Illinois State University Fraternity & Sorority Life March 2015
“Making Headlines… For the RIGHT Reasons” By: Yesenia Garcia, Graduate Assistant, Fraternity & Sorority Life In light of recent national concerns involving fraternal organizations and issues regarding discrimination, hazing, and sexual assault, the local Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter and the Interfraternity Council at Illinois State University came together to enact change.
Members of the Interfraternity Council reflected after a serious social justice conversation and agreed to adopt anti-discriminatory policies within their governing documents. Members also felt strongly about the need to peacefully demonstrate their commitment to create a safe, diverse, supportive and inclusive environment. On Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 pm the fraternal community hosted a solidarity walk in Milner Plaza. The walk was open to all who share this same vision for Illinois State University and all university campuses. The demonstration ended with a signed pledge to reflect on the positive changes colleges are capable of, and a commitment to reach across differences to create those changes. (Continued on next page)
Inside this issue: Not on our campus
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IMPACT
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CPC
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IFC
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IFC/MGC
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Calendar
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Contact Us: Fraternity & Sorority Life (309)-438-2151 Alex Snowden– Coordinator adsnowd@ilstu.edu Alanna Hill– Senior Specialist ahill4@ilstu.edu Ron Burse– Graduate Assistant vpsartburse@ilstu.edu Yesy Garcia– Graduate Assistant vpsaygarcia@ilstu.edu
Stay Connected ILSTUFSL
@ILSTUFSL
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NOT On OUR Campus “IFC & SAE Host Solidarity Walk” By: Yesenia Garcia, Graduate Assistant, Fraternity & Sorority Life
Joseph Laskey, President of the Interfraternity Council shared the following message: “What we do today is take a step, we are here to first of all recognize the issue at hand. Fraternities and Sororities are the ones that make the headlines, but it is time to understand that this can happen to any organization in any part of the country and still affect our campus. We have seen an increase in different issues such as Sexual Assault, Hazing, and discrimination and its time we address them but also be intentional to show our support for the LGBT community as well.”
“We will be a proactive community and address the issue before it comes here. And the big question everyone is asking is what’s next? This is a walk that came about to be proactive and we hope to continue with this event annually. We ask all organizations on campus show their inclusiveness and supportiveness of all backgrounds. While we consider ourselves to be inclusive, but are we, as organizations, really showing the support that some people may need? Every organization needs to continue to grow in its diversity, and reflect to see what may not make you attractive to every culture or background and see what you can do to change that. Put it in writing so you don’t come back in 10 years and see the culture isn’t what you had envisioned, leave it in writing for the leaders behind you to lean on in time of need.”
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NOT On ANY Campus “I understand that on my own I cannot change the traditions set place in your own chapters but I challenge you to look into yours and make sure that they are all there for the right reasons.” “We are all leaders here on Illinois State University’s Campus and as leaders we will not tolerate any racist, discriminatory behavior or “traditions” . We take pride in who we are, where we come from, and what we represent. We embrace our diverse cultures and continue to unite in order to make our campus a safe, diverse, supportive, and inclusive.”
“We are in this together, as a community. Take this opportunity to walk with someone you don’t know. Ask them questions, understand how their organization works, ask them what they do to show their support, ask them if their organization has been affected by something like this. You have the ability to do many things as an organization, but as an Illinois State University community, we have the ability to make a change, to pave a path, and to leave an impact on our campus.” The solidarity walk was challenged by concerned students that were afraid the demonstration was only a public relations ploy to save face on behalf of fraternal organizations. A serious social justice conversation was then facilitated student leaders which resulted in create a plan of action and steps to hold one another accountable to truly create a campus that all can be proud of. Thank you to those that share our vision for Illinois State University and thank you to those that will hold us accountable to it.
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IMPACT “IMPACTing Students to Make Positive Change” By: Yesenia Garcia, Graduate Assistant, Fraternity & Sorority Life
In the Fall of 2014, the Interfraternity Council approached several entities on Illinois State’s campus to sponsor the IMPACT Retreat for the benefit of the fraternal community. On March 27-29th their hopes became reality as over 80 students attended the values based leadership institute. “The goal of IMPACT® is to enable positive change within a fraternity/sorority community. This is accomplished through a variety of methods throughout the institute. Through large group sessions, complimented by small group discussions, each participant has the opportunity to personalize the IMPACT experience. All sessions offer hands-on experimental activities and ample discussion time to address individual concerns. “
“The entire IMPACT® institute is designed to build on itself in a manner that culminates in an agenda for meaningful community elevation. Through increased self awareness, community awareness, visioning, and skill development, participants will be able to recognize the current realities of their fraternity/sorority community and begin to develop effective strategies for positive change.” Source: http://www.nicindy.org/impact.html
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Ways you “IMPACTed� us A special thanks to all of the sponsors that supported our community and helped bring this amazing experience to campus: Dean of Students Office Fraternity & Sorority Life Interfraternity Council
g on rs. m de ya nit ty lea u m ri om soro c d ild bu ty an o T rni te fra
To have a fun, motivational, and inspiring fraternity/sorority experience
College Panhellenic Council Multicultural Greek Council National Pan-Hellenic Council
To increase effectiveness of communication between leaders
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o d o o
To identify the leaders of tomorrow for our community Source: http://www.nicindy.org/impact.html
eg h t for hole k r o w w o the T
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College Panhellenic Council “March Madness” By: Krystyn Abbate, President, Chi Omega
Chi Omega is proud to host March Madness every spring semester to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. March Madness is an all-Greek dance competition that allows fraternities/sororities to compete for a monetary donation towards their chapters’ philanthropy! This year’s This is an example of this year's ballot: March Madness theme was Millennium Madness! Each fraternity/sorority danced to the music corresponding to the millennium they chose. Judges are chosen by our March Madness chairwoman (Emily Rhode) and the scoring is done by marking pre-made ballots. We average the total points for each group from all five judges for a final score. They are then ranked in the top three for men's and women's organizations.
Act 1: Group Name Use of Theme ____/10 How much does the Performance relate to the theme "Millennium Madness"? Do they go above and beyond to portray the theme? Originality ____/10 How much do the dance moves, song choices, props, costumers, etc stand apart from other acts? Appearance / Costume ____/5 How appealing are the costumes? Are they original and well thought out? Enthusiasm / Professionalism ____/5 Are the performers excited and entertaining to watch? Are they participating in sportsmanlike conduct? Choreography / Music ____/10 Are the dance moves entertaining? Does the music enhance the act and coincide with the theme? Total Points ______
Chi Omega’s March Madness philanthropy supports the Make-A-Wish foundation to support children like him.
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College Panhellenic Council And the winners are… ΣΧ
& ΦΣΣ
This years winners were Sigma Chi fraternity (third consecutive win) and Phi Sigma Sigma sorority! The winners showed excellence in all of the categories. We have not yet received a total number for money raised this past March but we are hoping to reach $30,000 like previous years!
The women of Chi Omega and I are extremely grateful to everyone who comes out and supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and us! We couldn't do it without the help of the Greek community, our families, and our friends!
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Interfraternity Council “Water to Thrive” By: Max Fransen, President, FarmHouse Fraternity
“Why are these people walking up and down the side of the road?” This was the question Illinois State professor Andrew Matthews asked when picking up his son, Isaiah, from Ethiopia. After seeing four hours’ worth of this, he decided he had to do something about it.
Once back in the states, he started calling organizations interested making water accessible to the people in rural Africa and came upon Water to Thrive. A little more than $20,000 dollars later, Illinois State University has been accountable for raising enough funds to put in their fourth well in Africa. Along the way, Professor Matthews got to know and became the Advisor for FarmHouse fraternity. Since then FarmHouse has made Water to Thrive its main philanthropy and holds a Hog Roast following each Water Walk. During the Water Walk students walk the average distance Africans need to walk for water each day, six kilometers. This year over 500 students participated in the Water Walk and over 200 of them were fed at the Hog Roast. Although the Water Walk and Hog Roast are consistently growing on campus, FarmHouse members believe they are only scratching the surface of the impact they could make in their partnership with Water to Thrive. Their goal is to be able to raise enough money, $5,000, annually in order to put in a well with Illinois State’s name on it each year. If you would like any more information about the Water Walk or Hog Roast, feel free to contact Illinois State FarmHouse President Max Fransen via email at mefrans@ilstu.edu.
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Interfraternity/Multicultural Greek Council “Alpha & Delta Host Boys & Girls Club� By: Keith E. Harris Jr, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated
On March 24th, children of the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington arrived at Illinois State University promptly at 9:00a.m. Sponsored by the Men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the children were prepped for a Shadow Day full of campus tours, activities, student speakers, and a catered lunch from Taco Bell to conclude their visit. Upon arrival, the children were presented with a guest speaker in the Student Services Building. Following their opening session, the students were guided around on a campus tour, accompanied by the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., from Tri-Towers to Watterson, and into the Bone Student Center. To conclude the day, students met in the SSB for a student/faculty talk on college, and the overall importance of an education. During this time, BOTH fraternity and sorority members each took turns sharing their views on Greek Life, and answering any questions that the kids asked. After enjoying lunch, the children participated in an activity to show team building through a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. With only an hour left, students dispersed into groups led by students of Illinois State until their departure. The men of Eta Tau chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. continuously strive to serve and improve the surrounding communities. They pride themselves on consistently volunteering their time to the local Boys and Girls club.
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April 2015 Sunday
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CPC Philanthropy Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chartering
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FSL AWARDS DUE
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Sibling Weekend
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Relay for Life
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FSL AWARDS
FSL Office Events
University Events
Council Events
29th—FSL Awards
Sibling Weekend April 17—19th
8—CPC Lip-sync Showdown
6 pm Prairie Room
Bring it Back to Normal April 18th
7 pm Brown Ballroom
Philanthropies This Month
Relay for Life April 24th
AEPi Week Alpha Sig Car Smash SAE Chow for Charity ZTA Bags Tournament Phi Sig Covered in Colors Gamma Phi Beta Girls on the Run DZ Turtle Tug Pi Kapp War of Roses Tri Sigma Night Live Pi Phi Angels in the Outfield Tri Delta—Frats at Bat Acacia 7 Days of Service
11th—Pi Kappa Phi Chartering Banquet (Invite Only)
Want to be featured? 12th—Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Please email a headline, article, and picture to:
Chartering Banquet (Invite Only)
Yesenia Garcia, Graduate Assistant for Fraternity/Sorority Life at vpsaygarcia@ilstu.edu