Will you be attending the SWE Conference in Long Beach, CA this Oct 15-17th? Take advantage of this opportunity to network with your fellow Phi Rhos!
Meet with other actives and alumnae to get to know Phi Rhos from across the country during this event. PSR President, Nikki Yovanof, will be attending and coordinating plans for a PSR social activity.
Please contact Nikki at President@phisigmarho.org if you're interested in attending an event with PSR.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Congratulations VCU Colony!
Congratulations to the VCU Colony for their induction today! We are looking forward to bringing them through their colony education period and Installation to become the next chapter of Phi Sigma Rho!
Good luck to the colony and colony educator Marilyn Herczeg!
Good luck to the colony and colony educator Marilyn Herczeg!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Happy 25th Anniversary, Phi Sigma Rho!
Congratulations Phi Sigma Rho! We've made it 25 wonderful years! This is a very exciting day for all of us in celebrating our history, looking towards our future, and thanking everyone who has put in hard work to get us here today. Over the last year, we have spent a lot of time focusing on the significance of today and it is finally here!
Not everyone was able to make it to our celebration this summer. For those of you that were not, we have recordings of speeches from Abby and Rashmi at our luncheon celebration. Access to these videos will be distributed over the course of the next few days based on the way we do our e-mails. We hope that you enjoy them. In the meantime, I'll leave you all with a few pictures from our celebration! The first is all of us together at Station Square, and the second is 3 of our charter members (left to right); Christine Jackson, Rashmi Drummond, and Abby Schwartz.
I would like to ask all of you reflect with your fellow sisters on all that we have accomplished in the last 25 years and how we can continue to grow and improve in the next 25 years.
Happy 25th Phi Sigma Rho! I wish you all many more!
In Sistershood,
Nikki Yovanof
National President
12th National Council
Not everyone was able to make it to our celebration this summer. For those of you that were not, we have recordings of speeches from Abby and Rashmi at our luncheon celebration. Access to these videos will be distributed over the course of the next few days based on the way we do our e-mails. We hope that you enjoy them. In the meantime, I'll leave you all with a few pictures from our celebration! The first is all of us together at Station Square, and the second is 3 of our charter members (left to right); Christine Jackson, Rashmi Drummond, and Abby Schwartz.
I would like to ask all of you reflect with your fellow sisters on all that we have accomplished in the last 25 years and how we can continue to grow and improve in the next 25 years.
Happy 25th Phi Sigma Rho! I wish you all many more!
In Sistershood,
Nikki Yovanof
National President
12th National Council
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Risk Management Issues and Education
What is Risk Management? Literally, one could say the management of risk. This would be correct, but not terribly informative. Basically, Risk Management consists of policies put in place to make sure that the group's interests are protected. For instance, drug and alcohol awareness seeks to protect the lives and health of sisters. Those policies also protect the image of the group as well as protecting from legal liability (if followed). I've gotten several Risk Management related questions recently, and I thought this post might cover some of the "Frequently Asked Questions" or hot topics.
Tailgating
It's football season, and everyone knows what that means: tailgating season! Tailgating with your sisters can be a great activity. Just remember to follow the Risk Management guidelines, specifically the following:
Swine Flu
The H1N1 Influenza virus has been cropping up at campuses all over the place. A local university near where I live actually had to quarantine a couple of dorms! While this doesn't fall too squarely under Risk Management, it is worth mentioning. The only real effect will be if certain members cannot attend chapter. I would recommend that chapters put a policy in place for this type of thing. If there is some sort of outbreak, and several members cannot leave their dorms, what happens? Each chapter should determine the "what ifs" for this very situation just in case. Suggestions are: Chapter via chat/e-mail (make sure it is private) or conference calls. Do you have another suggestion? Put it in the comments or e-mail it to me! No matter what the chapter policy is, you must notify your RFD if something occurs. She will be able to work with you to make sure deadlines are either still met or extended if necessary.
Programming
As you know, each chapter is required to attend a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program twice per academic year. Stories surface frequently about binge drinking and drug problems on college campuses. While this may not be the "norm" for a college student, awareness is key. Not all such events can be avoided, but awareness will certainly help. What does your campus do for Drug and Alcohol Awareness? Do you have any other Risk Management programming? I'd love to hear about it - post a comment or drop me a line!
Hazing
Hazing is a terrible practice, but it is one that persists. Who hasn't heard a horror story about one of their local sororities or fraternities? I heard many in my college days. Sadly, most of the things you hear are rooted in truth. One story that I remember was that of candidates subjecting themselves to inspections. They would strip down to undergarments, and their "sisters" would mark what they called "problem areas" on their bodies with a marker. It's a terrible thing. I'm confident that all Phi Sigma Rho sisters know that these practices are absolutely prohibited; however, did you know that, in many staes, they are also illegal? A few examples:
What can I do for you?
Does your chapter have Risk Management concerns or questions? What can I do to make things easier for your chapter? Is there anything I can clarify? I'm happy to help in any way that I can - that's what I'm here for. I know that sometimes things can get sensitive within a close-knit chapter, but that doesn't mean you can't come to me for help. I can make sure to be very discreet, and your e-mail will remain confidential.
I hope this has been informative, and, as always, I welcome your comments, questions, or suggestions! Feel free to post them here or to e-mail me.
Phi Rho Love,
Becky (Caldwell) Frye
National VP of Standards
VPofStandards [at] phisigmarho [dot] org
Tailgating
It's football season, and everyone knows what that means: tailgating season! Tailgating with your sisters can be a great activity. Just remember to follow the Risk Management guidelines, specifically the following:
- No alcohol may be purchased with sorority funds.
- No alcohol may be served if it is doubling as a rush function.
- Alcohol must be either dispensed by a licensed third-party OR brought by a sister for her own consumption (limited to a 6-pack of beer or equivalent).
- Sorority letters and pins may not be worn while drinking.
- Additional guidelines can be found in the governing docs, Policy 3.19-1. These documents can be found on the website, http://www.phisigmarho.org, under Resources > National Documents.
Swine Flu
The H1N1 Influenza virus has been cropping up at campuses all over the place. A local university near where I live actually had to quarantine a couple of dorms! While this doesn't fall too squarely under Risk Management, it is worth mentioning. The only real effect will be if certain members cannot attend chapter. I would recommend that chapters put a policy in place for this type of thing. If there is some sort of outbreak, and several members cannot leave their dorms, what happens? Each chapter should determine the "what ifs" for this very situation just in case. Suggestions are: Chapter via chat/e-mail (make sure it is private) or conference calls. Do you have another suggestion? Put it in the comments or e-mail it to me! No matter what the chapter policy is, you must notify your RFD if something occurs. She will be able to work with you to make sure deadlines are either still met or extended if necessary.
Programming
As you know, each chapter is required to attend a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program twice per academic year. Stories surface frequently about binge drinking and drug problems on college campuses. While this may not be the "norm" for a college student, awareness is key. Not all such events can be avoided, but awareness will certainly help. What does your campus do for Drug and Alcohol Awareness? Do you have any other Risk Management programming? I'd love to hear about it - post a comment or drop me a line!
Hazing
Hazing is a terrible practice, but it is one that persists. Who hasn't heard a horror story about one of their local sororities or fraternities? I heard many in my college days. Sadly, most of the things you hear are rooted in truth. One story that I remember was that of candidates subjecting themselves to inspections. They would strip down to undergarments, and their "sisters" would mark what they called "problem areas" on their bodies with a marker. It's a terrible thing. I'm confident that all Phi Sigma Rho sisters know that these practices are absolutely prohibited; however, did you know that, in many staes, they are also illegal? A few examples:
- Arkansas: Hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor (punishable by up to 90 days in prison and up to a $500 fine) and includes expulsion from whatever school the offender attends.
- California: If no serious bodily injury occurs, it is a misdemeanor (punishable by a fine of $100 - $5,000 and up to a year in prison). If bodily injury occurs, it can even result in a felony charge!
- Florida: Depending on the specific situation, it can be either a felony or a misdemeanor and can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison!
- All three states also provide for the victims to file civil suit for damages in addition to pressing criminal charges.
What can I do for you?
Does your chapter have Risk Management concerns or questions? What can I do to make things easier for your chapter? Is there anything I can clarify? I'm happy to help in any way that I can - that's what I'm here for. I know that sometimes things can get sensitive within a close-knit chapter, but that doesn't mean you can't come to me for help. I can make sure to be very discreet, and your e-mail will remain confidential.
I hope this has been informative, and, as always, I welcome your comments, questions, or suggestions! Feel free to post them here or to e-mail me.
Phi Rho Love,
Becky (Caldwell) Frye
National VP of Standards
VPofStandards [at] phisigmarho [dot] org
Monday, September 21, 2009
September 2009 National Council Meeting
Last week, National Council met for our September monthly meeting. We had a lot of business to discuss this week - a few proposals on bylaw changes and some fun stuff, including our Fall newsletter. We got some updates on what is going on with all of the chapters and our current expansion efforts, including VCU this weekend! The most exciting is preparation to work on the strategic plan at our November Face-to-Face meeting. Last month, National Council was finishing up setting our personal goals for the next two years and each officer had a one-on-one with me to finalize our transition steps. We have definitely been busy, and I think you'll be hearing some exciting things in the next few months!
PRL,
Nikki
PRL,
Nikki
Sunday, September 20, 2009
VCU Colony Induction
The ladies of the VCU colony will be inducted into Phi Sigma Rho on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 11:00 AM. The VCU interest group was formed in Fall of 2008 when a local sorority on campus reached out to Phi Sigma Rho to become part of a national sorority. The induction ceremony will take place in the VCU School of Engineering East Hall, 401 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284. Initiated sisters are asked to wear black pants/shirts and white tops. The VCU students being inducted will be wearing all white. Any sisters interested in attending are welcome! Please RSVP to VPofExpansion@phisigmarho.org if you plan to attend.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Why Ohio?
By now, you're probably all excited about when we can all get together for our next national meeting and planning your trips to Cleveland and Columbus! I know I am looking forward to the next conference and convention. But based on the feedback we've received - both this year and in the past - some of your are asking, why Ohio again? After having the experience in planning and selecting these locations as the past VP of Programming, I can assure you that this is not an easy decision! So I wanted to share with you a little about what led us to these decisions.
If you don't know, I live in LA and would love to host you all a little closer to home! And we've heard your interest in going to new locations and getting the farther chapters more involved, so we made sure to look into these locations! First, we put out a request for interest for Leadership Conference 2010. Not very many chapters were interested, but after some discussion with a few chapters, we narrowed it down to a handful and looked into several on the west coast. For Convention 2011, we worked with Brian, the Triangle Executive Director, to select several fun locations - including two on the west coast and one in the southeast.
So why did we select the locations in Ohio?
1) Cost was too high on the west coast and other locations. Not only would it cost the majority of our actives and alumnae additional funds to travel that far, but the cost of lodging and food would increase registration and other incidental costs of the weekend. With the current economic situation, not only do we have to consider the budgets of our members but also the national operating budget as any business would.
2) Logistics become an issue in certain cities - everything from distance to airports to university requirements.
3) Attendance concerns - with high travel and registration costs, we were afraid that actives would be most affected and limited in travel ability. While the travel subsidy we offer is very helpful, we cannot pay for everyone to attend! Also, we hear from some alumnae that they would like to go to vacation locations, but we have not seen the kind of turnout in the past that demonstrates this is true
I don't want to lead anyone to thinking 'we'll never go anywhere outside of the northeast/midwest,' we are definitely heading in the right direction to do so. Here's how you can help:
1) If you want to host conference or convention in your city - let us know! Respond to our request or put together a proposal to let us know you're interested
2) Be creative! You know if your area is a high cost location, and you know it better than we do - so let us know if there are creative options to cut down costs that someone from out of town wouldn't think of.
3) Let us know your thoughts on where our future national meetings should be. Feel free to add comments to this post, or email anyone on national council!
We hope to see you at Case Western next summer, and hopefully at a city near you sometime in the future!
PRL, Nikki Yovanof
12th NC President
11th NC VP of Programming
If you don't know, I live in LA and would love to host you all a little closer to home! And we've heard your interest in going to new locations and getting the farther chapters more involved, so we made sure to look into these locations! First, we put out a request for interest for Leadership Conference 2010. Not very many chapters were interested, but after some discussion with a few chapters, we narrowed it down to a handful and looked into several on the west coast. For Convention 2011, we worked with Brian, the Triangle Executive Director, to select several fun locations - including two on the west coast and one in the southeast.
So why did we select the locations in Ohio?
1) Cost was too high on the west coast and other locations. Not only would it cost the majority of our actives and alumnae additional funds to travel that far, but the cost of lodging and food would increase registration and other incidental costs of the weekend. With the current economic situation, not only do we have to consider the budgets of our members but also the national operating budget as any business would.
2) Logistics become an issue in certain cities - everything from distance to airports to university requirements.
3) Attendance concerns - with high travel and registration costs, we were afraid that actives would be most affected and limited in travel ability. While the travel subsidy we offer is very helpful, we cannot pay for everyone to attend! Also, we hear from some alumnae that they would like to go to vacation locations, but we have not seen the kind of turnout in the past that demonstrates this is true
I don't want to lead anyone to thinking 'we'll never go anywhere outside of the northeast/midwest,' we are definitely heading in the right direction to do so. Here's how you can help:
1) If you want to host conference or convention in your city - let us know! Respond to our request or put together a proposal to let us know you're interested
2) Be creative! You know if your area is a high cost location, and you know it better than we do - so let us know if there are creative options to cut down costs that someone from out of town wouldn't think of.
3) Let us know your thoughts on where our future national meetings should be. Feel free to add comments to this post, or email anyone on national council!
We hope to see you at Case Western next summer, and hopefully at a city near you sometime in the future!
PRL, Nikki Yovanof
12th NC President
11th NC VP of Programming
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