Programs

Throughout the year, the Fraternity & Sorority Life office acts as a catalyst to build and promote a relevant fraternal experience, working closely with chapters and councils on their programs and events while allowing students to have control over the planning process. The office also engages community members and advisors in programs designed to enhance communication, teach and build leadership and advising skills, foster an appreciation for service in the community, and develop an appreciation for guiding values, principles, and policies.

The annual curriculum is intentionally designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and awareness related to ethical leadership in the fraternal community. The following goals align with the Fraternity & Sorority Life Mission Statement:

1. Cultivate a fraternity and sorority community of excellence, by supporting new and existing chapter and council programs in the areas of academic achievement, leadership development, community engagement, and lifelong membership.

2. Empower students to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and standards associated with membership in fraternal organizations by fostering an appreciation for individual and peer accountability.

3. Complement and enhance the educational mission of the institution by gathering data and information related to the fraternal experience, programs, challenges, and campus resources. Programming should be intentional and related to organizational, departmental, and institutional missions.

Below is a snapshot of the 2009-2010 curriculum. Details about each program or event are forthcoming.

Year-round-- Recognition of fraternity and sorority founding celebrations, and member and advisor accomplishments. Focus on academic achievement, leadership development, community engagement, and lifelong membership.

Year-round-- Chapter President and Council Roundtables: These bimonthly meetings provide a forum for chapter and council leaders to discuss pressing and pertinent community issues and share details of upcoming events. They are facilitated by the Fraternity & Sorority Life graduate assistant.

August 15-- Fall Council Summit: This one-day program will allow council leaders to convene in a group setting to engage in meaningful dialogue about community and council issues and potential areas of collaboration. Officers will have opportunities to set constructive goals for the semester, and conduct business specific to their council. The Fall and Spring Summits will be faciliated by Fraternity & Sorority Life staff and university partners.

October 3-- Ladder of Risk: Campus Edition: This four-hour workshop is guided by a trained CAMPUSPEAK facilitator. The program will help students understand the fundamentals of compliant event planning, fostering understanding of the guidelines that will assist them in creating and maintaining a safer campus and fraternity/sorority social environment.

November-- Fall Advisor Inservice: This one-day program will allow chapter advisors to convene in a group setting to engage in meaningful dialogue about community issues and potential areas of collaboration with SALP staff. Advisors will have the opportunity to discuss articles and other resources as they relate to advising skills, challenges, and opportunities for student and chapter development. The Fall and Spring Inservices will be facilitated by Fraternity & Sorority Life staff.

January-- Spring Council Summit: This one-day program will allow council leaders to convene in a group setting to engage in meaningful dialogue about community and council issues and potential areas of collaboration. Officers will have opportunities to set constructive goals for the semester, and conduct business specific to their council.

Spring (TBA)-- Chapter Leadership Retreat: This weekend program will provide chapter leaders with an awareness and understanding of the interplay of individual, group, and community values on their ability to effect change and enhance the goals and direction of their community. This Retreat will be facilitated by Fraternity & Sorority Life staff and university partners.

April-- Spring Advisor Inservice: This one-day program will allow chapter advisors to convene in a group setting to engage in meaningful dialogue about community issues and potential areas of collaboration with SALP staff. Advisors will have the opportunity to discuss articles and other resources as they relate to advising skills, challenges, and opportunities for student and chapter development.