Future President

[FSUZeta]

many times the president's duty is to supervise and to make sure that the other officers are doing their job. sometimes the inclination is to "just do it yourself" because the person who is supposed to complete the task is dragging her feet-don't fall into that trap, or you might find yourself doing your job and theirs! a good president is on task and makes sure that the other officers are too.

delegate.

don't be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it.

engage your advisors-they're not paid for their time, are there because of the love they have for their organization and truly do have the chapters best interests at heart.

[SigKapChatter]

When I was talking about regular short sisterhoods, I didn't necessarily mean one as intense as pass the gavel every time. I think that would be overkill. And pass the gavel is not intended to solve person-to-person problems but rather air out some issue that is weighing down the whole chapter.

I don't just want to be a maintainer president that keeps the chapter from going down hill. I think we're really strong as we are, but that of course, we could use some improvements. I want to build people up, especially the officers.

Some issues that I see in the chapter are:
1. Respecting officers.
2. Participation in chapter events--whether philanthropies, community service, school pride events, everything except social events
3. A few officers not living up to their responsibilities.
4. Helping each and every member to be a better person than they were before they became Sigma Kappas.

I think these are pretty typical life issues that will never be completely solved. My girls are wonderful just as they are, but how can we make each other better? Do you have any advice for these issues?

I love the feedback I'm getting and I can really see how a lot of it will apply to our specific chapter. Thanks for the help!

[adpiucf]

Future Chapter Presidents: Rely on your adviser. You won't always have all the answers. Neither will she, but she can help you find them and the sooner you clue her in, the more quickly a disaster can be averted.

Hold Chapter-Wide Town Hall style meetings once a semester. This is an opportunity (timed -- keep it to one hour!) where everyone can speak up about issues bugging them and propose solutions that are in accord with chapter bylaws.

Be confrontational. Don't pick fights, but if someone acts inappropriately, address it.

If someone isn't pulling her weight --> pull her aside and tell her what she can do to improve. If the officer is not responsive and continues not to do her job --> take it to a standards hearing where she will have the opportunity to resign or complete a probation where she requires extra supervision to conduct her office duties. Should she fail the probation requirements, she will be removed from her office. This process allows the officers a chance to be put on notice, to get any back-up or help they need and a reasonable chance to do their job as they are expected.

Make a good impression on the new members. They see you as the ultimate ABC --> they will model your behavior inside and outside the chapter house. It's not cool for the chapter president to be carried home by a fraternity member because she got sick and embarrassed herself at a party. Get good grades. They are watching you. Act like a lady. They will follow you. Encourage them to get involved on campus and to become a sorority officer. They will listen if you follow your own example, and you will help ensure that all your hard work leaves a lasting legacy.