreditation workshops begin next week! 
• How to Approach Accreditation - Feb 8, 5-6:30pm - RB 271
• Unpacking the Myths of Accreditation - Feb 22, 5-6:30pm - RB 271
• Owning your sh*t: How to Tell an Authentic Story - Mar 8, 5-6:30pm - RB 271

Introducing the Cultural Greek Council!

Hey, everyone!

I hope you have been able to have a great and relaxing winter break. Welcome back to school and welcome to the newly named Cultural Greek Council; CGC for short! Formerly known as the Multicultural Greek Council, we have decided that the name of “CGC” more accurately represents who we are and the organizations that are represented on our campus.

In actuality, all of the culturally-based organizations on our campus do not fall under the National Multicultural Greek Council.  The culturally-based Greek organizations on our campus are as follows: Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., Mu Sigma Upsilon Multicultural Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Lambda Sigma Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Each of these organizations are under their own council. Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. is an organization that is not under a council at all. Their national organization has agreed to not fall under one. Mu Sigma Upsilon Multicultural Sorority, Inc. is under the National Multicultural Greek Council. Therefore, they do fit into the MGC. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. both fall under the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Lambda Sigma Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. falls under NALFO. As you can see, Mu Sigma Upsilon Multicultural Sorority, Inc. is the only organization that was founded on multiculturalism on Lehigh’s campus. Therefore, we have agreed to rename ourselves and create a more inclusive and accurately-named council.

The Cultural Greek Council is one in which we all are able to be prideful in who we are, what our organizations have helped us become and what we stand for. We stand and support one another. We celebrate our diversity and welcome those who want to embrace their own. As such, we also find it extremely important that we pay attention to our identity. The Cultural Greek Council is proud of our new name and we will continue to do the great things we do on our campus and within our own organizations. This is a step forward in a new direction and we hope that you can adopt this name change as we have!

Again, welcome back to school and have a great semester!

All the best,

Kristen Mejia

Cultural Greek Council President 

Frat Stars and Mean Girls

Frat Stars and Mean Girls: Courageous Conversations about Gender in the Fraternal Experience

Hey, you there - big things are coming this spring and you can be a part of the action!  Read on to find out about an innovative and engaging opportunity the OFSA and OSLD are collaborating on to bring to you:

What is this opportunity you’re alluding to?  

A new Courageous Conversation opportunity!  This isn’t your usual program, though.  We’re looking for a select group of students interested in participating in a bi-weekly seminar devoted to exploring and examining the topic of gender and its influences on the fraternity/sorority experience.

Why Would I Be Interested In This? 

...Maybe the better question is, why wouldn't you be interested??

If you’re interested in discussing what it means to be a “real man” or “real woman”, learning more about how gender is defined in our society, and how this shows up and influences your fraternity or sorority experience, then this is for you!! Not to mention, you get the opportunity to spend more time with Brigette and Carter since they’ll be leading the seminar!

Okay sure, but what will I actually get out of it?

We know you’re busy and we value your time! Here’s what we’re hoping you’ll gain from this experience:

●      You’ll build relationships with members from different chapters of the fraternity/sorority community

●      You’ll learn more and discuss the role, influence, and impact of gender in fraternities and sororities, including topics like:

○      The development of gender identities and innate vs learned behaviors, norms, customs, and expectations

○      Intersections with other social identities such as sexual orientation and race/ethnicity

○      Impacts of privilege and oppression within the context of gender

○      Gender-based violence and harm, particularly within social settings

●      You’ll engage in courageous conversations about topics above, to explore and deconstruct how gender-based experiences are informed and impacted by fraternities and sororities.

●      You’ll become a more effective inclusive leader within the fraternity/sorority and Lehigh community.

Cool!  What else do I need to know?  There will be two cohorts, one of masculine-identified folks, and one of feminine-identified folks, which will allow for opportunities to discuss real experiences without fear of shame or judgment from others.  While the two cohorts are distinct and will often meet separately, there will also be opportunities for the cohorts to engage together in intergroup dialogue. These ongoing discussions will culminate in a capstone project of the participants’ choosing.

I'm In!  How Do I Apply?

Just follow this link to fill out the interest form by Friday, January 27. Once all submissions have been reviewed, we’ll follow up with you to let you know the status of your participation!

Wait… I still have questions! If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please direct them to Carter Gilbert at cag414@lehigh.edu and/or Brigette Gardner at bcg216@lehigh.edu.

*Note: this new program will be open to members of the fraternity and sorority community for this pilot semester.  Future semesters may include opportunities to engage with members of the campus community.

Opportunity to Attend National Fraternal Leadership Conference

OFSA/OSLD is eager to announce the opening of applications for fraternity/sorority current or up-and-coming leaders to attend a national leadership conference this February in Indianapolis, IN!  

What is it?  The AFLV-Central conference takes place every year in the spring, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants to engage in learning and skill development related to fraternal leadership.  This year Lehigh is excited to be joining that national group and will be taking a small delegate to attend the conference from February 2-5, 2017.

Who should attend?  Current sophomores or juniors (or non-graduating seniors) who are seeking to enhance their leadership knowledge and skills, to become more effective leaders for the fraternity/sorority and campus community.  Particular consideration will be given to those with intentions to serve the fraternity/sorority community from a community leadership role (governing councils, GEM, etc.).

How is it funded?  Though this opportunity costs ~$800 per person, most costs are generously covered by the governing councils and DOS offices.  Because of the significant financial investment, we are asking each student to submit a $100 deposit* to confirm their spot, which will be refunded at the end of the trip.

*Cost should not deter applications - if you have concern about affording the deposit, please reach out to me and we can discuss alternative arrangements and sponsorship opportunities.

What should I do now?  Apply!  Or spread the word by sharing this post - remember that it's especially impactful when you share with a peer that you think they are a great leader and would enjoy/benefit from this experience. 

Application link: Click here for the form.

Please submit your interest as soon as possible; by 1/16 at noon, at the latest!

Applicants will be notified of their status by 1/18.

More information about the conference: AFLV Website

Questions?  Contact Carter Gilbert, Assistant Director of Greek Leadership Development, cag414@lehigh.edu