Leadership

How our chapter at Arizona State transformed their new member experience for the better

Written by: Brendon Albert (Temple University, ‘13)

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Phi Kappa Theta’s new member education is the cornerstone for any successful chapter. This past fall, Connor Leary, a sophomore education major from the Arizona Alpha Zeta Chapter at Arizona State University, was tasked with reconstructing the chapter’s new member education plan. With the chapter’s Performance Coach, Leary got to work, ensuring that new member experiences could be a potential model for other chapters and ensure it was sustainable and repeatable year after year. 

First, Leary made sure to update the chapter’s new member program to reflect CDC, University, and local guidelines to keep members safe during the COVID pandemic. Connor worked not just to update the chapter’s new member program but to ensure that the brothers utilize Phi Kappa Theta’s new e-learning modules. The modules, released last year, provide a unique curriculum designed to help members pursue the Five Areas of Development with greater clarity and purpose. The interactive content is mobile-friendly and includes downloadable workbooks for convenient reading and note-taking.

While adopting the Fraternity's latest curriculum, the chapter leadership was able to identify ways to incorporate some of their own ideas. Arizona Alpha Zeta’s new member program is not merely a generic lecture format; fostering leaders and new ideas are at the core of their new member experience. These two elements combine in a new initiative within the new member program. “Shark Tank” is a unique member experience where the new members are broken up into teams, tasked with developing an engagement opportunity for the whole chapter (for example, a philanthropic fundraising event or brotherhood retreat), and pitch their plans. When all teams have presented their pitches, each brother votes on which idea the group should execute. 

I’m most excited about the new “Shark Tank” method of choosing pitches that our new members develop. I think it will lead to better and more creative ideas our brothers can engage in every year.
— Connor Leary, New Member Educator (Arizona State University, '23)

Connor also received some inspiration thanks to the Washington Alpha Delta Chapter at Washington State University. Without hesitation, WA Alpha Delta shared their new member education plan with Connor. He soon discovered details that could improve AZ Alpha Zeta’s internal communication processes and camaraderie among new members. What jumped out to him was WA Alpha Delta's use of Member Evaluation Boards (MEBs), to which Leary applied small tweaks to fit his own chapter’s needs. MEBs are essentially evaluation meetings that serve as a welcoming and beneficial opportunity for each new member to privately express their thoughts and opinions on the new member education process in a secure, positive, and inclusive environment with chapter leaders. 

I think it’s great to see AZ Alpha Zeta review our new member program to brainstorm. It just goes to show how we as brothers can rely on others outside of our own chapter to improve our programs…
— Lane Harlan, Chapter President (Washington State University, ’23)

Together with the Chapter Performance Coach, Leary built a new member experience whose foundation is grounded in personal development and enhanced engagement with Phi Kappa Theta brothers. A critical aspect of this collaborative effort was constructive criticism. Being open to feedback, listening intently, asking important questions, and doing so with an open mind helped Connor put aside societal expectations of what joining a fraternity looks like and approach the new member experience through a Phi Kappa Theta mindset. Arizona Alpha Zeta is proud of its revised new member education program tailored to meet the chapter's needs.

Holiday Greetings from National Fraternity President Doug Dilling

VIDEO TRANSCRIPTION:

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Hello, and happy holiday greetings to you. I'm Doug Dilling here on Christmas Day Eve in Indianapolis, after celebrating a very different Christmas Day with my immediate family. And I'm sending you this high-tech Christmas greeting from the entire Phi Kappa Theta family. As we're all aware, this has been an extraordinary year in so many respects. The impact of the pandemic has manifested itself in a variety of ways, dramatically affecting lives, livelihoods, and communities of all shapes and sizes. The entire fraternity and sorority community as well as its educational partners have all experienced uncertainty and operational disruptions that have tested the very core of our organizations. And while there have been a few lost battles and unfortunate results here and there, I have been so impressed with the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity leadership at all levels by our collegiate chapter leaders who've met the many twists and turns of the last ten months, and to forge new paths to keep our chapters alive by the many alumni corporate board volunteers who scrambled to sustain some semblance of financial stability for their housing corporations, to the chapter advisors who provided steady and caring guidance throughout this pandemic, and by the national leadership, the chapter coaches and the professional staff who have worked tirelessly to help adapt and create new achievable objectives for our service to our brotherhood. And a special thanks to the many of you who continue to support the Phi Kappa Theta National Foundation with your gifts. Knowing that your financial contributions are being carefully stewarded, and invested in our innovative programming that supports our mission of developing men who passionately serve Fraternity, Society, and God. So as we round the corner of this new year, we do so with the promise that our Creator has and will continue to provide the vision and perseverance we need to fulfill our individual and collective purpose. So whether you're celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or just celebrating the promise of light at the end of this tunnel, I want to send you a joyous holiday greeting and a sincere wish for a very prosperous 2021. Thank you and God bless.

Phi Kap-owned or operated brands to shop from for last-minute holiday gifts…

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If your loved ones are on the nice list this year, consider gifting them a product or service offered by a Phi Kap.

We've curated this list of brands on two conditions: it must be Phi Kap owned or operated and purchases can easily be made online.

  • College Hill Custom Threads

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    Tony Poston (Washington State, ‘07)

    What started as an idea for fraternity t-shirts in a one-bedroom apartment above a college bar in Pullman, Washington has grown into a business named one of the fastest-growing in America by Inc. 5000. Despite their rapid growth, the custom apparel and promotional products company has remained committed to supporting clients' philanthropic causes, having donated more than $200,000 to deeply inspiring causes across the nation.

  • Hair Craft Co.

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    Leo Carillo (San Diego State, ‘16) and Alex Padua (San Diego State, ‘14)

    As a barber in college, Leo saw a need for high-quality hair products at a fair price. He and his best friend Alex eventually put their savings together to test a mix of premium ingredients from around the world. Since then, their products have been featured in GQ Magazine, Gadget Review, and Gear Hungry, and have become Amazon’s Choice in men’s hair care.

  • Kamiak Coffee Company

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    Kyle O’Malley (Washington State, ‘17) and Grant Schoenlein (Washington State, ‘16)

    Kyle and Grant started their obsession with coffee in the early days of college. They asked themselves, “If we could do anything in life, what would we love to do?" The answer was simple: coffee. Why? They both had years of experience in the industry but were often disappointed in the coffee they found in the market. Today, they offer the world's finest coffee for wholesale partners and home consumers alike.

  • Kaps for Kids

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    Nathan Rues (Missouri S&T, ‘02)

    In 2007, Nathan unveiled his first bottle cap artwork, a rendition of Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night painting. The mosaic was well received and he soon found himself with numerous requests for additional designs made from his beer cap collection. Today, Nathan continues constructing his whimsical mosaics with a mission to fund important children’s causes nationwide. Nathan served on the Fraternity Board for 12 years and was National President from 20011 to 2013.

  • Pura Vida Bracelets

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    Paul Goodman (San Diego State, ‘10)

    Paul and his high school friend Griffin were inspired by bracelet artisans while on a post-graduation surf trip in Costa Rica. What started out as helping sell just a few bracelets a week grew into a worldwide movement with millions of bracelets sold each year. Over the last few years, the lifestyle brand has partnered with more than 175 charities to donate nearly $2.8 million for causes around the world. In 2015, Paul was the recipient of the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.

  • Trust & Will

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    Cody Barbo (San Diego State, ‘12)

    Cody is an entrepreneur and three-time startup founder. In his role as co-founder and CEO of Trust & Will, Barbo has raised over $25 million in startup capital to modernize the $170B estate planning industry with an easy, fast, and secure way to set up estate plans online. He currently serves on the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation Board and in 2019 was the recipient of the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.

PHI KAPPA THETA FOUNDATION

If these options don't ring any bells and you're interested in supporting collegiate brothers… your gift to either our Annual Fund or a Chapter Endowment Fund of an active chapter will provide more educational development opportunities to brothers.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Alternatively, our new mentorship program is an excellent way for alumni to give their time and talent to collegiate members seeking advice on personal and professional goals.

Do you know a Phi Kap with a business we can promote? Let us know!

Fraternity Board Member Dan Bureau, Ph.D., receives AFA’s Dr. Robert H. Shaffer Award

Dan Bureau, Ph.D.

Dan Bureau, Ph.D.

On October 8, 2020, the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) announced individual award recipients. Dan Bureau, Ph.D., is to receive the Dr. Robert H. Shaffer Award.

Among other awards recognizing outstanding contributions made by AFA members and colleagues, the Dr. Robert H. Shaffer Award is considered the highest award presented to a campus professional.

The award has traditionally been presented to an individual in the field of higher education who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to fraternities and sororities. It honors individuals that have “demonstrated a commitment to fostering positive change on college campuses through the advisement of the fraternity/sorority community, building partnerships in higher education and the interfraternal community, had positive and lasting impact on both campuses of employment and the profession of fraternity/sorority advising, and mentoring new and seasoned professionals” (afa1976.org).

AFA highlighted Brother Bureau’s contributions to the fraternal industry with the following statement:

For more than 20 years, Dr. Dan Bureau has been engaged in the fraternal industry. His resume details his extensive commitment to fraternities and sororities through his career path and volunteer work.

Dr. Bureau has served as the AFA representative for the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) since 2008, and he currently serves as CAS president. Beyond defining and refining industry standards over the last 12 years for a number of areas of higher education, including Fraternity and Sorority Advising Programs (FSAP), Dr. Bureau has spent years conducting campus reviews to help professionals improve their operations through assessment and alignment with industry standards. 

Dr. Bureau is a past AFA president and has won many AFA awards. He also has an extensive list of presentations and publications where he has shared his knowledge to advance the profession.

In response to Bureau's recognition, Phi Kappa Theta Executive Vice President Robert Riggs, CAE, shared, "On behalf of the entire Fraternity, we share our congratulations to Brother Bureau for receiving AFA’s Dr. Robert H. Shaffer Award. His commitment to students has been an inspiration for us all. We are so grateful to have Brother Bureau continue his leadership on our Fraternity Board."

On Facebook Brother Bureau wrote, “I've had a hard time putting into coherent words what being recognized by AFA in this way means to me. To win one of the most prestigious awards of the Association, a professional home for me for 24 years, is something for which I feel honored and humbled. I'm touched that people have reached out and let me know the influence I had on them and that of course is an opportunity for me to express the impact so many people have had on me.”

Earlier this year, Bureau was recognized by The American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Educational Leadership Foundation as a 2020 Diamond Honoree. Bureau will be presented with the Dr. Robert H. Shaffer Award during a virtual AFA Annual Meeting in early December. 

Bureau and other AFA members invite friends and colleagues to donate to the AFA Foundation which will be used to advance the work of AFA through scholarships, grants, and funding for educational initiatives.

To make an In Honor Of gift, click here. Then, select “In Honor Of” and add Dan Bureau in the comment box before submitting the donation. The AFA Foundation plans to share the list of donors with the award recipients following the 2020 Virtual AFA Annual Meeting.

To learn more about AFA and this year’s individual award winners, visit afa1976.org.

More About Brother Bureau

Dan Bureau, Ph.D., joined Phi Kappa Theta at the University of New Hampshire. He has worked in higher education for over 20 years and currently serves as Associate Vice President for Student Academic Success at the University of Memphis. He is also the current President for the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS). He served as the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors President in 2004 and has held roles in ACPA and NASPA.

His areas of focus have included fraternity and sorority life, leadership programs, student affairs assessment, and first-generation college students. He has served at the University of New Mexico, University of Illinois, Indiana University, and the University of Memphis. He has presented at several association conferences and has authored peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and many other publications. He is the co-editor and contributor to Leading Assessment for Student Success: Ten Tenets That Change Culture and Practice in Student Affairs. Dan enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis, and staying fit.

I’m touched that people have reached out and let me know the influence I had on them and that of course is an opportunity for me to express the impact so many people have had on me.
— Dan Bureau, Ph.D.