Membership Reviews: Why They Fail

I had the opportunity to read over the Membership Review articles published in the latest AFA Essentials and thoroughly enjoyed reading each article. Each brought unique perspectives and interesting points. However, I felt there were some points that were neglected or not touched on enough that I think is worth addressing.

Before I begin, it should be noted that I have had various experiences with membership reviews. I joined my undergraduate chapter after they had experienced a membership review. I've conducted membership reviews for a National organization as well as requested a membership review at a few institutions as a campus-based professional. I've had great relationships with National Headquarters during membership reviews and I've had terrible relationships with National Headquarters during membership reviews. I even had one National staff do a membership review without even telling us...the institution! With all that said, I want to state the following...

When in doubt, I am in the camp that feels you should close more chapters and spend little time conducting membership reviews. Why? Rather than try to eloquently write it myself, I would refer you to the following article here written by a person I admire, Mike McRee and his co-author, Martin Cobb.

HOWEVER, part of why I don't really believe in membership reviews stems from my belief, that we still have no idea how to do them correctly. Thus, why they fail! Let me explain in three points:

1. No Data/Assessment
To my knowledge, there has been no concrete data and or assessment to show that membership reviews are successful or not. I wonder if any inter/national organizations have internal data to show the success rate of conducting membership reviews that include cost/benefit analysis, etc. I'm not saying there isn't data out there, but I've never seen any at AFA, national conference or regional conference. If someone has it, please share. I'd love to read it.

2. No Transparency
Similar to Mr. Wilkinson's points in his article here, I don't believe there has been much education to students about the purpose of membership reviews. I'd also venture to say that there is very little education done in consultant staff training at inter/national headquarters about membership reviews.

Most of all, there is no outline (from institutions or inter/national headquarters) that really articulates what warrants a membership review. Is it after the second strike? Is it after a rape incident? As. Ms. Burke points out in her article here, we don't even know who should take the lead more often than not. So, when do they occur? I'm sure there will never be something written by either side (campus or HQ) for fear of litigation but with no transparency, how will students know when they are reaching the point of a membership review. As Mr. Wilkinson pointed out and others, more education is needed on all fronts.

3. No Follow-Up
The last point is in my opinion, the biggest reason why membership reviews fail. There is hardly ever any follow-up. Almost all the authors of the Essential articles mentioned it (Westol in #9, Burke #2 suggestion, Grindel #8, Wilkinson in talking about communication) and yet the one who shouted it most, was Mr. Baker...the student! See for yourself here.

In Mr. Baker's words, "Another aspect that was handled differently than I expected was headquarters' follow-up contact after the membership review. They did a good job with the appeals process for members who deserved a second chance; however, there was no real guidance from headquarters otherwise." He goes on to state that what his chapter needed was a "sense of direction."

This is where I think we have failed as a profession. We invest so much time in recruiting members. We spend an incredible amount of money hiring Expansion/Extension staff as well as New Colony/Chapter staff. Yet, with membership reviews, we treat it as a "get in, get out and hope it works" mentality. As if we are treating a bird with a wounded wing and after 2 months of recovery, kicking it off a ledge, hoping it will fly. If not, oh well.

If we want to truly see membership reviews succeed, we have to devote the time and resources. That means communication with the students on a frequent basis. Clear expectations for all parties involved including students, alumni and campus-based professionals. That also means full-time staff from the inter/national organization committing their time and efforts to being there for the students as they lick their wounds. See for yourself in Mr. Baker's words! He just wanted and needed guidance. Support. Clarity. So, why not commit to that as campus-based professionals, national organizations?


In closing, we need more data, transparency and follow-up if we are going to see membership reviews work on a consistent basis. Right now, we are just "hoping" they will work. Let me know what you think.

The 5 Questions: Mid-Level Professionals

Today's blog entry is part two in a three-part series entitled, "The 5 Questions." As I stated in part one, the intent of these questions are to get you to think. To reflect. To really take time and consider where you are at in your respective professional career. I also hope to crowd-source questions from my readers. What would you want someone who is a Mid-Level Professional to reflect on? This blog entry is focused on the Mid-Level Professional (4-6 years). The five questions are...

1. Am I Happy? Am I Taking Enough Time for Me?
If you read part 1 of this series, you know the same question is asked. However, think about the importance of this question. Are you happy? Our happiness impacts our lives in a powerful way. We spend a third of our day at work and once you have been in the field for 4-6 years, you really have to take a step back and ask yourself, "Is this for you?" Are you happy? Am I taking enough time for ME?

I will never forget attending NASPA during my earlier years in the profession and attended a session on work/life balance. The presentation itself was okay but I'll never forget one stat that the presenter stated. She stated that in higher education, 50% of your respective graduate program cohort will have left the field after 5 years. I found that shocking. Having now been in the field for awhile now, I understand why the retention is so poor. I believe part of the reasoning is this very question I have posed and the unfortunate realization that people simply are not happy. So, ask yourself, "Are you happy?"

One other point on this question that I think must be stated. It is okay to be selfish. Stop worrying about what others will think including your co-workers, students, etc. Too often people get caught up in the emotional reaction of others and forget to think about their own health and happiness. Be selfish when it comes to your happiness.

2. What Risks Am I Going to Take this Year?
At this stage in your career, you know your profession pretty well. You have a vast knowledge of the resources and skills around you. You should know with fair certainty your strengths and weaknesses. Thus, now is the time to ask yourself, "What risk(s) am I going to take this year?"

Put another way, how will you step out of your comfort zone? I mean, REALLY step out of your comfort zone. Maybe you will advise a new student organization. Maybe you will take on the assessment for your office. Maybe you will put in a proposal to present at a national conference on a topic you know very little about but it interests you. Maybe you will ask for a 5-10% raise in your salary.

If we are going into the deep end, maybe you will discuss with your boss this issues you have that you haven't discussed with him/her yet. Maybe you will finally take the leap into obtaining your Doctorate. Maybe you will discuss starting a family with your significant other. Maybe you will finally say enough is enough and quit your job. Maybe you will start your own business.

My suggestion is to write down a list of things you can do to step out of your comfort zone. Make it your "risks" list. After jotting down 5-10 things, circle the 2-3 that scare the shit out of you and focus on those. Why those 2-3? Those are the risks that scare you but will make you a better professional in the long run.

3. Who Can I Mentor?
Having been in the field for 4-6 years, now is the time to find someone you can mentor. Maybe you already have someone you mentor. Add another. If not, find a student/new professional that is eager to learn. Eager to listen. Eager to make you a better professional.

My two suggestions. 1) Read the book Greater than Yourself by Steve Farber. 2) Find someone that is slightly different than you.

Not sure how to begin mentoring someone? Ask your mentor! If you don't have one, then envision what you would want in a mentor and then become it for someone. The art of giving back will serve as a profound fulfillment in your life.

4. What More will I want in a Job Five Years from Now?
At this point, you have a pretty good idea of what you want in your job. What you like and dislike. The culture you work best in. So as you think about your future, ask yourself, "what more will I want in a job five years from now?" Sure, the easy answer is money but what else? Greater autonomy? Supervision? A seat at the "big" table?

You should always be thinking of your future so when the time comes, you are ready and know what you want that will in turn, make you happy.

5. Who Can Help Me Find Ways to Get More from My Present Job or Prepare Myself for What I Want to Do in the Future?
Simply put, who is going to challenge you? I mean, REALLY challenge you. Push you. Make you a little uncomfortable because they are pushing you to be a better version of yourself you didn't think was attainable. You need to find the person or people that are going to ask the "why" question a lot. To the point that drives you a little nuts but you know you need it.

Why is this important? Think of the best teacher/instructor/advisor you've ever had. I bet they were the person who pushed you to the breaking point but out of a place of love. When you think of that person now, I bet you smirk, smile or have a positive image. So, find someone that can do that for you now at this stage in your career.


As I stated above, I'd love to see what other reflective questions you have for mid-level professionals. Leave them in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

The 5 Questions: New Professionals

Over the summer, like many of you, I find myself reflecting on my work, my relationships and my life as a whole. One day while reflecting, I began to think about how often other individuals push us to reflect. Put another way, how often does your supervisor, friend or person in your life get you thinking about what truly matters in your life?

In my opinion, as you evolve in your profession, different reflection questions arise but aren't always discussed. With no scientific or theoretical backing, I'd venture to say we are asked more reflective questions as a new professional than we are as seasoned professionals. So, I thought I'd use this blog to provide a three-part "5 questions" series that provides five reflective questions for three different categories - New Professional (0-3 years), Mid-Level Professional (4-6 years) and Seasoned Professional (7-15+ years).

My hope is that these reflection questions will get you to think. To reflect. To really take time and consider where you are at in your respective professional career. I also hope to crowd-source questions from my readers. What would you want someone who is a New Professional to reflect on? A Seasoned Professional, etc.? This blog, part 1 in the 3 part series focuses on the New Professional. The five questions are...

1. Am I Happy?
A simple yet deceivingly complex question. Anyone can answer "yes" but can you articulate why? If your answer is "no," what are you doing to fix your unhappiness? Most of all, how often do you make excuses to tell yourself you are happy when in reality, you're not? As a new professional it is important to find what makes you happy and surround yourself with people that are going to make going work enjoyable. If you are not happy, stop making excuses and get yourself out of the toxic environment.

2. What Do I Want to Learn?
New professionals have various skill-sets and talents that they bring to their respective position. Yet, there is always room for improvement. There is always an opportunity to hone your skills and push yourself from good to great. So, what do you want to learn? Who can help you learn it? Most of all, how are you going to make it happen?

Also consider the environment you work in. You might know a great deal about your respective department but what do you know about other departments? Who is someone that isn't in your office that sparks your curiosity? How will you arrange a time to meet with that person?

3. What Professional Areas Do I Need to Improve?
Similar to #2, how can you improve in areas that will set you up for success in the future? How can you obtain supervisory experience? How can you be a better supervisor? How would you rate yourself in terms of assessment? Approachability? Fiscal management? Time management? Delegation?

Need help with this section. Ask your current supervisor the question, "what areas can you improve"...constantly. Ask your students. Ask your colleagues. Just remember, feedback should not be viewed as a negative, but a positive.

4. How Do I Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle?
New professionals are notorious for an unhealthy work/life balance. There is a reason the retention rate for professionals in higher education is so poor. Too often I see over-eager new professionals immerse themselves into their positions with the best of intentions. Yet, the long hours and lack of balance take its toll over time and it negatively impacts their lives. So, how will you ensure you are not one of those individuals?

I personally make it a point to go to the gym after work or do some level of physical activity (does kickball count) to ensure I am maintaining a healthy balance. Keep in mind, I used the word healthy, not physical. That works for me but it may not work for you. Maybe you knit. Maybe you have a family. Maybe you enjoy reading fiction books. Whatever it is, really think about what your work/life balance looks like and whether or not it would be considered healthy.

5. What are My Next Steps?
One of the best supervisors I have had in my life always told me that once you are in a new job, you should always be researching for your next job. At first, that caught me off guard but after thinking about it, it made sense. The reality is, we all eventually need to move on. New challenges. New responsibilities. New passions. So, what are your next steps? How will you get there? Who can serve as a mentor or guide for you to get there?


As I stated above, I'd love to see what other reflective questions you have for new professionals. Leave them in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

Social Media Rankings

For those that know me, they know I am passionate about fraternities and sororities as well as social media. I enjoy combining both worlds when given the opportunity and I'm excited to present the first ever social media rankings for office Fraternity and Sorority Facebook and Twitter pages.

A few notes and disclaimers before you look at the rankings. First, this would not have been possible without the help of some amazing grad students. Second, only office Fraternity and Sorority Life Facebook and Twitter pages were looked at for the rankings. This means that if a school has an IFC Facebook page, a NPC facebook page, NPHC page etc. then we only looked at the office Facebook page. The same is true with Twitter. Next, there were 410 institutions reviewed. This number was taken from the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors database of member institutions. Finally, these ranking numbers were as of Thursday, April 4th.

With all that being said, here are the Top 15 institutions as it pertains to Facebook page "Likes" and Twitter Followers.

Facebook Top 15 (Based on Likes):
1. University of Arkansas - 5,059 Likes
2. East Carolina University
3. University of Illinois - Champaign
4. Clemson University
5. University of Iowa
6. Central Michigan University
7. Baylor University
8. University of West Georgia
9. University of Louisiana - Lafayette
10. Indiana State University
11. UC - Davis
12. St. Johns University, Queens Campus
13. Northern Illinois University
14. College of William and Mary
15. University of Pittsburgh

Twitter Top 15 (Based on Followers):
1. University of Missouri - 4,372 followers
2. University of Alabama - 3,472 followers
3. Purdue University - 3,153 followers
4. University of Central Florida - 2,884 followers
5. University of Arkansas - 2,787 followers
6. University of Michigan - 2,350 followers
7. Clemson University - 2,348 followers
8. University of South Carolina - 2,291 followers
9. Miami University - 2,253 followers
10. University of Cincinnati - 1,991 followers
11. Florida State University - 1,899 followers
12. Iowa State University - 1,802 followers
13. Grand Valley State University - 1,785 followers
14. Michigan State University - 1,763 followers
15. Lehigh University - 1,747 followers


Think your school should be in the top 15? Let me know in the comments section and provide a link to your respective Fraternity & Sorority life page.

How to Suck at Recruitment: Men Edition

3 Lessons Student Affairs Could Learn from the Harlem Shake

By now, I’m sure you have heard about and seen the Harlem Shake YouTube video. If you haven’t, go to YouTube and type in “Harlem Shake” and thousands of results will appear. The original is here

I have noticed quite a few student affairs professionals make negative comments about the video or ask, “Why is this so popular” in a sarcastic tone. While I certainly won’t try to justify whether or not you should like the video, I think there are three lessons student affairs can take from the video:

1. Encourage Creativity
Some might argue that the original video has little to no creativity at all. Yet, I’d challenge you to watch the UGA swimming version, then a campus-based version, then another. Each video in a way, tells a story. It allows for creative freedom in a quick 30 seconds. If your student’s create a Harlem Shake, embrace it and share in their creativity.

2. Simplicity = Buy-In
When it was created, the concept of Facebook was simple. The same is true with Twitter. Square’s card reader was created as a simple way to make quick and easy payments from your phone. The latest tech craze is Vine, Twitter’s new video sharing app that allows you to create a 6 second video. What do all of these companies and applications have in common; simplicity.

The Harlem Shake follows this successful path by allowing 30 seconds of silly creativity for anyone caring to create a YouTube video. Students like things that are simple and easy to understand. As Student Affairs professionals, when we keep things simple, we get more buy-in. As the old acronym states, “Keep it simple stupid!”

3. Take Your Assessment/Theory Hat OFF and Put Your FUN Hat ON!
It’s important for students to do some things simply because they’re fun and bring people together. That’s not a bad thing. Some of the best Harlem Shakes have brought school spirit! If you are trying to create change in your respective Student Affairs position, then fun needs to be part of the equation. So, before you announce to the world how stupid you think the Harlem Shake is after a student shares their excitement in the new fad, pause, take a moment and just share in their peculiar humor. Heck, if we are getting really crazy, encourage your students to set up a Harlem Shake video and you be the one to start the video. If anything, I think some students would see you in a positive, he/she’s not "THAT" bad kind of perspective.

5 Things Fraternity Men Can Do On Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day. The day some people dread and some people love. Whether you love Single Awareness Day or love the thought of spending time with your special someone, you can always make someone’s day regardless of the occasion. At times, I get asked, “What is a good way to surprise women in a sorority?” Well, here are five ideas I came up with that I think could make your Fraternity stand out amongst the rest on Valentine’s Day…

Serenades

There is something about singing that women love. Whether it is one fraternity man singing and the chapter standing beside him or a group of men singing in a cappella, it has a positive effect. Not quite sure what to sing? Keep it simple. It is the thought that counts. Women know you aren’t Usher or Justin Timberlake but they will appreciate the courage and confidence. Need an example? Check this out:  http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2013-01-30/jc-chasez-lumineers-ho-hey-sorority-serenade/.  Two other things to remember if you decide to test your vocal cords – keep it appropriate and dress to impress. It defeats the whole activity if the song turns into something dirty or inappropriate. As far as attire, a group of men in a suit and tie look much better than men in a variety of clothes. Trust me.

Shovel Snow

For my readers in the Northern part of the United States, this is for you. Imagine this scenario for a moment. You are a sorority woman with an 8am class. You know that it is going to be cold outside and you are going to have to shovel snow off your car. You put on your jacket, scarf and brace for the numbness your face is about to feel. You walk out to your car dreading the next 5-10 minutes of scraping ice off your car. You step out the door and to your amazement; your car has been taken care of by fraternity men! No scraping ice for you! You look down the row to see all of your sorority sisters cars have been scraped off. You look down and notice that your sidewalk has been shoveled. Men, this works. Go the extra mile and leave a lasting impression. What do you think that girl will do first? My guess is that she will either Instagram the selfless act, text her sisters or have a big smile on her to start her day. Regardless, she will be a happy girl.

Flowers

Women love flowers. Men, we know this (or at least I hope you know this). Valentine’s Day is notorious for flowers. So, how can you stand out? Well, why not buy a bunch of flowers and hand them out to every woman you see on campus. Whether she is a sorority woman, a female faculty member or that female chapter advisor you haven’t talked to in a little while. To make this activity even more impactful, have a little note attached to each flower. Something short and sweet that says something like, “You are beautiful” or “You are going to have a fantastic day.” Talk about free publicity and getting people talking about your organization!

Social to a Retirement Home

Fraternity men and sorority women love socials/mixers. They are a great way to meet new fraternity/sorority members and have some fun. Well, why not tie that into Valentine’s Day by taking a sorority to a retirement home for a Valentine’s Day social. Each Greek member pairs up with someone from the retirement home and takes them as their Valentine. You dance, you play bingo and you have a conversation with someone you didn’t know before the social. You show gratitude and spend two hours impacting someone’s life. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure sorority women would love this idea and the thought that went into this activity.

Valentine Day Dance

I think this one is self-explanatory but the planning that goes into this event is what makes the difference. Rent out a room in your Student Union, a local VFW hall or block off your chapter house dining area for Valentine’s Day.

A few weeks beforehand, have each member of the chapter give the Valentine Day Chairman a name of someone they would like to invite to the dance. Allow him to personally send a letter or card to those women stating that they have been invited to this exclusive event.

A few hours before the event, ensure the room is looking great. Decorate it with table clothes, flowers, chocolates, etc. This is a dry event (meaning no alcohol) so get creative with food and drinks. Have a DJ. Have a photo booth. Have a member in the chapter (or alumnus) that can be a photographer.

Depending on your budget, figure out a unique way for women to arrive together. Charter bus? Limo? School bus? Once they arrive, have a fun way for them to find their date. Maybe it is by their tie? Their socks or by the flower they are holding in their hand. Each date gets a flower. Each date gets a hug. Each date gets a gift for the event.

As the night goes on, set aside some time for a serenade and a brief speech thanking the women for their attendance. At the end of the night, conclude with another serenade and an offer to drive them back home.


I’m not Hitch and I’m not love expert but I think these activities would leave a lasting impression on any sorority woman. Try it out and let me know how it goes. Good luck!

Six Fraternal World Predictions for 2013

A number of other professions create “predictions” or up and coming “trends” for the upcoming year. Unless I missed them, I noticed that the fraternal world does not. In most circumstances, these predictions are nothing more than an educated guess. Yet, every now and then one hits the nail on the head. I figured why not make some predictions for the fraternal world. Who knows maybe one will hit the nail on the head! So with that being said, here are my six bold predictions for 2013:

Service Becomes THE Thing To Do

In 2013, we will see a record number of service hours completed by Greek organizations. Students will embrace the dirt and sweat of doing community service and start to do it on a more frequent basis. “Forget the once a month service event, let’s do it once a week” said the upbeat, newly elected Community Service Chair. Partnerships with local agencies and National service trips will lead the way in this awesome initiative.

A Record Hazing Lawsuit Will Occur

Each year, there are positive predictions and some that are not so pleasant predictions. This prediction unfortunately fits the latter. With the lack of patience from University administrators, National Headquarters, parents and alumni, 2013 will be the year where a record hazing lawsuit will occur. “Enough is enough” will be the headlines from the lead attorney of the family who loses a child due to reckless, immature and illegal hazing. $150-200 million is the number that pops in my head.

Larger Staffs on Campus and at National Headquarters

“We need more support. We need more bodies. We need more money” shouts the Executive Director and Director of Greek Life respectively. Surprisingly, National Headquarter Foundations and University Administrators finally agree with this sentiment. In return, we see a growth of Risk Reduction, Digital/Social Media and Expansion/Extension National staff support. One might argue a need for more Associate/Assistant Exec. Director positions as well.

On the campus side, we will see more Coordinator and Assistant Director positions’ open up. At the very least, more graduate assistantships will become available to help fill a much needed void in student to staff ratio.

Greater Digital Presence from National Headquarters

Social Media is here to stay and with that will become a need to reach students via various social media platforms. This will result in National Headquarter staffs hiring more Social Media Community Managers/Strategist/Specialist. Facebook engagements will increase. Twitter chats will become a weekly thing. Pinterest parties will be the new “it” social. Organizations who embrace LinkedIn will see a tremendous growth in alumni networking and help recent graduates find a job. Most of all, blogging from the National Headquarter staff perspective will become a great way for their undergraduate students to see the “behind the scenes” stuff. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more webinars, podcasts and SlideSharing occurring to engage more undergraduate members, volunteers and alumni.

A Campus Will Close Their Greek Community

Dartmouth had such a brutal year in 2012 that I’m sure people considered the option of closing their Greek community. Trinity College is forcing Greek organizations to go co-ed or risk their existence on campus. These are just two examples of Greek communities on thin ice. They aren’t the only campuses under the microscope. I predict there will be one campus with two different large scale risk management issues that push the Board of Trustees to close their Greek community. Students will be outraged but in the end, their own lack of accountability will be the demise of the community they loved.

A New, Disruptive Program Will Be a Game Changer

In the business world, being disruptive is embraced. It is a development/program/philosophy that disrupts the status quo and allows for a positive shift in the game. Remember when that thing called the “iPhone” came out. Yeah, that was a game changer. That website called “Facebook” – another game changer.

In the fraternal world, game changers come every 4-5 years it seems. I’d love to see more game changing and I think 2013 brings a game changer to the fraternal world. My gut says that it will be in the philanthropy/service arena but realistically, I think it will come in the risk management arena. Ritual education is the golden egg waiting to be found and used as a game changer. Bystander behavior had its moment but has fizzled out a bit. A disruptive academic program would be awesome as would a real challenge in recruiting in the sorority and multi-cultural environments. Regardless, there will be a disruption in the fraternal world and it will be a game changer. The question is who will create it?

Those are my six predictions. What predictions do you have for the fraternal world?

2012: Worst Year Ever for Greek Organizations?

Was 2012 the worst year for fraternities and sororities? I had some time to reflect over the holidays and I couldn't help but think of all the negative press Greek organizations received in the past year. I asked myself, “is it just because the internet makes it easier to track these issues?” Then, I stopped myself and realized, “does that matter?”

In my time as a campus-based professional, I can’t remember a year that was worse for negative publicity centered on fraternities and sororities. Thus, I present 51 reasons why 2012 may have been the worst year ever for fraternities and sororities:

Hazing Beyond the Frat House: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/12/23/florida-am-death-illuminates-prevalence-non-greek-hazing

Hazing Alleged at Jacksonville State: http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/16927474/article-Hazing-alleged-at-Jacksonville-State-fraternity

3 Different Fraternities found Guilty at EKU for Hazing: http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Hazing_at_EKU_results_in_three_fraternity_suspensions_137309593.html

Texas State Fraternity Chapter loses Charter: http://star.txstate.edu/node/5103

TKE will lose Recognition After Reported Hospitalization: http://cornellsun.com/section/news/content/2012/01/19/tke-will-lose-recognition-after-reported-hospitalization

Cocaine, Drugs and Money seized at EWU frat brother’s off-campus party: http://www.kxly.com/news/30246102/detail.html

University Revokes Two Greek Charters over the Break: http://www.diamondbackonline.com/news/university-revokes-two-greek-charters-over-break-1.2749919

Student Accuses Frat of Hazing: http://thedartmouth.com/2012/01/25/news/hazing

SUU’s Sigma Nu Suspended After Hazing Incident: http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20120121/NEWS01/201210314/1002/rss

Delta Gamma Faces Investigation: http://www.cavalierdaily.com/2012/01/20/delta-gamma-faces-investigation/

Dartmouth SAE Accused of Hazing: http://thedartmouth.com/2012/01/25/news/hazing

UC-Berkeley Zeta Phi Beta Pledge Accuses Sorority of Hazing: http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2012/02/uc_berkeley_zeta_phi_beta.php

Univ. of Florida suspends Alpha Phi Alpha for “Serious Physical Hazing Incident”: http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/08/us/university-of-florida-hazing-suspension/index.html

Youngstown State U. suspends Kappa Alpha Psi, probes hazing: http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/feb/09/ysu-suspends-fraternity-and-probes-alleg/

3 Vanderbilt SAEs face charges in Sigma Nu theft: http://wkuherald.com/news/article_03272d98-537a-11e1-ab42-0019bb30f31a.html

UD Fraternity center of Hazing Investigation: http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/news/ud-fraternity-center-of-hazing-investigation

Colorado State’s KKG sorority suspended for hazing: http://www.collegian.com/index.php/article/2012/02/colorado_state039s_kappa_kappa_gamma_sorority_suspended_for_hazing

Three Arrested in MSU Kidnapping: http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=15912#ixzz1o4JzgJd8

Univ. of Florida Kappa Alpha Psi recruits hit with canes:
http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_dd502964-7244-11e1-8399-0019bb2963f4.html

Boston Univ. Sorority Suspended for Possible Hazing: http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/03/20/boston-university-sorority-suspended-for-possible-hazing/

Princeton Bans freshman participation in Greek activities: http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2012/03/26/30348/

Confessions of an Ivy League Frat Boy: Inside Dartmouth’s Hazing Abuses: http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/confessions-of-an-ivy-league-frat-boy-inside-dartmouths-hazing-abuses-20120328

Sigma Chi’s Alpha Chapter at Miami U. Closed: http://news.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20120409/NEWS/304090013/MU-frat-house-ordered-closed

Violent Hazing by fraternity sisters’ has former PSU student seeking justice: http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/Violent-hazing-by-fraternity-sisters-has-former/klxKuF7PrkyL-plsfotnxA.cspx?rss=50

SDSU places Phi Kappa Theta on Interim Suspension while SAE President Death Investigated: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/apr/25/fraternity-where-student-died-suspended/

Cornell suspends Fraternity over Racial Insults: http://www.ithacaindy.com/201205081144/Cornell/Cornell-Suspends-Fraternity-Over-Racial-Insults

Student Guilty of Assaulting Frat Brother: http://www.newtondailynews.com/2012/05/04/student-guilty-of-assaulting-frat-brother/act87zc/


Fraternity Pledges Sued Over Hazing Death: http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/05/09/46349.htm

BU students face fines, charges in court for AEPi hazing: http://dailyfreepress.com/2012/06/27/bu-students-face-fines-charges-in-court-for-aepi-hazing/

Hazing Investigation sparked from sorority discontinuations: http://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/hazing-investigation-sparked-from-sorority-discontinuations-1.2753060

Miami U. Fraternity Suspended for Use of Fireworks, Drugs: http://www.onntv.com/content/stories/2012/08/23/story-miami-frat-suspended.html

Students arrested at fraternity, house may face University penalties: http://www.purdueexponent.org/campus/article_20f45920-be37-5424-8812-1ec6edbbbaab.html

Fresno State student dies after night of drinking at Theta Chi house: http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/09/02/2975530/fresno-state-student-dies-after.html

Fraternity suspensions overcrowd housing: http://www.miamistudent.net/news/fraternity-suspensions-overcrowd-housing-1.2896866

UNC: Bid day racism is not to be taken lightly: http://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2012/09/bid-day-racism-is-not-to-be-taken-lightly

Ex-Clemson director stole $33K from Greek Life funds: http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/19546009/ex-director-clemson-greek-life-stole-33k-from

Fraternity system investigating 9 reports of hazing: http://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2012/09/fraternity-system-investigating-9-reports-of-hazing

Fraternity can be sued in fatal Yale crash: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2012/09/19/court-fraternity-can-sued-fatal-yale-crash/VNHoL1QNFEOup5Q47DtdIK/story.html

Alleged alcohol abuse at UT Fraternity chapter nets citations, investigation: http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/sep/26/alleged-alcohol-abuse-at-ut-fraternity-chapter/?partner=yahoo_feeds

ZTA apologizes for fiesta theme party at U. Texas: http://www.dailytexanonline.com/blogs/the-update/2012/09/25/sorority-issues-apology-for-fiesta-themed-party

U. Iowa SAE closed following history of hazing: http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Suspended-Univ-of-Iowa-Fraternity-Had-Previous-Reports-of-Hazing-171260811.html

Former VSU student files hazing lawsuit against Phi Beta Sigma: http://progress-index.com/news/former-vsu-students-files-hazing-lawsuit-1.1381350

Mother of ECU Delta Sigma Theta member sues over death: http://www.wral.com/news/education/story/11612863/

Federal Lawsuit says Wesleyan Failed to Protect Woman from Assault at Beta House: http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-wesleyan-rape-lawsuit-1006-20121005%2c0%2c3582503.story

U. Alabama’s Alleged Culture of Hazing: http://cw.ua.edu/2012/10/09/anonymous-letter-calls-for-overhaul-of-greek-life/

Grand Jury issues indictments in Jacksonville St. U Alpha Phi Alpha Hazing: http://www.jaxnews.com/view/full_story/20658910/article-Grand-jury-issues-indictments-in-JSU-hazing

Chico State suspends all fraternities and sororities: http://www.chicoer.com/rss/ci_22009331?source=rss

NIU PIKE pledge died after Fraternity Hazing Event: http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/20162341/exclusive-investigation-niu-student-died-after-fraternity-hazing-event?clienttype=printable#ixzz2D5FAatC6

Trinity Forcing Fraternities, Sororities to go CoEd: http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-trinity-frats-coed-20121124%2c0%2c1787992.story

Penn State Chi Omega under investigation for inappropriate photo: http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2012/12/04/chi_omega_under_investigation_for_innapropriate_photo.aspx

U. Kansas Beta Theta Pi suspended after turkey allegedly abused, killed at party: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/19/16023118-university-of-kansas-fraternity-suspended-after-turkey-allegedly-abused


What is alarming is that these are the articles I saved. I know there are more that I missed or didn't save simply because I didn't want to read any more negative news. Another alarming reality. I didn't post any negative pictures. Social media has really challenged our fraternal members to make good choices and unfortunately, some are not making the best decisions. So, as we begin 2013, let us remember that we have work to do. Let us also remember to learn from these mistakes.