Sorority & Fraternity Sustainability: A Look into the ‘Greening’ of the Fraternal Experience
in this issue:
Green Facilities | Integrating Sustainability in Sororities and Fraternities | Approaches to Risk Management Education
– Jay Anhorn, 2008 President
Sustainability and Going Green “100% Compostable. Made from Corn.” So read the green label wrapped around the cups from which students of legal age were drinking on the biggest social night of the year at Elon University. “Does this mean we can eat the cup, too, when we’re done?” asked a fraternity president on his front porch as I stood there holding in a laugh. “I wouldn’t suggest it, but at least you are being ecologically responsible,” I responded. One of the institutional priorities for Elon University this year was to reduce energy consumption by 6%. The Division of Student Life charged each department with devising a few action steps geared toward contributing to the achievement of this goal. As I sat in the Deans and Directors meeting, my mind began to race as to how fraternities and sororities could lead the way in this endeavor. As fraternity/sorority professionals, we know the potential our affiliated students have to make great things happen. Believe it or not, we have an advantage over many other cross sections of the student population. We have a captive audience. Now whether the members of that audience choose to make the right decisions or not is the challenge. Why this issue of “Going Green?” As the years go by, I have noticed our changing student population is not only increasingly creative and innovative, but more aware and genuinely concerned about the environment. In our profession, we seem to get bogged down in the same issues that plague our students: alcohol, hazing, mental health issues, etc. Call me crazy, but I think many students are just bored. I say, use their wasted human energy and put it to good use for a good cause. Fraternity and sorority members are more likely to graduate, make substantial contributions to their alma maters after doing so, and donate millions of dollars each year to philanthropic efforts. With such amazing accomplishments, it is a no-brainer to think 2
Perspectives / Summer 2008
these young men and women can make a difference in our environment. Many campuses are devising action plans to conserve, reduce, and reuse energy in varied ways. Some institutions have even gone as far as hiring staff to coordinate these efforts. Ask yourself what you are doing to empower your students to make these much needed changes. At a time when global warming is a reality and energy resources are being consumed at astronomical rates, we have to stop and think how fraternities and sororities fit into the larger society. I remember hearing a comment that the fraternity and sorority houses are the most unsustainable places on campus. At Elon, we own these facilities, and although not all of our organizations are housed, the fraternities and sororities are perceived as lackadaisical when it comes to energy consumption. Our students took this as a challenge to prove this unfounded rumor false. The University Physical Plan hosted a 9-week energy reduction challenge for all housing areas, seeing which could reduce their energy consumption the most from their baseline the year prior. To my amazement, we witnessed common areas darker than normal as residents shut off lights when rooms were not occupied. Some chapters posted signs in bathrooms asking people to limit shower time. Others even went so far as to lower the heat in the winter months. The fraternity and sorority courts reduced their overall energy consumption by 15%, taking first place in the competition. One sorority launched a ‘Go Green’ campaign and led a recycling effort that started with collecting cans from the registered, on-campus, fraternity social events. Similar efforts were counted for points during Greek Week based on the total weight of recycling materials collected by each chapter. For two years in a row, the fraternities and sororities stood out as front runners in Elon’s Recyclemania program. Check out what some fraternity and sorority communities are doing: • T he Delta Delta Delta chapter at the University of Florida
• Union College Greek Week • K ansas State University Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils • A lpha Tau Omega fraternity at Depauw University • D elta Chi fraternity at the University of Texas at Austin • S igma Kappa sorority’s “Inherit the Earth” program • P hi Gamma Delta fraternity at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The best thing we can do as professional and volunteer advisors is create dialogue about this global issue. If our students can practice for months to perform in a step show, dedicate time to a week of recruitment, or organize elaborate social events, why can’t they channel their energy toward something even more meaningful that is for a greater good? Here are some other examples of ways your fraternity and sorority chapters can make a difference: • C onduct awareness campaigns for the campus and local communities. • R ecommend affiliates to campus sustainability committees. Be sure to communicate progress to members, so they are more in touch with what is happening. • P artner with local recycling programs and donate proceeds back to the community. • U tilize electronic communication methods more often than printed materials. • P urchase eco-friendly t-shirts for your events. Several of AFA’s associate members offer these options. It is about awareness and making people think twice about their personal choices when it comes to the environment. It is second nature for fraternities and sororities to give back in any way they can, so we have no reason not to take on this issue. Besides, wouldn’t you prefer to be asked by a chapter president if he can eat his cup rather than if he can drink out of it?
– Kurtis Foriska, Editor
“So what are you doing for the summer now that the students are gone?” It is my favorite question asked of those who work routinely with college students. While most have mixed emotions about students leaving (albeit more toward the happy than the sad), summer is anything but ‘downtime.’ Simply call a headquarters office and you will find their staff planning convention, out of the office facilitating leadership retreats, or preparing their leadership consultants for the upcoming year. Campus based professionals wrap up the previous year, attend and facilitate leadership retreats/conferences of their own, and begin to formulate a plan for next year. The summer season is anything but long and lazy; instead it is often finished before we have accomplished all we set out to do. I would argue our summer months are when some of our most important work is completed. First, it serves as an opportunity to re-center oneself; the importance of which cannot be underestimated. Vacations, leaving the office before 8pm, or facilitating a UIFI experience can help us catch our breath and remind us why we do what we do. It gives us the opportunity to write our ‘wish lists’ of things we want to change to better the fraternal movement and actually have time to create an implementation plan. And even if those plans do not come to full fruition, it allows us to at least change the way we think about how we approach our responsibility to preserve sororities and fraternities on college campuses. I hope that this issue begins to help frame ways you might change your approach to your job. Dr. Lori Hart Ebert shares Pi Kappa Phi’s approach to addressing alcohol that might help stimulate conversations on campus. Matt Killingsworth, Teniel Trolian, and Danielle Kuglin discuss the importance of sustainability and how we need to be prepared for the demands of an increasingly ‘green’ college student population. All of these articles discuss positively changing environments and challenge each of us to make change in our environment. As always, we are excited to hear about changes on your campus through the online community on the Association’s website. We encourage all members to react to articles through the online Perspectives book club discussions or post their own change initiative success stories.
Perspectives is the official publication of the Association of Fraternity Advisors, Inc. (AFA). Views expressed are those of the individual authors/contributors/ advertisers, and are not necessarily those of the Association. AFA encourages the submission of articles, essays, ideas, and advertisements. All Perspectives correspondence and submissions should be submitted to:
Kurtis Foriska 2008 Editor Assistant Director, The Ohio Union The Ohio State University The Ohio Union @ The Ohio Stadium 1961 Tuttle Park Place Columbus, Ohio 43210 foriska.1@osu.edu 614-247-5878 Fax: 614-292-6061
Perspectives is published four times per year. Submission deadlines: Fall 2008 August 15, 2008 Winter 2009 November 15, 2008 Spring 2009 February 1, 2009 Summer 2009 May 1, 2009 Send address corrections to AFA:
in this
issue
4 G reen Greeks: Incorporating Sustainable Technology in Fraternity and Sorority Chapter House Construction 8 L iving Our Values: Integrating Sustainability into our Daily Lives
12 S ustainability Best Practices 14 Get Involved with AFA! 16 A lcohol and Risk Management Education: Pi Kappa Phi’s Approach
Association of Fraternity Advisors 9640 N. Augusta Drive, Suite 433 Carmel, IN 46032 317.876.1632 Fax 317.876.3981 info@fraternityadvisors.org
Board 2008 Editorial
Michael Hevel, University of Iowa Megan Johnson, University of Iowa Justin Kirk, Delta Upsilon Fraternity Ray Lutzky, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Georgianna Martin, University of Iowa
regular columns From the Top.................................................................. 2 Editor’s Notes.................................................................. 3 A Must Read.................................................................. 23
Monica Miranda Smalls, University of Rochester Todd Sullivan, University of Connecticut Nathan Thomas, Bradley University Robert Turning, The Johns Hopkins University
Summer 2008 / Perspectives
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– Matt Killingsworth
I ncorporating Sustainable Technology in Fraternity and Sorority Chapter House Construction
W
WHAT IS GREEN CONSTRUCTION?
The collective impact of fraternity/sorority housing is growing, as facilities become outdated and inefficient, new facilities are built, student populations increase, and housing becomes the focus of university budgets, community development plans, and college recruitment.
Site selection – Fraternity/Sorority housing locations are often dictated by university mandate or simply what land is available near campus. But the orientation of the facility on the lot, how the facility might affect the current natural environment, the use of natural lighting, and the eventual landscaping (i.e. tree shade) of the property can have a big impact.
hen you woke up this morning, you probably showered, tuned in to your favorite morning news program, got dressed, ate breakfast, and headed off to start your day. Each morning, millions of Americans begin their day the same way, including young men and women in fraternity/sorority housing. Yet, many of us never think about the effects our daily routines have on our environment.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Buildings are the single largest contributor to global warming, accounting for almost half of total annual U.S. energy consumption and CO2 emissions” (www.architecture 2030.org). With that in mind, green construction practices are sweeping into student housing discussions. This is an area where fraternities and sororities can take the lead in implementing environmentally friendly practices and policies without increasing construction costs. The secret to success: begin with the end in mind.
The adjective “green,” also referred to as “sustainable,” should be clarified when referring to construction practices. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), five elements make a construction project green:
Occupant health and safety – One of the biggest impacts sustainable construction can have is on its occupants. Ensuring better lighting and air quality and eliminating toxic fumes in some common building materials can make residents healthier, happier, and more productive. Utility efficiency – This is what most people think of when the term “green housing” is used. Capitalizing on efficient technology such as low-flow water fixtures, scaled solar power systems, gray water utilization, and energy-efficient electronics can have a dramatic effect on both the resources consumed and the resulting utility bills. Material efficiency – This includes materials used before, during, and after construction. Sound practices include designing rooms on a 4-foot unit so that less drywall and lumber will be scrapped, recycling materials throughout the building process, and working with a contractor who can effectively schedule construction to minimize site waste in the first place.
Maintenance and upkeep – Choosing durable, safe materials from the start can lengthen their lifespan and cut down on repair costs. This is also applicable for proper upkeep by the building owners to make sure those high efficiency HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) units are still operating at capacity.
WHY GREEN CONSTRUCTION? There are four powerful reasons why going green can be used favorably for fraternity and sorority life. The question is: Will we be ready and positioned to capitalize? Rising energy costs: Community water restrictions and drought continue to pain the Southeastern United States. Natural disasters have also wiped out energy supplies or limited distribution of natural resources in some areas. Crude oil is consistently above $100 a barrel with little expectation of a significant drop in cost. These situations have wide-reaching effects – driving up utility bills and the cost of producing, collecting, and delivering building materials. What will oil cost ten years from now, and how will that impact chapter house utility bills? These costs are driving the general public to make lifestyle changes. Rising oil prices are impacting the construction industry, pushing efficiency to a premium. Sororities and fraternities can benefit from the involved savings when they capitalize on these more efficient building practices. Better green technology: Many items considered “cutting edge” just a few years ago, such as solar panels and tankless water heaters, are now into their second or third rendition, while some “old tech” devices are now finding a new and eager market.
One of the most invested demographics when it comes to global warming and modifying behavior is 18-25 year-olds, or as Thomas Friedman referred to them, the ‘Greenest Generation.’ 4
Perspectives / Summer 2008
Geothermal heat pumps have been around since the 1940s, but new innovations and efficiencies are driving renewed interest. With a return on increased costs within 5-10 years and an average lifespan of 25 years (U.S. Department of Energy, 2005), it is not hard to see how the investment pays off, particularly as natural gas prices soar to record highs. Materials like sustainable-sourced lumber and non-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes now compete on the open market, decreasing costs for once high-priced alternatives. These green materials are gaining popularity as they become more mainstream in the media and more socially preferred as alternatives to traditional materials. The result is increased efficiency and lower costs to consumers. Pending tax legislation: The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (H.R. 643/ S. 638) and the College Fire Prevention Act (H.R. 642) made significant progress in 2007, and the 2008 versions are moving closer to passing. These bills and the subsequent support will have a profound impact on the safety and growth of new fraternity/sorority housing construction and renovations. If these bills are enacted, donations to improve safety and living quality of fraternity/sorority houses will be fully tax-deductible. An example of what impact tax deductibility could have on a fraternity/sorority community is visible at The University of Alabama where more than 13 chapters have undergone major renovations or new construction within the last five years. As part of the University’s capital campaign, money was set aside for loans to house corporations to fund safety improvements, and since the loans came from the University (which also owns the land under the chapter houses), donations to chapter capital campaigns are taxdeductible. As a result, the University of Alabama has seen an increase in the level of giving for both the chapters and the University. “The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act could be the single greatest opportunity in fraternity and sorority house safety, renovation, and construction funding, but only if we are properly positioned to put them to use,” said Patrick Alderdice, president of Pennington & Company. “Pennington has raised more than $148 million for fraternity and sorority housing
construction and renovation, so we’ve seen where the market and the money trends are. If the money stream and green technology are not married now in a significant way, it may put the fraternity and sorority community sorely behind in the housing arms race for decades to come.” The power of the students: One of the most invested demographics when it comes to global warming and modifying behavior is 18-25 year-olds, or as Thomas Friedman referred to them, the ‘Greenest Generation’ (Friedman, 2006). They pay more attention to green technology and express a loud public stance for improvements in technology. With overall college and university enrollment expected to jump 17% to 20.4 million students by 2016 (Bailey & Hussar, 2007), this highly motivated and easily riled population will likely also grow. Students are usually willing to make big steps to be more eco-friendly unless it affects their personal preferences. For example, Yale students initially put great effort into turning off lights and minimizing computer use in their residence halls, but were not impressed when their shower heads were switched to a low-flow model without notice. One student was even quoted as saying, “I’m interested in saving energy, but I don’t want to – and I don’t think anyone should have to – sacrifice performance in these cases” (Powers, 2008). Anyone who has tried to implement change with college students realizes that the challenging part is actually modifying behavior. To succeed, students must be involved in the process, and housing options that make green living automatic must be offered. Thankfully, some college and university housing departments are already making the switch, making it easier for fraternity/ sorority housing to justify the change. If we do not take the lead on “greening” our chapter houses, we will be left behind to pay higher utility bills, thus charging more and putting fraternity/sorority housing at a competitive disadvantage.
AN INDUSTRY OF CHANGE With any revolution, new terminology is inevitable. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is the source of nearly all standards, measurements, and labels associated with sustainable
construction. The most commonly used term is LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It serves as a third-party certification program for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. It provides a set of basic rules architects, engineers, and contractors can follow to make buildings green. This should not be confused with organizations like the Green Building Initiative (GBI) or programs like Energy Star, which assist in and advocate for the adoption of green technology through cooperative efforts and information with trade organizations like the NAHB. LEED provides levels of certification for green construction projects: platinum, gold, and silver. Continually, projects that meet certain levels of certification get media attention and positive press for their efforts. This could be an easy way to show potential customers that fraternities and sororities care about larger global issues. One downside to LEED certification is that there are fees associated with filings, and some would rather put that money toward their project. It does, however, provide some great guideposts to use in the planning stages of a project. Even if LEED certification is not pursued, the project can still follow LEED’s design parameters. For specifics on LEED and the rating systems, visit the USGBC web site at www.usgbc.org. Schools like Cornell University, the University of Washington, and the University of Florida are already putting sustainability on the agenda at trustee meetings and following their words with major green construction projects. The residential housing market is continuing to get green through cooperation with private industry, government subsidies, and community support. High-end condominiums and luxury apartment complexes are becoming more common on college campuses; thus, the competition is getting tighter. Historically, fraternities and sororities provided housing for the college community when other options were minimal; but with the saturation of the market, we must make sure that what we offer will be competitive not only today, but 20 years from now. We cannot ignore the notion that students are increasingly making choices based on ecological factors (Milshtein, 2007). continued on page 6 Summer 2008 / Perspectives
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WHAT’S IN IT FOR US?
SO NOW WHAT?
The most obvious benefits are the near and long-term utility savings. A study by the New Building Initiative (NBI) found that third-party-certified green buildings use an average of nearly 40% less energy than average buildings and emit 35% less carbon (Frankel & Turner, 2008). Savings can also occur through lower insurance premiums and more productive residents by using less toxic materials and providing a safer, better living environment.
Admittedly, the learning curve on green design and construction can be steep, but committing a bit of time to learning the basics can help quickly spot places where small changes can have a profound impact. The biggest mistake most house corporations make, according to Alton Irwin, LEED-certified professional with Capstone Development Corp., is “not committing to the incorporation of sustainable design and construction at the very start of the thinking process, or the vision for the project – before an architect or any other consultants are hired.”
College students have tremendous buying power and can appeal to green companies wanting to establish an early, loyal customer base through potential sponsorships and grants. That buying power could tap in to a clean energy industry that is expected to top $7 trillion in investments by 2030 (CERA, 2008). Government subsidies for Energy Star-rated systems/products can save money on the front-end purchase and long-term operation. Lower utility bills mean decreased operating costs for residents, which means more competitive rates for fraternity/sorority facilities that typically include utilities in their rental fees. Having a green chapter house can be a great point of differentiation for an individual chapter. A student looking at two comparable chapters may choose the one with a facility that will allow for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. The NBI study also found that LEED buildings command average rent premiums of $11.24 per square foot more than their non-LEED peers and have 3.8 percent higher occupancy (Frankel & Turner, 2008). As options for student housing improve, this is one battle that we can address now. Future generations will likely be more sensitive to their carbon footprint. How fraternities and sororities choose to operate their houses relates directly to core values. As leaders, fraternities and sororities claim to enhance our communities. Building better and “greener” houses would show future members, alumni, administrators, and community members that we are willing to put our money where our values are. This focus on building positive, sustainable learning environments is at the core of many of our rituals.
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A recent study of construction costs for a wide spectrum of building types found that “there is no significant difference in average costs for ‘green’ buildings as compared to non-‘green’ buildings” (Matthiessen & Morris, 2007). What needs to change is the mindset of “getting to green” as an add-on premium to construction. The most successful green projects incorporate something called “integrated design.” All design and construction team members define together – with the owner – the level of sustainability they want to achieve for the project. This mindset then requires all team members to be interdependent and work closely on every design and construction decision. This ensures that sustainable options for lighting, plumbing, and the HVAC system are thought out and carefully planned much earlier in the process. Thus, they have a significantly better chance of being affordable for the project. If you are committed to having a greener facility and are looking for an architect that shares your interest, ask if they are familiar with LEED standards or have LEED-certified designers. As a fraternity/sorority professional, two critical steps need increased attention. Information needs to be readily circulated among the university community about green efforts on campus; it also needs to be placed into the hands of house corporations. This communication can come from campus-wide house corporation meetings where topics such as sustainable technology initiatives with the campus and trends in student housing are discussed. Much of this
information is already available from those in the student housing, fundraising, and design industries. It could also come from success stories and recognition in fraternity and sorority magazines for chapters who have made exceptional efforts in this market. It is time to start showcasing best practices at the AFA Annual Meeting, the FEA Annual Meeting, and the regional fraternity/sorority conferences. Finally, if there is an opportunity to develop a collaborative partnership between university and fraternity/sorority housing in the bulk purchase of green technology, it could reduce costs. Opening a dialogue with your host institution could allow a house corporation or even an entire fraternity and sorority community to have a unilateral impact on student housing while trying to lower its investment costs. This means that the fraternity/sorority housing interests need to be presented to the university planning and development coordinators.
MAKE THE CHANGE If fraternity/sorority life is truly a “living laboratory,” then we must embrace and lead this movement. Having a green chapter house does not happen by accident, and simple matters like energy efficient light bulbs should be viewed as just the beginning. In the end, our intentions mean very little. Our actions will speak volumes. We cannot wait for mandates or city policies to make changes, as with fire sprinkler requirements. This time, we need to be ahead of the green curve. Plan ahead, involve experts who share your green passion, and make the change. If we do, we can make our morning rituals reflect the values of our organizations’ rituals. – Matt Killingsworth is a Kansas State University alumnus, volunteer, and former Director of Chapter Services for Delta Chi Fraternity, and is currently a Consultant with Pennington & Company. continued on the top of next page
Killingsworth argues that sorority and fraternity housing must adapt to increasing awareness to and promotion of green housing. What impact do you feel ‘Going Green’ will have on housing standards within the sorority and fraternity community?
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Join the discussion of these questions by visiting the Association’s website and clicking on the ‘Online Community’ link.
REFERENCES Architecture 2030 (n.d.). Global warming, climate change, and the built environment. Retrieved June 23, 2008, from http://www.architecture2030.org/ Bailey, T. & Hussar, W. (2007). Projections of education statistics to 2016. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) (2008, February 5). Global climate change response can spur $7 trillion in clean energy investment by 2030: CERA analysis. Retrieved April 1, 2008, from http://www.cera.com/aspx/cda/public1/ news/pressReleases/pressReleaseDetails.aspx?CID=9239 Frankel, M. & Turner, C. (2008). Energy performance of LEED for new construction buildings. Washington, DC: New Building Institute.
Friedman, T. (2006, April 21). The greenest generation [Op-Ed column]. The New York Times, 25. Matthiessen, L. & Morris, P. (2007). The cost of green revisited: Reexamining the feasibility and cost impact of sustainable design in the light of increased market adoption. Retrieved April 1, 2008, from http://www.davislangdon.com/USA/ Research/ResearchFinder/2007-The-Cost-of-Green-Revisited/ Milshtein, A. (2007, December). Go big green. College Planning & Management, 10(12), 18-20. Powers, E. (2008, January 25). Energy in the dorms. Inside Higher Education. Retrieved February 25, 2008, from http:// www.insidehighereducation.com/news/2008/01/25/environment U.S. Department of Energy (2005). A consumer’s guide to energy efficiency and renewable energy. Retrieved March 15, 2008, from http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_ heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12640
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The One Person Show: Challenges of Living our Values: Integrating Sustainability into the Lone Fraternity and Sorority Advisor
our Daily Lives
– Danielle Kuglin and Teniell Trolian
What is Sustainability?
T
he World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) defines sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In other words, sustainability is the ability to create an environment that meets the needs of living beings without being destructive to the very environment that supports those beings. While there are many aspects of sustainability that are important to consider, this article primarily focuses on environmental sustainability. We may hear students complaining about pop quizzes given out by professors who have high expectations for class performance. Here is our pop quiz on sustainability. Sustainability is a hot topic in higher education today, and we must find ways to educate ourselves on being sustainable citizens in a global society.
2. Alkaline batteries are not recyclable. T r u e False 3. O nline banking reduces your risk of identity fraud. T r u e False 4. Y ou should never throw your unused medication down the toilet. T r u e False 5. B ottled water is always safer to drink than tap water. T r u e False
6. C lothes get just as clean in cold water as they do in hot. T r u e False 7. Y our appliances don’t use energy when they aren’t in use. T r u e False 8. P aper can only be recycled three to five times before its fibers break down. T r u e False 9. C omputers use up to 70% less electricity when you put them to sleep instead of using a screensaver. T r u e False 10. T he energy saved by recycling one aluminum can could run a TV for thirty minutes. T r u e False
Answers are on the top of page 9 8
Perspectives / Summer 2008
Sustainability Quiz
1. Y ou shouldn’t turn your PC on and off because that will wear it out. T r u e False
2. T rue - Most alkaline batteries collected through household battery collection programs are disposed of in hazardous waste landfills; even stores that have take-back programs admit they often end up in the trash. It is best to buy rechargeable batteries, which not only can be used up to 30 times, but can also be recycled. 3. T rue – Internet banking does reduce the threat of identity theft and banking fraud, and it saves a great deal of paper. If all U.S. households viewed and paid bills electronically, we would save 18.5 million trees per year. 4. T rue – Medications can end up in our water supplies in trace amounts and
also get into the soil and become environmental hazards. Unused medications should be returned to your pharmacy where staff can properly dispose of them for you. 5. F alse – A lot of the bottled water on the market today is really just repackaged tap water. One and a half million tons of plastic are used globally each year in water bottles alone. In addition to helping the environment, you can also save money. If you cut down on one bottle per week, you could save close to $100 per year. 6. T rue – Cold water works just as well for washing your day-to-day clothes. It is better for your clothes (cold water keeps your clothes looking newer longer), and it is better for the planet. 7. F alse – In the average home, 40% of all electricity is used to power home appliances while they are not in use. You can save on your electric bill by simply plugging your electronics into a power strip and flipping the switch when you leave home.
8. True – Paper can only be recycled a few times before its fibers break down. Try to limit your paper use altogether by printing on both sides of a sheet, switching to online banking, or reading items from your computer screen rather than printing them. 9. True – While screensavers keep your computer screen at its best, your computer continues to use electricity when they activate. Consider setting your computer to switch to energy save mode after a short period of inactivity, rather than activating your screensaver. 10. F alse – By recycling just one aluminum can, enough energy is actually saved to run a TV for three hours. Every little bit counts, so recycle those cans each and every time!
Quiz answers
1. F alse – Computers will not be damaged by lots of powering on and off if they were purchased in the past ten years. Today’s computers are designed to handle 40,000 on/off cycles before a failure, and that’s a number you likely won’t reach during the computer’s five-to-sevenyear life span.
As fraternity and sorority professionals, it is paramount that we not only encourage our students, campuses, alumni, and colleagues to commit to environmental sustainability, but that we, as leaders and role models, live sustainable and environmentally-responsible lifestyles ourselves. Connecting to Our Core Competencies The Association of Fraternity Advisors maintains eight Core Competencies for Excellence in the Profession, including competency as an Educator, Leader, Innovator, and Values Aligner. As fraternity and sorority professionals, it is paramount that we not only encourage our students, campuses, alumni, and colleagues to commit to environmental sustainability, but that we, as leaders and role models, live sustainable and environmentally-responsible lifestyles ourselves. Educator Many higher education institutions, communities, and fraternities and sororities have developed mission, vision, and value statements regarding the education of
students as global citizens and leaders of tomorrow. A major role in leadership and citizenship for tomorrow will inevitably be the ability to lead our world in adapting to the changing needs of our environment; creating a sustainable future for our planet. As fraternity and sorority professionals, we have a responsibility to fulfill these institutional and organizational missions by challenging ourselves and our students to live more consciously and to lead the movement toward sustainability in our communities. Leader As leaders, fraternity and sorority professionals are expected to be “involved, engaged member[s] of the campus community” (Association of Fraternity Advisors, 2007). Engagement in the campus community includes being conscious of the environmental needs of the community and contributing to
its culture of sustainability. As the nation embraces the fundamental ideas of sustainability, it is essential for higher education to lead the way in making these ideas everyday practices. Innovator Innovation in fraternities and sororities includes the implementation of programs and services that benefit members. It is the role of fraternity and sorority professionals and communities to find new ways of being successful with sustainability initiatives. Utilizing colleagues and professional associations with existing programming can help guide the creation of new sustainability programs and services. Opportunities that promote sustainability and educate members of the community about environmental issues benefit both individuals and the community as a whole. continued on page 10
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As fraternity and sorority professionals, we must strive to improve our commitment to our core competencies, and we can commit to improving ourselves as educators, leaders, innovators, and values aligners when we work toward taking personal steps in creating more environmentally-responsible lifestyles. Values Aligner Our core values as fraternities and sororities include values such as leadership, character, justice, integrity, service, and love. These values, in practice, seem to suggest that a commitment to our environment is not only in alignment with our values as fraternities and sororities, but is an obligation of the lifelong commitments that we have made to ourselves and our organizations. When we ask our students to live up to their values, we must question whether we are doing our part in committing to sustainable living. We strive to fulfill our roles as Educators, Leaders, Innovators, and Values Aligners when working with students. These core competencies tie directly to our personal role in modeling a sustainable lifestyle to others. When it comes to committing ourselves to creating a stronger, healthier environment, we can find ways to integrate sustainable steps into our daily lives.
Values In Action At Home Water Consumption Consider the amount of water we consume every day. Water is used for showers, baths, washing hands, brushing teeth, shaving, using the toilet, and countless other purposes. By 2025, the world must increase its fresh water supply by 22% in order to meet its needs (Kostingen & Rogers, 2007). In what ways can we reduce the amount of water used? Consider taking shorter showers; reducing your showers by just two minutes can greatly reduce your water consumption. Do not flush the toilet at unnecessary times; 40% of the drinking water supplied to homes is flushed down the toilet. Turn off the water when you are not using it. Leave the water off as you are brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands and only turn it on for short amounts of time as needed. Energy Use Americans use twice as much energy per person than anywhere else in the world. Take the time to turn off lights when you are leaving a room. Energy is still being supplied to appliances that are plugged in the wall even if they are off, so unplug appliances that are not being used or put them on a power strip that you can turn off. Turn off your computer when you are not using it, and to compliment these reduction strategies, use energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Electronic Waste Electronic waste is the fastest growing contributor to municipal waste (Kostingen & Rogers, 2007). Electronic or e-waste is comprised of any discarded electronic appliance, which often contains hazardous materials. E-waste needs proper care when being disposed of, so look for a local municipality that collects electronic waste, such as computers, answering machines, video cameras, and televisions. Better yet, look for local organizations that will refurbish electronic appliances and reuse them.
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Perspectives / Summer 2008
Cleaners Some cleaners have harmful chemicals that affect people, pets, and the environment. However, you can use cleaners that are good for cleaning and good for everyone else too. Two companies that carry green products include Method and Seventh Generation, which do not use chemicals with known or suspected toxicities. If green cleaners are out of your price range, consider going with natural cleaning products like lemons, baking soda, and vinegar. Getting Here and There Carbon Dioxide Emissions Currently, U.S. citizens produce about 25% of global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels and meet 85% of energy needs through burning fossil fuels. However, the U.S. is projected to lower its carbon intensity by 25% from 2001 to 2025 and remain below the world average (Energy Information Administration, 2007). You can be a part of the trend to curb carbon dioxide emissions, which are mostly produced through our transportation needs. To reduce the amount of carbon emissions you produce, consider alternative options for transportation. If you are in the market for a new car, switch to a more fuel efficient vehicle. If you live in a metropolitan city that provides public transportation, use this transportation source or consider carpooling; fewer drivers on the road also means reduced commuting times. There are also free forms of transportation such as biking or walking; not only do these provide a good source of exercise, but using these forms of transportation is carbon-emission free. Working Recycled Products Check to see if your institution already uses recycled paper and recycled products. If not, find ways to encourage the purchase of recycled items. Buy a refillable pen and replace the ink, so you are not throwing out pens when they run dry. Also, find ways to recycle the products you use at work. If your institution does not already have a recycling program in place, put
a recycling bin/box in your office and deposit it at a local recycling center. Print on both sides of the paper you use and try to reduce the amount of paper you print off altogether. Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Organic, Local, and Fair Trade Purchases Incorporate the value of sustainability into your purchases. Consider buying organic produce or look for local products that have not produced as much carbon emission in order to travel to you. An area farmer’s market is a great source of local foods, and many chain grocery stores carry organic food options. Another sustainable purchase is buying fair trade goods. Fair trade is a system of exchange that seeks to create greater equity and partnership in the international trading system by providing fair wages in the local context; supporting safe, healthy, and participatory workplaces; supplying financial and technical support to build capacity; ensuring environmental sustainability; and respecting cultural identity (World Trade Federation, 2007). Environmentally-Friendly Companies Commit to using green companies. Whether you are searching for investments in your portfolio, buying groceries, or purchasing your next vehicle, look into green companies as a viable option. Some companies have taken recent measures to become more environmentallyfriendly or have long-term initiatives promoting sustainability. Some of these companies include General Electric with their Ecomagination Initiative, Honda’s commitment to develop environmentallyresponsible technology, and S.C. Johnson Company, which has eliminated millions of pounds of pollutants like Windex and Raid through its Greenlist process. Other companies taking green steps are HewlettPackard, with energy efficient computing; Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which offers customers the opportunity to purchase a Carbon Offset Program and will match the donation; and Chipotle, which serves natural and organic foods.
Out-of-the-Box Thinking • Try not to use wrapping paper in the traditional way. Re-use paper that you received, find new forms of wrapping paper such as the comics from the newspaper, or give gifts in a bag that can be reused. Better yet, buy a reusable canvas bag for gift recipients to put groceries in; not only is your gift in a nice bag, but the bag can continue to be used in sustainable ways. • I nstead of purchasing bulk gifts with lots of packaging, buy gift cards to restaurants or stores, or tickets to the movies, sporting events, or concerts. Many of these items can even be purchased online, reducing carbon emissions by eliminating a trip to the store. • G o paperless with your personal finances. Set up automatic deposits for your paycheck and electronic versions of your statements and bills to reduce paper mail. Recycle the junk mail you receive. • W hen traveling, look for eco-tourism possibilities. Not only does eco-tourism support environmental responsiveness, but it also will give you an opportunity to savor local culture. Whether you use these suggestions as ways to become more sustainable or find your own ways to become more invested in the environment, the time is now to take the next step. In being more sustainable in our daily lives, we can role model responsible behaviors for our students, campuses, alumni, and colleagues. As fraternity and sorority professionals, we must strive to improve our commitment to our core competencies, and we can commit to improving ourselves as educators, leaders, innovators, and values aligners when we work toward taking personal steps in creating more environmentallyresponsible lifestyles.
REFERENCES Association of Fraternity Advisors (2007). Core competencies for excellence in the profession. Retrieved May 5, 2008, from http://www.fraternityadvisors. org/Business/CoreCompetencies.aspx Energy Information Administration (2007). Greenhouse gases, climate change, and energy. Retrieved April 30, 2008, from http://www.eia.doe.gov/ Fair Trade Federation (2007). About fair trade. Retrieved May 5, 2008, from http://www.fairtradefederation.org Kostingen, T. M. & Rogers, E. (2007). The green book: The everyday guide to saving the planet one simple step at a time. New York: Three Rivers Press. World Commission on Environment and Development (1987). From one earth to one world: An overview. Retrieved May 2, 2008, from http://www.un.org/ documents/ga/res/42/ares42-187.htm
Kuglin and Trolian offer suggestions for increased sustainability in our day-to-day tasks. Share what you do to help the environment in your role as a sorority and fraternity professional.
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Join the discussion of these questions by visiting the Association’s website and clicking on the ‘Online Community’ link.
– Danielle Kuglin, M.S. Ed., is the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Illinois Wesleyan University, and Teniell Trolian, M.A., is the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Bradley University. Summer 2008 / Perspectives
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Sustainability
Practices
– Compiled by Monica Miranda Smalls
Greeks Go Green Indiana University
Ecological Footprint Survey Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Weekly Sustainability Tips Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Greeks Go Green Cornell University
Pink Goes Green Delta Zeta Sorority
Two sorority women at Indiana University recently began a student organization called Greeks Go Green. By formulating a list of strategic priorities and a list of accomplishments, student leaders were able to secure a $5,000 grant from the University President’s Office for initiatives to help the fraternity and sorority facilities “go green.” The organization is advised out of the Office for Student Organizations & Leadership Development (there is a Civic Engagement Coordinator who works with them), but the direction of the organization is created and overseen solely by students. To date, the organization has mobilized recycling efforts with the sorority and fraternity facilities and fundraising to offset the costs of the new program. In the fall, the group will host a “Go Green” festival to help inform students on how they can reduce their carbon footprint, incorporate sustainability into their living environments, and promote organic foods. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is currently surveying chapters about the ecological footprint made by the fraternity and sorority community. They hope to engage a faculty member who will sponsor a student research project to use the data to make informed recommendations about things the community can do to lessen the footprint. The campus has already implemented initiatives, including providing bulk item recycling (TVs, computer monitors, batteries, etc.) for chapters. As they move forward, WPI hopes to present an annual award to the chapter that is making the best efforts to be ecologically friendly. One of the seven primary goals of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is “To spread an awareness and educate people about the need of their involvement in protecting our environment world wide.” To support this goal and enhance the “Beta IS Green” initiative, the national organization has been sending weekly sustainability tips to its membership. Tips include relevant information and websites where members can find more information on how to make simple, daily changes to their behavior that, collectively, can create significant and positive change for the environment. Cornell University has a strong commitment to sustainability, and the fraternity/sorority community is doing its part to support this goal. Since the Cornell University fraternity/sorority community is predominantly residential, with over 50 fraternity/sorority houses, many of the green initiatives involve education with regard to the residents. • 14 of the fraternity/sorority houses are university owned. Energy efficient light bulbs are used in each of these houses. • The fraternity houses receive daily newspapers. Cornell University is working to make sure they are all being recycled by providing recycling bins for the chapters. • The governing councils are looking to institute an award at the next Greek Awards ceremony for the “greenest” chapter. • Panhellenic, MGLC, and IFC groups with houses have been asked to have a competition to compare their energy use from one month to the next. A reward will be given to the chapter with the highest decrease. • Governing councils are cutting back on printing whenever possible and using the internet more frequently. For example, the Panhellenic recruitment guidebook is no longer being printed. • Composting is available for some houses. • A few sororities have educational signs saying things like, “Unplugging your blow dryer or cell phone charger saves energy.” • One sorority on campus donated a tree to be planted in our Greek park. Delta Zeta Sorority has launched a new initiative about “thinking green.” The website, http://www. dzpinkgoesgreen.org, is an extensive online resource and networking tool that encourages members of Delta Zeta to do more to better the environment. Some of the most popular features are the Project Center, which offers suggestions on how to incorporate green living into all facets of daily life, and a Blog where community members can reflect on their recent efforts to do more for the environment. It is Delta Zeta’s hope that this new resource will inspire others to do what they can to benefit the environment. – Monica Miranda Smalls is the Director of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs at the University of Rochester.
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Perspectives / Summer 2008
Because You Believe! Mike Hayes Leaves a Lasting Legacy Through AFA Foundation
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n 2006, the Association of Fraternity Advisors celebrated its 30th anniversary. As part of this celebration, the AFA Foundation announced the establishment of a planned giving program. This program, known as the Amicus Sequentes Circle, or “friends to those who follow,” honors the members of AFA who leave behind a legacy to the future of the Association through specific gifts or bequests. Since the announcement of the planned giving program, the Foundation has been diligently seeking charter members to the Amicus Sequentes Circle. One such member is Mike Hayes. Mike, who has been a member of AFA since 1986, became a member of the Amicus Sequentes Circle in the spring of 2008.
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AFA has provided me the support and vital knowledge in making me the professional that I am today.
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Photo is courtesy of GreekYearbook.
Mike Hayes with past AFA Foundation Board Member Mike McCree
“AFA has provided me, along with countless others, the support and vital knowledge in making me the professional that I am today. It has also offered me an outlet for serving the profession and the fraternal movement as a volunteer,” says Hayes. “I hope that my involvement with the Foundation allows others to benefit as I have.” Hayes served as AFA president in 1995 and is a long time supporter of the AFA Foundation. “I believe we support things that help us and empower others. By supporting the Foundation, I am able to assist the Foundation in fulfilling its mission, and moreover, honor the profession and the many colleagues whom I am fortunate enough to call friends.”
We hope that you will join Mike in making a lasting impact by joining the Amicus Sequentes Circle and naming the AFA Foundation as a beneficiary in your will. Naming the Foundation in your will, individual retirement plan, or life insurance policy is a lasting way to provide support for the future of AFA. Gifts can be made for specific purposes such as scholarships or leadership programs or as unrestricted gifts to be used at the discretion of the Foundation Board of Directors. For more information on how to join the Amicus Sequentes Circle, please contact Tom Jelke, Foundation Chairman, at tjelke@tjelke.com, Jonathan Brant, Foundation Board member, at jonathan.brant@betathetapi.org, or Ron Binder, Foundation Board member, at ronbinder@yahoo.com.
The Foundation’s Mission To secure, invest, and distribute the necessary resources to support the educational objectives of the Association of Fraternity Advisors. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation raises money through individual, organizational, and corporate donations to provide the highest quality professional development opportunities for AFA members. Gifts are taxdeductible to the extent the law permits.
How Can I Help? There are several ways you can make a gift to the AFA Foundation: 1. Annual cash gift (check or credit card). To make an annual gift online, please visit: www.fraternityadvisors.org/foundation.aspx 2. Set-up automatic monthly or quarterly credit card installments. 3. List the AFA Foundation as a beneficiary in your will, individual retirement plan, or life insurance policy. 4. Endow a gift to the AFA Foundation. For recurring credit card charges or information on estate or life insurance gifts, please call the AFA Foundation at 678-654-6207. Please consider making a gift of $25, $50, $100 or more and mail to: AFA Foundation, 9640 Augusta Drive, Suite 433, Carmel, IN 46032 Summer 2008 / Perspectives
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Get Involved
W ith A F A ! – Anne Arseneau, Volunteer Coordinator
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t is time again for the annual volunteer appointment process. AFA is a volunteer-driven organization, and it is through
the strength and commitment of our volunteers that the Association remains responsive to the membership. AFA volunteers are an essential vehicle for identifying the opportunities and challenges facing fraternities and sororities.
Through our volunteer management program, leaders from all aspects of fraternity and sorority advising are brought
together to help AFA make the best decisions in moving forward. Whether you are a veteran volunteer OR just considering getting involved, we hope that you will choose to volunteer this year.
Why Participate?
How Do I Volunteer?
Participating as a volunteer provides you with a rare opportunity to truly influence our profession. The results of your contributions are tangible and will not only help shape the future of AFA, but will provide you with great personal and professional benefits.
The first step is filling out the on-line Involvement Form. The Involvement Form is available year-round; however, individuals submitting forms by September 5, 2008 will be given priority consideration for appointments in 2009.
What Opportunities Exist to Volunteer?
AFA Volunteer Testimonials
AFA values the many and varied contributions of our 200+ volunteers and encourages you to choose an area of interest and contribute in ways that are meaningful to you! There are many ways to participate and a variety of volunteer experiences available to suit every volunteer interest. Simply visit the Getting Involved/Volunteer Opportunities section of the AFA website. Each of our volunteer roles has a position description listed that describes the work of that particular committee/work group.
What are the Expectations of Volunteers? Appointments for standing positions occur in late September. Volunteer leaders spend approximately two months prior to the Annual Meeting transitioning, training, and planning for their new positions, with new responsibilities beginning immediately following the Annual Meeting. Ad hoc workgroups are appointed throughout the year as needed to address specific needs or issues and may work for a few months or an entire year. Information about specific committees or positions, training opportunities, basic expectations, and the 2009 Involvement Form can be found in the Getting Involved/Volunteer Opportunities section of the AFA website. 14
Perspectives / Summer 2008
“ In volunteering, I relish the triumphs and challenges that occur. The knowledge I have gained and the relationships with other people are invaluable to me. Another satisfaction is seeing actual results of the work that is being done and working on an idea as it comes to fruition.” – A n o n y m o u s A F A V o l u n t e e r
“ Volunteering is a great way to work with other professionals who help me in my own growth and development.” – J a s o n Pi e r c e
“ I have enjoyed working with colleagues from across the country and collaborating on new ideas.” – D a r r e n Pi e r r e
“ I volunteer with AFA because I am committed to the progress of fraternity/sorority life and our profession.” – L e a H a n s o n
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Alcohol and Risk Management Education: • • • Pi Kappa Phi’s Approach • • • The National Institute of Health (NIH) and Surgeon General have stated alcohol misuse is the number one issue facing colleges and men and women ages 18-24 (NIAAA, 2007). Leaders within the fraternity/sorority movement have been creatively addressing these challenges, engaging undergraduate leadership, and seeing proven successes. In an on-going series, Perspectives will examine strategies for addressing fraternity/sorority alcohol use and misuse. The first in this series is an overview of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity’s strategies and programs authored by Dr. Lori Hart Ebert. The next issue of Perspectives will examine Alcohol-Free Housing initiatives, in particular those of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Phi Delta Theta announced its alcohol-free housing initiative in May 1997, and all its chapter houses have been a part of the alcoholfree movement since July 2000. The article will focus on results from the initiative, enforcement of alcohol-free housing, and formal and informal challenges presented to the initiative.
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Join the discussion of innovative strategies to address alcohol use and misuse or post specific questions you would like to have this series address by visiting the Association’s website and clicking on the ‘Online Community’ link.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (November 2007). What colleges need to know: An update on college drinking research. Retrieved June 6, 2008, from http://www.college drinkingprevention.gov/1College_ Bulletin-508_361C4E.pdf
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Perspectives / Summer 2008
– Lori Hart Ebert, Ph.D.
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n 2003, at the request of the National President, the Pi Kappa Phi Risk Management Committee convened with the initial task of reviewing the policies, procedures, paradigms, and practices of the fraternity as related to undergraduate members’ use of alcohol. The committee, of which I was a member, assembled as a group representing diverse fraternity, campus, and societal views. Members provided specific expertise in the areas of student development, risk management, fraternity operations, alcohol education and intervention, and relevant law. The committee members identified their goal as reducing alcohol-related harm to our members, chapters, and National Fraternity. The committee utilized an environmental management framework developed by the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention (HEC). The HEC intended the framework developed by DeJong and Langford (2002) to challenge top administrators at colleges and universities to include a “comprehensive restructuring of the campus and community environment” (p. 143). Included in this process is a typology used to “categorize existing efforts, identify missing program elements and guide new strategic planning” (p. 143). While intended to be used by campus administrators, the committee found this framework useful in its work. From this process, the committee created a report for the national leadership, the intention of which was to strengthen policies, provide comprehensive alcohol education, and prevent/reduce alcohol-related harm to our students, chapters, and National Fraternity. For the past five years, Pi Kappa Phi has continued implementing the findings and recommendations of this report.
• • • Philosophy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Regarding Alcohol Philosophy drives policy, which ultimately drives practices. Each inter/national fraternity and higher education institution has a philosophy regarding alcohol use, even if this philosophy is not documented. Initially, the Pi Kappa Phi Risk Management Committee reviewed the Fraternity’s previously adopted policies and practices related to alcohol. This included the FIPG Risk Management Policy, resolutions and Supreme Law passed at Supreme Chapter, and the Mission Statement and Vision Statement. Utilizing that historical information as a guiding structure, the committee created the philosophy statement listed on the following page – which the Pi Kappa Phi National Council formally adopted:
Pi Kappa Phi strove to create engaging programs that educated members and encouraged them to change problematic behaviors. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity is a values-based membership development organization that focuses on building brotherhood through character enhancement, leadership development, academic achievement, commitment to service, life-long friendship and social experiences. The Fraternity believes that alcohol abuse prevents individual members from realizing their full potential as citizens and from exemplifying these characteristics of brotherhood. While the moderate and legal consumption of alcohol does not constitute a problem, the illegal use and abuse of alcoholic beverages is widely recognized as a major problem in our society. Seeking to be a responsible member of the higher education community, Pi Kappa Phi is highly concerned about alcohol abuse. Our Fraternity believes very strongly in the betterment of men through our chapters. Our organization upholds the following philosophy specifically related to alcohol. • T he Fraternity expects that our members follow state laws across the United States which have made consumption of alcohol illegal for people under 21 years of age. • T he Fraternity supports and enhances the mission of the institutions where we are present through application of student development theory. • A s a subset of the campus community, the Fraternity collaborates with the host institution to address the problem of alcohol misuse. • T he Fraternity works to address the negative behaviors associated with alcohol misuse and abuse, and not simply the location of those behaviors. As such, Pi Kappa Phi addresses these behaviors with a comprehensive educational approach. • T hrough education, training, and mature adult guidance, we provide the tools to help students make good choices, and to understand the consequences of their choices. The organization will hold chapters and individual chapter members accountable for the choices they make. • T he Fraternity expects personal responsibility from its members and accountability through local self governance. • T he Fraternity follows a consistent and progressive discipline strategy with our chapters. • We are concerned for the safety and well being of our members.
•••P i Kappa Phi Alcohol and Risk Management Programs From this philosophy, Pi Kappa Phi began implementing educational programs targeted at its undergraduate members. The Fraternity strove to create engaging programs that educated members and encouraged them to change problematic behaviors. After several years of refinement, the Fraternity currently offers three educational programs: Alcohol Skills Training Program (ASTP), AlcoholEdu® (GreekLifeEdu® beginning in fall 2008), and The Ladder of Risk Program. Alcohol Skills Training Program Pi Kappa Phi chose to implement ASTP after a government report entitled “Call to Action: Changing the Culture of Drinking at U.S. Colleges” cited the program for demonstrating effectiveness among college students (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA], 2002). The program focuses on encouraging those participants who make the choice to drink to do so in less dangerous and less risky ways. The ASTP content is based on a harm reduction model, which acknowledges that any step towards reduced risks is a step in the right direction. The delivery of the program utilizes a skills-training approach and motivational interviewing techniques. The basic principles of motivational interviewing when working with a group are to express empathy, develop discrepancy, roll with the resistance, and support the self-efficacy of the participants. The Fraternity identified three goals in implementing ASTP. First, the program educates members about alcohol-related behavior. This greater knowledge hopefully increases members’ interest in critically examining their drinking patterns. Finally, the program encourages members to implement the skills learned during the program to reduce their personal risk associated with alcohol use. In doing so, members can learn to recognize high-risk situations and to minimize the potential negative consequences through preventive actions, reduced consumption, or zero consumption. AlcoholEdu® AlcoholEdu® for College is an online alcohol prevention program developed by medical professionals and educational researchers (Outside the Classroom, n.d.). AlcoholEdu® is designed for population-level, primary prevention. The program’s personal approach impacts both individual behavior and the larger community. The program was originally designed as a prevention program to be given to an entire campus community, but several national fraternal organizations adopted the program for their needs. In the past few years, Pi Kappa Phi has utilized a variety of approaches, including requiring the entire membership to complete the program, as a requirement of initiation, and as an alcohol-related sanction. continued on page 18 Summer 2008 / Perspectives
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continued from page 17 Outside the Classroom is introducing an online prevention program tailored to the needs of sorority and fraternity headquarters. This interactive program, called GreekLifeEdu®, focuses on alcohol consumption, hazing, and sexual assault, helping students to make safer and healthier decisions. Pi Kappa Phi will implement this new program with associate members as a condition of initiation beginning fall 2008. The Ladder of Risk Program As Pi Kappa Phi was educating on alcohol use and abuse, we realized the undergraduate men were learning a lot about alcohol but didn’t have the risk management knowledge needed to reduce risks. Historically, the risk management education of Pi Kappa Phi took place during large, national gatherings of undergraduate leaders (Supreme Chapter, Pi Kapp College, and Mid Year Leadership Conference). Educating at these national and regional conferences allowed us to educate officers about risk management; however, we had concerns that our message was not being taken back to the broader chapter membership on a consistent basis. The Fraternity also learned that it was difficult for our traveling Leadership Consultants to accomplish what was needed during chapter visits and conduct risk management education. We knew we had unique risk management resources: talented volunteers and alumni and a commitment to financially support a chapterlevel risk management program. With those resources in place, the Fraternity launched the pilot version of The Ladder of Risk Program during spring 2006. Pi Kappa Phi has been a member of the Fraternal Information & Programming Group (FIPG) since FIPG’s founding in 1987. The Ladder of Risk Program delivers basic FIPG information through a dynamic facilitator who educates and facilitates discussion. This program is required for every member and associate member every other year. During the program, members and associate members learn strategies for hosting safe chapter events, reducing risks, and planning for/managing crisis situations. In addition, the program ensures all members are aware of the “Social Event Planning Guide” and “Risk Reduction Checklist,” two documents that the Fraternity created to help chapter leaders successfully plan events that follow the appropriate policies. Through follow-up from the Leadership Consultant and Director of Risk Management, it is the Fraternity’s goal that every member will know and understand the risk management policy and that the chapter will implement safe procedures at Pi Kappa Phi events. Both ASTP and The Ladder of Risk Program are what I refer to as the traditional “butt in seat” programs that last between two and three hours. The programs usually occur on a weekend, and the Fraternity requires at least 80% of the members and associate members to attend. Many of our members walk in questioning why they have to attend another program. However, I believe we provide solid curriculum, and the men walk away pleasantly surprised. The evaluations continue to reveal that healthy conversations are occurring, and they are obtaining the tools to create change both within the chapter and within their individual lives. While Pi Kappa Phi is working hard, we recognize there are ongoing challenges. I am sure some of you reading this article have Pi Kappa Phi chapters on your campuses, and there may be little congruence between what you are reading and what you see at the chapter level. If so, please contact us. We have trained volunteers and resources ready, and we will partner with you. And, most importantly, when we get advance notice of a potential event or violation, we will proactively work with chapters to ensure they properly follow university and Pi Kappa Phi procedures and policy. So, please communicate with us! 18
Perspectives / Summer 2008
•••L ori’s Learning Outcomes Regarding Alcohol and Risk Management Education I have learned a lot about risk management during the past seven years working for Pi Kappa Phi and speaking to fraternity/ sorority students at colleges across the country. Listed below are my personal learning outcomes – which may or may not reflect Pi Kappa Phi – but which I think are valuable lessons.
• • • Think strategically I learned a valuable lesson from staff members at the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention (HEC). When the Risk Management Committee first began working in June 2003, I found that our committee was simply “activity planning.” We wanted to change and improve the Pi Kappa Phi experience. At first, we were only thinking of more activities to educate and keep our members busy. HEC staff pushed us by asking, “What was the problem facing Pi Kappa Phi?” The problem was that every alcohol study found that college students drank too much, and within the population of college students, fraternity men consistently demonstrated more problematic drinking behaviors. HEC experts reminded our committee that even if this were true, we had to take a hard look within the organization to find the real problems. With this in mind, Pi Kappa Phi completed a comprehensive examination that explored different levels within the organization – National Fraternity, volunteers, chapter officers, members, associate members, prospective members, etc. We identified the problems that existed at each level. Once we understood the problems at the different levels, it became easier to create realistic solutions. If you are serious about prevention efforts and education on your campus, I suggest you utilize the services of the HEC. Also, you can’t do this alone. Bring together committed staff, faculty, and students on your campus to develop a strategic plan that can guide your efforts.
• • • It starts at the top Addressing alcohol and risk management issues within sorority and fraternity communities and fraternal organizations takes leadership from the top. You cannot do this alone. I am fortunate to work for an organization with a CEO and National Council that have put alcohol and risk management education at the forefront.
• • • Stick around Stay in your position longer than two or three years. I developed a much better understanding of the Pi Kappa Phi organization, the needs of its student members, and where I should focus my efforts after being in my position for a few years. You do start making a significant impact on the organization or institution when you stick around and keep building on your progress.
• • • Time, talent, and money Campus professionals, volunteers, and inter/national organization staff must spend as much time on risk management as other areas of sorority and fraternity life. Recruitment is important, and encouraging members’ community service efforts is valuable. When we spend time in these areas, we start to see change and improvement in our communities and within our chapters. Similarly, as Pi Kappa Phi has spent time, money, and energy in the risk management area, I have started to see improvements.
• • • Get on the same page In both my position with Pi Kappa Phi and with speaking on college campuses, men constantly tell me that they provide alcohol for women, because women won’t come to parties without alcohol. It seems to be an unwritten rule on many college campuses. The sorority women tend to respect their own risk management policies, because another source – men’s fraternities – meets their needs by providing alcohol. And then the men’s needs are met, because women are at their parties. I would suggest the average sorority woman has no idea that the men’s policies do not allow them to provide the alcohol. We have to get our men and women on the same page. This means the men need to join together, develop some trust, and all commit to not providing alcohol. The women leaders need to educate their members that it is not the job of fraternity men to provide them with alcohol. Women over 21 can purchase their own alcohol, and fraternity men shouldn’t be providing anyone underage with alcohol.
• • • One policy for all FIPG attempted to create a single risk management policy for all fraternities and sororities to follow. It would still be beneficial if all inter/national groups and institutions could agree to follow one policy. However, most student leaders are confused because there are so many policies: the university policy, a policy from their governing council, and their inter/national policy. The good news is that many of the guidelines are the same. There is more on which we agree than disagree. Help students understand that we should all be following the same basic procedures: • Follow the law. • The fraternity/sorority does not provide the alcohol. • Know who your guests are. • No alcohol in the joining process.
• • • Teach students to fish Students need help knowing the policy, but, more importantly, students need help developing procedures to implement the policy. My belief is many of our student leaders know the rules, but when you ask them the magical question of “how” to implement the rules, they don’t have an answer. Teaching our leaders to critically think about procedures for implementing “bring your own beverage” (BYOB) events, working with third-party vendors, or dry recruitment will equip them with valuable tools. If we can help our men and women develop solid procedures for their events, we are “teaching them to fish,” as the old Chinese proverb states, and giving their chapters a true succession plan for years to come. continued on page 20
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• • • “ Alcohol-free” requires education too Alcohol-free campuses, chapter houses, or events do not reduce the need for educational interventions, and going alcohol-free doesn’t solve all of our problems. At best, it may be a step to solving the problem. However, I have found that changing the location of the drinking often doesn’t change the behavior. It moves the drinking elsewhere, or students attempt to conceal their drinking on campus. Alcohol-free has potential to contribute to solutions, in some cases, but it is not the solution.
• • • Identify resources There is a big difference between the student who occasionally drinks versus the student who is alcohol dependent or an alcoholic. Sending a student who is dependent on alcohol to an all-campus alcohol speaker isn’t going to solve his/her problems. I have found that students in sororities/fraternities know which members are problem drinkers but don’t know how to assist these individuals. So they come up with crazy sanctions like “don’t drink at our events.” Identify the very best campus/community resources for problem drinkers, and help the leaders in our organizations know how to truly help their brothers and sisters.
• • • Repeat what works I like to equate working with college students on a daily basis to the movie “Groundhog Day.” In the movie, Bill Murray portrays a weatherman having the worst day of his life – over and over and over again. First he uses this to his advantage but then comes to the realization that he is doomed to spend the rest of eternity in the same place, seeing the same people, and doing the same thing every day! Sound familiar? After holding the same position for the past seven years within Pi Kappa Phi, I’ve concluded that we can embrace this plot to find the best approaches to alcohol and risk management education. In our version of this plot, we learn that we constantly have new students and newly-elected leaders. Therefore, we need to create an education plan that works and repeat it over and over and over again.
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• • • Focus on the right people Regretfully, I have never seen peer monitoring work on a college campus. The “appearance” of it might work on some campuses. My advice is to quit spending your efforts and energy in this area. Instead, have a selection process and have two to four individuals from each chapter become the internal monitors/educators for the events with alcohol (that is, once you have fully trained them on policies and procedures). In other words, give the chapters the tools to be successful. There are undergraduate men and women that care about the sorority and fraternity community and want to do the right thing. Put your focus on those people and give them the tools to do the right thing and run safer events.
• • • Conscious choice Once a chapter is fully educated, risk management is simply a matter of conscious choice. As Pi Kappa Phi has educated (and educated and educated) on FIPG, many of the men know the law and guidelines. For them, it comes down to a conscious choice to change their behavior/practice to comply with the rules. This is the hard part, but this is the part I like best, because if they make the right choice, it demonstrates progress.
• • • Focus on great I love the book Good to Great. Everyone should read the first chapter, “Good is the Enemy of Great.” If you apply the information from this book, you realize that we have good chapters, good communities, and good student leaders. However, we must address the problematic role of alcohol in chapters and work together – on the same page – to develop great chapters, communities, and leaders.
Resources AlcoholEdu®: http://www.outsidetheclassroom.com/prodandserv/ higher/alcoholEdu_college/ College Drinking: Changing the Culture (created by NIAAA): http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/ Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention: http://www.higheredcenter.org/ National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ Pi Kappa Phi alcohol education: http://www.pikapp.org/programs/alcoholed/
• • • Small wins
References
Solving the alcohol culture on American college campuses can seem as challenging as solving world hunger. When we consider the challenges in our own respective organizations or within our university communities, we can quickly become overwhelmed. Karl Wieck (1984) wrote about the concept of “small wins.” This approach recasts enormous, complex problems into smaller, less overwhelming problems. This enables us to identify a series of opportunities – “small wins” – that produce visible results. What small wins can you create today? What risk management resource will you develop to help your members? What conversation will you have with a student to help him/her reduce risks in his/her own life? Sometimes you never know when you create a small win…but a series of small wins within an organization, university, or community can lead to change. I challenge you to create a small win today – right now!
Collins, J. (2001). Good to great: Why some companies make the leap…and others don’t. San Francisco: Harper Business. DeJong, W. & Langford, L. (2002). A typology for campusbased alcohol prevention: Moving toward environmental management strategies. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 14, 140–147. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2002). Call to action: Changing the culture of drinking at U.S. colleges. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health. Wieck, K. E. (1984). Small wins: Redefining the scale of social problems. American Psychologist, 39, 40-49.
– Lori Hart Ebert, Ph.D., is the Director of Alcohol Education for Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and a speaker for CAMPUSPEAK, Inc. She can be reached at lebert@pikapp.org.
There are undergraduate men and women that care about the sorority and fraternity community and want to do the right thing. Put your focus on those people and give them the tools to do the right thing and run safer events. Summer 2008 / Perspectives
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– Gary Sanders, Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity
Book Review:
Leading at a Higher Level
K
en Blanchard, bestselling author of The One Minute Manager, adds to his published collection with another book on leadership, Leading at a Higher Level, in which he reevaluates the definition of leadership as, influencing others by unleashing the power and potential to impact the greater good of the organization. Within the pages of his book, Blanchard explains how to encourage teams and individuals to “Bring their Brain to Work.” Leading at a Higher Level explores the development of individuals and groups within the organization, looking beyond goal attainment. Engaging leaders as partners is an effective method to allow our organizational leaders to understand the challenges faced by the entire community. Blanchard interweaves purpose and vision to create an empowered organization where each member is compelled by his/her self interest to do the best for the community.
table burnout: analyzing your organization, determining vision, and carefully taking the steps to success. Blanchard shows vision can exist anywhere in your organization and clarifies how to convey that vision regardless of seniority level. Tying this process together is empowerment. Much like leadership, empowerment is easily preached, but more difficult to put into action. Blanchard provides concrete ideas on how to develop the strategy and implement it. He describes successes and notes mistakes to avoid, all while writing in a style that is enjoyable to read. Pertinent to fraternity and sorority life, Blanchard addresses dealing with people and groups at different levels of learning. An advisor faces challenges with groups that “get it,” and those that don’t. Blanchard proposes a four step system from Directing
Engaging leaders as partners is an effective method to allow our organizational leaders to understand the challenges faced by the entire community. Although Leading at a Higher Level was intended for businesses, the concepts presented can easily be applied to fraternity and sorority life, fraternal organizations, or any organization that brings multiple stakeholders together. Many professionals and leaders have approached their roles with the aim of uniting the fraternity and sorority community, only to be burned out because students take an adversarial role or choose not to bring their talents and motivation to the community. Faced with the aims of the institution/organization, resource constraints, and reality, an advisor can too often feel like an authoritarian who becomes satisfied with the tiniest element of success. Blanchard uses a methodical progression throughout the book to explain the steps readers can take to prevent this seemingly inevi22
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to Delegation, allowing a transparent scale for all parties to understand. Parting from traditional approaches, Blanchard redefines consistency as “Meeting People Where They Are.” This requires each group to identify its abilities and needs in order to find ways to reach the peak level of support. As advisors, we have groups at different developmental progressions, and we must adjust our actions as those individuals and groups progress or decline. Leading at a Higher Level outlines how to guide a group through the four steps. As part of a realistic approach, Blanchard addresses how to deal with those who are declining while giving practical advice on how to keep them engaged. Leading at a Higher Level is an easy read for any professional. It gives practical approaches, simple examples, and a 30,000 foot view that will relate well to a seasoned professional or to a first year student. – Gary Sanders is the Executive Director of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity.
Reference Blanchard, K. (2006). Leading at a higher level: Blanchard on leadership and creating high performing organizations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: FT Press.
A
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s! a e d I t a re G f o cade e D
Join us at the 2008 AFA Annual Meeting as we celebrate ten years of bringing great ideas to campuses.
CAMPUSPEAK
10th Anniversary Celebration Friday, December 5, 2008
Turnhalle in the Tivoli Downtown Denver, Colorado 8:00 pm–Midnight
Live band, dancing, desserts, cash bar, gifts...and a few surprises Complimentary transportation continuously to and from the Hyatt Regency for AFA attendees. Free parking for all other special guests. Please don’t drink and drive.
THANKS TO OUR CO-SPONSORS CAPSTONE DEVELOPMENT : TJELKE SOLUTIONS : ICS CHAPTER COMMUNICATIONS : GREEK YEARBOOK MARK STERNER
Association of Fraternity Advisors www.fraternityadvisors.org 9640 N. Augusta Drive, Suite 433 Carmel, IN 46032
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