Greek Newsletter

epchick · #1 09-11-2007, 06:37 PM

Ok, so I tried to search and couldn't find anything.

I've been put in charge to do a Greek Newsletter that is going to go out to ALL the Greeks on campus.

Except that i've never done a newsletter, and so me (and the others) aren't completely sure what to put on there. Actually, the whole concept of this newsletter is new to campus....it hasn't been done before, so we are trying to figure out what can be on there for each newsletter.

Has anyone done a newsletter, or know what I could put on there.

Any help would be appreciated.

Drolefille · #2 09-11-2007, 06:40 PM

Get each chapter to contribute something, depending on the size of the newsletter and the number of chapters, that could be a page or a blurb. Write about any big news in the Greek community. (Rule changes, new chapters/colonies) Include a list of upcoming events and dates.

And do look at getting input from the NPHC groups as well as the IFC/Panhel community, knowing when an org's events are might change the "I meant to go" into a "I went"

epchick · #3 09-11-2007, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Get each chapter to contribute something, depending on the size of the newsletter and the number of chapters, that could be a page or a blurb. Write about any big news in the Greek community. (Rule changes, new chapters/colonies) Include a list of upcoming events and dates.

And do look at getting input from the NPHC groups as well as the IFC/Panhel community, knowing when an org's events are might change the "I meant to go" into a "I went"

That is what i've ultimately like to happen. Ideally i'd like the chapters to each have a section in the newsletter for them--to talk about what's happening in their chapter.

I'm just kinda worried about the newsletter that has to be sent off the 1st of October (yeah i know its still a while off....but still lol).

According to the school's Greek Life Website, there are:
2 NPCs
4 IFC
4 NPHC
2 Locals (sororities)
3 MGC

irishpipes · #4 09-11-2007, 08:17 PM

I know that the University of Illinois and the University of Maryland both post their Greek newsletters on their Greek Life websites. Maybe looking at those would give you ideas?

Drolefille · #5 09-11-2007, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epchick

That is what i've ultimately like to happen. Ideally i'd like the chapters to each have a section in the newsletter for them--to talk about what's happening in their chapter.

I'm just kinda worried about the newsletter that has to be sent off the 1st of October (yeah i know its still a while off....but still lol).

According to the school's Greek Life Website, there are:
2 NPCs
4 IFC
4 NPHC
2 Locals (sororities)
3 MGC

Good luck getting a response from everyone in time to be done by the 1st! That's a very tight deadline to put it all together.

epchick · #6 09-11-2007, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Good luck getting a response from everyone in time to be done by the 1st! That's a very tight deadline to put it all together.

Tell me about it! The Greek Life Intern told me today that they were suppose to have already had one out on the 1st of Sept. (which i don't understand why so EARLY). So she's going to finish that one up and send it out.

AHHH!!! Oh well...thanks for your input everyone!!!!!

mccoyred · #7 09-11-2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Good luck getting a response from everyone in time to be done by the 1st! That's a very tight deadline to put it all together.

15 organizations!

Maybe, in the first issue, just intro the various councils and orgs then greek life in general. For subsequent issues this school year, approach the various orgs and have each of them do ONE feature for the year. Divide up the features/orgs randomly so that only a certain number of features/orgs appear in each issue (not sure whether you are aiming for monthly, quarterly or semiannually); this will give everyone enough time to develop their feature articles AND let everyone get a taste for the flavor of the publication BEFORE they submit their info. Of course, if you keep a 'current events' page, ALL orgs can promote their upcoming activities (like a classified ads page) in every issue.

Good luck!

honeychile · #8 09-12-2007, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishpipes

I know that the University of Illinois and the University of Maryland both post their Greek newsletters on their Greek Life websites. Maybe looking at those would give you ideas?

Excellent idea! A lot of people could probably give you input as former editors (me!), but these would be more up to the minute. See if you can get one of the other editors to mentor you somewhat!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Good luck getting a response from everyone in time to be done by the 1st! That's a very tight deadline to put it all together.

That's an unrealistic deadline, IMHO. If you all just completed or are about to complete Recruitment, you're not going to get much response from the very tired members!

Have you any "staff"? It might be good to divide & conquer. I had one person collect the fraternity news/updates, and another collect the sorority information. Make use of your Greek Advisor's office, ask about budget concerns, pictures, etc. PM me if you'd like.

DUKyleXY · #9 09-12-2007, 01:04 AM

At Iowa State, we have what is called the "Greek Glimpse." its an all greek newsletter published via email, but it could easily be done in paper form. Here are the Greek Glimpses for all of last year. http://www.greek.iastate.edu/news/

MysticCat · #10 09-12-2007, 09:33 AM

At least for the first newsletter, you might ask chapters to provide the latest piece sent in for their national magazines. That might get you some responses more quickly, since nothing new would have to be written.

tld221 · #11 09-12-2007, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

At least for the first newsletter, you might ask chapters to provide the latest piece sent in for their national magazines. That might get you some responses more quickly, since nothing new would have to be written.

doesnt that get messy with copyright laws?

oh, and great ideas provided thus far. a couple of ideas off thetop in case you need "filler" content (though i doubt it as there are 15 orgs on your campus!)

--birthday shout-out? (people always like recognition)
--a day in the life of a greek
--advice column (well, that could get a little messy, even with anonymity and all. but you could keep it simple and all)
--alumni section (and this would probably come after your newsletter is established and all) where you have updates on chapter alums, what theyre up to since graduation, favorite memories of the house, etc.

MysticCat · #12 09-12-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tld221

doesnt that get messy with copyright laws?

I wouldn't think so, although I guess depending on the exact situation with each magazine, and whether it "owns" the pieces submitted by each chapter (which may or may not make it into the magazine as submitted), it might. Still, though, it'd be a good starting place -- just putting on new tires instead of re-inventing the wheel.