TheBmC* Bbia Cm Chapter op Pm Gambia Delia AT LsmGH Universitt April 1996 Bethlehem, Pa. Residential Environment Study Beta Chi Pig Dinner Completed and Approved April 27,1996 By Bob Davies The University's Ad Hoc Residential Environment Committee Rathbone Hall submitted its report to the Board of Trustees for approval in "A Tribute to Forrie Bast '49" Reception at 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. RSVP by April 20 Januaiy and it was promptly approved. 1 am well satisfied with the report and feel that the many meetings, hours of time spent, and the compromises made were all worthwhile and will result in a better fraternity system as well as a better University. We work hard to assure that you will have a pleasurable evening and it is a good opportunity for you to reminisce with old friends. Please reserve your seat as soon as possible so arrangements can be made. Rather than highlight portions of the report, 1 feel it of such importance to all Beta Chi brothers to include the entire report (less two appendixes which are not that important to alumni). 1 urge you to read this report — which can be foimd on Pages 2-5 — because it will greatly influence how our house will operate in the near future. Also, our National fraternity is greatly interested in the Spouses or significant others are invited to attend. The cost for dinner, including cocktails, is $35 per person. In order for us to make all necessaiy arrangements, we need to have you return the enclosed card along with your check, payable to "Beta Chi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta," no later than April 20 to Mark Torie '78, 702 Shearer, North Wales, PA 19454. direction our undergraduate chapters are headed and feel that significant changes must be made. Archon President John Gottschalk's message in the most recent issue ofPbi Gamma Delta clearly defines the situation. We at the Beta Chi Chapter are pleased that the National fraternity is recommending to the National Interfraternity Conference that our chapter be considered as a participating house in the pilot program Questions? Call Mark at 215-699-0517(H). mentioned in Brother Gottschalk's article. We will keep you informed of the progress on both of the programs in future newsletters. Greetings from the Hut! By Frederick W. Hertrich IV '97, Chapter President When elected to serve as chapter president, 1 knew that not only did 1 have a tremendous task ahead of me, but 1 also had to fill a big pair of shoes. Our past president, Kyle Yerk '96, was an amazing president, and a major reason our house reached such a lofty standing among fraternities during the past year. Kyle was the only undergraduate fraternity representative on the University's Ad Hoc Residential Environment Committee. We Fijis, as well as the entire fraternity system, thank him for his efforts on our behalf. Chi has not made that sacrifice. Our brotherhood extended bids to only those who were truly worthy, and 1 am proud to announce that 12 of these remarkable men have pledged themselves to join our unrivaled brotherhood. These men bleed purple and are sure to make the graduate brethren proud. Our brotherhood places a primary emphasis on philanthropy projects. The Rivalry Run was an enormous success last semester. Luigi Fiji was held on March 23. This spaghetti dinner raises monies for the Children's Home of Easton. As we go to press, the final tally is not in, but our goal was to surpass last year's $1,200 mark. In order to comply with the committee's action plan we realize we may have some struggles ahead. You have my assurance that we will preserve the pride and tradition many ofyou instilled at Beta Chi. of 2.88 - second on the Hill! However, this in no way reflects the Also, 1 will strive to see that our house remains well above the amount ofsocial functions held. CXir social calendar is first on the Last semester, the brothers in the Hut reached a scholastic average minimum standards established under the new Greek Review Process Hill! It is capped off with the world famous Fiji Island bash which and be an advocate for the fraternities through the IFC to protect will be held April 20. Pig Dinner is scheduled for the following weekend. This is the perfect opportunity to relive some old times while also realizing the progress our devoted brotherhood has made. Ifyou have any questions, 1 can be reached at 610-758-0979. against any unreasonable proposals. The new Greek Review Process has a minimum occupancy standard causing many houses to sacrifice quality for quantity. Beta \r\nApril 1996 Page 2 Action Plan for Strengthening the Residential Environment at Lehigh University Timetable Goal 1. (I)Imm^iatc To provide more optionsfor student housing. Strategies: •increase upperclass residence hall space •provide permanent sorority housing •address fraternity occupancy concerns (^falL '96) (S)Short Term (1-3yeard) (L)Long Term (3-^ years) ❖Reward optional use of live-in advisors through "bonus points" in Greek Review Process (I) ❖Provide faculty affiliation with every living group(S) ❖Explore fund-raising initiatives designed to enhance residential learning experiences(S) Goal 4. To integrate the academic mission ofthe University into the residentialsetting. Recommended ALctions: Strategies: ♦♦♦Build an apartment -style residential complex on the hill (S) ♦♦♦Provide permanent housing on the hiU for at least two sororities (S) ♦^♦Colonize additional sororities to meet demand (S) •encourage the faculty to become involved in residential settings •encourage intellectual discussion in residential settings •encourage and reward academic achievement in all residential ♦^Guarantee housing for sophomores beginning with the incoming settings freshman class Fall '96 (I) •encourage an environment that supports studying ^♦Guarantee housing for aU undergraduates (L) ^♦Significantly weigh occupancy standard in Greek Review Process (see Recommended Actions: Appendix A) (I) ♦♦♦Adopt a stand-alone 65% occupancy standard (see Appendix B) in addition to Greek Review Process. Groups that fall below this standard for three consecutive semesters would lose the privilege of their on- ❖Provide faculty affiliation with each living group(S) ❖Reward faciJty involvement in residential settings in the evaluation of service, teaching, tenure and promotion requirements(S) campus group housing (I) ♦>Require "Faculty Advisors" as outlined in Greek Review Process (S) ❖Reward faculty-developed learning experiences in all residences and promote through Greek Review Process (I) Goal 2. Ensure that freshmen make sound, welL-informed dec'uions about their residential choices. Provide academic credit for learning modules outside the traditional •increase education to students regarding residential options •coordinate bid days and lottery process classroom (in residence halls, fraternities and sororities) (S) ♦>Provide meaningful incentives for faculty and students to integrate the academic mission of the University into the residential setting (S) ❖Retain current minimum 2.0 GPA as a requirement to receive a fraternity or sorority bid (I) Recommended Actions: interest house (I) Strategies: ♦♦♦Guarantee on-campus sophomore housing (also see Goal #1) (I) •Create policy change for housing lottery process and plan more residence halls in order to implement ♦♦♦Improve process of educating students about living choices (I) ♦:♦Adopt minimum 2.0 GPA as a requirement to move into a special ❖Expand residential college concept in Brodhead House (in progress)(I) ♦5^Provide increase study space in residential settings (S) ❖Provide academic advising in the residential setting (being piloted in '95-'96)(I) •Create and distribute fact sheets to all freshmen outlining living options and objective group performance criteria regarding every living group's performance (GPA, cleanliness, discipline, cost, etc.) •Utilize Rho Chis and Gryphons to educate freshmen about residential choices ♦^♦Coordinate system for upperclass housing choices (S) •Students receive housing lottery numbers and bids prior to making a decision (see Appendix C) Goal 3. To create a more diverse social environment that actively discourages the abiue ofalcohoL Strategies: •address alcohol and other drug abuse •expand range of socially acceptable options •encourage increased social alternative in non-fraternity settings •encourage collaborative sponsorship of social events Ensure that ail students are provided support for their personal development regardless of residential setting. Strategies: •increase active involvement of alumni, faculty and peer leaders in the residential setting •provide increased support for living group officers and residents Recommended Actions: ♦J^Require active alumni advisor as outlined in Greek Review Process (also see Goal#4) (I) Recommended Actions: ♦♦♦Establish a Campus Pub (S) ❖Require University-approved personnel to assist living groups in party management(I) ❖Provide seed money to support jointly sponsored events (i.e., student programming groups and Greek organizations)(S) ❖Adopt University closed party and BYOB policies (I) ❖Applies to all residence living groups ♦♦♦Supports Greek organizations' effort to comply with existing national regulations \r\nPage 3 B.C.Fiji Action Plan (continued) ^Establish, post and enforce party room capaci^ limits (I) ^Link privilege to have social activities to the standards in Greek Timetable for Recommended Actions Review Process (I) Goal 6. To etufurc that all dtudentd have the opportunity to live in a ifafe and clean Immediate (By Fall '96) Significandy weigh occupancy standard in Greek Review Process environment. Adopt a stand-alone 65% occupancy standard in addition to Greek Strategies: Review Process. Groups that fall below this standard for three consecutive semesters would lose the privilege of their on-campus •ensure an acceptable level of cleanliness across all living groups •provide a mechanism to address system-wide safety concerns Recommended Actions: Require use of professional cleaning service by all living groups (minimum twice a week plus semester closing)(I) ♦♦♦Develop a house-by-house deferred maintenance plan for code compliance and minimum standards (S) ♦♦♦Expand existing Sayre Park common fund to include all Greek living units in order to address system-wide and/or priority safety concerns ♦♦♦Reward cleanliness in Greek Review Process (I) Goal 7. To endure dtudentd will treat one another with redpect. Strategy: •eliminate hazing group housing Improve process of educating students about living choices •Create and distribute fact sheets to all freshmen oudining living options and objective group performance criteria regarding every living group's performance (GPA, cleanliness, discipline, cost, etc.) •Utilize Rho Chis and Gryphons to educate freshmen about residential choices Guarantee on-campus sophomore housing beginning with the incoming freshmen class Fall '96 •Create policy change for housing lottery process and plan more residence halls in order to implement Require active alumni advisor as oudined in Greek Review Process Reward optional use of live-in advisors through "bonus points" in Greek Review Process Reward faculty-developed learning experiences in all residences and Recommended Actions: ♦Mmmediately and permanently withdraw recognition and housing from groups found guilty of hazing (I) ♦♦♦The University administration wUl review the definition of hazing in consultation with GAG, IFC, Panhel and Nationals ♦♦♦Promote constructive member education programs through Greek Review Process (see Attachment A) (I) ♦^♦Condense pledge period to six weeks (not including breaks and exams) by Spring '97 ♦>The Student Affairs Committee of the Board will review an assessment of the pledge education program and academic performance of pledges on an annual basis to determine whether additional action is needed Goal 8. To create a greater dende of community within the redidence dydtem and the promote through Greek Review Process Adopt minimum 2.0 GPA as a requirement to move into a special interest house Retain current minimum 2.0 GPA as a requirement to receive fraternity or sorority bid Expand residential college concept in Brodhead House (in progress) Provide academic advising- in the residential setting (being piloted in '95-'96) Adopt University closed party and BYOB policies •Applies to all residence living groups •Supports Greek organizations' effort to comply with existing national regulations Univerdity. Strategies: •break down barriers that separate groups integrate the hill •allow students to move more freely within the system •promote healthy relationships between various genders, races and ethnic groups Establish, post and enforce party room capacity limits Link privilege to have social activities to the standards in Greek Review Process (I) Require use of professional cleaning service by all living groups (minimum twice a week plus semester closing) Recommended Actions: Immediately and permanently withdraw recognition and housing from ♦♦♦Build apartment-style housing on the hill (also see Goal #1) (S) ♦♦♦Establish at least two permanent sororities on the hill (also see Goal groups found guilty of hazing •The University administration will review the defmition of hazing in consultation with GAC, IFC, Panhel and Nationals #1)(S) ♦♦♦Expand coeducational housing opportunities (S) Concluded, next page. \r\nApril 1996 Page 4 Action Plan (concluded) Greek Review Process Promote constructive member education programs through Greek General(Comments Review Process 1. Evaluations completed each semester for all Greek organi Reward cleanliness in Greek Review Process zations. •Review with each chapter and alumni by Greek Affairs Short Term (1-3 years) Office. 2. Scores will be compiled and published campus wide on a Establish a Campus Pub Build apartment-style housing on the hill Provide permanent housing on the hill for at lea^t two sororities regular basis. •Will show most recent and historical rankings by category for each Greek organization. 3. Future minimum stand-alone occupancy requirements (presently 65%)will be established by the Greek Affairs Colonize additional sororities to meet demand Coordinate system for upperclass bousing choices •Students receive housing lottery numbers and bids prior to making a decision Condense pledge period to six weeks (not including breaks and exams) by Spring '97 •The Student Affairs Committee of the Board will review an Office in consultation with the IFC, Panhel, GAG and the Student Affairs Committee of the Board. 4. A minimum of 70 points will be required for a passing grade in each of the two semesters in the •96-'97 academic year. Future minimum passing point requirements and adjust ments to the Greek Review criteria will be established by the Greek Affairs Office in consultation with the IFC, assessment of the pledge education program and academic Panhel, GAC and the Student Affairs Committee of the performance of pledges on an annual basis to determine Board. whether additional action is needed Provide faculty affiliation with each living group 5. Greek organizations with scores below the minimum passing point standard will lose the privilege of hosting social events with alcohol the following semester. Reward faculty involvement in residential settings in the evaluation of service, teaching, tenure and promotion requirements Require "Faculty Advisors" as outlined in the Greek Review Process Provide academic credit for learning modules outside the traditional classroom (in residence halls, fraternities and sororities) Provide meaningful incentives for faculty and students to integrate the academic mission of the University into the residential setting 6. Greek organizations failing to satisfy a yearly average of the minimum passing point standard (as determined in item 4) for two consecutive years will lose University recognition and group housing. 7. Meaningful rewards will be presented to top performing overall Greek organizations on a yearly basis. 8. The University must approve live-in advisors. Provide increase study space in residential settings 9. The existing Greek Review Process would remain in effect compliance and minimum standards in the spring of 1996. The adjusted Greek Review Process would officially begin in the fall of 1996. The two processes will be linked with appropriate adjustments in performance Expand existing Sayre Park common fund to include all Greek living units in order to address system-wide and/or priority safety concerns expectations and ongoing minimum standards for maintain ing housing. Develop a house-by-house deferred maintenance plan for code Explore fund-raising initiatives designed to enhance the residential learning experiences 10. The stand-alone 65% occupancy standard will be applied to three consecutive semesters beginning in the spring of 1996. Provide seed money to support jointly sponsored events (i.e., student programming groups and Greek organizations) Expand coed housing opportunities Long Term (3+ years) Guarantee housing for all undergraduates B.C. Fiji is published for the members and friends of the Beta Chi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at Lehigh University. Address changes, news items, photographs and contributions may be sent in the enclosed envelope or mailed to Graduate Records Office, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, P.O. Box 20321, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-0321. \r\nCd AppendixA b Greek Review Process Greek Review Process CATEGORY SCORING Semester Evaluation Standards The following revised list of criteria and points system will be used for the semesterly Greek Review Process. This revised process will be implemented in the Fall of 1996. 4. Behavior(10 total points) - Discipline Events Chronology Note:Groups found guiltv of hazing lose CATEGORY SCORING • Off disciplinary probation entire semester • On disciplinary probation at any time during semester 0 points • Complete conformance • Documented nonconformance 5 points 0 points • Participated • Did not participate 5 points 0 points • Participated • Did not participate 5 points 0 points • Below $1250/semester • At or above $1250/semester 5 points 0 points • Passed semesterly closing • Failed semesterly closing 5 points 0 points • Under budget or acceptable plan of action • Over budget or unacceptable 5 points 5 points both housing and recognition immediatelv and permanently, 1. Academics(20 total points) - Chapter G.P.A. - Pledge Class G.P.A. • At all-student average or above 5 points • Below all-student average but not on probation 3 points • On academic probation 0 points • At all freshman average and above • Below all freshman average 5 points 0 points - Scholarship Chairman & Active Program • Participated • Did not participate 5 points 0 points - Faculty Learning Experience Module (one per semester) • Participated • Did not participate 5 points 0 points - Conformance to Social Policies 5. AstiYfi-OxSKSieht(10 total points) -Active Chapter Alumni Advisor - Active "Faculty Advisor" 6. Facilities/Housing(10 total points) - Collective Damage Costs(not individual damage) 2. Membership(20 total points) - Semester Occupancy % - Semesterly Inspections/Closings • At or above 85% • Below 85% 20 points 0 points Note:Failure to achieve the minimum 65% standard for three consecutive semesters would result in loss of University group housing. Houses will not be penalized for students studying abroad. Lehigh University student boarders will be included in the in-house occupancy totals. 7. Finances(10 total points) - Overall Financial Status plan of action 3. Participation (20 total points) - PRIDE Program - Costs per person Participated Did not participate 4 points 0 points Participated Did not participate 4 points 0 points - IFC or Panhel Participated Did not participate 4 points 0 points - Pledge Education Program Participated Did not participate 4 points 0 points Participated Did not participate 4 points 0 points - Greek Leadership Retreat Lehigh & Local Community Involvement 0 points • Less than 10% above all resident room and board rate 5 points • 10% or more above all resident room and board rate TOTAL ELIGIBLE POINTS 8. Bonus Categorv • Participated 0 points 100 20 points - University Approved Live-In Advisor Note:Greek organizations electing to have a Live-In Advisor will be awarded a "bonus" of 20 points per qualifying semester review. 13 $ Ol \r\nApril 1996 Page 6 Chapter Officers Spring Pledges Begin Journey into President ~ FrderLck W,Hertrich 'IV '97 Phi Gamma Delta Seaford, Del.- Business By Sean Apgar '99, Pledge Class Secretaiy with Christopher Shahidi '98, Chapter Historian Treasurer — ^. Tyler AiorrLf '98 Pittsburgh, Pa.- Accounting We the pledge class of 1996 are veiy honored to be given the opportunity to be part of Phi Gamma Delta. We are a veiy diverse group of 12 young men bonded together by our common goal of Corresponding Secretary ^ MardhalL Z. Yeilin '97 Greenwich, Conn.~ Accounting unity and achieving membership into Phi Gamma Delta. Although a substantial amount of our time is spent pledging Fiji, academics and extracurricular activities also play an active role in our lives. John Bolger '99 and Eric Williams '99 are respected members of the lacrosse team and practice daily. Both have great potential to be starting members of the team. Brett Howell'98 is currently racing for the ski team; he recently placed Recording Secretary - Jame