Minnesota Greek Alumni Partnership

Were You A Girl Scout?

Since 1912, nearly 45 million women across the country have been Girl Scouts. Today’s leaders in science, sports, government and business are yesterday’s Girl Scouts. Chances are, you still cherish your Girl Scout experience- the friendships, the adventures, and of course, the fun! Did you know that Girl Scouts can be just as much fun for adult women as it is for girls?

If you are a former Girl Scout, Girl Scout Leader, volunteer, camp counselor or staff member- it’s time to reconnect! Girl Scout Alumni can help by sharing their experiences, commitment, talent, time and financial support.

How do you rekindle the unique experience of Girl Scouts? Go to the council website at www.girlscoutsmpls.org, look at the list of Quick Links and click on “Were You a Girl Scout”. Then simply fill out the form. We will then add you to our Alumni Registry for future Alumni Reunions, special events, as well as volunteer and gift opportunities. Act now to get reconnected with the largest female organization in the world!

Restorative Community Panels in the University-SE Minneapolis Area

A great opportunity for alumni to get involved!
Restorative Justice Community Action, Inc. has been working in the
University and Southeast Minneapolis neighborhoods for two years now,
bringing students, other members of the University community and
neighborhood stakeholders together with young adult offenders (most of whom
are also students) to address livability crimes in the area.  RJCA uses
Community Conferences and Community Panels to bring these participants
together, guided by the principles of restorative justice:
   ·          A space for open, honest dialogue about living in a community
   where one’s actions affect everyone else;
   ·          An opportunity for offenders to make amends and;
   ·          A chance for the needs of all to be met.
This fall Community Panels are being organized to address alcohol-related
disturbances including noisy parties, underage drinking, disorderly
conduct, drinking in public, and public urination.
Panels take place on Saturday mornings when RJCA brings together a dynamite
group of community voices from the neighborhood, the University, the
student body, and Health and Legal fields to give a comprehensive view of
the impact of alcohol-related incidents on the community and the
individual.  The panel of 6-8 individuals will speak with a group of up to
50 or 60 referred participants, all who were cited with alcohol-related
offenses.  Each panelist takes approximately five minutes to answer a set
of questions which they received beforehand so they are able to prepare
responses.  After the panel speaks, there is a chance for referred
participants to share any reflections on what was said.
Your voice as University staff or faculty is especially powerful as young
people see that other members of the University community are also
concerned and, that all are welcome to be engaged in the neighborhood
communities in a positive way.
Once the discussion is finished, later that afternoon referred participants
will meet for designated community service projects - anything from raking
with Southeast Seniors to graffiti removal to set-up and clean-up of
community events.  In one day, referred participants fulfill all program
requirements which leads to the dismissal of their citation; they learn the
impact of their offense on the neighborhood and hours later have the
opportunity to serve that same neighborhood.  Panelists are welcome to
volunteer alongside participants if they choose.
Are you interested in the opportunity to speak on a Community Panel about
the impact you see alcohol-related offense have on the University
community?
If so, we are currently seeking University panel members for the following
dates:
Saturday, October 7th  (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Saturday, October 21st (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Saturday, November 4th  (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Saturday, November 18th  (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Saturday, December 2nd  (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
If you would like to be a panel member for these or future dates, please
contact Emily Buehler, Community Coordinator at the email or phone number
below
Thank you for considering this opportunity to get involved and to make a
difference in the University community!
Emily Buehler
Interim Community Coordinator
Restorative Justice Community Action, Inc.
612-341-1657
ebuehler@rjca-inc.org

Presidents Round Table Minutes October 3rd

We are forwarding you the minutes to the Chapter President meeting. Much of the conversation was focused on crime in the area around the university.

By now you have likely heard TV and seen print stories regarding the escalating crime issues this year. There are a few reports from the chapters that members have been victims.

The Partnership Board with Deputy Chief Steve Johnson of the UMPD will be meeting in the coming weeks with representatives from the Minneapolis Police Department to talk about crime and safety issues. How we can best educate the chapters and how our groups can be of help.

We will be sure to send you notes from that meeting.
Presidents Round Table
Tuesday, October 3
Absent: Alpha Sigma Kappa, Delta Gamma, Alpha Gamma Rho, FarmHouse,
Omega Nu Alpha, FIJI, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Triangle
I. Crime in 2^nd Precinct and Neighborhood near University of Minnesota
(Statistics for this year)
A. First-degree assault: 5 in 2^nd Precinct/4 near U of M
(Great bodily harm or with deadly force)
B. Second-degree assault: 125 in 2^nd Precinct/23 near U of M
(Dangerous weapon used)
C. Third-degree assault: 50 in 2^nd Precinct/17 near U of M
(Substantial bodily harm)
D. Fifth-degree assault: 250 in 2^nd Precinct/75 near U of M
(Inflict bodily harm, or to create fear of immediate bodily harm or death)
E. Robbery: 150 in 2^nd Precinct/75 near U of M
F. Aggravated robbery (with weapon): 150 in 2^nd Precinct/46 near U of M
G. Rape and sexual assault: 27 near U of M
II. Crime Prevention
A. *_Always_* call 911 first , then attempt to help. Make sure help is
on the way.
B. Dept. of Public Safety Resources --
http://www1.umn.edu/police/prevention.html ... Check out pages on
personal safety and safety at home
III. Risk Management
A. Corey Coonen (Delta Tau Delta) described what happened with his
chapter this Summer
B. In tailgating lots, beware of more than one chapter member purchasing
(and providing) alcohol (including kegs). It is a violation of your
chapter's insurance policy and headquarters' risk management policy.
IV. Feedback on T.J. Sullivan “Confronting the Idiot in Your Chapter”
(to be forwarded to Campuspeak)
A. Extremely positive, one of the best speakers we've had in a long time
B. More time on confrontation skills would be beneficial
C. Some sort of visual element (especially for lists) would be beneficial
D. Time could have been reallocated to focus on important parts of the
message
V. Announcements
A. Greek Experience Survey
B. Housing and Residential Life -- Quick Release Program (Deadline: 10/8)
C. Registration with Student Activities Office (Deadline passed;
unregistered groups will be expired at noon 10/6)
D. Student Activities Office Grants --
http://www.sao.umn.edu/groups/funding/grants/
E. Chapter Announcements
--
Chad Ellsworth
Greek Affairs Advisor
Office for Student Affairs
University of Minnesota
Phone: (612) 624-7659
Fax: (612) 624-9124
Email: ellsw017@umn.edu

MGAP Happy Hour

MGAP Happy Hour

Thursday, Oct. 12, 2006
The Local, Downtown Minneapolis
931 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Look for the maroon and gold balloons!

September Board meeting

Board Meeting Agenda

September 21, 2006

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Delta Kappa Epsilon

Introductions

Monthly Reports

Panhellenic Council/IFC

Recruitment

Panhellenic Recruitment was finished on Monday, 9/18. The highest number of women bid matched since 1998:

- Matched 155 - zero women not matched

- Quota 17, with 3 chapters receiving Quota Additions

- 7 chapters matched to Quota, 1 missed by 1, and 1 missed Quota by 2

- Percentage of Open House pool of PNMs matched was 85%, up from 79% last year

- Retention has improved significantly

Fall Greek Weekend: 9/29-10/2

Greek Weekend Activities:

Saturday, 9/30

-Pig Roast, Tailgating lots at Metrodome 5 pm

Monday, 10/2

-Greek Speaker, TJ Sullivan

University Activities: Parent’s Weekend

Friday, 9/29

-Scholars Walk dedication, McNamara Alumni Center 11 am – 2 pm

Saturday, 9/30

-Chili Fest, Riverbend Plaza 12 pm

-Pass the Football between the Metrodome and the new stadium site 12:30 pm

-Stadium Ground Breaking Ceremony, Oak and 4th St. 2 pm

-Football game: Minnesota vs. Michigan 7 pm

UGPB Update

Recruitment Results were discussed (see above)

A Recruitment Roundtable will be held in October to recap Recruitment and talk about next year.

U of M Police talked about efforts to increase patrols with the increased crime rate in the neighborhood.

Communication

Return to a bimonthly e-mail schedule in September: 2nd and 4th weeks of month

All announcements/communication for e-mails are due to Erika (copy Lorna) by 5 pm on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month.

Erika will send the e-mails the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays - evenings

All officer reports and MGAP meeting agenda items are due 3rd Tuesday by 5 pm to Erika and Lorna. MGAP agenda will be e-mailed out by noon on day of the meeting.

MGAP Membership

AFA (Association of Fraternity Advisors) Presentation

Lorna Fox. Carol Warren, Paul DeBettignies, and Chad Ellsworth will present a session on forming an Alumni group at their annual convention 11/30-12/3 in New Orleans.

Football Passing: MGAP will be a participating group along with the Panhellenic Council and IFC. We will have a banner to identify us.

Alumni Involvement

Happy Hours – the next Happy Hour is planned on Thurs., 10/12 from 5-8 pm at the Local in downtown Minneapolis,

Annual Meeting: 11/16 Program ideas – stadium update/presentation? Lorna will start working on the agenda.

Board Members: 2006-07

Are current Board members interested in staying on? Need to potentially recruit new people.

House Corp. List Serve: sent out the e-mail to the MGAP list.

2006-07 Dues Mailing: Rick and Lorna will work to get this completed in October.

HC Contact List for University

Minneapolis Boarding Ordinance Change

Ordinance passed. Due date is still in November and we still have a 30 day grace period. The fees did increase.

Greek Village

Misc. Topics

Address List

Announcements/Communications

Future Meeting Dates

October Meeting: Thurs. 10/19, 6:30 pm Need location

November Meeting: Thurs. 11/16, 6:30 pm Need location Annual Meeting

UMN Fall Update

Recruitment update:
We currently have 95 women signed up for formal recruitment through Wednesday. Approximately 70 women attended Thursday night’s orientation session. There was an additional orientation session Friday night. Most women signed up.  We're ahead of this time last year (and previous years).  We sent postcards to all of the people living in the residence halls this year with recruitment dates, and there are/will be ads in the Minnesota Daily all week. The men are beginning to RSVP for house tours, we are estimating between 50-70 men at this time. The recruitment book will be handed out this weekend at the Information Sessions and Recruitment Kickoff.

The Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Office for Student Affairs, Athletic Department, Rec Sports, University Student Legal Services, Marching Band, and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) are bringing Rick Barnes to campus on Monday, September 25, 2006 to mark the beginning of National Hazing Prevention Week. Rick Barnes currently serves on the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) Board of Directors and formerly served as the Association of Fraternity Advisors (AFA) President, and has been a featured speaker on more than 600 campuses. You can learn more about him at: http://www.campuspeak.com/speakers/barnes/

U of M Parent's Weekend:  Parent's Weekend will be 9/29-10/1.  The University will also be having a ground breaking ceremony for the new stadium.
Friday, 9/29
-Scholars Walk dedication, McNamara Alumni Center 11 am – 2 pm
-Hanson Hall (Carlson School of Management) ground breaking. TBD

Saturday, 9/30
-Chili Fest, Riverbend Plaza                                12pm
-Pass the Football between the Metrodome and the new stadium TBD
-Stadium Ground Breaking Ceremony, Oak and 4th St. 2 pm
-“U Rock” Block Party:  Neighborhood/University sponsored 3-6 pm
-Football game:  Minnesota vs. Michigan 7 pm
September

MGAP

Meeting:  Thursday, 9/21, 6:30 pm  Location: TBD

House Corporation Listserve Created

Starting this fall, MGAP will be hosting a List Serve forum specifically for House Corporation Members.

THE overall VISION is to provide a tool for HC Members to get their jobs done more effectively, efficiently and with greater & faster collective learning.

The tactical GOALS of the HC List Serve are three-fold:

1. 1. BULK/COORDINATED PURCHASES: Share information regarding projects from HC to HC to take advantage of bulk purchasing opportunities (i.e., if Beta is going to be installing sprinklers this year and Pi Phi is also going to do this, why not get together and try to get a better deal with a vendor). This could work for things big like sprinklers or carpet, but also small things like shoveling the sidewalk or parking lots.
2. 2. LEARN: Learn from each others' experiences with vendors, house project plans, etc... so as to do things better next time
3. 3. UPDATES: Keep each other updated on new members/contact info. of HCs are as information change

The way it TACTICALLY works is as follows:

1. 1. Initially, an e-mail will go out from MGAP  announcing the List Serve and asking HC Members to supply updates or inputs, thoughts, etc...
2. 2. HC Member responses will end up going to all List Serve Members and anyone can reply. You may reply to the entire List Serve or you may reply just to the individual who has something in which you have an interest. For example, a HC Member may reply like this: "We are working on getting money from Marcy Holmes neighborhood and just received a $2,000 grant to help fix our roof, if anyone else is interested in free money from Marcy Holmes, just contact...."
3. 3. Then it is off to the races.... Anyone can post anything or respond in any way with a few caveats: 

• i. All material should be HC RELATED
• ii. No soliciting
• iii. Be professionally courteous and respectful in dialogues
• iv. Whatever is posted should be helpful, a request for information, or a sharing of information that may be helpful ie. "Does anyone know a good, reliable snow plowing service?" or "We just found a great place for a new House Director - it's called GreekHouseDirectors.com"

4. You may request that the e-mails you receive from the List Serve are either a) all come individually, b) are collected for the day and provided in a single e-mail.

5. A person can place comments to the List Serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How do I JOIN?:

• 1. If you are a HC member currently & in the MGAP List, you are currently being invited to join.
• 2. If you would like other members of your board to be included, please send an e-mail to Erika Loen at erikaloen@yahoo.com 

Thank you,
Brett Hildtreth VP Housing & Lynn Swon VP Alumni Relations

August Board Meeting

Board Meeting Agenda

August 17, 2006

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Alpha Chi Omega

Introductions

Monthly Reports: 5 min.

Panhellenic Council/IFC 20 min.

Recruitment

Incident at Delta Tau Delta: They have been put on probation and can not participate in IFC Recruitment events.

Fall Greek Weekend: 9/29-10/2

University Activities: Parent’s Weekend

Friday, 9/29 -Scholars Walk dedication, McNamara Alumni Center 11 am – 2 pm

-Hanson Hall (Carlson School of Management) ground breaking. (TBD)

Saturday, 9/30

-Chili Fest, Riverbend Plaza 12 pm

-Pass the Football between the Metrodome and the new stadium site (TBD)

-Stadium Ground Breaking Ceremony, Oak and 4th St 2 pm

-“U Rock” Block Party 3-6 pm

-Football game: Minnesota vs. Michigan 7 pm

UGPB Update 10 min.

They did not meet. The results of the Greek Life Survey is not complete.

Communication 5 min.

Return to a bimonthly e-mail schedule in September: 2nd and 4th weeks of month

All announcements/communication for e-mails are due to Erika (copy Lorna) by 5 pm on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month.

Erika will send the e-mails the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays - evenings

All officer reports and MGAP meeting agenda items are due 3rd Tuesday by 5 pm to Erika and Lorna.

MGAP agenda will be e-mailed out by noon on day of the meeting.

MGAP

Membership 20 min.

Alumni Involvement

Happy Hours

Working towards an October date and keep it in the same location somewhere downtown Minneapolis

Annual Meeting: 11/16

Board Members: 2006-07

Are current Board members interested in staying on? Need to potentially recruit new people.

House Corp. List Serve

Lynn Swon and Brett Hildreth will work with Erika Loen on the communication for this.

2006-07 Dues Mailing

HC Contact List for University

Minneapolis

Boarding Ordinance Change 5 min.

Have been trying to get information from Councilman Cam Gordon on the final decisions.

 Misc. Topics 5 min.

Address List

Announcements/Communications 5 min.

Future Meeting Dates

September Meeting: Thurs. 9/21, 6:30 pm Need location

October Meeting: Thurs. 10/19, 6:30 pm Need location

The Capital Fraternal Caucus (CFC)

The Capital Fraternal Caucus (CFC) launches its new Web site! The CFC Web site is intended to harness the collective voice of nine million fraternity and sorority members nationwide. You will find this Web site has a variety of resources that will encourage you to get involved in the  CFC Greek government relations program.      

http://www.fraternalcaucus.com

June Meeting Minutes

In attendance: Paul DeBettignies, Lorna Fox, Brett Hildreth, Rick Hosking, Marc Mayer, Gina Rozinka, Lynn Swon, Alex Vu, Carol Warren

Monthly Reports: Sent to Board Members via E-mail

Treasurer: We have collected $2800 YTD (school year)

PHC/IFC: 

Lots of planning and encouragement about the recruitment structure.

Fall Greek Weekend will be September 24 to October 2. The UMAA Scholars Walk dedication will be this same weekend.

University Greek Partnership Board Update:

Lynn and Paul attended the UGPB meeting this afternoon. Tony Diggs, Student Activities Director, died at the age of 38 after an illness. Denny Olson is in charge and has been in that role since February.

Copies of the two new recruitment brochures were distributed. One is for parents entitled ”Parents, Has Time Snuck Up on You?” and the other is for students entitled “Students, The Time Has Come.”

The Greek Experience Survey report will be finalized in August. The national organizations will receive an overall report. The chapters will receive an overall report and an individual chapter report.

UGPB (formerly Greek Action Council) will celebrate its 10^th anniversary July 2007. Lynn recommended that

MGAP

plan a party with UGPB to honor this anniversary.

Meeting with Jerry:

· We had a good meeting with Jerry Rinehart. 

· Jerry realizes that the Greeks need to be involved in Emergency Preparedness.

· They need to work on a letter from Jerry regarding advisers. Amelious is writing that letter.

MGAP

Membership:

· For Alumni Involvement we have developed a plan and will add the GAC/UGPB 10^th anniversary in 2007.

· We have a Happy Hour scheduled for July 20 at Fletchers. We will do name tags and have balloons or banners so Greeks can find us. (This event was later cancelled.)

· Lynn and Brett are working on the House Corporation list serve.

· The 2006-2007 dues mailing will be done in mid August. There were several suggestions about the mailing and how many different versions would be written.

· We need to create a list of houses and contacts for the University. With the dues mailing we can send a response sheet for the names of house corporation members.

Minneapolis Boarding Ordinance Change:

The ordinance changes being proposed for sororities and fraternities will combine lodging fees and the fees will go up. This is the primary issue for us. There is also a proposed change about people per sink/shower head being lowered from 1 for 12 people to 1 for 10 people. We have no issue with that proposed ordinance change.

We had a meeting with Cam Gordon about our issues with the newly-proposed ordinance changes. We did bring up the 1999 ordinances and our need to get them changed. On June 21 at 1:30 pm there will be a meeting of the Public Safety and Regulatory Services Committee. Rick distributed the 1999 ordinance 536.20 and our changes proposed in 2003.

Announcements:

· Lorna, Paul, and Carol are presenting at the Big Ten Greek Advisers meeting on July 13.

· October 14 two Phi Psi alums will be doing presentations on “How to be a Winner” and “How to Negotiate.”

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10.

Greek Community Service Hours and Dollars Raised

Fall 2005

Hours: 12,000

Funds raised: $25,000

 

Spring 2006

Hours: 12,050

Funds raised: $57,000

 

Totals

Hours: 24,050

Funds raised: $82,000

 

BLS for the year (for community service hours) equals approximately $437,000.

Alumni Volunteers Need For Parents Session At Freshmen Orientation

The Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils are looking for a small group of parents or alumni who are available to facilitate a "Q and A" session for parents of incoming students during Orientation this summer.

Orientation starts June 7 and ends July 14 (with the entire week of July 4 off). Sessions are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and last for 45 minutes. Normally between 5 and 10 parents of incoming students participate in the session.

 

If you can volunteer for one of the sessions please send an email to Chad Ellsworth, Greek Advisor, ellsw017@umn.edu.

PR/Marketing and Recruitment Material Update

The Partnership Board Recruitment Committee reports that the project plan is moving along as scheduled. A new logo has been developed and comments are being taken on the second draft of the student and parent tri-fold brochures.

 

Gopher Stadium Rally at Capitol this Thursday

For Your Information

Tony Dungy, former Golden Gopher great and current head coach of the Indianapolis Colts will be in the Twin Cities this Thursday to show his support for bringing Gopher football back to the University of Minnesota campus.

Please join Tony Dungy this Thursday for a Gopher stadium rally at the State Capitol, sponsored by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, the M Club and the Goal Line Club. The event will take place on the steps of the State Capitol on Thursday, May 11, at 9:30 a.m. A brief program will begin at 10 a.m.                                       
                                                                            
Stop by to show your support for a Gopher stadium, meet Tony Dungy and have a special Golden Gopher edition Krispy Kreme donut, compliments of the Maple Grove Krispy Kreme. Well also have free limited edition Back to Campus 2009 mini-footballs, while supplies last.                           

After a successful Senate vote on Tuesday, the stadium debate will now move to a conference committee, so the goal line is in sight. We need your help to have a strong showing of support at the Capitol, which will help get our stadium bill into the end zone.                                    

See you on Thursday. Go Gophers!                                                             
Joel Maturi - UMN Director of Athletics

Happy Hour Anyone?

Join us down at Lyon's Pub for some fun networking & socializing!

When: Thursday, May 11

Time: 5:00-8:00

Location:  Lyon's Pub, 16 South Sixth Street (across from City Center) Minneapolis, MN 55402, Phone: 612-333-6612 http://www.lyonspub.com/

"The friendly neighborhood pub in downtown Minneapolis".

April Board Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Rick Hosking

Brett Hildreth

Marty B

Abby Weinandt

Carl Warren

Mar Meyer

Lynn Swon

Alex Vu

Lorna Fox

Erika Loen

Ron Licheid

Gina Rozinka

Monthly Reports

President

University Activities:

Participation in the Greek Village Work Group – as an M-H sorority representative.

Attended President’s Meeting:  3/7

Coordinated meeting with chapter presidents and GV members:  3/8

Helped administer Greek Survey:  3/27

Greek Weekend:  4/1-3

MGAP Activities

MGAP Board Meeting:  2/23

MGAP Housing Meeting:  3/16

Attended M-H Breakfast with Paul D.:  3/10 and 4/18

Met with Carol Oosterhuis, Minneapolis Crime Prevention Specialist, Paul D., Gina R., and Alex V.:  3/24

Attended M-H Gardening Meeting:  3/29

Coordinating House Tour for Delta Gamma Regional Housing Director:  5/2

Exec Vice President of University Relations

LinkedIn

We have 45 members in the group. There has already been some success of guys from my era connecting with each other after 5+ years of not seeing each other. I have been connecting with Greeks around the country, explaining what we are doing and they are agreeing to help with job search in their locations and in their networks. I think there are about 20 such connections I have made.

The next step is to start inviting Greeks, those from our campus and those who have moved here, to join the group. I already have been doing weekly searches to get the names. Now its just contacting them.

I have a tag line to add on our MGAP email that I will send to Erika so we can promote the group in every communication.

MSA Housing Summit

We still have not received the minutes from the meeting. As I said before, that was one of the best meetings I have attended in a long time. For as many different groups as there were with varying agendas, a lot was covered. Most importantly was that there was about 90% common ground between the students, neighborhoods, university, city, and police.

The other 10% is going to be a grind to work out but as I have been suggesting this whole time, work on the easy things and beat each other up in a friendly manner when you disagree.

Innova

Maybe as early as tomorrow we will get their 4-logo/brand ideas. Next week, likely Wednesday, we will meet and discuss. They will be sent via email ahead of time.

Chad and I on Friday will work on the first Recruitment Committee report to the Partnership Board. Yeah, its a day late but it will get out. Included will be the long awaited (my apologies to everyone) talking and points and ask for funding.

Sigma Pi

For those who have not yet heard the news Sigma Pi received colony status a few weekends ago. They have 25+ members and are looking for housing.

City Ordinances

I wish I could bring this up in person but I would like to suggest at our May meeting that we have a conversation, within MGAP, about working on this over the summer.

MGAP Web Site

I have not been a big fan of the look of the site. We need one and this one was free and easy to use. I am working on a web site using tools similar to the blog sites for a business function I am working on. If it works out I will work up a draft for MGAP. The cost would be up to but would not exceed $50 a year. It would be much more graphically appealing and easy to work with. Much more functional.

Univ. Ave Police Calls

In a couple of weeks I am going to send Carol Oosterhuis, 2nd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist, the addresses for groups on Univ. Ave. like we did for the Marcy-Holmes groups last August.

Vice President Collegiate Relations

Partially Structured Panhellenic Recruitment schedule has been approved for Fall 2006

Have reviewed with Paul all plans for Innova marketing and PR initiative for PHC and IFC

Treasurer’s Report

RECEIPTS

Alpha Gamma Rho Chapter                   200.00

Alpha Chi Omega Chapter                   200.00

Delta Gamma House Corp.                   200.00

Lambda Delta Phi Chapter                  200.00

Alpha Delta Phi House Corp.               200.00

                                                   1,000.00

EXPENSES

Panhellenic Council Greek BBQ             100.00

Rick Hosking        Mailing Expense        76.98

University YMCA     Meeting Room Rent     150.00

Alpha Gamma Delta   Scholarship Award     300.00

Sigma Nu            Scholarship Award     300.00

Lorna Fox           Printing Expense       52.93

                                                         979.91

Starting Balance         3,357.29

Receipts                 1,000.00

Expenses                   979.91

Ending Balance                     3,377.38

Panhellenic/IFC

Recruitment is being held for both councils on the second weekend in September for Open Houses

Rho Alpha are in place

Innova Submitted 4/21

Talking points to come from Paul to Collegiate Chapter Presidents to best determine if alumnae group or house corporation is the best audience

Women have raised recruitment fee from 7 to 15 to help cover the cost

Spring Jam has been reduced to four days

Operation Nightcap will be enforced with 14 officers

Homecoming dates are being discussed – initial date seems to be November 4^th

UGPB

Bylaws finalized featuring Chad as the facilitator.  Approval will be voted in May

Some changes in representation as Casey Erickson will be taking the Administrative position and the at large Fraternity Member Doug Carlson will be voted in.

MGAP Membership

Interest Form – Tabled to planning meeting

2005-06 Member List – attached

Follow-up – MGAP Housing Meeting – Great response, surveys well responded to, great ideas for future

House Tour Event – in October 2006, featuring the reschedule of the Alumni BBQ – Our version of National Night Out.  Invite MH & Prospect Park to view

Happy Hour:: 5:00-800, Thursday May 11.

Lyon's Pub

16 South Sixth Street (across from City Center)

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Lyon's Pub: 612-333-6612

Publicized in biweekly e-mail with separate e-mail invite

Mark will work on MGAP nametags to identify everyone

Alumni Events

Meet with Jerry – Late May/Early June – Annual Report for Fall Meeting

GVWGO

Jerry met with the Regents in March, will meet with Facilities in May and will meet with the Executive Board of Regents in June

Marcy Holmes

Gardens on 5^th Avenue – Call for student volunteers has met with limited response

Breakfast Meeting notes via e-mail to the board – Most concerns over Police Support with the Stadium proposal

Change in CPED guidelines 2/24/06 – We will keep an eye on this issue

Eminent Domain/Historic Designation

Call to action will be sent this evening for tomorrow

Alpha Chi Omega in Iowa City hit by Tornado.  A BBQ to raise funds will be held on May 6^th.  More details to come.

Future Meeting Dates

Happy Hour:  Thurs., 5/11 5:00-8:00 Lyon's Pub

May Meeting:  Thurs., 5/18, 6:30 pm Need location

June Meeting:  Thurs. 6/15, 6:30 pm Need location

July – no meeting

TCAPA Annual Meeting

The Twin Cities Alumnae Panhellenic Association (TCAPA) will be hosting their annual meeting at the Campus Club on Thursday, May 11 at 6:30PM.

They will be holding our annual meeting to hear nominations and elect the officers for next year!  They will also be discussing preliminary budgets and calendars.

Please bring your ideas, goals and nominations to this event!

Additional nominations can be sent to the current TCAPA President, Erika Loen erikaloen@yahoo.com

To RSVP, please follow the evite link:

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/erikaloen@yahoo.com/tcapa

Alumni Greek Awards

Congratulations on all of your achievements this year!

MGAP Alumni of the Year

Paul DeBettignies

Delta Kappa Epsilon

Lorna Fox

Alpha Chi Omega

Chapter Advisor of the Year

Matt Atkinson

Sigma Nu

Jessica Cramer

Alpha Omicron Pi

House Director of the Year

Mary Ann Cope

Alpha Gamma Delta

Congratulations to all of the Alumni of the Year Nominees

Paul DeBettignies - Delta Kappa Epsilon

Michael Loehrer - Beta Theta Pi

Craig Strong - Sigma Nu

Mary Buschette - Lambda Delta Phi

Micah Ebert - Alpha Chi Omega

Kelly Erskine - Kappa Alpha Theta

Lorna Fox - Alpha Chi Omega

Pat Funk - Alpha Gamma Delta

Meg Sisk - Alpha Omicron Pi

Carol Warren - Pi Beta Phi

Gloria Ray Wicks - Alpha Chi Omega

Sorority Greek Awards

Congratulations on your achievements this year!

Chapter of Excellence

Alpha Omicron Pi

Alpha Chi Omega

Greek Woman of the Year

Kathryn Baugher

Kappa Alpha Theta

Outstanding New Member

Allison Stoneberg

Alpha Chi Omega

Chapter of the Year

Alpha Omicron Pi

Outstanding Academics

Alpha Gamma Delta

Honorable Mention

Alpha Omicron Pi

Alpha Chi Omega

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Outstanding Community Service

Alpha Omicron Pi

Honorable Mention

Pi Beta Phi

Gamma Phi Beta

Alpha Chi Omega

Outstanding Mutual Support

Kappa Alpha Theta

Honorable Mention

Pi Beta Phi

Alpha Chi Omega

Alpha Omicron Pi

Outstanding Recruitment

Alpha Omicron Pi

Honorable Mention

Alpha Chi Omega Sorority

Alpha Phi Sorority

Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority

Outstanding Student Development

Alpha Gamma Delta

Honorable Mention

Delta Gamma Sorority

Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority

Alpha Phi Sorority

Outstanding Leadership

Alpha Omicron Pi

Honorable Mention

Alpha Chi Omega

Kappa Alpha Theta

Delta Gamma

Outstanding Progress

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi

Fraternity Greek Awards

Congratulations on your achievements this year!

Chapter of Excellence

Sigma Nu

Sigma Phi Epsilon

Beta Theta Pi

Greek Man of the Year

Jonathan Schefers

Alpha Gamma Rho

Outstanding New Member

Seth Normington

Delta Tau Delta

Chapter of the Year

Sigma Nu

Outstanding Academics

Sigma Nu

Honorable Mention

Beta Theta Pi

Alpha Gamma Rho

Triangle

Outstanding Community Service

Sigma Phi Epsilon

Honorable Mention

Phi Gamma Delta

Beta Theta Pi

Sigma Nu

Outstanding Mutual Support

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

Honorable Mention

Beta Theta Pi

Phi Kappa Psi

Outstanding Recruitment

Sigma Nu

Honorable Mention

Beta Theta Pi

Phi Kappa Psi

Outstanding Student Development

Sigma Nu Fraternity

Honorable Mention

Sigma Phi Epsilon

Phi Kappa Psi

Outstanding Leadership

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

Honorable Mention

Sigma Nu

Beta Theta Pi

Phi Gamma Delta

Summer Community Service Opportunity

Living in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood or at the Fraternity houses over
the summer?
Want to do some outdoor community service?
Interested in gardening or just being near beautiful flowers?

Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association is expanding their 5th St Historic
Gardens in 2006 to the east side of I-35W.  They have identified two
"bumpout" areas on 5th St. between 10th and 11th St. that they would like
to transform into gardens.  The areas are near Kappa Alpha Theta and Delta
Gamma.

This garden program relies on volunteers.  There is a master gardener in
the M-H neighborhood that heads up the group and a Gardening Group that
volunteers to maintain the existing gardens in M-H.  The plants are donated
and also purchased with Gardening Group funds.

They need  willing volunteers to help plant and maintain the new proposed
gardens throughout the summer.  The current gardens are maintained by
people signing up for a week at a time.  A similar system would be used for
the new gardens.  The Gardening group will help teach you on what is needed
to maintain the gardens.  The most important thing will be watering!  They
arrange to use water from the neighborhood houses to make it easy.

Planting of the gardens is planned for mid to late May.  The weekly
maintenance would start after the gardens are planted.

Want to help?  Contact Lorna Fox (lfox1@hallmark.com) or respond back to
mgap@umngreekalumni.com by 4/28.

MGAP House Corporation Meeting Notes

MGAP’s House Corporation Meeting on March 16th was a great event!  3 strong and insightful presentations followed by a Q & A panel had the entire group riveted to their seats for 2 hours.  Representatives from 6 sororities and 11 fraternities attended.  We received great ideas for future meetings. People lingered to chat and ask questions even after the 2-hour time limit to the point of having to get “kicked out” of the meeting space at the YMCA.

Mary Mulier’s, a 20+ year professional fundraiser, has agreed to have her presentation posted on the MGAP website at http://umngreekalumni.com/greeks/Documents/Default.aspx for those who could not attend.  Although it is not quite the same without Mary’s in person gripping stories, comic flair and detailed insights, it may still provide a helpful project template and raise great questions for your groups, if fundraising is among your future plans.

Rick Beeson, President of Park Midway Bank, who presented credit process with their bank specifically for fraternities and sororities can be reached at (651) 523-7830 (rick@parkmidwaybank.com).

Ellen Sletten, Alpha Chi HC member and Alpha Chi National HC member, presented in her finely polished way on the nuances of FREE GRANT money from the Marcy Holmes neighborhood.  Contact Elissa Cottle in Marcy Holmes at 612-623-7923 (mhnrp@pro-ns.net) to find out how to get your FREE money, today.

At the request of several house corporations we have also posted the Education Foundation Presentation to House Corporations 501(c)3 Case Study on the MGAP website as well.

Alumni Connections

In the coming weeks and months MGAP will be working on social and professional networking opportunities for the Greek community.

The first event is April 2, which is the Alumni BBQ in coordination with Greek Weekend. The location and time are still being worked out.

MGAP has recently formed a group on LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com, an online professional networking web site. More information on LinkedIn and an invitation to join will be sent to the MGAP and Greek Alumni Network (through the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, UMAA) in the next two weeks.

We are working with the UMAA to have updates of the GAN membership in an Excel spreadsheet. The new list of Greek alumni is 600+ and we will be sending them an introduction to MGAP.

Partnership Board Recruitment Committee, Innova Presentation

On January 25^th, 2006 100+ Greek undergraduates, advisors, house corporation board members and university staff attended a presentation with the results from the Greek community communications audit and proposal.

Innova Campus Direct was retained to do an audit of the Greek community communication practices to include web, email, general public relations and recruitment materials.

As part of Innova’s presentation they gave recommendations on what should be done for the 2006 and 2007 calendar years and a project proposal should we decide to work with them.

The audit and proposal were sent out to all undergraduate chapter presidents, house corporations and advisors.

Response to the proposal has been overwhelmingly positive. Both governing undergraduate councils have voted in favor of moving forward with the proposal.

University Neighborhoods Second Fridays

MGAP has been invited to attend the monthly meetings of a group made up of neighborhood groups surrounding the U (Marcy-Holmes, SE Como, Prospect Park, Seward and West Bank) and reps from University of MN, Second Precinct Police, city attorney, U Police, and council members.

This is a great opportunity for us to be more involved in the community and to further develop personal and professional relationships with area leaders.

Third Ward Summit

Lorna Fox and Erika Loen attended the Third Ward Summit on Saturday, 3/3.  New Minneapolis Council Member Diane Hofstede coordinated this meeting of the 8 neighborhood groups that make up the Third Ward. 

Each neighborhood gave a brief presentation about their neighborhood activities.  Small group brain storming sessions were also held to discuss the following topics:  Youth, Housing, Public Safety/Problem Properties, Economic Development, Art/Environment/Green Spaces, and Transportation/Traffic/Bikes.

International Badge Day

The Twin Cities Alumnae Panhellenic Association (TCAPA) celebrated International Badge Day on Sunday, March 5^th at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis. This is an annual event during which sorority women everywhere honor their Greek affiliations by wearing their badge

The theme this year was “Wear Your Badge with Pride."

International Badge Day recognizes the contributions of sorority women and promotes the value of Greek membership ... both as a collegian and an alumna. 

The celebration featured updates from TCAPA, The University of Minnesota Panhellenic Council (UMN PC), and MGAP.  Approximately 25 attendees were treated to a speech by Barbara Laederach, Minnesota Collegiate NPC Advisor, on “Speaking Up for Sororities.” This speech was formerly given to the National Panhellenic Council. 

Additionally TCAPA donated $300 to UMN PC for a Panhellenic Scholarship.

News (Articles and TV)

The following are news stories so far from the spring semester. Click this link to the MGAP web site to see the stories, http://umngreekalumni.com/greeks/News/default.aspx.

Students cite advantages to alcohol-free greek housing, Minnesota Daily, Marc 2 2006

University sororities recruit members at informal event, Minnesota Daily, February 6 2006

U greeks mix charity, competition, Minnesota Daily, February 15 2006

Sorority outfits girls with prom threads, February 13 2006

University sororities recruit members at informal event, Minnesota Daily, February 6 2006

Black greek organizations on campus step up age-old tradition, Minnesota Daily, January 31 2006

Newly elected leaders for greek councils plan year, Minnesota Daily, January 23 2006

Greek Village complex on hold, Minnesota Daily, December 14 2005

Marcy-Holmes Update

Lorna Fox and Paul DeBettignies met with Melissa Bean and Ted Tucker of the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association in February. This was the first “official” meeting between the groups although MGAP board members have been attending the Marcy-Holmes monthly meetings informally.

Topics covered included what MGAP is and who we are, three redevelopment zones in the neighborhood including the corner of 35W and 10^th Avenue (across from Alpha Chi Omega and Gamma Phi Beta) and the current faculty housing on 4^th street between 10^th and 11^th (across from Kappa Alpha Theta and Delta Gamma), MGAP’s wish to be more involved in neighborhood activities, the changes to city ordinances regarding “unruly disturbances”, street lighting and better overall communication between the groups. Lorna and Paul were added to the Marcy-Holmes email list.

Free Trees

The City of Minneapolis is making a thousand trees available to its
residents, to help repair some of the damage done by storms and Dutch elm
disease in 2005.  Residents can order one tree per address, and folks can
choose from four varieties: Autumn Spire Maple, Autumn Brilliance
Serviceberry, Bicolor Oak, and Black Hills Spruce.

Ordering a tree:

The trees cost $15 each, and are each about 6 feet high with a 1 ¼-inch
trunk.  The thousand trees will be made available on a first come, first
served basis, and trees should be ordered by April 15.  To order a tree,
visit Mayor Rybak's website at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/mayor/ or go
to the Tree Trust site at www.treetrust.org.

Picking up your tree:

After submitting an order form, residents will need to pick up their tree on
one of two pick-up dates:
May 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Xcel Energy Riverside Plant, 3100 Marshall
Street NE
May 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Jenny Lind School, 900 50th Avenue N

Learn to care for your trees:

Tree Trust is providing free workshops, which are available for residents to
learn more about how to plant a tree the right way, how to care for it, and
how to be your tree's first responder!  Learn how to identify insect and
disease problems, hazardous trees, and other tree health issues.  The
workshop dates are:
April 4, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Northeast Bank, 77 NE Broadway
April 8, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Nokomis Community Center, 2401 East Minnehaha
Parkway

Research has proven that trees are a valuable investment. They increase
property values, improve air quality, lower heating and cooling costs,
control storm water, and make our cities better places to live.

For more information, contact Lorrie Stromme with the City of Minneapolis at
612-673-2003, or call Mimi Hottinger with Tree Trust at 651-644-5800.

MGAP Meets With University Staff

In January Alex Vu, Gina Rozinka, Lorna Fox and Paul DeBettignies met with the following:

Amelious Whyte, Chief of Staff to the Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Chad Ellsworth, Student Activities Advisor for Greek Affairs

Kendre Turonie, Coordinator for Student and Community Relations Office for Student Affairs

Steve Johnson, Deputy Chief of the UMPD

A good meeting was had with conversation topics including neighborhood crime, fall semester police reports, relations with neighborhoods surrounding the university, changes to the city ordinances regarding “unruly disturbances” and MGAP’s involvement in the Restorative Justice meetings.

New Interfraternity Council Officers

Congratulations new officers:

President   

Alex Vu, Delta Tau Delta

Executive Vice President

John Hutchinson, Beta Theta Pi

VP of Finance

Nick Colbert, Phi Kappa Psi

VP of Public Relations   

Mark Peterson, Sigma Nu

VP of Member Development

Dave Vanderpool, Sigma Chi

VP of Recruitment   

Seth Normington, Delta Tau Delta

VP of Risk Management

Jim Hertneky, Farmhouse

VP of Programming

Grahm Achenson, Alpha Tau Omega

New Panhellenic Council Officers

Congratulations new officers:

President

Gina Rozinka, Alpha Phi

Executive Vice President

Sukie Crawford, Alpha Chi Omega

VP Administration

Crystal Roob, Delta Gamma

VP Programming

Kristin Gast, Gamma Phi Beta

VP Public Relations

Allie Gray, Alpha Phi

VP Finance

Sara Carter, Kappa Alpha Theta

VP Academics

Brianne Lawson, Delta Gamma

VP Membership Development

Andrea Wegner, Alpha Omicron Pi

VP Recruitment

Gaby Hemphill, Alpha Gamma Delta

Rho Alpha Coordinator

Lindsey Beckstein, Alpha Chi Omega

Recruitment Events Coordinator

Molly Szarzynski, Kappa Kappa Gamma

VP Risk Management

Laura Bantle, Alpha Gamma Delta

MSA Representative

Claire Flitcroft, Alpha Omicron Pi

MSA Representative

LyAnne Evenson, Kappa Alpha Theta

Marcy Holmes Representative

Martha Sortland, Kappa Alpha Theta

Ryan Bade Update

Ryan Bade, a member of Phi Gamma Delta is making steady progress as he recovers from his serious jet-ski accident which took place in late June.  Ryan began to come out of his coma toward middle of August and since that time is getting better and stronger each day.

He is staying in a group home in Omaha, Nebraska which specializes in helping people with traumatic brain injuries recover and return to leading a normal life.  Ryan seems to be well on his way, but it will be a long process.  Ryan is awake and alert and is aware of what is happening around him.  He smiles, laughs at jokes, watches TV (he loves the Family Guy and the Simpsons), arm wrestles, reads, and still demonstrates his sense of humor at times.  He will even give you a kiss if you ask for it.   

He has a rigorous schedule of various therapies during the week including speech and physical.  For a few months Ryan has been able to speak, and while he has difficulty getting full sentences out, his speaking ability is constantly improving.  When he speaks you can clearly hear his voice, although his speaking may be slow.  He has also starting singing and is amazing many with the fact that he knows the words to so many songs. 

As part of his therapy Ryan walks and stands quite a bit with the assistance of therapeutic equipment and the staff at the group home.  According to fraternity brothers who have visited him recently, you can see the look of determination in his eyes as he tries to walk further and further each day.   Ryan clearly demonstrates the resilience which appears on blue bracelets made in his honor and the persistence which his fraternity values highly.

While in high school Ryan was actively involved in theater productions.  His former teacher brought some current students to meet Ryan in Omaha.  A number of them saw him perform when he was in school and they were inspired to follow in his footsteps.  With the help of their teacher, the students put together a one-act play called "Patience" about Ryan, his family, the accident and its aftermath.  The play and the cast won several top awards at a regional competition and was featured on the local TV news in Sioux Falls.

While in Omaha, Ryan's mother is by his side most of the time during the week and his father and step-mother visit on the weekends. Ryan receives visitors on a regular basis and they help to brighten his day.

If you have any questions about Ryan, his condition, or how to help support him and his family during this time, please contact Amelious Whyte, Academic Advisor, Phi Gamma Delta at awhyte@umn.edu or 612-624-2678.  Remember to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Ryan’s family has been posting updates on their web site multiple times per week and has had 55,000+ visits so far. The site is, www.caringbridge.org/visit/ryanbade.

Restorative Justice January

Lorna Fox participated in the Spring Semester Restorative Justice Advisory Group meeting.  Updates were given from the Restorative Justice staff and the University departments that work with the Restorative Justice program. 

The University is applying for a US Educational Grant to develop a high risk-drinking program.  The Education Subcommittee which Lorna Fox and Paul DeBettignies serves on will meet in March to work on this program.  They will develop a consistent message on alcohol and drug use for all areas of the University to use in their materials.

The Restorative Justice program is looking for additional volunteers to help with the facilitation of the RJ conferences.  They are also looking for additional community service referrals for the RJ participants to use in their agreement to work off their fines. 

IFC & PHC Retreat

On January 16^th Lorna Fox and Paul DeBettignies were invited to address the newly elected chapter presidents and council officers. Lorna and Paul updated them on MGAP and it’s activities of the past year and what is planned for the spring semester.

Of interest to the students was the job search seminar, professional networking, and the new recruitment plan.

MGAP will continue to attend the monthly chapter presidents meetings held by Chad Ellsworth, Student Activities Advisor for Greek Affairs.

MGAP Monthly Meeting February

Minutes of the February MGAP Board meeting held February 23, 2006 at Kappa Alpha Theta

President Report:
University Activities:

Participation in the Greek Village Work Group – as an M-H sorority representative.
Attended Restorative Justice Meeting with University:  1/25
Attended Innova Presentation to the Greek community:  1/25
Attended woman’s recruitment meeting 2/7

Judged Greek Awards 2/15 and 2/22
MGAP Activities
MGAP Board Meeting:  1/19
Met with Melissa Bean and Ted Tucker from Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Assoc.:  1/26
Started coordination of the MGAP House Corporation Meeting for 3/16

VP Housing:
Coordinating the MGAP House Corp. meeting on 3/16

PHC/IFC Report:

MGCA-PHC/IFC attended MGCA in Chicago

The annual MGCA Conference is an opportunity for fraternity and sorority leaders across the Midwest to gather in Chicago and attend a variety of skills pathways. A Pathway is composed of three sessions - on one issue - that one attends throughout the conference. They are intended to allow in-depth discussion by participants, and the sessions will build upon each other.  More info http://www.mgca.org/

They came away with some great additions to Greek Weekend such as Greek Olympics

Greek Weekend 4/1-3

Greek Night at the Swarm

Alumnae Barbeque

Youth Day

Greek Olympics

Greek Awards

Motion to give $100 to PHC/IFC for Alumnae Barbeque

Moved: Lynn Swon Second: Tim Wu Passed: Unanimous Consent

Greek Awards:

MGAP Alumnae Award – 6 nominations received All other nomination to go to Lynn Swon

Lynn/Brett (previous winners) to announce awards the evening of Greek Awards

Academic Program Scholarship $300 PHC & $300 IFC

Motion to approve awarding $300 to PHC Award Winner and $300 to IFC Winner.

Move: Paul DeBettignies Second: Kat Baugher Passed: Unanimous Consent

UGPB Report:

Bylaws – Working on the new format of officers

Next month’s meeting on 3/23 at 4:00

Rod Nelson of Delta Upsilon discussed the scholarship program with the College of Continuing Education with Lorna – Passed along information to Kat Baugher

Structured Fraternity Recruitment process discussed

Recruitment Marketing Proposal:

Innova Funding discussed

Goal to deliver the talking points to the chapter in time for the March House Corporation Boards

Greek Community Sponsors

Requesting $750 from each House Corp/Alumnae Group, etc. for each chapter on campus

Goal to have the money by April 1^st to get the first mailer out by the end of May/early June to the incoming student list provided by the University

Treasurer's Report:
We have a reconciled bank balance of $3,357.29.
A billing mailing was sent to 61 organizations on 2/9
Motion: To reimburse $76.98 to Rick Hosking for the costs of the billing mailing.

Moved: Paul DeBettignies Second: Tim Wu Passed: Unanimous Consent

Received dues from Alpha Gamma Rho collegiate chapter:  2/16

Two additional chapters paid dues

Discussed membership status & recruitment process

Plan to have commitment letters available for 3/7 Presidents Meeting

House Corporation Fundraising Meeting – YMCA 3/16

Mary of Pi Beta Phi will discuss the success of their programs

Currently reaching out to other chapters for their success stories

Park Midway Bank may attend and discuss the process of borrowing from the bank

Motion: To pay the $100 room fee for the meeting room at the YMCA

Moved: Tim Wu Second: Paul DeBettignies Passed: Unanimous Consent

Greek Village Working Group Organization

Marc gave a report on the recent meetings and what the group is working on.

3/8 meeting with PHC and IFC for communication what the GVWGO is up to.

Marcy-Holmes

Several students were in attendance

Discussion of the redevelopment of the Faculty Housing is planned to change from current configuration to a more Brownstone/Georgetown feel

The group is focusing on three areas that they would like to be developed

Diane Hofstede 3^rd Ward Summit – 3/4 

Eight neighborhood groups, police, mayor, city council members will be in attendance

New Crime Prevention Specialist – Carol Oosterhuis

Miscellaneous Topics

Linked In – Group invitation to go out to the MGAP list

Job Seminar – 2/26 3:00-4:30 Alpha Chi Omega

MGAP update e-mails ready to be completed for Spring Semester Updates

TCAPA Badge Day – 3/5 1:00-3:00 The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis

Brochure to be printed for distribution at Badge Day

Rental House Summit 3/27 5:00-8:00 Coffman

This will focus on how to make it safe, deal with crummy landlord and general open house

Physical Address List of the board will be updated by Erika

Future Meeting Dates

2/26 3:00-4:30 Collegiate Job Seminar - Alpha Chi Omega

3/4 Diane Hofstede 3^rd Ward Summit

3/5 1:00 TCAPA Badge Day - The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis

3/16 6:30 House Corporation Fundraising Meeting - University YMCA

3/23 4:00 UGPB Meeting

3/27 5:00-8:00 Rental House Summit - Coffman

4/1-3 Greek Weekend

4/20 6:30 April MGAP Board Meeting

Adjourn 8:10

Moved: Tim Wu Second: Paul DeBettignies Passed: Unanimous Consent

Greek Graduation Rates

A study was done this fall on the graduation rates of the Greek community in comparison to the university as a whole. The freshmen class of 1998, 1999 and 2000 were used.

The four-year graduation rate was an average 4.77% higher for the Greek community.

The five-year graduation rate was an average 9.83% higher for the Greek community.

Congressional Lobbying Effort

Carol Warren, MGAP VP Collegiate Relations, is Pi Beta Phi’s NPC Delegate and has been heavily involved in lobbying members of Congress to support “The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (H.R. 1548/S.713) Preserving the Future of Not-for-Profit Student Housing.”

Material will be sent to house corporation presidents in the next week, which will include sample letters to send to Senators and Congressmen in support of these bills. What follows is some of the material that will be sent.

The current tax code hinders modernization and safety of some student housing. The federal income tax code allows colleges and universities to use tax deductible contributions for infrastructure improvements to classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, meeting areas and dining facilities, but forbids contributions to fraternity and sorority foundations to be used to make similar infrastructure improvements to student housing, meeting areas and dining facilities.   

Fraternities and sororities are the nation’s largest not-for-profit student landlord. We own and manage $3 billion in student housing at no cost to the American taxpayers. We house 250,000 students a year in 8,000 facilities with a replacement cost and capacity that universities cannot afford to bear.  Our houses operate almost exclusively on student rents and we do not have the ability to raise tax-deductible funding for important life-safety capital improvements. 

In the 108^th Congress, the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act was included in the Charitable Giving Act of 2003 that passed the House by a 408-13 margin. The 2005 version of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act is the same as the language within the Charitable Giving Act of 2003 that passed the House in the last Congress.   

Passing the Collegiate House and Infrastructure Act would encourage new charitable contributions to improve current collegiate housing, thereby preserving and upgrading existing housing capacity and helping construct the new housing capacity needed to accommodate rapidly growing student populations.

The result would be safer student housing by enabling fraternities and sororities to fund the installation of modern life safety equipment such as fire sprinklers, smoke detectors and alarm systems.

Partnership Board Recruitment Committee

In September the Partnership Board, formerly Greek Action Council, formed a committee at the request of the IFC to work on the fraternity recruitment process.

Members of the committee were:

Chad Ellsworth, Greek Advisor

Lech Literski, IFC VP Recruitment, Beta Theta Pi

Carol Warren, MGAP VP Collegiate Relations, Pi Beta Phi

Doug Carlson, MIAA President, Sigma Chi

Chair, Paul DeBettignies, MGAP Exec VP University Relations, Delta Kappa Epsilon

In their meetings they found that changes can and should be made to the pr/marketing materials used for IFC and Panhellenic recruitment.

In recent years, many positive changes have been made by the council recruitment teams with the mailers, brochures, and the web site. Every year the materials have been better than the last but much time and money has gone into them with out getting the desired results. Recruitment numbers have been generally flat for the community and our percentage of the university community is still quite small.

The committee contacted Innova of Ames, Iowa who has worked with 40+ Greek communities on their pr/marketing materials and recruitment in general. Innova offered to meet with the committee right before Thanksgiving. Following that meeting a proposal for a communications audit was sent to the committee for review.

Chad Ellsworth and Paul DeBettignies gave a presentation on the proposal at the December Chapter Presidents Meeting. There was overwhelming support by the women and men to spend the money needed to perform the communications audit. The main conclusion drawn from the presidents was that we need to know what we have done, what we need to do and how to implement a program to have a more successful recruitment program.

The IFC Exec Board and the Panhellenic Council separately voted to fund the audit.

Members of the councils, chapters and alumni attended two half-day sessions with Innova the last week in December. The audit was to be presented at the end of January ’06 along with a proposal of services from Innova.

15th Ave Lighting

The lighting project along 15^th Ave from 4^th Street to Como has been completed. Many thanks to the Panhellenic Council for taking the lead on this project. Kat Baugher and others from the council and chapters attended meetings, posted flyers, knocked door to door with petitions and created the U Light Up the Night Block Party.

Here is a link to a story on the UMNnews web site, http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Let_there_be_light.html.

New City Council Members

Congratulations to Diane Hofstede and Cam Gordon as the newly elected Council Members representing areas around the University Of Minnesota.

Council Member Paul Zerby did not seek re-election. After legislative redistricting the ward held by Zerby was split in two.

Those west of 15^th Ave SE are in the Third Ward represented by Diane Hofstede, http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/ward3/.

Those east of 15^th Ave SE are in the Second Ward represented by Cam Gordon, http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/ward2/.

We look forward to working with Diane and Cam.

Rho Lambda

The following women have been initiated into the Minnesota chapter of Rho Lambda, the National Sorority Leadership Recognition Society. More information can be found at www.rholambda.org.

1. Erin Andrejat, Alpha Chi Omega

2. Lauren Anderson, Alpha Chi Omega, (VICE PRESIDENT)

3. Aeriel Anderson, Alpha Omicron Pi

4. Lindsay Andrews, Kappa Alpha Theta

5. Natalie Arnole, Kappa Alpha Theta

6. Andrea Bader, Alpha Gamma Delta

7. Bethany Barnes, Pi Beta Phi

8. Lauren Bisanz, Kappa Kappa Gamma

9. Trista Brazier, Gamma Phi Beta

10. Leah Brus, Kappa Alpha Theta

11. Lara Cahan, Kappa Kappa Gamma

12. Jamie Carlton, Alpha Phi

13. Anne Christensen, Alpha Chi Omega

14. Callie Cox, Gamma Phi Beta

15. Sukie Crawford, Alpha Chi Omega, (SECRETARY)

16. Melissa Cudzilo, Gamma Phi Beta

17. Allison Evans, Alpha Phi

18. Michele French, Kappa Kappa Gamma

19. Rebecca Graham, Alpha Phi

20. Sarah Hambor, Kappa Alpha Theta

21. Kelly Hansen, Alpha Gamma Delta

22. Stephanie Johnson, Alpha Omicron Pi

23. Kristen Kanz, Delta Gamma

24. Caroline Klohs, Pi Beta Phi

25. Natalie Kotzian, Alpha Phi

26. Kate Larson, Alpha Gamma Delta

27. Becky Leach, Delta Gamma

28. Katherine Manuel, Pi Beta Phi

29. Holly Matson, Alpha Omicron Pi, (TREASURER)

30. Lauren McFarlane, Alpha Phi

31. Janna Miller, Alpha Omicron Pi

32. Jennifer Modell, Delta Gamma

33. Kimberly Neighbors, Kappa Alpha Theta

34. Kelly O'Connell, Kappa Kappa Gamma

35. Chantal Omdahl, Kappa Kappa Gamma

36. Katie Pabst, Gamma Phi Beta

37. Amy Peckman, Kappa Kappa Gamma

38. Amy Pierce, Kappa Alpha Theta

39. Mercedes Porter, Kappa Kappa Gamma

40. Jennifer Pozner, Alpha Omicron Pi

41. Gina Pulford, Alpha Chi Omega

42. Katherine Sauter, Pi Beta Phi

43. Molly Schultz, Kappa Kappa Gamma

44. Danielle Seymour, Kappa Alpha Theta

45. Heidi Skallet, Delta Gamma

46. Jessica St. Arnold, Alpha Omicron Pi, (PRESIDENT)

47. Jacqueline Stark, Alpha Gamma Delta

48. Sarah Stodola, Kappa Alpha Theta

49. Maggie Sullivan, Delta Gamma

50. Taylor Swartz, Alpha Gamma Delta

51. Brit Terry, Alpha Phi

52. Michelle Theilmann, Alpha Omicron Pi

53. Tori Trobak, Alpha Chi Omega

54. Ellen Victor, Pi Beta Phi

55. Jessica Weaver, Kappa Alpha Theta

56. Danielle Wermager, Alpha Gamma Delta

57. Andrea Williams, Pi Beta Phi

58. Anna Yunker, Delta Gamma

59. Allison Ziegler, Delta Gamma

Job Search Seminar

One of the requests by the undergraduate councils and chapters has been help in professional networking, specifically job/internship resources. Last year a job board was created on the MGAP web site, http://umngreekalumni.com/greeks/Jobs+/default.aspx.

In December 30+ students signed up for a job search seminar presented by Paul DeBettignies an IT Headhunter by trade titled, "I have a killer resume, now what? Tips on being your own Headhunter". The Minnesota Daily had this article regarding the seminar, http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2005/12/08/66525.

The seminar will be provided again in February.

Restorative Justice Advisory Group, September and November

Lorna Fox has been representing MGAP at the university meetings of Restorative Justice. The university is looking into creating a program it can offer to students that have legal issues resulting from on campus activity including the residence halls.

A prevention education subcommittee has been put in place with the task of creating ideas that can be implemented on campus with the message getting to students before they become offenders.

Some suggestions have been a mandatory 1-credit class on being responsible for all incoming and transfer students, a PR campaign, and others.

In the meetings the Greek community has been recognized for their continued education of its members on alcohol and drug use, social responsibility, and event management.

New Member Seminar

MGAP was in attendance at the New Member Seminar on November 5^th. The morning began with Vice Provost Jerry Rinehart introducing himself to the new members and speaking about the Partnership Statement and the importance of the Greek community to the University of Minnesota.

Break out sessions were:

-Risk management

-Academics

-Public relations

-Greek opportunities

-Panel of Greek student leaders

-Alumni resources

We spoke about the four areas of MGAP, university relations, alumni relations, housing and collegiate relations. Much time was spent on recruitment, job and internship resources and the upcoming job search seminar.

News (Articles and TV), Fall Semester

The following are news stories from the fall semester. Click this link to the MGAP web site to see the stories, http://umngreekalumni.com/greeks/News/default.aspx.

-Greeks gather for good grades, prizes, Minnesota Daily, December 12 2005

-Greeks Geek Out At 'Study-A-Thon', WCCO TV, December 11 2005

-'U' Students Compete in Study Arena, WCCO TV, December 11 2005

-Greek community offers help in job hunt, Minnesota Daily, December 8 2005

-Helping catch a suspect lands students accolades for heroism, Minnesota Daily, December 5 2005

-Sigma Nu gathers to help charity, Minnesota Daily, November 7 2005

-Students fight for neighborhood voice, Minnesota Daily, October 26 2005

-Greeks organize events to raise money for charity, Minnesota Daily, October 24 2005

-Differences persist in busts of greek, nongreek parties, Minnesota Daily, October 12 2005

-Greek Village plans still on the table, Minnesota Daily, October 12 2005

-U area groups request neighborhood designation, Minnesota Daily, October 12 2005

-Are the lights out and is the music over for partying students?, Minnesota Daily, October 6 2005

-U fraternity brothers welcome New Orleans student transfers, Minnesota Daily, September 23 2005

-Vikings foe: The Saints march on, Star Tribune, September 23 2005

-Greeks pomp their rides for homecoming parade, Minnesota Daily, September 22 2005

-U Students Help Tulane Frat Brothers, WCCO TV, September 16 2005

MGAP Monthly Meeting, December 2005

The purpose of this meeting was to hold officer elections and a get to know you for the new members of the board.

A lengthy conversation was had on the proposed city ordinance changes regarding unruly disturbances. The board voted to send another letter to Council Member Zerby clarifying the board’s position and include recommendations for changes to the proposed ordinance.

The newly elected officers are:

President                                 Lorna Fox                  lfox1@hallmark.com

Exec VP University Relations     Paul DeBettignies            paul@mnheadhunter.com

VP Alumni Relations                     Lynn Swon                lynn.swon@frostbit.com

VP Collegiate Relations                 Carol Warren             rjwarren@aol.com

VP Housing                                   Brett Hildreth             bhildreth@dragonmanufacturing.com

Treasurer                                  Rick Hosking                        hosking@mninter.net

Secretary                                 Erika Loen                 erikaloen@yahoo.com

IFC President                            Alex Vu                                    vuxx0079@umn.edu

PHC President                          Gina Rozinka                        rozi0007@umn.edu                  

At Large                                   Kat Baugher                        baug0013@umn.edu

At Large                                   Marc Mayer               Marc.R.Mayer@co.hennepin.mn.us

At Large                                   Abby Weinandt                      wein0210@umn.edu

At Large                                   Tim Wu                         tim.s.wu@gmail.com

MGAP Annual Meeting, November 2005

On November 17 MGAP held its annual meeting at the Radisson University Hotel

Lorna Fox, MGAP President, welcomed those in attendance and introduced Vice Provost Jerry Rinehart.

Jerry spoke about how the Greek community had a positive and important impact on the university community as a whole. He spoke about many topics including the status of the Greek Village and the proposed changes to the city ordinances regarding unruly gatherings. Jerry asked Council Member Paul Zerby and Deputy Chief Johnson to also speak on the topic.

Jerry also spoke about the importance of alumni involvement and thanked MGAP for all of its work.

Kat Baugher, Chair of the University Greek Partnership Board (formerly Greek Action Council), spoke about the change in direction of the group and what it would immediately focus on including recruitment, academics and risk management.

Chad Ellsworth, Student Activities Advisor for Greek Affairs

Abby Weinandt, President, Panhellenic Council

Lech Literski, IFC VP - Recruitment

Chad, Abby and Lech gave a recap of the past year focusing on recruitment. An update was

given on the status of the Partnership Board Recruitment Committee.

Lorna Fox, MGAP President, provided a year in review highlighting the many projects,

programs, and initiatives that MGAP has started and been an integral part of.

Board Elections were held to fill two officer vacancies and the four 1-year At Large positions. Congratulations to:

Kat Baugher, Kappa Alpha Theta

Rick Hosking, Phi Kappa Psi

Erika Loen, Delta Delta Delta

Marc Mayer, FIJI

Abby Weinandt, Alpha Chi Omega

Tim Wu, Delta Upsilon

Officers are elected by the board at the December meeting.

Fundraising was the topic for the house corporation members in attendance. All agreed that this

should be the topic for the spring semester house corporation meeting.

Information on Educational Foundations was provided by Mark Roberts, Delta Tau Delta

Educational Foundation

General fundraising techniques were provided by Paul DeBettignies, MGAP and Delta Kappa Epsilon Chapter Advisor, as they have worked with a local bank to secure a loan.

Greek capital campaign information was provided by Lorna Fox, MGAP President, using materials provided by Mary Mulier, Pi Beta Phi House Corporation.

MGAP Monthly Meeting, October 2005

Introductions

Financial Report

-Checking Account balance:  $2,463.09

-Tax forms submitted

Panhellenic Council/IFC

-Homecoming. The weekend went well and the police ended early their party patrol on Saturday night. There was much less foot traffic due to the poor weather.

-Job Networking. The students believe there will be a good response to the email sent out for the job search seminar.

UGPB Update

-Recruitment Group has met two times and it looks like the scope may expand to include pr/marketing materials that are used for both councils.

MGAP Membership

-Officer Recruitment. We have been contacting individuals who have shown interest this past year in joining the board.

-Interest Form. Paul is still working on creating a form that can be sent via email to the Greek Alumni Network list.

-Meet with House Corp./Chapters/Alum Groups. We will be sending a message to the Presidents of the groups to see if there are questions regarding MGAP and if we can attend their next meeting.

-2005-06 Billing. A three-part letter, invoice, and commitment letter will be sent out to all chapters and house corporations.

Greek Village Working Group Organization

-Brett gave a report on the recent meetings and what the group is working on.

City Ordinances

-There will not be enough time to work on changes to the ordinances that were created in 1999, making Greek properties a classification of its own, before election day.

Fall Membership Meeting:

-Thurs., 11/17, Radisson

-Agenda Topics

-Opening by Jerry Rinehart

-State of the University and the Greek Community

     -Partnership Statement

     -UGPB

     -Panhel and IFC (cover Recruitment)

     -MGAP

-Fundraising

     -Educational Foundation - Brett

     -Sorority Fundraising - Mary Mulier

     -Deke experience with loan from Park Midway Bank

-Board Elections

-Interest Forms

Future Meeting Dates

-Planning Meeting:  Thurs., 11/3, 6:30 pm

-MGAP General Membership Meeting:  Thurs., 11/17, 6:30 pm