Kappa Alpha Theta. New Member Education Plan Fall Lehigh University. Amanda Crowley: Chief Education Officer

Transcription

1 Lehigh University Kappa Alpha Theta New Member Education Plan Fall 2013 Amanda Crowley: Chief Education Officer Victoria Siciliano: New Member Educator 1

2 Anti-Hazing Statement: The Following is taken from Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity Bylaws, Article I, Section 4: Hazing or mock initiation of any kind is forbidden. Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity Statement on Hazing Kappa Alpha Theta seeks to promote a high standard of excellence in all aspects of Fraternity life and prides itself on acting as a leader within the Greek community. Risk management policies are in place to protect our Fraternity s rich history, but more importantly, the well being of our members. The goals of Kappa Alpha Theta membership include, but are not limited to: the preparation of a woman to accept the responsibilities of Fraternity membership and the encouragement of a woman s personal development to meet the demands of a mature life. In accordance with these goals, Kappa Alpha Theta does not tolerate any acts that may be constituted as hazing. Hazing can be defined as subjecting a person to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the health or safety of a member or which tends to humiliate, embarrass, or cause personal discomfort regardless of one s willingness to participate in such activity. Hazing violates Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity laws, FIPG and Fraternity insurance carrier policies and may violate local, state, province, university or college rules and regulations. Hazing is a severe risk management concern and is subject to legal consequences, including criminal liability in many jurisdictions. Risk management means more than keeping members safe at social events; it means maintaining safety throughout all aspects of chapter membership. Kappa Alpha Theta seeks to promote an environment that is physically and emotionally safe at all times. Hazing, in any form, will not be not tolerated. Hazing may result in chapter and member discipline, including termination of membership. Chapter s Hazing Reporting Protocol: In the case that someone in the chapter is believed to be hazing, or causing an uncomfortable situation for a new member, the offense will be brought to the attention of the President, Julie Stomel, Chief Education Officer, Amanda Crowley, and New Member Director, Victoria Siciliano. The three will convene over the matter, and inform the Advisory Board Chairman, Kim Rhodes. The four will discuss the situation further, and determine what the proper response should be and the active member(s) in question will likely be called before the Member Development Committee (MDC) for further investigation and internal disciplinary action. If upon investigation it is found that hazing did occur, the case will be brought to the attention of the District Team, and Kappa Alpha Theta Headquarters. 2

3 If it is found that hazing is occurring within the chapter, the chapter as a whole will be subject to disciplinary action by Kappa Alpha Theta Headquarters including but not limited to chapter disciplinary probation, membership limitation, chapter charter review and/or withdrawal of the chapter charter. No activities are mandatory, however attendance is highly encouraged for a smooth transition into the chapter. If a Weekly Chapter Meeting or Weekly New Member Meeting will be missed, the New Member is expected to notify the New Member Director in advance. If a new member is unable to attend a scheduled New Member meeting, the New Member Director will schedule a time with her to review the missed Theta For a Lifetime Module, at a time that is convenient for both the New Member and Officer. All other events and activities are planned for the benefit of acclimating the new members with the active chapter members. All new members reserve the right to attend or not attend as they so choose. New Members will be able to participate in any events the active members can sign up for including service opportunities, like Homework Club, or any charity events. There will be numerous opportunities for volunteer work alongside active members through the Community Service Office, so as to give every new member a chance to attend and help the community while getting to know the active members in the chapter better. Also any speakers or events on campus that active members are a part of or the chapter is supporting, will be encouraged opportunities for the new members to spend time with the active members while being involved on campus, outside of the formal New Member Education Program. Active members are also encouraged to interact with the New Members on a day-to-day basis. Every Sunday evening at 7:00 pm our chapter meeting is held and the new members are asked to participate in those meetings. Every Saturday 12-3p.m. the chapter has study hours where girls gather in the library and other common areas of the house to do work and help each other with homework or projects. The new members will be invited to attend to get some work done over the weekend. Scholarship and time management are priorities and we do not want the new members to fall short in class or not complete assignments. This gives them the opportunity to do homework or studying in a relaxed environment while at the house getting to know the active members. Each week of new member education, the New Member Director will be assigning twin star pairs. The active member will act as a mentor for the new member for the week. 3

4 Thursday afternoon, all new members will be invited to the house for lunch with the active members between 12-2 pm. Week 1: Scheduled events: Friday September 20 : Bid Day and Bid Day Dinner Friday night: Bid Day Celebration Saturday September 21: Pledge Ceremony, initial meeting 5:00 pm Monday September 23: New Member Class meeting; Module #1 in the TFL 5:00pm Tuesday September24: T-shirt making and bonding 4:30 pm Saturday, September 28: Study Hours will not be held as we will be away for retreat. During the Bid Day Dinner, our cook makes a nice meal for the evening. It is a great time for active members to get to know the new members. After dinner, the new member class will participate in ice-breakers with the active members to get to know one another. After dinner, the entire chapter (actives and new members) will participate in casino themed games and activities. The games will be held in the chapter room so all members can play and mingle in a casual atmosphere to begin bonding with the new member class. Initial Meeting: The first New Member meeting will be held after the first pledge ceremony ritual on September 21. At this first meeting, each New Members receives her Theta for a Lifetime manual, which will be used over the coming weeks for the New Member Education process. They also receive information on the active members in the chapter as well as a calendar of new member activities. The New Member Director will discuss with the new member class the importance of time management and will answer in detail all questions. Headquarters has provided us with manuals that specify exactly what will be learned over the new member education period. Kappa Alpha Theta s hazing information is included in the binders and will be discussed at the first meeting. New Members are asked to make collages on kites that best represent them, which will be presented at the next New Member meeting. The main focus of the first week is allowing our new members to become acquainted with the chapter and all active members, as well as the other new members. During this week, the chapter will be holding a speed dating activity to acquaint the new members to active sisters of the chapter. The new member director will also introduce new members to Greek Wise and GIN. Kappa Alpha Theta s hazing information is included in the binders and will be discussed at the first meeting. During this meeting new members will be assigned their academic mentor and will be able to meet with them. The new member director will provide all necessary about herself (name, phone number, , etc) and will answer all questions for new members. Important information about the chapter will also be disclosed to new members (chapter s website, mailing address, phone numbers of and s of the executive board, and all important dates, including initiation). The CFO, Julia Cocchiola, will come in to discuss new member dues and their due date. 4

5 Theta Beginnings: This meeting will occur Monday the 23 at 5:00 pm. During this meeting the new member director will go over the first module with new members. The goal is to help new members learn the history and importance of Theta and its founders. We will make sure to discuss both the fraternity and chapter history. New members will break up into small groups to discuss the information provided and then present their information to the entire group. Another fun activity that will take place during this module is the Notable Thetas Match Up this will be a good way to see the impact that Theta s have had all over the world. After this meeting new members are invited to gather in the living room to play Theta Bingo to get to know each other on a more personal level. New members will be asked to volunteer to take New Member meeting minutes and take pictures at all chapter events during the new member period. Thursday, the new members will be given the opportunity to make T-shirts with the active members. In the dining room of the chapter house, the new members will make Theta T-shirts using iron on letters and craft paint provided by the chapter. While making the shirts the new members and active members have the chance to get to know one another by helping each other and can watch a movie in the living room while the shirts dry. The active members can offer advice or guidance to the newest class during this time together. Week 2: Kite Sister Week Scheduled events: Sunday, September 29 : Chapter meeting 7:00 pm Monday, September 30: Team Building Activities 4:00pm Wednesday, October 2nd : New Member Class meeting; Module #2 in the TFL 5:00 pm Wednesday evening : Big/Little social 6:00 pm Friday, October 4 : Kite Active member Revelation 4:00 pm Saturday, October 5th : Study Hours 12:00pm-3:00pm Kite active member week is a smaller version of Big/Little week. Each active member is assigned a kite active member who buys small gifts (limited to $25 for the week) and leaves them secretly for their New Member. The week ends with revelation of your Kite Active member who will give you a hand made Theta kite pillow. Kite active members is also a scholastic mentor program for the new members. Kite Active members will be chosen based on the same or similar major; that way new members can have someone to turn to about Theta and scholarship matters. It s another way for the new members to feel connected and a part of the chapter and be able to have an optional study buddy or academic mentor. The week concludes on Friday when Kite Active Members are revealed to the new members. 5

6 On Tuesday, the New Member Director will be facilitating a series of team building and group bonding activities. These activities will be similar to those used for sport team training or summer camp group bonding and will allow all members to get to know each other and develop personal relationships more quickly. This activity will be open to the entire chapter and all new members. Intellectual Curiosity: The new members will also have their new member class meeting, in which they will go over the reading from Module #2: Intellectual Curiosity. New members will fill out the scholarship worksheet and then a panel of sophomores and juniors will help go over their answers and recommendations. They will learn about different requirements for Kappa Alpha Theta nationally, and learn more about the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation, the National Foundation that donates money to active members nationwide. We would like to invite the Scholarship chair, Rebekah Sloan, to explain her position, the GPA requirements of Kappa Alpha Theta, and the scholarship requirements of being in a sorority at Lehigh. Also invited is the Chief Operating Officer, Kit Landry. In case of any type of emergency, she is the person to contact first. She also oversees the Risk Management Committee. It is very important that the new members meet her and give her their completed emergency forms, in case anything was to ever happen. Even if it was something small, such as being afraid to walk back to their room late at night, the Chief Operating Officer has been known to go out of her way for active members of this chapter. She should be someone the new members meet right away, and are comfortable with. Also this week, the New Member Director plans on having a New Member Class event with any members interested in taking a Little sister. It will be an ice cream social, immediately following their weekly new member meeting that will allow the new members to get to know potential Bigs. Week 3: BIG LITTTLE Scheduled Events: Sunday, September 29: Chapter 7:00 pm; Present service project to Chapter Monday, September 30: House Bonding Activity Wednesday, October 2 : New Member Class Meeting; Module #4 in TFL 5:00 pm Friday, October 4: Big/Little Active member Revelation 5:00 pm Saturday, October 5 : Study Hours 12:00pm 3:00pm Big/Little Active member Week: This week is probably one of the most important and exciting times as a new member. The Big Active member is someone that the new members get to look up to for guidance and advice, and they are welcomed into their family and Theta lineage. It s always a really exciting time in the chapter. New Members receive various gifts from the Big Active member along with clues as to what their identity is. The theme of the week is active memberhood and all the benefits that 6

7 come along with being an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta. The week ends with the revelation of each active member s Big/Family and family photos are taken. Revelation consists of a chapter dinner followed by family games, where all the active members are mixed up, separated from their families, and play different card and board games with the new members. Alumni from some families even come back to later meet their new addition to their family. This also helps the new members meet more members of the chapter, while also building suspense as to which family they will be in later that night. Following the games, the new members finally learn the identity of her Big Active member! Commitment to Service - This week we will have our usual new member class meeting: this time on Module #4: Commitment to Service. This module will be used to discuss the importance of service in the lives of all Theta s. It is important to participate in giving back to the community, and new members will be able to share clubs or opportunities they take part in that help those in need. We will invite the Service Chair, Sophie Blau, who can also discuss service opportunities around campus, and in the Bethlehem community. Also, she will discuss our National Philanthropy, CASA. The new members will also learn about the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation and talk about how they can work together to be the widest influence in the community. Week 4: Leadership Potential Scheduled Events: Sunday, October 6 : Chapter meeting 7:00 pm Wednesday,October 9 : New Member Class meeting Module #3 in TFL 5:00 pm Thursday, October 10 : Chapter bonding event 6:00 pm Saturday, October 2: No study hours will be held due to pacing break Leadership Potential - We will have our usual new member class meeting, going over the third Module in the Theta For a Lifetime: Leadership Potential. This section talks about all the leadership opportunities on Lehigh s campus and within Theta itself. This module will allow new members to think about all the leadership roles they can take on throughout campus, and will see all the leadership roles that junior s in the house have. The module will begin with an icebreaker and then the new member will work with the juniors to fill out the everything I have learned about leadership forms. Thursday evening, the new and active members will meet in the Theta kitchen to bake and decorate cup cakes. Week 5: THETA OLYMPICS Scheduled Events: Sunday 10 TUESDAY 15: PACING BREAK 7

8 Wednesday, October 16 : New Member Class Meeting; Module #5 in TFL 5:00 pm, Theta Olympics: Jeopardy 7:00 pm Thursday, October 17: Theta Games 6:30pm Friday : Last Day of Olympics: Top Chef 4:30 pm Saturday, October 19 : Study Hours 12:00pm-3:00pm This is a very special week because it allows new members to think about their personal values and the values of Kappa Alpha That. This week is all about getting to know active members personalities! As a chapter we will compete in a competition. Active members and new members will be put on five or six teams and each day there will be a new activity for team members to compete in. Monday will be about Theta history with a game of jeopardy and Friday we will have a Top Chef style competition. Also, throughout the week teams will get points if they wear their letters, do community service, or if all members on the team attend all of their classes. At the end of the week the winner will be announced! Personal Excellence - On Wednesday they will go over the last Module in their Theta For A Lifetime: Personal Excellence. New members will reflect on what values are important to them but also those of the fraternity. They will hear first hand accounts from active seniors and all the benefits they have reaped from being a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Members, both active and new members, will discuss the importance of faith, hope and love and what it means to the fraternity and each of its members. The module will start out with an ice breaker between both seniors and new members and will go on to discuss the What I have gained from my Theta experience form. Because it is the last one, it is all about the benefits of being in Theta, and having the members reflect on how much Theta means to them. This week helps the new members get excited to officially be a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Week 6: Scheduled Events Sunday, October 20: Chapter 7:00 pm Monday, October 21: Projects will be given for the week Tuesday,October 22: Ritual 5:00 pm Wednesday, October 23 : New Member Class Meeting; Ritual Module 5:00 pm Friday, October 25 : Ritual 5:00; Presentation of Service project results Saturday, October 26 : INITIATION!! 8:00 am Inspiration Week: This week is entitled Inspiration Week by Theta HQ because it begins to introduce new members to more private parts of Theta. There are numerous meetings this week with different events planned for each one. This is a very exciting week. New members are invited to dinner each day. This week is crucial because it helps the new members get closer with each other, the members of the chapter, and the other members in the Greek community. It gives them the opportunity to see what it is really like to live in the house, because they will be spending a lot of time here 8

9 having dinner, being involved in different rituals, and attending new member class events. On Wednesday they will have their regular new member meeting where we will go over the ritual module in their TFL. We will reflect on their past rituals and do activities provided in the TFL guidebook. This meeting is meant to be a time of reflection for the new members to think back on what they have accomplished, who they have met and what is to come during their Theta experience. Initiation will take place Saturday morning and will be followed by a lunch for all chapter members. Unless otherwise specified: Ritual and Meetings will occur within the Kappa Alpha Theta Chapter House, in the Chapter Room/Living Room. 9

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