Fraternities and Sororities: Understanding Life Outcomes

Gallup, in partnership with the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the National Panhellenic Conference(NPC), presented new findings from the Gallup-Purdue Index this morning. The Index, in partnership with Purdue University and the Lumina Foundation, is a comprehensive, nationally representative study of nearly 30,000 U.S. college graduates with Internet access, measures the degree to which college graduates have “great jobs” through successful and engaging careers, and if they are leading ”great lives” by thriving in their overall well-being. This event shared new data from the Index, seeking to understand the relationship between membership in sororities and fraternities and those same college experiences.

I was present at the event and delivered the following remarks:

Thank you to Gallup for hosting this event and allowing NPC the opportunity to participate. 

As NPC Chairman, I speak for thousands of sorority women today — collegians and alumnae. We are pleased to collaborate with Gallup and our counterpart, the NIC, in the research and the findings associated with the index study. 

As the umbrella organization for 26 member organizations, NPC advocates for the sorority experience. 

Women nurturing women is nothing new for us. Some of our organizations are 150 years old. We know that we provide supportive social learning environments for our students. This is our heritage. 

It is with a great sense of accomplishment that we can point to specific high-level data that supports the notion that sorority membership enhances the college experience and provides lifelong support networks for members. 

The results of this study are indeed powerful in that they validate what we advocate on a regular basis and what we know to be true — that sororities contribute to the overall well-being of women. 

With the help of this research and its results, we hope to help eliminate any negative barriers about sorority life in today’s world. 

When we decided to participate in this research, we knew that the results could tell us things that would be helpful. While the indicators in all five areas point in favor of the fraternity and sorority experience as contributing to well-being, it also tells us that we can strive to better our best. We can and will do more to build on these strengths. 

Previous research conducted by the Center for Advanced Social Research at the University of Missouri – Columbia revealed that members of fraternities and sororities accounted for the social capital found in communities. The Gallup research findings disclosed today further reinforces our claim that sororities add value. 

Sorority women are finding fulfillment in their postgraduate years because of lessons learned and experiences that helped shape their attitudes while in college. Strong relationships formed with professors and other mentors are encouraged in sorority chapters. Access to resources that people need is found in our sorority settings. 

Alumnae chapter advisors and local alumnae volunteers help to guide our young leaders and empower them to make good decisions. They offer emotional support to young women in pursuit of their dreams. We know that the intergenerational aspect associated with the sorority experience is our niche. Our alumnae care deeply about their organizations, and this motivates them to give back by serving as mentors. 

Evidence shows that face-to-face interactions matter and make a tremendous difference in lives of our graduates related to future engagement at work and in the communities. Graduates want to take part in a true community. 

Our chapters offer authentic communities where people care about one another. The index study findings reinforce the fact that this sense of belonging contributes to the overall well-being of graduates and continues throughout their lifetime. 

We know that sorority women have a higher emotional attachment to their alma mater. This translates into alumnae engagement and involvement that benefits the universities in numerous ways, including financial support. 

Working in concert with university officials, we are in the business of student development whereby we encourage engagement in campus activities and scholastic achievement. Therefore, it is reaffirming to see that what we are doing is working — and that is to develop future leaders who find fulfillment in their daily work and interactions. 

In short, the shared commitment among members in the National Panhellenic Conference allows us to operate as a unified coalition of women. The Gallup index study findings shared today are an extension of our organizations’ mission to encourage sorority affiliation as a lifelong commitment that helps flourish friendship, responsibility, community engagement and confidence. 

We will continue to tell our story — now with data to back up our claims — that the sorority experience contributes to the overall well-being of women. 

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You can watch the entire event, "Fraternities and Sororities: Understanding Life Outcomes," online.

For the Greater Welfare of All Students …

The National Panhellenic Conference and North American Interfraternity Conference stand united in our efforts to improve student safety and success. This spring we have seen grassroots efforts on campuses to raise awareness of sexual assault and prompt candid discussion about what consent means. We applaud the campaign initiatives that have included members of College Panhellenics and IFCs. I work on a college campus where the student government association president noted that the sexual assault awareness campaign had united the entire campus student community — as it should be.

From the White House to the college campus, there are several initiatives underway. Members of fraternities and sororities are actively involved in helping to raise awareness. NPC’s Executive Director Nicki Meneley attended a listening session conducted by the Department of Education on this topic in March; NPC’s Vice Chairman Donna King attended the White House session held in April when the official report was released; NIC representation was also present at these events. We are pleased to have a seat at the table — nationally and locally — to discuss sexual assault and overall student safety.

The "Renewed Call to Action" involves women and men. We must do our part to participate in the discussions on and education about sexual assault. Fraternities and sororities are regarded as solution communities where we can debate, challenge, educate, collaborate and communicate. Let’s continue to use our voices for the greater welfare of all students.

Awesome Alumnae Panhellenics

This past weekend I attended the centennial anniversary of the Cleveland Alumnae Panhellenic Association (CAPA). It was an honor to participate in this important celebration as this thriving Alumnae Panhellenic marked 100 years of scholarship, philanthropy and sisterhood. Held at the historic Silver Grille, the occasion included a parade of flags representing the 26 NPC member organizations. The highlight of the event was the presentation of $2,000 scholarships to 10 outstanding collegians. One of the recipients thanked CAPA for "the giant investment" in her college career. Another recipient said the scholarship made all the difference in being able to afford college tuition. I found out that CAPA started raising money in its first year of existence and awarding scholarships in 1914. These dedicated women have wrapped holiday gifts in downtown stores among other fundraisers over the years to raise money for scholarships. 

There are 196 Alumnae Panhellenics in North America and one in the United Kingdom. Many of these associations raise money for scholarships, just like CAPA. This spring, the Rochester Alumnae Panhellenic presented six $2,000 scholarships to deserving young women. The Alumnae Panhellenic in Huntington Beach, California awarded three $1,500 scholarships to women attending area colleges. There are countless other Panhellenic alumnae supporting young women in their academic pursuits. 

Scholarships matter. In 1982, I was the recipient of the Tulsa Area Alumnae Panhellenic (TAAP) Scholarship while attending The University of Tulsa. I returned to Tulsa two years ago to attend the TAAP kickoff luncheon and thanked the women who invested in me.

In addition to scholarships, Alumnae Panhellenics play an instrumental role in advocating for the sorority experience. NPC is developing a template to use for sorority recruitment information sessions to be held in communities. Look for this resource in the coming months.

Please join me in saluting our awesome Alumnae Panhellenics. Through their efforts, we impact lives -- for good.

Ready to Launch

“Wave Makers™ see the unseen opportunity when they start their change. They aren’t limited by today or stuck in the status quo. They are open to ‘what if?’ and they are committed to reaching their goals. These practical dreamers believe in what they can see, even when others can’t.” - Patti Johnson, “Make Waves”

It’s May. Many of our sorority women will graduate from colleges and universities this month. It’s time to launch. And our alumnae chapters in cities coast to coast and throughout the world will welcome them with open arms.

Our sorority women are equipped with skill sets well beyond their peers who have not had the sorority experience. Gallup Research outcomes on college graduates linked to fraternity and sorority experiences are anticipated to verify this fact when results are released this month. We know that our sorority women will leave campuses with experiences in leadership, community engagement, event planning, mediation, team building and in some cases, financial management of chapters that operate like small businesses. These are competencies that will translate well into the business world and other settings.

Grounded with values found in our rituals, sorority women are empowered to start the next chapter in their lives. We intuitively teach them to be Wave Makers.

In her book “Make Waves,” Patti Johnson, Pi Beta Phi, talks about people who step up and initiate change in work and life. She notes common themes found in Wave Makers — they think, act and engage with others. And they ask What if? What can I do? How can I help? Johnson contends that just one person can start important changes.

Our founders were Wave Makers with their vision for our inter/national organizations. They fixed their eyes on the future for generations to come. It is truly amazing to think how these women ignited the interest of others to join them. They accomplished it by building a strong network through meaningful relationships.

We know how to build strong networks. The alumnae experience “on the other side” is abundant with new opportunities for friendships. Collectively, there are 3,887 alumnae associations in NPC.

How can sororities engage emerging alumnae?

We can share the intergenerational benefits of our membership. Through alumnae networks, our sorority members find mentors and role models who inspire them to rise to their full potential and give back to their inter/national organization and communities. Each year new alumnae join our ranks and connect within our large sisterhood circle. This enriches the overall experience and perpetuates our vision to advocate and advance the sorority experience together.

Here’s how we can model the way:

• Share stories and talk about the benefits of being an active alumna.
• Personally invite new graduates to alumnae gatherings.
• Encourage emerging alumnae to update their profile and contact information with their inter/national organization.
• Assist our college graduates as they launch into their professional careers or post-graduate studies by simply asking How can I help?

Each one of us can make a difference. Let’s begin now.

For more information about Johnson and her new book:

Patti Johnson - PeopleResults
Author of "Make Waves: Be the One to Start Change at Work & in Life"

Author link:
pattibjohnson.com

Book link:
bit.ly/MakeWaves-PJ

Bold and Decisive Action

We "who fervently believe in the value of fraternities stand at an important crossroads: If we intend to preserve all that is right with today's fraternity movement, we must improve our efforts to address that which is wrong." -- NIC President and CEO Pete Smithhisler

The NIC House of Delegates meeting (left).
Allen Groves NIC chairman and me (right).

I recently attended the annual North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) House of Delegates meeting in Atlanta, Ga. The NIC has 74 member organizations, five million alumni and 800 campuses. I appreciated the opportunity to hear presentations on the Gallup Research Project: Advancing the Fraternal Movement and Sexual Assault Prevention in Higher Education. These are areas of collaboration for NPC and NIC, as we both seek to promote lifelong values associated with fraternity and sorority membership and recognize the need for more education on issues, such as sexual assault, that impact college students.

At the annual meeting, NIC announced the formation of three commissioned panels to address the areas of alcohol abuse, hazing and sexual assault. These independent panels will include experts in higher education, public policy and public health and research, among other fields. The goal is to set up these panels by May 1. I applaud the NIC on this recent announcement. 

NPC and NIC have regular communication about campus issues and important topics, like the three areas noted as panels. We agree that our approaches to campus situations may be different at times, but there is benefit to ongoing dialogue so we can coordinate responses and be unified in our stance on student safety. We want to advance sorority and fraternity – together.

These are bold moves at the inter/national level. It is also refreshing to see College Panhellenics and IFCs getting involved and taking bold actions at the local level. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we give kudos to campus communities that have launched sexual assault awareness campaigns.  

Executive Committee Visit to the University of Delaware

By Adam Cantley, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life, University of Delaware

As a self-admitted NPC fan boy, I was excited to learn that the Executive Committee would be visiting the University of Delaware on Saint Patrick’s Day. I began lobbying for this visit in December knowing that they would be a short drive down the road in Baltimore while attending the NASPA conference. When I finally received confirmation of the visit, I began piecing together the schedule with the help of the executive office. We had three main priorities, connecting with students, connecting with various administrators and a group photo. Let’s be honest, no one loves a group photo like Adam Cantley.

After a brief introduction to campus, our community and quick tour of our council offices and resource room, we hosted a breakfast meeting for the committee. It allowed them the opportunity to connect with the deputy provost, the vice president of student life, the dean of students and other student involvement administrators. It was exciting to see the Executive Committee having honest conversations with campus administration. Topics were being batted around the table that included managing organizational growth, priorities for women in education and where NPC fits in the future of higher education. Everyone at the table, including our current College Panhellenic president, was seen as a valued partner. As a professional, it reenergized me knowing that a variety of people were in the conversation and could be an ally to me in the future.

We then moved into the meeting with our collegians and campus advisors. The meeting started with a roll call and NPC Chairman, Jean Mrasek, encouraging women to “Throw what you know!” Then each NPC Executive Committee member shared part of her personal sorority story. It was inspiring to hear these women explain why they joined and continue to advocate for the Panhellenic experience. Each story had a different twist. Whether they were a legacy, told people they would never join or simply signed up for recruitment to meet new people, each one provided a moment to connect with an undergraduate in the room. Then they let those women share their stories. It was great for me as an advisor to hear why our women are inspired to be involved at the University of Delaware. As advisors, we get wrapped up in the rules, rosters and phone calls. We forget we are giving women the ability to have an experience that is truly unique and life changing if it is done well.

Next the chairman called our women to action. She spoke of the power of these women to come together and affect change in not only the fraternity and sorority community, but on all of campus. This was by far the most powerful part of the visit. It challenged collegians to not accept the status quo and to address problems in our community. As an advisor, I talk to them all the time about their collective power as a community. Seeing these five women highlight that message and highlight lifetime membership truly drove that home. I have already seen our women reference this in meetings and in program development.

If ever presented with the opportunity, I would encourage all my colleagues to host one of these visits. It assists you in building a connection with upper administration, but more importantly, it highlights to collegians the true power of leveraging their membership on campus and throughout their life. Finally, it provides you with an amazing group photo that you can immediately blast throughout all your social media channels.

United Front

The NPC Executive Committee has made several campus visits since our annual meeting and installation in October 2013. These visits provide us with golden opportunities to open communication channels and reinforce our collaborative efforts with university officials. In addition, we like to meet with sorority leaders and empower them to work together as a unified College Panhellenic.

It is important to realize the power we yield as a larger Panhellenic community. Our history tells the story of how our united front brings desirable outcomes.

Panhellenic power was evident in the 1970s when fraternities and sororities were alerted that the government was planning to eliminate all the membership restrictions based on gender in proposed guidelines for Title IX of the Education Amendments. Under the leadership of Virginia Jacobsen and the Executive Committee, NPC acted promptly. The statement sent to the Office for Civil Rights and Congress reasoned that the proposed regulations did not apply to private, voluntary women’s fraternities and sororities. Sorority women inundated elected representatives in Congress with thousands of letters and phone calls. Ultimately, Congress passed a bill exempting social fraternities and sororities and certain other youth organizations; President Gerald Ford signed it. Our NPC history record states, “All of this was accomplished by united and concentrated interfraternity effort.”

Friends, we have the power to achieve great things when we stand side by side and work together for the greater good of the sorority experience. This also holds true for the overall fraternal movement.

NPC is part of the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) along with the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC). In late April, collegians and inter/national leaders of our NPC groups will join NIC to lobby on the Hill for the benefit of the fraternity and sorority movement. Our agenda includes student safety legislation; college affordability; and the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA), among other issues. Lobbying teams will meet with staff and members of Congress and the Senate. This raises our visibility among members of Congress and extends our reach so we can continue to advocate for rights as private organizations.

Women’s fraternities and sororities now raise 60 percent of the contributions toward FSPAC. As a result, FSPAC has shifted its candidate contribution policy to include support for female candidates running for positions in Congress. This will allow for influence in more primary elections for women. For more information, please visit the FSPAC website at www.fspac.org.

Lessons from the past serve us well today. Our united front makes a difference in efforts to achieve our vision -- advancing sorority together.