ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Message from our
national president Happy Founders Day! Here we are celebrating yet another year of Tri Sigma history. This an
opportunity to reflect on the life and times of Tri Sigma during the 2017 year… a time to remember our accomplishments and experiences… the challenges we faced and successes we achieved.
In 2017, we remained focused on growth, membership, leadership, character education, financial stability, service, and philanthropic
engagement. Technological advancements and the launch of new
systems enabled us to optimize chapter operations. This allows our
members and volunteers to focus on what is important – the Tri Sigma
Sisterhood. It is this Sisterhood that is propelling us towards a major
milestone in growth for our organization by reaching 10,000 collegiate
members. With the support of over 96,000 alumnae, we are sure to make
history by sharing the value and benefits of membership with women from
across the nation. Our chapter roster has also increased as we installed the Theta
Kappa Chapter at The University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and redeveloped the Beta Mu Chapter at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Now, take a moment to look back and appreciate what Tri Sigma has accomplished during the past year. Know that together, with dedicated members, volunteers, and
staff, we can work in tandem to continue to move Tri Sigma ever forward and enjoy the rewarding experiences and the benefits of a lifetime of membership that Tri Sigma has to offer.
Looking forward to another prosperous year... Empowered,
Natalie Moore Averette National President
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contents 4
Chapter Operations and Collegiate Membership
8
Extension and Growth
11
Alumnae Membership and National Volunteers
13
Character Education and Leadership
18
Revenue and Expenses
19
Information Technology
20
Outreach and Communication
22
Our Leadership
ANNUAL REPORT 2017
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chapter operations and Collegiate Membership The following chapters achieved the highest level of accreditation: Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Alpha Pi, Clarion University of Pennsylvania Beta Delta, Shepherd University Delta Pi, Winthrop University Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University Epsilon Epsilon, Stockton University Nu, University of Central Missouri Zeta Kappa, Montclair State University 2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
9,076
9,036
8,670
8,167
7,317
Total Chapters
113
112
109
108
Average Chapter Size
80.32
80.67
79
73
69
Average GPA
3.14
3.15
3.12
3.11
3.08
Total Membership
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SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
106
(+ 1 colony)
Accreditation 2017 2016
2015
2014
2013
Pillar 1 and 2
73 (66%)
51 (47%)
58 (56%)
61 (59%)
16 (16%)
Non-Accredited
5 (5%)
8 (7%)
9 (8%)
10 (9%)
35 (34%)
Pillar 3 and 4
32 (29%)
50 (46%)
37 (36%)
33 (32%)
51 (50%)
Chapter Anniversaries 5
Theta Delta, Lindenwood University
45
Delta Eta, University of Southern Indiana
10
Eta Upsilon, Lynchburg College
15
Eta Xi, Ursinus College Eta Omicron, Sam Houston State University
50
Gamma Rho, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Gamma Pi, Nicholls State University
20
Zeta Chi, Coastal Carolina University Zeta Psi, The College of New Jersey Eta Alpha, Stephens College Eta Beta, Newberry College Eta Zeta, University of Alaska Anchorage
65
Beta Pi, University of Wisconsin - Stout
75
Alpha Phi, Central Michigan University Alpha Chi, Murray State University Alpha Psi, Eastern Illinois University
25
Zeta Eta, Winona State University Zeta Theta, Idaho State University Zeta Kappa, Montclair State University
85
Alpha Xi, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
30
Epsilon Theta, Oglethorpe University Epsilon Iota, St. Mary’s University Epsilon Kappa, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
90
Alpha Epsilon, Northwest Missouri State University
35
Delta Chi, University of Virginia Delta Upsilon, Widener University
95 Chi, Pittsburg State University Psi, Marshall University 100 Omicron, Eastern Michigan University Pi, Emporia State University
Collegiate Highlights New member retention is at 90.6% for fall 2017, and 90.51% for spring 2017. Initiated member retention is 97.2% for fall 2017, and 91.66% for spring 2017.
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chapter operations continued
262
advisors, honor council members, and risk managers trained at the 2017 Prevention Institute by the SAFE Team and Honor Council Specialists
Post-Evaluation Data: 99%
will recommend the Prevention Institute to others in their chapter
100%
indicated that Prevention Institute had practical content that they will use weekly, daily, or monthly to keep their sisters safe
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Hazing Prevention Week Women of Character Don’t Haze social media campaign reached 76,318 in 2017 compared to 32,871 in 2016. There was an increase in the number of twibbon campaign supports and shares.
2017 NHPW efforts
included an Instagram story reaching over 2,000 members that shared important statistics on hazing and called members to action to end hazing on college campuses and in their communities.
SAFE Team and Prevention Coordinators During the 2016-2017 academic year, more than 9,200 undergraduate members completed GreekLife.Edu — an online program focusing on healthy choices with alcohol, hazing prevention, and sexual assault awareness. We have much to be proud of, but also recognize the need for continued education and empowering our members to act. In March 2017, Tri Sigma’s volunteer Prevention Coordinators and Honor Council Specialists met to review the data from GreekLife.Edu and develop a comprehensive Prevention and Education Plan. Since the creation of the plan, we have shared key data and information with members, reviewed and made recommendations for changes on current policies to fit the current campus climate, developed initiatives to address areas of concern, and revised Triennial Visit curriculum to meet the needs of collegiate members. The triennial visits are held with all collegiate chapters once every three years. The educational experience is facilitated in-person by the SAFE Team and focuses on sisterhood and safety. The SAFE Team will be trained on the new curriculum at the 2018 Prevention Institute with visits starting using the new curriculum in spring 2018. ANNUAL REPORT 2017
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Extension and
growth
New Collegiate Chapters Installed in 2017 Theta Kappa
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin
*Beta Mu
University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma *Reestablished
New Chapter Development Highlights Department Restructuring Over the past year the organization has experienced growth and identified a need to restructure some existing departments. In the fall of 2017, the Extension and New Chapter Department went through a restructuring that resulted in two separate departments. The New Chapter Development Department was created and includes three staff personnel; the Director of New Chapter Development, the Associate Director of New Chapter Development, and the Assistant Director of New Chapter Growth. The Assistant Director of New Chapter Growth focuses on all aspects of recruitment for our new chapters and develops and implements resources and structures to ensure our chapters will match to quota, retain members, and are prepared for primary recruitment in addition to filling any vacancies through Continuous Open Recruitment. This position works closely with newly installed chapters to ensure they are set up for a successful first primary recruitment and all recruitment efforts moving forward. The Associate Director of New Chapter Development will continue to support groups operationally, including support for the Chapter Advisory Board, honor council, and housing. This new structure will allow the new chapter department to focus more specifically on recruitment and retention, and allow a dedicated staff member to focus on operational needs to help establish chapters, ultimately preparing them to join a chapter region. In addition to regular staff, the New Chapter Development Department added two senior consultants. As veterans working closely with our collegiate chapters, these two positions have enabled us to continue to provide much needed support for new chapters while maintaining consistency with that support. The Growth Initiative Department covers all extension and reestablishment efforts. In 2017, we began to recruit for a new director and assistant director. With this dedicated department, the organization can provide the adequate support to extension and new chapters without compromising strategic initiatives or resources. 8 ||
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Chapter Growth Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University, transitioned to the established chapter region 2 in January of 2017. Their previous success with primary recruitment, maintenance of campus total, high retention rate, academic success, and solid operational structure with an involved Chapter Advisory Board resulted in their successful transition to an established chapter region. Theta Zeta is the first chapter to transition into the regional structure that was part of the departmental changes of moving installation to the same semester as extension efforts, and changing the existing consultant support structure. Theta Zeta spent 2.5 years in the new chapter department and had support for 3 primary recruitments since our extension in 2014.
ANNUAL REPORT 2017
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Extension and
growth continued
Extension Refresh Our extension efforts received a fun and exciting refresh. The new look includes elements that compliment and add to the main Tri Sigma brand including an extended color pallete and fun fonts.
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Alumnae
membership and National Volunteers
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
Total Membership*
96,756
91,782
91,789
89,650
86,848
25
23
23.7
25.8
646*
755
554*
627
126
108
104
106
Total # of Chapters
Average Chapter Size
92 20
89
95
96
98
*Does not include sisters in Omega Chapter. National Volunteers
699*
NO/Resource
127
CAB
New Appointed this year
572* 197*
520* 144*
647
487
521
* Indicates the number of people serving, not the number of positions filled.
Alumnae Highlights Addition of New Staff This year we hired a permanent Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Liz Mataya, who served as a national volunteer on the Volunteer Engagement Team prior to accepting the position. She brings a background of knowledge as a past national volunteer, fresh ideas, and organization to implement the Volunteer Engagement Plan.
Approval of Volunteer Engagement Plan
Tri Sigma’s strength is our members and the future of the National Organization is accomplished through the voluntary leadership of our members. The Executive Council, serving as the governance board of the Organization, and elected officials, have the ultimate responsibility for Tri Sigma. Through the involvement of staff and volunteers, the strategic vision, goals, and objectives of the organization are implemented.
Over the past five years, Executive Council, staff, and volunteers have been hard at work creating a new Volunteer Philosophy and Volunteer Engagement Plan to enhance the experience of our volunteers and to ensure our organization’s viability. The newly created position of Volunteer Engagement Coordinator and a team of volunteers were brought on in fiscal year 2016-2017. During that time, we called together a work team of current and past national volunteers to research, brainstorm, and develop an implementation outline for the four areas of the Volunteer Engagement Plan: • Recruitment and Placement • Training and Development • Evaluation and Enrichment • Recognition This outline was accepted by Executive Council in the spring of 2017, and we began implementation this fall. Click here to learn more about the overall plan.
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Alumnae Experience
Involvement doesn’t mean that an alumna has to participate in something the sorority sponsors. In fact, research shows more members stay connected in ways outside structured sorority programming than those who are members of an alumnae chapter or serve in a volunteer role. Alumnae Experience opportunities fit into one of the following categories: sisterhood, professional development, personal development, celebrations & milestones, community involvement, volunteer, financial support, or professional development. Alumnae can look to see more opportunities for involvement with the lens of these categories such as mentoring, collegiate chapter connection points, and reunions.
Chapter Portal
This year, alumnae chapters piloted the use of the online Chapter Portal as a way to collect reporting and member information. Additionally, alumnae chapter members outlined the purpose of chapters to the National Organization, and volunteers are updating procedures to support their desired purpose.
State Days held Arkansas North Carolina South Carolina Wisconsin
262 attendees raised $3,120 for the Foundation
New Alumnae Chapters Natchitoches, Louisiana Capital Region, Virginia
Chapter Anniversaries
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5
Southern Nevada Fox Valley, IL Charleston, SC West Kentucky ARK-LA-TEX
15
Southwest Florida (Fort Myers)
20
Sarasota/Manatee Counties
25
Piedmont Triad Daytona Beach
35
Northeast Florida
45
Nashville
50
Eastern North Carolina (Wilson)
55
Chicago North Shore
60
Twin Cities
65
Sacramento
85
Tulsa
Character Education and
leadership
Presidents Academy This year we launched Presidents Academy, a national program that replaced the regional Officer Academies. After many phases of careful thought and conversation, the need to provide a single, consistent message through a consolidated experience prevailed. The new program reduced logistical barriers presented by officer turnover and availability, spring recruitment conflicts, and the general over-programming we know is facing our collegiate women. Focused efforts and resources, from both the National Organization and collegiate chapters, allowed for a more robust program experience and greater collaboration among peer leaders. Collegiate Chapter Presidents joined together January 5th-8th in Dulles, Virginia, to network with sisters from other collegiate chapters and with leading alumnae who coached them to success in their chapter role. They learned to harness their individual strengths, spot the strengths of their chapter members, and develop a sense of confidence to guide their chapter through change while addressing issues relevant to collegiate women.
Coaches/Staff | 18 Interns | 1 Total Participants | 128
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Dunham Women of Character Institute Statistics This annual institute focuses on the education of our newer/younger members and is designed to empower emerging leaders to lead with character.
Total Participants
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
197
152
158
128
113
122
Alumnae Engage 325 alumnae participated in our annual Alumnae Engage program. The focus for 2017 was Wellbeing, based on Gallup’s research presented in Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements by Tom Rath and Jim Harper.
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Service Immersion Trips “Getting to put Tri Sigma’s vision statement into action in Jamaica was incredible! Together we can change the world and empower others along the way.”
-Courtney Powelson, Beta Epsilon
Our intergenerational service immersion trips continue to build community with our partners in multiple Jamaica parishes and at The Shack Neighborhood House in Pursglove, WV. Through this week of service, participants develop a continued commitment to volunteerism with the vision of Tri Sigma as their guide. 10 participants went on the West Virginia Service Immersion Trip to The Shack and 24 participants went on the Jamaica Service Immersion Trip.
“My time at The Shack was short and the paint stains on my shirt are beginning to fade, but the marks these children left on my heart will last a lifetime.”
-Kristen Ramirez, Eta Pi
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Character Education and
leadership continued
Character Essay Contest 36 Collegiate Essays were submitted (including 29 from Tri Sigma members), and 16 Alumnae Essays were submitted. Collegiate winners:
1st
Mary Anna Crovetto Gamma Mu
2nd
Abigail Conage Eta Lambda
3rd
Katelynn Reyes Epsilon Alpha
Alumnae winners: Camille Weixel Chasteen, Zeta Rho and Twin Cities Alumnae Chapter and Michelle Dumele, Beta Epsilon and Fox Valley, IL Alumnae Chapter
Character Counts! Week
Celebrated October 15th - 21st and throughout the month of October.
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2017 Award Winners Each year, we are proud to recognize the individuals and chapters who exemplify our sisterhood. Our 2017 major award winners include: Alumnae ● ● ●
Steadfast Alumna Citation: Bobbi Walker Smith, Alpha Epsilon, Denver Emily Gates Alumna Achievement: Clarissa Fithian Crozier, Iota, Denver Alumnae Chapter of the Year: Phoenix
Collegiate ● ● ●
Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award: Courtney Ann Powelson, Beta Epsilon, Western Illinois University Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior: Tabytha Nycole Russell, Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University Chapter of the Year: Delta Pi, Winthrop University
ANNUAL REPORT 2017
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revenue and expenses Income
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70%
Collegiate Support
12%
Investments/Grants/ Other
Expenses 55%
6%
Member Support Programs
Professional/ Investments/Other
8%
Royalties/Chapter Supplies
6%
Conferences
4%
Technology
4%
Alumnae Support
2%
Walton House
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
33%
Management/ General
Information
technology
Chapter Portal In January, we launched the new Chapter Portal to our collegiate chapters. Through this tool, Chapter Officers are able to manage their membership and chapter operations. National Officers and volunteers working with our Collegiate Chapters are able to view reports on chapters they support. A select group of alumnae chapters piloted the platform in 2017, and through their feedback and further testing, we are preparing to launch with all alumnae chapters in 2018.
Accreditation An automated accreditation process has been setup through Chapter Portal for our chapters. This reporting tool allows our members, staff, and volunteers working with our collegiate chapters to easily access, update, and view their status within each pillar of the accreditation process. This new platform has empowered our chapter leaders to more easily perform the operational duties of their positions while also streamlining the information to the National Organization.
New Essential Sigma TopClass by WBT was selected as the new E-Learning platform. Work on the new E-Learning system began in June 2017 and includes a complete revamp of Essential Sigma. The platform launched in December 2017 to the new collegiate officers, and more programs are scheduled to launch in 2018, including New Member Education, Volunteer Training, and more.
Essential Sigma Highlights: • • • • • •
Responsive design for mobile devices SCORM friendly Gamification through badges and certificates Integration with our membership database Deadlines and recertification Easy to understand and navigate
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Outreach and
communication
The Triangle This year, our magazine embraced a new look. The spring and fall issues reflected the new Tri Sigma brand and the new direction of the magazine, which includes highlighting relevant, hot topic issues affecting our membership. We would love to continue to receive feedback and topic ideas, which can be emailed to triangle@trisigma.org.
Conversations with Council Inspiration for this new communication peaked when Executive Council found themselves individually having thought provoking, inspiring, humorous, and sometimes even challenging conversations with Tri Sigma members and Greek partners. With the help of volunteers and staff, a plan was created to promote respectful, open dialogue, engage our members, and educate women on topics affecting the greater, collective fraternal community. After the communication launched, the responses received came from a variety of members, ranging in age, location, and experiences. Some were collegians, others alumnae, all from various parts of the country. These conversations led to the first issue covering alumnae experience. It provided ways to stay involved and connected after graduation and introduced five categories for involvement. Members are encouraged to reach out with topics or to engage in conversations by emailing Executive Council at cwc@trisigma.org.
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Purple and Pearls and Licensed Vendors Purple and Pearls
In the fall, Purple and Pearls celebrated one year since the store’s re-launch in 2016. The store is a one-stop shop for all Tri Sigma merchandise and also offers custom products for our members and chapters, including bid day packages. This year, the store began to offer official National Program materials including Character Counts! Week shirts. Shop the store any time at purpleandpearls.com and provide all store feedback and special requests to marketing@trisigma.org.
Licensed Vendors
In the past two years, we have seen over 5% growth in licensed vendors. These partners offer our members and friends with official Tri Sigma merchandise. Royalties received from merchandise sales go towards funding national leadership programs and other philanthropic initiatives. For a list of all Tri Sigma licensed vendors, visit greeklicensing.com and shop all Tri Sigma gear at findgreek.com.
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Our
leadership
as of December 31, 2017
Ann Rutkowski, ED
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SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
Ann Rutkowski, ED ANNUAL REPORT 2017
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@sigmasigmasigma @sigmasigmasigmahq @trisigma Sigma Sigma Sigma National Headquarters 225 North Muhlenberg Street Woodstock, VA 22664 email: sigma@trisigma.org www.sigmasigmasigma.org © 2018 Sigma Sigma Sigma