Phi Sig SAVVY - Winter 2010 - for Collegians and Volunteers


The eNewsletter for collegians, chapter leaders and volunteers of Phi Sigma Sigma Winter 2010

in this issue

:: register for LCs - and LEAP to success!

:: plan now for your BEST RECRUITMENT ever

:: WOW! chapter raises $10K for foundation

:: rumor mill: ok to 'split' initiations?

:: sister safety: they caught the bad guy... now what?

:: < read this, do that > :-)
PLUS: apply for GA advisory board!

Prepare Now for Even Greater Success! | An HQ update just for you

Greetings!

Iota Zeta at University of Minnesota-Duluth

FINALS MAY BE OVER, but many of you - especially chapter officers - will likely be working on final recruitment plans during winter break or scheduling chapter activities for spring term.

As you do, keep in mind not only your CE requirements, but also the fun, sisterhood aspects of sorority life, as well.

Remember: Our best chapters are successful precisely because their sisterhood is STRONG. Aim High by taking a few moments now to plan well for spring with your members' success and enjoyment in mind!

    Michelle Ardern, Executive Director

Register NOW for LCs
LEAP to Success: How to Make 2011 Your Best Year Ever!

LCs 2011 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES are right around the corner! (See dates at right.)

Delegates include: Archon, Vice Archon, Bursar, Member-at-Large, Sister Development Chair, Membership Recruitment Chair and CKA.

See which of the two LCs your
chapter is attending
Register for the conference
Be a collegiate staffer at either event (bonus: get free training)
Contact us for info or with questions

i ♥ recruiting | Best-Ever Resources!

CUTE RECRUITMENT OUTFITS... check! GREAT GROUP PRACTICES... check! But are you sure you've covered all the key bases for the best-ever recruitment this spring? Use any of these articles or resources for top success!

> Become an excellent conversationalist
> Plan a "Phi-nomenal' pref party
> Achieve Maximum Recruitment Potential
> Cover all bases with the basics
> Visit Phired Up resources
> Get just the right T-shirts
> Learn chapters' top tips (from LCs 2010)
> Know the 10 tips to recruitment success
> Make wonderful wish lists
> Share: "Why Sorority, and Why Phi Sig" info

P.S. Don't forget the importance of CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT to achieve MRP!

foundation | ZZ's $10K Fundraiser!

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE INCREDIBLE SUCCESS that sisters at our Zeta Zeta Chapter (Quinnipiac University) had with their recent Rock-a-thon?

Not only did they draw attendance and participation from Greek life and the entire community (boosting their already high-profile image even more), the event raised at least $10,000 for the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation.

> Get inspired: Read the story!
> Get ideas for a great Rock-a-thon!

IN OTHER FOUNDATION NEWS: We are pleased to announce the following sisters have accepted Director positions on the Foundation Board. Congratulations!

Gretchen Ehle, Kappa (The George Washington University)
Tracy Koch, Epsilon Alpha (Illinois State University), and
Lucy Ruiz, Zeta Eta (Carleton University).

rumor mill | OK to 'Split' Initiations?
Q: We anticipate having a LARGE new member class this spring - but, truth be told, we're not exactly looking forward to what is sure to be a lengthy initiation ceremony as a result.... We recently heard that, for part of initiation, it's OK to "split" the class into smaller groups to save time. Is this true?

A: You'll be glad to hear this rumor is TRUE. When managing new-member classes of 30 women or more, top chapters benefit from breaking them into at least two groups for those parts of initiation where individual women are answering questions or sharing their essays in front of the chapter, for example.

In short: If the marshal is ushering individual sisters into a room with the chapter, THAT is the part where you can split into smaller groups.

Note: This means you'll actually need more rooms and judges. For insight, contact us.

IMPORTANT: Groups should merge together for all other sections - so the entire sisterhood can celebrate the joyful ritual together!

tiptop tip | Save $$ BEFORE Initiation!

Chapters can face FINES for improperly initiating new sisters - but you can avoid problems. Here's how:

1) Be sure your SDC changes the status of new members to "collegians" once they have a) completed New Member Registration AND b) paid New Member and Initiation fees.

The status can ONLY be changed when those two requirements are met. (In fact, that's how permission to initiate is given.)
IMPORTANT: THE SDC MUST COMPLETE THIS PROCESS AT LEAST ONE DAY BEFORE INITIATION, or you face a $10 fine per new member initiated.

2) "If sending a Billhighway check for New Member and Initiation fees, plan on mailing it to HQ at least TEN BUSINESS DAYS before initiation," says Director of Chapter Services Amanda Turfan. "Avoid a $10 fine (per new member initiated without permission) by ensuring registration is complete and payments are received on time."

Got a "tiptop tip" to share? Write us!

A 'Must Do' for Sister Safety
Educate Members on This Risk!

YOU PROBABLY HEARD ABOUT IT on the news: Sorority women Caution!

or new members tricked by someone claiming to be an alumna - with scary results.

Here's the latest on the story - including an update on at least one suspect caught. PLUS: Get tips on how to keep your sisters safe! Read more >

volunteers| Lead New Initiatives!

GET FIRST DIBS on opportunities to advance in important volunteer Volunteer Strength! leadership roles within Phi Sig!

We're looking for seasoned alumnae with key skill sets - such as special events management, student affairs/development, etc. - to take on new, exciting roles within our growing international organization.

newsy | 3 Updates to Act On

HERE ARE THREE IMPORTANT NEWS ITEMS of interest to alumnae volunteers and/or collegians (so check 'em out!):

1. APPLY FOR GA'S ADVISORY BOARD
Want to share YOUR ideas for a better Phi Recruitment