What's New for Greeks?

The Greek Alumni Council (GAC)

The Greek Alumni Council is comprised of the alumni/ae volunteer advisors for each of the fraternity and sorority chapters that are active at the University of Pennsylvania. The Council has been active for several decades, working in partnership with the Office of Fraternity Sorority Affairs and the greater University community on policies, issues, planning and education relative to Penn's Greek system. The GAC convenes in some form or another (face to face meetings, conference calls, virtual meetings, etc.) five times each year, twice in the Fall, once in the Spring plus the Greek Awards Ceremony and Reception, and once in the Summer. The Council serves as a vehicle for communication providing information and feedback, training and resources, fellowship and support for some of the most active and important volunteers in the Penn community--our alumni advisors.

For those members of the Greek Alumni Council, this section of the OFSA website will continue to expand, providing you with ongoing information, resources and helpful tips to aid you in the amazing job that you do with and for our students, so check back regularly. In the meantime, please accept our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for everything that you do for our students, our organizations, the Office of Fraternity Sorority Affairs, and the Penn community at large.

This space below will be used to post GAC minutes and other GAC related resources. Additional resources for alumni advisors and alumni house corporations can be found at the Chapter Alumni Advisors and Chapter House Corporation tabs on the menu to the left.

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Greek Alumni Council Meeting Minutes:

9/11/2007

Beginning of the Year Informational Conference Call

2/21/07

Panel discussion that included Julie Lyzinski, Patti Brennan,

and Ilene Rosenstein--student issues and students in distress

11/8/06

Conversation with the Vice Provost for University Life, Dr.

Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum

9/20/06

Beginning of the Year Informational Conference Call

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Greek Alumni Council Meeting

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Present on the call:

Tom Hughsted, Delta Tau Delta

Bart Barre, Phi Kappa Sigma

Kevin Oslavsky, Phi Kappa Sigma

Bobbi Wilson, Sigma Kappa

Stacy Groves, Phi Sigma Sigma

Peter Giovinco, Pi Lambda Phi

Anne Marie Staples, Delta Delta Delta

Stacy Kraus, Fraternity Sorority Affairs

Scott Reikofski, Fraternity Sorority Affairs

Format--Conference Call, Using different technology in support of the purpose and function of the Greek Alumni Council.

Agenda:

Review calendar--had been sent out via email attachement

President's retreat follow-up

Ray Lutsky, “PR War room”

Newly opened/closed chapters: ZBT recolonized, Sigma Pi coming back and

Phi Sigma Kappa closed last year

Chapter education programs

Say Something

Social Chair training

New Member educator training Nov 14

Recruitment chair training – Nov 7

House Managers training – almost monthly

Rena Rowan Ribbon Run –Oct 28 – a great alumni event option, benefits the

Rena Roman Breast Center at Penn’s Abrahm’s Cancer Center

Chapter president/OFSA advisor meetings

Chapter presidents are responsible for setting up meetings with their

respective OFSA advisors, see attached assignment list

Format for Nov 13 and Feb. 12 meetings

Nov 13: Univ professionals to provide info/training for advisors

We are going to solicit the Provost, Stephanie Ives, Civic

House and a local fraternity Ex. Director to participate

Feb 12: Strictly council meetings, do you want conf call or in person

format?

GAC Social Event

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Greek Alumni Council Meeting

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Present:
Jim Hughes, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity
Joan D'Aiuto, Sigma Kappa Sorority
Peter Giovinco, Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity
Ed Shaud, Sigma Nu Fraternity
Scout Kegler, Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity
Tamika Dickerson-Lyon, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Anne Marie Staples, Fraternity Sorority Affairs, and Delta Delta Delta Sorority
Scott Reikofski, Fraternity Sorority Affairs, and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity

Three Panelists, valued colleagues, came to share with the GAC issues and trends that they are seeing in their work with students at Penn, to share about the resources and support that they offer, and to give some ideas to Alumni Advisors on how their roles could assist in relation to these issues and efforts. Many thanks to these wonderful colleagues and their time, expertise and partnership!!

Julie Lyzinski, Associate Director,

Office of Strategic Initiatives and Alcohol Policy Initiatives
36011 Locust Walk, 3rd Floor, 215.573.3525, lyzinski@pobox.upenn.edu

Julie discussed the First Step programs, a harm reduction program through the Office
Strategic Initiative/Alcohol Policy Initiatives. First Step provides brief alcohol and other
drug interventions for students who are experiencing negative consequences as a result of alcohol and other drug use/abuse.. First Step programs exist for both individuals and for groups—and are available for entire chapters to participate in. The conversations in these programs are confidential and as a result an enormous amount of honest sharing, confrontation and conversation occurs.

This office also does an annual student survey (with a great amount of reliability on the
accuracy of the data). A number of points that are of interest to this population:
     * Greeks and Greek athletes are high risk groups on campus for alcohol/drug
incidents.
     * Grades are not typically a warning sign for substance abuse problems here at
Penn. Students at Penn will make sacrifices to their health or other areas of their
lives to make the grade, have intense pressure/desire/motivation to succeed
academically.
     * One example of data found that is of great concern is the use of non prescribed
prescription use of students, particularly medications for ADHD/ADD
     * Also finding that our highest risk students are mixing these and other prescription
drugs with alcohol as alternative ways of getting high. There is often a
misperception that because prescriptions come from doctors, they are safer than
illicit drugs, but they are not.
     * Anecdotal information also is indicating that the number of students coming to
Penn with existing drug/alcohol use experience is growing—with immediately
after getting accepted to Penn being a high risk time for students to begin using or
increasing their use of alcohol and other substances.
     * There is a concern that similar or higher degrees of use are going on in fraternities
and off campus houses since there are far fewer “safe guards” and watchful eyes
than in the college houses, where RAs/GAs, house staffs, and a higher density of
population is around to see. As a result, although a high risk population, Greek
students are underrepresented as students seeking help or being referred for help
with alcohol and other drug issues.
     * In some fraternites drug use is more prevalent than in others. Warning signs were
discussed so that alumni advisors know better what to be watching for in their work with chapter members.

The Say Something Program in the fall requires that at least two members of each student organization attend a training that shares some of this data as well as works to build and enhance the skills that allow peers to approach each other, express concern and make referrals in relation to drug and alcohol use, eating disorders, sexual health, and relationship violence issues. Increasing numbers of students are indicating that this training is not only useful, but that they are using this information and these skills in addressing peers.

Pat Brennan, Director,

Special Services, Division of Public Safety
215 898-4481 or 215 898-9001 on campus (normal business hours 9am-5pm M-F). Emergencies, 24-hours-a-day, call 8-6600 from a campus phone or 215 898-6600 from off campus,

4040 Chestnut Street, pbrennan@publicsafety.upenn.edu

Special Services is responsible for safety education and victim support services, offering a comprehensive program to assist members of the Penn community with special problems requiring resource center intervention. Highly trained personnel are available to offer immediate assistance and support, including crisis intervention, accompaniment and support through legal and medical proceedings (even if the victim is no longer a student due to transfer, graduation, etc.), and linkages to other University and community resources. Given the individual’s authorization, they can interact with an academic department, Housing Services or College Houses, Academic Programs or OFSA to coordinate support in these areas. Every effort is made to protect the confidentiality of private information.

The Director of Special Services is the University-designated point person when sex-related crimes and incidents occur. The director assists detectives in investigating incidents of relationship and domestic violence and hate/bias. In addition, the director coordinates with other resources including Penn Police, Student Health, Counseling/Psychological Services, Penn Women's Center, Office of Student Conduct, VPUL (Vice Provost of University Life) as well as city, state and federal resources.

Sexual assaults are handled by the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit, not UPPD. Thomas Jefferson and Episcopal Hospital are the only hospitals in Philadelphia where a rape victim can go for treatment and forensic evidence gathering—this is a city-wide mandate.

Ilene Rosenstein,
Director, Counseling and Psychological Services
Mellon Building, 36tth and Walnut, 2nd Floor, 215.898.7021, ilener@pobox.upenn.edu

A large, and ever increasing number of students are seeking counseling and this is a very psychologically saavy generation. Approximately 10% of all Penn students are seen at CAPS at any given time, with approximately 30% of all undergraduates use CAPS by graduation. 50% of students seen at CAPS are familiar with and have previously received treatment by other mental health professionals. They see counseling as a means to achieve their goals, like tutoring rather than the stigma that it has been for previous generations. Many Students present with issues of coping and transition (family issues, peer/relationship issues, some relationship/domestic violence, academic concerns, etc.). Yet, over the last several years, more students are presenting with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Their data shows that therapy is very successful. Many students are symptom free in 8-12 sessions.

Students, parents, faculty, and administrators often call CAPS for a consultation about a friend or fellow student they are concerned about. Typical concerns include eating and body image issues, substance misuse and abuse, unusual behaviors, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts. When a student is deemed a danger to him/herself, counselors can intervene to get the person hospitalized if they will not go on their own. About 9% of Penn students report having suicidal thoughts.

CAPS has also been extremely helpful in situations within fraternities or sororities when traumatic incidents have occurred. CAPS is fully aware of the specialized type and depth of relationships within our chapters and work to support and enhance these in the face of trauma or emotional issues. After a traumatic event, CAPS staff meet with the affected students to insure that their lives return to normal as quickly as possible.

The text of a brochure that faculty and staff have found very helpful for helping students is found below:

WHAT CAN I DO?
Helping Students In Distress

The college years can be very stressful for many students as they face the challenges of academics and begin to take on adult roles and responsibilities. Many students come to college with family difficulties, financial problems or other struggles that challenge their ability to succeed in this new and demanding environment. Faculty and staff are in a unique position to identify students who are in distress, helping the to gain the skills and access the resources needed to cope with the demands of college life.
You are often the first to witness early signs of distress as they are often played out on campus in classrooms and residence halls. Students also often initially seek assistance from faculty and staff members, particularly when they perceive you as available and willing to listen.

How to Identify Students in Distress

Students dealing with personal concerns or problems tend to show signs that they are struggling in some way. The severity of the distress is one factor that will determine the response that will best serve a student in need.

At one time or another, everyone feels depressed or upset. When symptoms of distress are persistent over a long period of time or when it is interfering with academic responsibilities and social relationships, it may be a cause for concern. Following is a list of symptoms that may indicate that a student is in distress:

Academic Symptoms:
      * Deterioration in quality of work.
      * Missed assignments or appointments.
      * Repeated absence from class or lab.
      * Continual seeking of unusual accommodations (late papers, extensions,

postponed exams, etc.).
* Essays or papers that have themes of hopelessness, social isolation, rage or

         despair.
      * Lack of engagement in participation– oriented classes or with lab-mates.
      * Inappropriate disruption or monopolization of classroom.

Physical or Psychological Symptoms

      * Deterioration in physical presence or hygiene.
      * Excessive fatigue or sleep difficulties.
      * Visible increase or decrease in weight.
      * Exaggerated personality traits or behaviors (e.g. agitation, withdrawal, lack of
         apparent emotion).
      * Unprovoked anger or hostility.
      * Irritability, constant anxiety or tearfulness.
      * Marked changes in concentration and motivation.

Other factors to consider:

     * Direct statements indicating family problems, personal losses such as death of a
        family member, or the break up of a relationship.
     * Expressions of concern about a student by peers.
     * Written note or verbal statement that has a sense of hopelessness or finality.
     * Your sense, however vague, that something is seriously amiss.

What You Can Do for a Student in Distress

      If a student approaches you with a problem, take the time to listen in a non- judgmental and respectful manner. The following recommendations may help to make the process of providing assistance or a referral easier and more likely to succeed:
      * Talk to the student in private when both of you have time and are not rushed or preoccupied. Give the student your undivided attention. It is possible that just a few minutes of effective listening on your part may be enough to help the student feel comfortable about what to do next. Ask if the student has ever talked about their concerns with any one else, including a counselor. Try to get an accurate understanding of their concern and encourage them to talk about their situation with a professional.
      * Be direct and non-judgmental. Express your concern in behavioral, nonjudgmental terms. Be direct and specific. For example, say something like "I've noticed you've been absent from class lately, and I'm concerned," rather than "Why have you missed so much class lately?"
      * Listen sensitively. Listen to thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, non-threatening way. Communicate understanding by repeating back the essence of what the student has told you. Try to include both the content and feelings. For example, "It sounds like you're not accustomed to such a big campus and you're feeling left out of things." Remember to let the student talk.
      * Refer. Point out that help is available and seeking help is a sign of strength. Make some suggestions about places to go for help. (See the Referral Section on the back for ideas.) Tell the student what you know about the recommended person or service.
     * Follow up. Following up is an important part of the process. Check with the student later to find out how he or she is doing. Provide support as appropriate.

Making a Referral

      * Do not attempt to make a referral when the student is so upset and confused that he/she cannot understand or listen to you. Wait until the student has calmed down enough to be able to converse and respond to your suggestions.
      * Suggest in a caring, supportive manner that the student may benefit from meeting with a counselor at the Counseling Center. You may want to explain the following:
           o Counseling at the Counseling Center is confidential. This means that information about the student cannot be released to other Penn offices, family, professors, etc. without the student's written permission (the exception being if the student is in danger of harming him/herself or others). Counseling records are not kept with any academic records and are protected by law.
           o The services are free to currently registered Penn students.
           o CAPS staff consists of professionally trained clinicians from diverse disciplines, theoretical orientations, and racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Students can state a preference.
           o The first meeting is an intake/consultation session where the counselor listens to concerns and then helps the student to access the most appropriate services to address his or her concerns
      * Give the student the Counseling Center phone number (215-898-7021). You may wish to encourage the student to call from your office to set up an appointment or offer to walk the student directly to the CAPS office. If you feel that the student is in crisis, you can call the Counseling Center to consult with a trained CAPS counselor. In an emergency, the student can be seen for a crisis appointment that day. When this is necessary, please call CAPS as soon as possible and speak to the Clinician on Call so that necessary arrangements can be made.

Students in Crisis

     A crisis is a situation in which an individual's usual style of coping is no longer effective, and the emotional or physiological response begins to escalate. As emotions intensify, coping becomes less effective, until the person may become disoriented, non functional, or attempt harm. If a student is in a serious mental health crisis, you might see or hear the following:
      * Suicidal statements or suicide attempts
      * Homicidal threats, written or verbal, or attempted homicide or assault
      * Destruction of property or other criminal acts
      * Extreme anxiety resulting in panic reactions
      * Inability to communicate (e.g., garbled or slurred speech, disjointed thoughts)
      * Loss of contact with reality (e.g., seeing or hearing things that aren't there,
        expressing beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
      * Highly disruptive behavior (e.g., hostility, aggression, violence)

What To Do When You Suspect a Serious Crisis

If you believe there may be imminent danger of harm to a student or someone else, as evidenced by several of these crisis symptoms, immediately call the Penn Police (215- 898-7333 or 511 on campus). If you need help in assessing the situation, call the Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS) at 215-898-7021 between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM. You may also consider walking the student to CAPS during these hours since this is often an excellent way of showing support. After hours you can call 215-349-5490 and ask to speak to the CAPS Clinician on Call.

PENN RESOURCES

Counseling and Psychological Services
133 S. 36th Street, Second Floor, 36th and Walnut Streets, 215-898-7021

Emergency number after hours: 215-349-5490 (Ask for CAPS Clinician on Call)

Penn Police
215 898-7333 or 511 (on campus)

Academic Support Programs
Over the 40th Street mall
215-898-0809

Career Services
Suite, 20, McNeil Bldg
215-898-7531

Office of the Vice Provost for University Life
3611 Locust Walk
215-898-8611

Student Health Service
Penn Tower, 34th & Civic Center Blvd.
216-662-2850

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Greek Alumni Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Irvine Auditorium, Amado Recital Hall, 6:30 p.m.

Present:

Alumni

Bart Barre, Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity

Bill Staples, Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity

Mark Kocent, Sigma Chi Fraternity

Charlie Coyne, Kappa Alpha Society

Peter Giovinco, Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity

Gina Kauffman, Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority

Terry Way, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Tamika Dickerson-Lyons, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.

Tia Rideout, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Jim Hughes, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

Susan Sherman, Alpha Phi Sorority

Vicki ??, Alpha Phi Sorority

Peter Pakradooni, Zeta Psi Fraternity

Alex Davie, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity

Andrew Rosenthal, Psi Upsilon Fraternity

Students

Caroline Gammill, Delta Delta Delta Sorority

Catie Vuksich, Panhellenic Council

Gabe Kopin, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity

Craig Bergman, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity

Reuben Asia, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity

Mike Donatucci, Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity

Katie Ossman, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority

Josh Berman, Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity

Max Dubin, Interfraternity Council

Lauren Shofsky, Sigma Delta Theta Sorority

Lindsey Gerngross, Alpha Phi Sorority

Ashley Johnson, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

OFSA

Scott Reikofski, Director

Stacy Kraus, Associate Director

Larry Moses, Program Coordinator

Guest

Dr. Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, Vice Provost for University Life

The bulk of the GAC meeting was the conversation led by Dr. McCoullum. Highlighted points of her talk included:

The University Life Division at Penn (VPUL)

Creates a campus life that is welcoming
Fosters engaged interaction between diverse community members
Encourages students to fulfill their co-curricular interests
Increases students’ retention and success in their academic programs
Serves undergraduate, graduate, and professional students
The Office of Fraternity Sorority Affairs is a long-standing student affairs department within VPUL

Contemporary view of the fraternity/sorority system as held by senior administration at Penn

Greek students are well integrated into the overall campus community as scholars and emerging leaders
Well documented service and philanthropy within the Greek system as an added-value to the access elements of the Penn Compact
Diversity within the Greek system: people, programs, and rich possibilities
Provides opportunity for students to connect with campus and its broader community – building a life outside of the classroom that is invigorating

Supporting students in crisis

Penn provides a wide range of services to support and address students’ academic needs, as well as their psychological and physical health and wellness
VPUL convenes the Student Intervention Services team, which is committed to helping the University community deal with emergencies or crises involving the welfare and safety of students
In February, you will meet some of our staff professionals from Strategic/Alcohol Policy Initiatives, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Health Education

Lifelong membership and commitment to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Continue to cherish the bonds of sisterhood
Continue to be supportive of the mission to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world
Alumnae Deltas comprise the largest proportion (76%) of the sorority’s membership

Additional questions that came from the floor included:

What kinds of things come to the attention of the President and Provost, and how?

How could the Greek system improve?

Questions about unofficial societies/pseudo-Greek groups

Faculty Senate perception of fraternities/sororities

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Greek Alumni Council Minutes--

Conference Call meeting 9/20/2006

Those present:

Ed Shaud--SN

Bart Barre--FKS

Erika Goldstein--SDT

Dan Olson--SFE

Anthony Cambeiro--YU

Peter Giovinco--PLF

Tamika Dickerson-Lyon--AKA, Inc

AnneMarie Staples--DDD, OFSA

Stacy Kraus--OFSA

Scott Reikofski--OFSA

Format--Conference Call, one of this year's attempts at using different technology in support of the purpose and function of the Greek Alumni Council.

Agenda:

**Q&A on materials previously sent out (Spring 06 academic report, year-opening materials)---None

**GAC Calendar for 2006-2007:

Wed, 11/8/06 Guest Speaker, Dr. Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, Vice Provost for University life, speaking on Penn institutional attitude and policies on fraternities and sororities, any changes in philosophy or practice on disciplinary practices.

Tues, 2/20/07 Guest Speakers, Panel of University professionals speaking on pressures facing today's students (including but not limited to drug/alcohol culture, pushy parents, academic pressures, University resources)

Tues, 3/27/06 Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner

**Other GAC related information

Correspondance and other GAC related business will be increasingly conducted electronically. OFSA front office staff will be calling all alumni, house corporations, etc. to update and confirm role and all related contact information. Alumni requested that any attachments (reports, etc.) be in PDF format.

**Furniture vendor for alumni house corporations

Will be set up to the side of one of the next two GAC meetings. Peter Giovinco (PLF) and Bart Barre (FKS) requested contact information

**Housing code upgrades

All code upgrades in University managed houses complete, using the $5mil appropriated by the Penn Board of Trustees last year. Work continues to meet with non-University managed houses for updates. Next phase will be to start addressing deferred maintenance issues as well as assisting alumni house corporations in fundraising.
**OFSA website (http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/ofsa)

Requested that all alumni check out the website and provide information, feedback and requests related to the site, it's helpfulness, and appropriate resources they would like to see available through the site for alumni in general, GAC, alumni advisors, alumni house corporations, etc.

Announcement that 05-06 community service and philanthropy dollar totals for the Penn fraternity/sorority system were up on the website as well as the top chapter in each of these categories and academic performance.

**Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity

Announcement made that ZBT had begun their official return to campus.

** Greek Week

Scheduled for October 8-14, 2006, full confirmed schedule should be up on OFSA's website within days

**New Alumni Advisor Training

Was announced that the new advisor training had been rescheduled, and asked which chapters had new advisors so that they can be invited. AKA, YU, & SFE responded that they either had new advisors or had increasing numbers of alumni getting involved that might be interested in attending

**General Announcements

Peter Giovinco PKF announced that they hoped to be returning to their refurbished house near the end of October 2006, and expressed grattitude to OFSA and the College Houses and Academic Services for their support in temporarily housing those brothers who will be living in the house.

Ed Shaud, SN, announced that their front porch refurbishment was moving along, they are able to save the entire thing, rebuild with some steel infrastructure at the same cost as previously expected, and hoped completion would be sometime in November.

**Feedback on Conference Call format, services, etc.

Positive feedback was offered by nearly everyone present on the call. Service and format will be kept and applied to a number of different situations through this year as a continued effort to move forward using technology.

Conference Call ended at approximately 8:50pm