A brief interview with Theta Chi's President, Adam Pittenger, '11, regarding his experiences with the Lehigh University Police Department Police Liaison program.
Based on your observations during your Lehigh University Police ride-along, what is the primary concern of LUPD?
I'd say the primary concern would be the safety of the students. Not once did I feel they were stopping someone just for the sole reason of "stopping them". Many times, the police were just trying to maintain things and the student dug themselves into a hole and got into trouble.
What did you learn from your Lehigh University Police ride-along experience and how will you apply it to your fraternity's risk management education and awareness initiatives?
I really try to stress cooperation within my chapter. It is simply not worth it to lie or try to deceive the police. If you are nice, courteous, and help the police out in any way that you can, they will show you the same courtesy and respect. A lot of problems could be avoided if the majority of students held this attitude.
Look for more brief interviews like this with chapter presidents and officers in the months ahead.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Chapter's Perspective: Risk Management
An interview with Kappa Alpha Theta's President, Kelsey Duffy, and Risk Management Chair, Jessie Jacobson. The chapter won the Panhellenic Council Risk Management Award at the 2009-2010 Greek Gala.
How does Kappa Alpha Theta encourage dialogue related to risk-management within the chapter? How do you think members and the chapter have benefited from these initiatives?
At each chapter meeting, the risk manager presents a module to the chapter related to a risk management issue. Some topics include: how to recognize depression, how to wrap a sprained ankle, etc. We also implemented longer modules presented each year on FIPG policies, NPC regulations and other risk management issues. We had one module that was facilitated by our advisors, as they put together a series of real-life insurance cases that occurred to fraternities. In groups we discussed what we thought was the result. Each group presented their case to the chapter and then the advisors gave us the real results. This helped all of our members to understand that risk management is not just alcohol related, but in many different aspects of our lives. I think our members have a much better understanding of what we do to prevent risk as well as what constitutes risk. Since implementing these initiatives, we have seen a change in our members and their personal responsibilities.
At each chapter meeting, the risk manager presents a module to the chapter related to a risk management issue. Some topics include: how to recognize depression, how to wrap a sprained ankle, etc. We also implemented longer modules presented each year on FIPG policies, NPC regulations and other risk management issues. We had one module that was facilitated by our advisors, as they put together a series of real-life insurance cases that occurred to fraternities. In groups we discussed what we thought was the result. Each group presented their case to the chapter and then the advisors gave us the real results. This helped all of our members to understand that risk management is not just alcohol related, but in many different aspects of our lives. I think our members have a much better understanding of what we do to prevent risk as well as what constitutes risk. Since implementing these initiatives, we have seen a change in our members and their personal responsibilities.
We have also implemented a risk management question/suggestion box for sisters to ask any question relating to risk management while staying anonymous. We also hand out index cards with the risk management team’s phone numbers so that in the event of a risk management issue, sisters can call us to assist. The names are in the “chain of command,” so sisters know who to contact first in case of an emergency. We also have a nine-member risk management team and at the beginning of each year with new members we stand and introduce our role at a chapter meeting.
What educational programming does Kappa Alpha Theta provide on risk management and/or on the dangers of alcohol misuse to its' members that you think is unique?
New members are required to meet weekly with the VP of Education to learn about the sorority, one of the topics being Theta’s risk management policies. Kappa Alpha Theta also requires all new members to complete GreekLife Edu, which covers many Greek issues including many related to risk management. Another program Theta has launched is the Sisters Supporting Sisters program; we have joined with Talk One-to-One, which is a 24 hour hotline that is available to all members of Theta. It is geared towards depression, anxiety, stress and other issues facing many college women. It is completely anonymous and can be used if you are feeling depressed as well as by someone in search of information about how to work with and help a friend who might be having a difficult time.
What proactive steps does Kappa Alpha Theta take to reduce risk and the likelihood of a tragedy?
The risk management team meets prior to every event to address possible risk management issues specific to each event we are planning. We assign party monitors as well, as they are responsible for watching out for other sisters and assuring that everyone is safe. After each event, we meet to discuss what went well and what we should change in the future. In addition, we are required to submit a pre-event checklist to Theta advisors two weeks prior to each event which serves the dual purpose of forcing the risk management team to systematically plan events in an organized fashion and assuring that we are engaging in the best risk management practices. This process is unique and effective due to our multiple levels of advisors. For an event to be approved it must go through three different advisors each who sign off. By having this, every detail is looked at and if anything is missed by one it is picked up by another. It is Theta’s way of ensuring that the undergraduates are not just saying they are following procedure, but that we actually are. It is an extra layer of someone asking “what if” questions and helping us to really manage our events. We also continually educate our members as to who to contact if a tragedy was to occur and how to remain calm if the situation arose.
What does Kappa Alpha Theta do to hold members accountable for their poor behaviors related to alcohol misuse?
Members who engage in poor behaviors related to alcohol misuse can be called in to speak with the Member Development Committee (MDC), a panel of sisters consisting of one member of each member class, the VP of Development, and the President. An advisor is also on call or present for MDC meetings. MDC is completely confidential and assesses each situation on a case-by-case basis. The way in which sisters are asked to hold themselves accountable varies depending on what the instance that occurred was. We also look to each sister to hold everyone accountable. We allow people to report problems to MDC without the fear of being “found out,” as well as encourage the use of the resources available to us as members of Kappa Alpha Theta.
Any other comments as it relates to Kappa Alpha Theta's risk-management initiatives?
We conduct walk-throughs of the facility on a monthly basis to assure the house is substance free and that there are no other risk management issues, fire alarms, broken windows etc.
Members who engage in poor behaviors related to alcohol misuse can be called in to speak with the Member Development Committee (MDC), a panel of sisters consisting of one member of each member class, the VP of Development, and the President. An advisor is also on call or present for MDC meetings. MDC is completely confidential and assesses each situation on a case-by-case basis. The way in which sisters are asked to hold themselves accountable varies depending on what the instance that occurred was. We also look to each sister to hold everyone accountable. We allow people to report problems to MDC without the fear of being “found out,” as well as encourage the use of the resources available to us as members of Kappa Alpha Theta.
Any other comments as it relates to Kappa Alpha Theta's risk-management initiatives?
We conduct walk-throughs of the facility on a monthly basis to assure the house is substance free and that there are no other risk management issues, fire alarms, broken windows etc.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
A Chapter's Perspective: Risk Management
An interview with Psi Upsilon's President, Bill Mistretta, '11, and Risk Management Chair, Ian Smyth, '12. The chapter won the IFC Risk Management Award at the 2009-2010 Greek Gala.
What educational programming does Psi Upsilon provide on risk management and/or on the dangers of alcohol misuse to its' members that you think is unique?
Each new member is required to complete Greek Life Edu in order to be initiated and this is a requirement from the Psi Upsilon International Office. The chapter leadership tells new members that the chapter is theirs as much as it is the current members’, and it is within their duties as future members of the organization to take risk management into their own hands and understand how their actions hold consequences for the chapter as a whole.
What proactive steps does Psi Upsilon take to reduce risk and the likelihood of a tragedy?
The majority of chapter members feel obligated to run their future actions by the Vice President or President if they feel there is even a small chance that the activity will lead to a risk management issue or tragedy. In the event that a chapter member notices another participating in an activity that could easily become a risk management issue or tragedy, he generally feels it is his duty to either confront the other member about the activity or find one of the chapter leaders. If the confrontation route is chosen and it does not resolve the issue, the member then goes to the chapter leadership.
What does Psi Upsilon do to hold members accountable for their poor behaviors related to alcohol misuse?
The executive board has the ability to fine chapter members for poor behavior related to alcohol misuse. Although such fines can be appealed by the guilty individual to the standards board, the board generally recognizes such behavior should not go unpunished. Additionally, rights have been stripped in the past when a member has acted poorly. An example of such is the ability to participate in social and/or recruitment events. Another method that works well to keep members accountable for poor behavior is peer pressure as this type of behavior risks chapter disapproval. Since our philosophy is that risk management is a group responsibility and not solely on the shoulders of a few individuals, each member will bear another’s poor actions from the past in mind and work to pressure him away from repeating such actions in the future.
How does Psi Upsilon encourage dialogue related to risk management within the chapter?
We encourage each member to take risk management upon himself. The Vice President, who has risk management amongst his duties, and the President can’t be everywhere or see everything, so each member understands that it is also his responsibility to think about how his actions will affect the chapter as a whole. In the event that a member feels he is unable to act and resolve a risk management issue, the Vice President and President are available to help.
Any other comments as it relates to Psi Upsilon's risk management initiatives?
Risk management is not simply a list of rules and regulations. No single policy could possibly cover every scenario the chapter might face, and through open communication between the chapter officers and general membership, Psi Upsilon has effectively kept good risk management at the core of the fraternity. Psi Upsilon also believes that risk management goes well beyond alcohol-related incidents, and the chapter works hard to recognize issues in all activities.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Panhellenic Pink Week
The 2010 Panhellenic Pink Week, in support of breast cancer awareness, kicks off today with a series of events on and off campus, with all proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Monday, 10/25
Pink Week Tie-Dying
UC Front Lawn
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sponsored by Kappa Alpha Theta & Pi Beta Phi
Pink Week Tie-Dying
UC Front Lawn
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sponsored by Kappa Alpha Theta & Pi Beta Phi
Monday, 10/25, Tuesday, 10/26, & Wednesday, 10/27
Asian Bistro Fundraiser
24 E. Third St, Bethlehem, PA
Bring flyer & 15% of your dine-in lunch or dinner check is donated
Sponsored by Delta Gamma & Theta Xi
Tuesday, 10/26, Wednesday, 10/27, & Thursday, 10/28
Penny Wars
UC Front Lawn, Ulrich, & Upper UC
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sponsored by Alpha Phi, the Women's Lacrosse team, Gamma Phi Beta, & Lambda Chi Alpha
Wednesday, 10/27
Pink Pumpkin Decorating
Lamberton
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Sponsored by Alpha Chi Omega & the Women's Center
Thursday, 10/28
Real Men Wear Pink Fashion Show
Lamberton
7:00 PM
Tickets $10
Sponsored by the Panhellenic Council
Friday, 10/29
Dave's Deli Lunch
3 W. Third St, Bethlehem
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sponsored by Junior Panhellenic
Friday, 10/29
Breast Cancer Walk
Starts at the Delta Phi parking lot
4:30 PM
Sponsored by Delta Phi & Alpha Chi Omega
Friday, 10/29
Pink Out Women's Volleyball Game vs. Lafayette
Grace Hall
7:00 PM
Wear your Pink Week shirt in support!
Saturday, 10/30
Denim & Pink Tailgate & Football Game vs. Colgate
Goodman Campus
10:00 AM
Free giveaways for the first ones there!
The official Panhellenic Pink Week Shirts will be worn on Friday, 10/29!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Lehigh's 2010 Hazing Prevention Week
Hazing Prevention Week will be a time to educate Lehigh’s Greek community as well as the campus community as a whole about the dangers of hazing and how to prevent hazing. Our focus is on holding honest dialogue with all participants throughout the week in order tailor hazing prevention programming leading into the new member education period in the spring.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, October 4th
Event: “Haze Documentary”
Time & Location: Lewis Lab 270 at 6:30pm
The documentary “Haze” will be shown. Following the documentary, we will break out into small group discussions (2-3 breakout rooms upstairs) with an initial facilitation by Tim Wilkinson, Director of the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs, in order to discuss the major themes.
Tuesday, October 5th
Event: Speaker Reception
Time & Location: Multicultural Room at 6pm-7pm
Meet and greet with refreshments served in order to welcome Travis Apgar to campus.
Monday, October 4th
Event: “Haze Documentary”
Time & Location: Lewis Lab 270 at 6:30pm
The documentary “Haze” will be shown. Following the documentary, we will break out into small group discussions (2-3 breakout rooms upstairs) with an initial facilitation by Tim Wilkinson, Director of the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs, in order to discuss the major themes.
Tuesday, October 5th
Event: Speaker Reception
Time & Location: Multicultural Room at 6pm-7pm
Meet and greet with refreshments served in order to welcome Travis Apgar to campus.
Event: Travis Apgar, Speaker - "Hazing: The Fallout"
Time & Location: Packard 101 at 7pm
Travis’ keynote, “Hazing: The Fallout”, is a fresh, new look at hazing from the perspective of a victim with a background that contributed to the severity of the impact. Travis’ emotional and powerful story is a wake-up call about the hidden harm of hazing.
Wednesday, October 6th
Event: Book discussion of “Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities”
Time & Location: MG 101 at 6pm
Each sorority chapter will send at least 3 members to attend this book discussion. In advance, passages from the book will be selected and passed out to the attendees of the discussion. These passages will guide our discussion about the major themes of “Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities” which will be facilitated by Michelle Issadore from the Women’s Center. The discussion will be focused on the harmful effects of hazing on sorority women including (but not limited to) negative body image and substance abuse.
Thursday, October 7th
Event: New Member Educator Discussion
Time & Location: MG 113 6pm
Samantha Bello (Panhellenic VP Judicial), Lauren Koenig (Panhellenic President), Stu Harwood (IFC VP Judicial), and Brian Casey (IFC President) will oversee a discussion between the new member educators of each Lehigh chapter. The discussion will kick off with a role play debate run by Tim Wilkinson. Upon completion of these activities, an open, honest discussion with new member educators will occur regarding their concerns about hazing.
Questions about Hazing Prevention Week?
Contact Samantha Bello or Stuart Harwood.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Greek Gala
The inagural Greek Gala was held on Monday, 9/27 in the Asa Packer Dining Room at Lehigh University. In a switch from years past, the chapter awards and Accreditation plaques were handed out at this gathering, while the individual Greek awards were distributed at the annual Greek Awards banquet in April 2010.
Below is the list of chapter award winners, with the finalists noted in italics.
Interfraternity Council Awards
Most Improved GPA: Chi Psi
Highest GPA: Sigma Phi Epsilon
Alumni Relations: Sigma Chi
(Theta Chi, Delta Upsilon, Alpha Tau Omega)
Community Service & Philanthropy: Psi Upsilon
(Sigma Phi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Theta)
Greek Life Leadership: Sigma Phi Epsilon
(Theta Chi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Alpha Tau Omega)
Risk Management: Psi Upsilon
(Phi Kappa Theta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Lambda Chi Alpha)
Scholarship Programming: Sigma Phi Epsilon
(Phi Sigma Kappa, Lambda Chi Alpha, Theta Chi)
Quay Cup (outstanding fraternity): Sigma Phi Epsilon
(Phi Sigma Kappa)
Panhellenic Council Awards
Most Improved GPA: Kappa Alpha Theta
Highest GPA: Alpha Gamma Delta
Alumnae Relations: Alpha Gamma Delta
(Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Phi)
Community Service & Philanthropy: Alpha Phi
(Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi)
Greek Life Leadership: Alpha Omicron Pi
(Delta Gamma, Alpha Gamma Delta)
Risk Management: Kappa Alpha Theta
(Alpha Omicron Pi, Pi Beta Phi)
Scholarship Programming: Alpha Gamma Delta
(Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Alpha Theta)
Outstanding Sorority Chapter: Delta Gamma
(Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi)
Multicultural Greek Council Awards
Outstanding Campus Involvement: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Commitment to Service: Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.
Dedication to Scholarly Achievement: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Residential Services Awards
Stewardship Chapters of the Year: Sigma Phi Epsilon & Kappa Alpha Theta
Congratulations to all!
Below is the list of chapter award winners, with the finalists noted in italics.
Interfraternity Council Awards
Most Improved GPA: Chi Psi
Highest GPA: Sigma Phi Epsilon
Alumni Relations: Sigma Chi
(Theta Chi, Delta Upsilon, Alpha Tau Omega)
Community Service & Philanthropy: Psi Upsilon
(Sigma Phi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Theta)
Greek Life Leadership: Sigma Phi Epsilon
(Theta Chi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Alpha Tau Omega)
Risk Management: Psi Upsilon
(Phi Kappa Theta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Lambda Chi Alpha)
Scholarship Programming: Sigma Phi Epsilon
(Phi Sigma Kappa, Lambda Chi Alpha, Theta Chi)
Quay Cup (outstanding fraternity): Sigma Phi Epsilon
(Phi Sigma Kappa)
Panhellenic Council Awards
Most Improved GPA: Kappa Alpha Theta
Highest GPA: Alpha Gamma Delta
Alumnae Relations: Alpha Gamma Delta
(Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Phi)
Community Service & Philanthropy: Alpha Phi
(Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi)
Greek Life Leadership: Alpha Omicron Pi
(Delta Gamma, Alpha Gamma Delta)
Risk Management: Kappa Alpha Theta
(Alpha Omicron Pi, Pi Beta Phi)
Scholarship Programming: Alpha Gamma Delta
(Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Alpha Theta)
Outstanding Sorority Chapter: Delta Gamma
(Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi)
Multicultural Greek Council Awards
Outstanding Campus Involvement: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Commitment to Service: Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.
Dedication to Scholarly Achievement: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Residential Services Awards
Stewardship Chapters of the Year: Sigma Phi Epsilon & Kappa Alpha Theta
Congratulations to all!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sorority Extension Presentations
As previously announced, the Lehigh Panhellenic Council voted to expand the sorority community this past April and the Extension Committee narrowed down the applications from National Panhellenic Conference organizations to invite four sororities to visit campus and present the week of September 13th.The presentation schedule is listed below. All presentations are open to the Lehigh community.
Monday, September 13 - 4pm
Phi Sigma Sigma
PA 416Tuesday, September 14 - 4pm
Delta Zeta
PA 466Wednesday, September 15 - 4pm
Kappa Delta
PA 416Thursday, September 16 - 4pm
Zeta Tau Alpha
PA 466
The Extension Commitee will convene in the weeks following the presentations and announce the final selection on Friday, October 8th. The new sorority will begin recruitment and colonization efforts in January 2011.
Questions regarding extension? Contact Veronica Hunter, Greek Life Coordinator, at vmh207@lehigh.edu
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