Occupy Fraternal Values Movement

I’ve been intrigued with the Occupy Wall Street movement over these past couple of months. To be honest, when I first heard about the movement, I thought it was going to last a day. I didn’t think it would grow into a worldwide movement. For those of you unfamiliar, here is a quick snapshot the movement provided by Wikipedia…

“Occupy Wall Street (OWS) is an ongoing series of demonstrations beginning September 17, 2011, in New York City's Zuccotti Park in the Wall Street financial district. The Canadian activist group Adbusters initiated the protests which have since become a worldwide movement. The protests have focused on social and economic inequality, high unemployment, greed, as well as corruption, and the undue influence of corporations—particularly that of the financial services sector—on government. The protesters' slogan We are the 99% refers to the growing difference in wealth in the U.S. between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the population.”

I find an interesting parallel to OWS with fraternities and sororities. Specifically, student leaders and administrators can both agree that in each chapter, there tends to be 10% (or insert your preferred percentage) of the people doing all the work. Across the nation at various district, regional, and national conferences we discuss this issue. Time and time again we as professionals provide the arena for conversation, honest dialogue, and encouragement to student leaders only to see them get frustrated time and time again by the 40-70% who do very little and the 10% who do nothing.

This got me thinking a crazy thought. What if the student leaders who were passionate about the fraternity and sorority movement protested fraternal values? An Occupy Fraternal Values Movement. Upset with members who continue to destroy your organization’s image? Protest outside their door. Upset with your inter/National office dues or structure? Protest at the National office. Are you continually frustrated with your Universities policies or views of fraternity and sorority life? DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

Now, I don’t mean start a riot or break down doors. I mean, bring your issues and concerns to the table and help create a viable solution. STAND for something. As the old saying goes, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. If you hear someone talking bad about your chapter or the Greek community, STAND up to them. If your local school paper writes negative press about Greek Life, respond in a way that showcases your true values. If faculty is refusing to acknowledge the difference fraternity men and sorority women can make, SHOW them. Invite them to events. Actions speak louder than words my friends.

I have long been an advocate for a “Day Without a Greek” day. Set a date as a Greek community and show what your institution would be like without Greeks for a day. I don’t mean skip classes. I mean, have a silent movement from your typical leadership roles. Maybe you all wear black that day and hand out little flyers about the Greek difference you and the Greek community make at your institution. So, if you are an RA, that day you still perform your duties but you do it in silence. Another idea is if able, maybe you take the day off in your leadership position. I want to make clear that this isn’t a day off; it is a day on.

This is just one idea but I know I’d love to see an Occupy Fraternal Values Movement lead by the students. I’m looking at you student leader. I’m looking at you UIFI grad. I’m looking at you juniors and seniors. I’m looking at you multicultural Greeks. I’m looking at you NPHC members. I’m looking at all of you. Will you stand for something? Will you make a movement about fraternal values? Ball is in your court...

Recommendation Letter Etiquette

Hello blog readers! The semester is winding down and tis’ the season for many things. Thanksgiving break is in sight. The long holiday break is a little over a month away and New Years is right around the corner.

One thing I’ve noticed in the student affairs profession is that at the end of each semester, in addition to these wonderful breaks is what I call “recommendation letter season.” Recognizing this, I thought I’d provide some recommendation letter etiquette tips for the college student.

Tip #1 - More Than Just a Letter:
First, as students, you should understand that recommendation letters are more than just a letter. They are (or should be) a genuine letter that identifies your strengths and speaks to your abilities. In addition, you need to know that if someone writes you a recommendation letter, they are putting their name on the line speaking on your behalf. Their credibility will be attached to you the minute they send the letter.

Tip #2 - Make a Formal Request:
Second, you should understand that recommendation letters take time. You should know that the proper etiquette is to make a formal request to your preferred recommender in person, by phone, or by email. It is recommended that you provide some context as to what the recommendation is for and why you have chosen the recommender. You should give the person you are asking for the recommendation time to consider your request.

Tip #3 – Early is Better
Nothing is more annoying and rude than asking for a recommendation letter at the last minute. As I stated in tip #1, the letter should be a genuine letter about you. If you provide little time for the person you are requesting a letter from to write the letter, they won’t write the best letter that they can. I’d recommend giving the recommender at least three weeks in advance of the deadline.

Tip #4 – Provide Information
Provide information about the position and yourself. For the position, provide a job description and reason why you want to apply for the position. If you are applying to grad school, provide information about the school, application requirements, etc. For your information, I’d suggest providing a resume, your aspirations, your extracurricular involvement, and your talents. Simply put, you need to answer the question, “Why should you be selected and/or hired over anyone else applying for the position?”

Tip #5 – Provide a Concrete Deadline
Administrators and faculty are busy people. Make sure you state a specific deadline of when you would like the recommendation letter complete. A week before the deadline, I’d suggest sending a reminder email as a courtesy to your recommender.

Tip #6 – Provide the “Stuff”
If the recommender is supposed to mail something for you, make sure you provide a pre-addressed envelope with proper postage. If you have application forms and materials to be filled out, make sure you provide those to your recommender as well.

Tip #7 – Send a Thank You
A written note or email is fine. There is no need for gifts. All we ask as administrators is that you put some effort into the letter or email! I always like when a student provides an update on whether or not they got the internship, job, or acceptance into a school. It can make someone's day knowing they had a small part in that success!

Now, some things you should avoid when it comes to recommendation letters…

1. Assuming that the recommender will write a letter for you - Always ask first to ensure they agree to write one for you.

2. Harassing the recommender - There is no need to email your recommender every other day asking if they have completed the letter. Give them their set deadline and wait. Be patient.

3. Anger if you are rejected - If someone turns you down for writing a rec letter, don't assume you are a bad person or bad student. Sometimes, administrators may not have enough information or inadequate experience with you to write the best letter for you. Sometimes, they may have insufficient knowledge about the position or institution.

4. In conclusion, it is important to have proper recommendation letter etiquette to ensure you receive the best possible letter you can for your future. As you finish up your school year, I hope you will use these tips to ensure a successful transition into your future!