What do you want to see from your old chapters?

[Boodleboy322]

A chapter specific club that can address local issues and provide support from an alumni standpoint. This is in addition to the standard "National Support" that is already accounted for. Local support would include but not limited to a chapter endowment, matching gifts initiatives with Corporate affiliates, and a Alumni/Active Mixer night to help support the actives.

Regards,

Boodleboy322

[Kevin]

They've been impressing me quite a bit lately. Numbers could be a little better, but we're at or above campus average.

Recently won Rock Chapter Honorable Mention -- only 8 Sigma Nu chapters won Rock Chapter, so for a 4 year old chapter to win this award is pretty unprecedented (and no chapter has done it this quickly).

[GeekyPenguin]

My chapter has always done a newsletter but it was really for the benefit of the actives (remember our social at TKE is next Wednesday, caroling with SigEp is December 10th, dues are due November 1st) and the alumnae didn't really get anything out of it. They changed up the format this semester to include an alumnae news section, and the recent alumnae like myself are so excited about it that $450 has already been pledged to the chapter - and this means a lot to a chapter that has an operating budget of around $2500!

[KSigkid]

Newsletters are the biggest thing, as well as any email updates on what's going on with the chapter.

My chapter's 20th anniversary is coming up in a couple of years, so I'll be looking for information about that as the time draws closer.

[kchaptergphib]

I have to say, I really like the idea of having alumni come by while the chapter is practicing for formal recruitment (though I imagine this applies more to sororities than to fraternities). We all know recruitment is a HUGE, and super-exciting event in the greek community, and I know it's something I really miss being involved in. I think using alumni as PNM's is a great idea- it makes alumni and collegiates talk to each other, and alumni can give any presentation, conversation, etiquette, (etc.) tips!

~Karla

[AUDeltaGam]

To my collegiate chapter: UPDATE THE WEBSITE! It's seriously a year out of date and bugs me to no end!

[KerriMarie]

Originally posted by AUDeltaGam
To my collegiate chapter: UPDATE THE WEBSITE! It's seriously a year out of date and bugs me to no end!

I know! I think it's really great that I'm still in pictures on my chapter website, but dude... I graduated in 2003. It's time for some new pictures!

[Little E]

Originally posted by DolphinChicaDDD
I would just like the know whats going on. We hear nothing. grumble grumble...If it weren't for my pledge sisters there wouldn't be a sorority...grumble grumble.

I know that chapter founders feel like they are unappreciated and often times feel like they are ignored, despite the fact that they worked to bring their chapter to campus. However, I have to argue with you. YOU are the first time that this chapter has had alumnae. You obviously didn't have a chapter alumnae base when you started the chapter (unless you were rechartering I guess) so you need to give them some slack when it comes to how they interact with you. This is a new experience for everyone, and both sides HAVE to make an effort. My four years were from our Chapter's 2nd anniversary year though the 5th anniversary year, we had spotty connections and neither group really did tons to get the other more involved. It did help when we finally told the alumnae what we needed from them, gave them the forms from nat'l and said, you created this chapter, now can you do it again for alumnae. Some jumped up and did a ton, others still whine, but now it is on them, we gave them the chance.

I think it can be hard to plan activities for alumnae to come back for. I think teas, philanthropy and things along that line are great. I guess as an alumna I don't want to go to date parties, or watch you practice your rush stuff. I think if you go to a school where you practice for rush, it would be pretty hard to practice with alumnae around, more opinions and less concentration from the actives on the rush stuff... unless you maybe did a full dress rehersal with a tea afterward. So time to watch...time to talk...ya know?? Make it balanced.

I would personally stick to low key events, things you can bring a child to if need be. Give good warning, and make them at an accessible time, 8 or 9pm is wayyy to late at night, unless your alumnae all live in town. Saturday afternoons or Sundays are good. Yahoo Groups are also a great way to keep in touch.

[Tom Earp]

This is an excellent point!

The Founders are the reason You as an Orgization are even there!

The Alums maybe not all are The Reason You are Still there.

The Original Founders are the reaon there is an Organization with Your Letters Available!

So, basically, Who The Heck are You with out all of the People that made it able for You to Be In The Organization?

History is a precious thing, Never Lose it!

I am still working after 40 Years at helping My Local and International going!

[miss_rosey]

It would be nice if my chapter reopened!

[Lady Pi Phi]

Originally posted by aephi alum
A newsletter would be nice... *hint to anyone from my chapter who may be lurking* ...

My chapter sends out a newsletter to its alumnae. The only problem is their consistancy. I wish my chapter was more consistent. The chapter is supposed to have a CTO that is responsible for keeping in touch with alumnae. At Christmas time, the CTO resigned and as far as I know, there hasn't been a replacement.

I don't really know anyone in the chapter anymore, so I can't call up and find out what they've been up to. My chapter is terrible at keeping in contact with alumnaw. Last year, none of the alumnae were invited to a Founder's Day celebration.

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

I think (at least for us) part of the problem is the lack of importance put on the collegiate chapter position of alumnae relations.

[Tom Earp]

Originally Posted by SmartBlondeGPhB

I think (at least for us) part of the problem is the lack of importance put on the collegiate chapter position of alumnae relations.

I have never seen anything truer said as I have been pushing this for some time with My Fraternity.

If any of You with Your GLOs get donation mailings, they are sent to Alums of course.

But it has always been my contention, what are You My GLO doing to keep Me interested in it and why should I?

[Tom Earp]

One of the things that I have done over the last 10 years is try to update My Chapter email address listing.

As the Chapter had a mail out for Alums and that becoming so costly, as the first Alum Association President of my chapter I have institutated an email Alum message send out.

It does take a lot of work to get memebers to realize that with out email address, you cannot send out information of events to them.

Now after so many years, they are sending changes. Well some!

But to keep the interest up, the idea is to let Members know what is going on with the Chapter and Alums. Little day to day things help,
Sue and John had a new baby.

Mary and Joe are moving to.

Kelly got a new position at so and so company.

Everyone likes to see their name in print!

Keeping events in the open:

Home Coming, Founders Day, Golf Outings, BBQ's or just Monthly Gatherings for Local Alums would do just to let them know!

I have found over the years, that when Alums are informed about what is going on and what Their Sisters are doing, they too will become more intersted

It is a lot of hard work for an Alum, but get on the Alum Chair now to at least get it started.

[NutBrnHair]

To maintain the high standards and strong reputation of a top chapter on campus.