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Title:
Handbook for the Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison, 2016
Date/Date Range:
00/00/2016
Handbook for the Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison, 2016
SIGMA KAPPA
Voices Strong Hearts United.
Handbook for the
Vice President of
Pholgrammin
19
FOREWORD
"The purpose of Sigma Kappa Sorority is to provide women lifelong opportunities and
support for social, intellectual, and spiritual development by bringing women together
to positively impact our communities."
Article II, Section 1
Sigma Kappa Sorority Constitution
This purpose builds on the values of our organization: friendship, loyalty, service and
personal growth, all bound by a promise. National council affirms that Sigma Kappa
collectively can only grow through the prosperity of each individual chapter. Such
prosperity must begin with sound and lasting leadership.
Each chapter officer is provided a handbook designed to give her the information
needed to perform the duties of her office and assist the chapter in achieving the Sigma
Kappa Standards of Excellence. Serving as a chapter officer exemplifies Sigma Kappa's
purpose and values.
© 2015 Sigma Kappa Sorority
Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison
4
Job Responsibilities
4
Resources for the Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison
4
Building Relationships with Collegians
6
Sister Collegiate Chapter
6
Inviting Collegians to Chapter Events
6
Ideas for Alumnae/Collegiate Activities
7
Founders' Day
10
Educating Collegians about Alumnae Membership
11
Recruitment Introduction Program
12
Awards and Reports
13
Sigma Kappa Sorority . Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 3
THE ALUMNAE/COLLEGIATE LIAISON
The alumnae/collegiate liaison is elected by the alumnae chapter and is responsible for
the alumnae chapter's relationship with collegiate members, including the assigned
sister collegiate chapter. She is also responsible for working with the collegiate vice
president of alumnae relations (VPAR) to promote a life-time commitment to Sigma
Kappa and the Sigma Kappa Foundation. The alumnae/collegiate liaison reports to the
president of the alumnae chapter.
In light of these responsibilities, the alumnae/collegiate liaison must do the following
tasks.
Maintain communication and coordinate events with the assigned sister collegiate
chapter:
Develop and implement a collegiate relations program with the assigned sister
collegiate chapter.
Build a relationship with the assigned sister collegiate chapter's VPAR and
maintain frequent communication.
Organize and plan, with the vice president of programming (VPP) as applicable,
the annual Founders' Day program.
Coordinate and execute events with collegians each year.
Encourage alumnae to submit Recruitment Introduction Forms via the Sigma
Kappa website.
Survey collegians on what types of events they would enjoy attending and use
this information for brainstorming events.
Assist in educating collegiate members about alumnae membership:
Encourage graduating members or members leaving school for any reason to
become active, dues-paying members of the alumnae chapter closest to them.
Educate graduating members or members leaving school for any reason about
what to expect as alumnae and how to stay involved with Sigma Kappa.
Assist the alumnae chapter vice president of membership with efforts to recruit
recent graduates and new alumnae.
Resources for the Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison
In addition to this handbook, the alumnae/collegiate liaison should have the following
resources to properly do her job. Many of the resources can be found in annual supplies
on Live Sigma Kappa. Resources and materials include:
Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 4
1. Alumnae chapter information
Current alumnae chapter calendar
Committee budget and record of expenses
2. Assigned sister collegiate chapter information
Current chapter calendar
Names and contact information for local collegiate chapter VPAR
3. Sigma Kappa National Policy Handbook
Volunteer Assistance for the Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison
Each district has a volunteer dedicated to assisting collegiate and alumnae chapters in
developing a strong relationship. This volunteer is called the collegiate alumnae
relations coordinator (CARC). The alumnae/collegiate liaison is encouraged to consult
the CARC in her district regarding ideas, resources, calendar planning, and other related
issues. The alumnae/collegiate liaison should note her district CARC's contact
information at the beginning of her term, and respond promptly to any requests or
communication she may receive from the CARC throughout her term. Contact
information for district volunteers can be found on the Sigma Kappa website.
Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 5
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH
COLLEGIANS
Strong collegiate relations can positively impact both collegian and alumnae members.
Alumnae can build their mentorship skills, as well as build a network of professional
colleagues and personal friends. Having a close relationship with collegiate women can
help alumnae feel connected to the sorority and remind them why they made the
lifelong commitment to Sigma Kappa. Interacting with collegians can also help alumnae
chapters to improve their events and see what types of activities the collegians like to
do. After all, these collegians will soon be alumnae! Alumnae chapters often find
recruiting new alumnae is easier when a positive relationship has already been
established with members of a collegiate chapter.
By interacting with alumnae, collegians can sharpen their networking skills, as well as
learn from a role model. This may help them be more prepared for life after graduation,
including finding a job, raising a family, giving back to the community and more.
Paired Collegiate Chapter
Each January, collegiate chapters are paired with an alumnae chapter. This relationship is
sometimes called a "sister chapter." The alumnae/collegiate liaison serves as the liaison
between the alumnae chapter and assigned paired collegiate chapter. You are
encouraged to work closely with your paired sister chapter in an effort to support one
another and build lasting friendships among members. As alumnae/collegiate liaison,
Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 6
you must be aware of the collegiate chapter's activities so you can pass this information
on to the alumnae chapter. The paired chapter pairings are available to view in alumnae
general supplies on Live Sigma Kappa.
The alumnae/collegiate liaison should work with the collegiate chapter's VPAR to
prepare a program of events with the collegiate chapter that will strengthen the mutual
relationship. Programming should stress the importance of lifetime membership to both
collegians and alumnae. Contact your paired collegiate chapter's president or advisory
board supervisor if you need assistance reaching the VPAR.
Inviting Collegians to Alumnae Chapter Events
Collegiate members could be invited to alumnae chapter meetings, sisterhood events,
social activities, Founders' Day programs, and philanthropy and service events. Consider
including collegians in alumnae chapter programming by inviting them to host a
program or workshop on a hobby or activity that they enjoy and are knowledgeable
about.
Use various forms of invitations, including email, mail, social media, etc. This will help
maximize the chances that the invitation will be viewed. Send announcements and
invitations out several weeks in advance (months in advance for larger events or chapter
reunions).
Be sure to include the following information on all invitations:
The date, time, and location of the event
When, and to whom, to RSVP
Dress code for the event
If significant others, friends, or others may attend the event
IDEAS FOR ALUMNAE/COLLEGIATE
ACTIVITIES
There are countless occasions and activity ideas that can be used to build a positive
relationship between alumnae and collegians. Some ideas include:
1. An Alumna Mentor, or Secret Alumna program. One of the most important
elements of developing Sigma Kappa members is creating a comfortable
atmosphere where they have a sense of belonging. Within collegiate chapters,
the Big Sister/Little Sister program provides one-on-one support throughout the
new member period and beyond. Alumnae can fill a similar role as mentors,
helping collegiate members to gain a greater understanding of the benefits of
lifelong membership.
Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 7
The goal of an alumnae/collegiate mentoring program is to strengthen the bonds
of sisterhood through the formation of friendships among sisters of different
backgrounds and life stages. Alumnae can be matched with collegians to
establish positive Sigma Kappa relationships outside of the member's collegiate
chapter. Location and proximity to a collegiate chapter is not a factor in a
successful mentoring program. Communication can be by email, phone, social
media, mail, or other means.
Mentoring programs can be structured in a number of ways, dependent upon the
particular circumstances of the chapters involved. Invite interested alumnae to
sign up, and work with the VPAR to assign each interested alumnae to a collegian
member or group of members. The assignment can be for the term/year, for the
new member period, or for a collegian's entire membership. When the collegian
graduates, leaves college or returns to her home community, the alumna can
serve as her mentor at her local alumnae chapter or club. The alumna should
keep in touch with the collegian, and make an effort to attend the initiation of
the collegian and recognize any special accomplishments. If the alumna resides in
the collegian's hometown, the alumna should invite her to alumnae chapter
events when the collegian is at home. They should also be encouraged to
connect via email, text messages, or social media. In addition, they can send
notes, cards, and letters to each other, so the experience will be rewarding for
both parties.
2. Career Connections. The collegiate chapter can host a career night and bring in
alumnae from various fields to hold mock interviews and resume reviews.
Alumnae can leave their business cards to help the collegians network and
showcase the career opportunities available to members after they graduate.
Alumnae who do not reside near a collegiate chapter can still offer career help by
providing names and addresses of career contacts in their area.
3. Member Development. Alumnae can present programs to collegians on the
benefits of alumnae membership, dressing for success, time management,
developing good study habits, etiquette, travel, or any other special subjects
that
would be of interest to the chapter.
4. Tutoring. Provide a list of alumnae who are available and willing to tutor
collegiate women to the collegiate vice president of scholarship (VPS).
5. Honoring Scholastic and Other Achievements. The alumnae chapter may give
an award for the highest GPA, most improved GPA, etc., for each semester or for
the school year. Recognition possibilities include a dangle or pen, trophies, or
Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 8
Sigma
Kappa items.
6.
Founders' Day. Collegiate and alumnae chapters are encouraged to have joint
Founders' Day celebrations. The collegians and the alumnae may take turns each
year planning the program and the refreshments, or chapters can partner with
other chapters in their region to host a collaborative Founders' Day celebration
event. Alumnae chapters who are separated from their sister collegiate chapters
by a great distance can send a flower arrangement or a letter to be read to the
members at their Founders' Day celebration.
7. Host Senior Members or New Members. Hold an event for graduating seniors
so they can experience alumnae membership firsthand and talk about the
upcoming changes in their lives. Alternatively, hold an event for new members to
help them understand that Sigma Kappa membership is lifelong and welcome
them to the sisterhood. These events could include a brunch, dinner, dessert
reception, or another event of your choice.
8.
Philanthropy/Service Project. Sigma Kappa has service projects that lend
themselves well to joint collegian/alumnae participation. Gerontology projects
and Inherit the Earth, as well as the Walk to End Alzheimer's, Ultra Violet events,
and other philanthropy and fundraiser events can be conducted with the
collegiate chapter. Work with the collegiate chapter's VPAR and vice president of
philanthropic service (VPPS) to coordinate these events.
9. Recruitment. The alumnae chapter may assist with refreshments, send flowers,
make name tags, or do other tasks that the chapter requests in support of
recruitment efforts. Mock recruitment events are also a good opportunity for
alumnae and collegians to interact. In a mock recruitment, alumnae act as
potential new members, allowing the chapter members to practice their
recruitment skills. The alumnae can offer suggestions to improve conversation
skills and spend time getting to know the collegians.
10. Chapter Anniversaries. For significant milestones or anniversaries of your
alumnae chapter's founding (10-year, 25-year, etc.), your chapter may wish to
celebrate with an anniversary event. Be sure to invite your paired collegiate
chapter and any other local collegians.
11. Attend Local and Regional Events Together. Examples include major league
sporting events, fairs, and festivals.
Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 9
12. Sigma Kappa Sing-Along. Invite collegians for a night of sisterhood and singing.
Alumnae can teach collegians songs and chants from their collegiate days.
13. "Then and Now" Archiving. This joint activity provides a fun base to compare
the changes the collegiate chapter has seen over its history. The collegians and
alumnae put together a scrapbook together. Each left-hand page is a montage of
alumnae activities from the past; the right-hand pages are montages of a similar
activity of the current collegiate chapter.
14. Introduce alumnae membership to new members. Work with your paired
collegiate chapter to write a "Welcome to Sigma Kappa" email to new members.
15. Sigma Kappatizers. Hold a joint event with collegians where members can enjoy
appetizers and sisterhood.
16. New Alumnae Inspiration Week. In the week leading up to Order of the
Triangle, alumnae can "adopt" senior members who will participating in Order of
the Triangle, sending them encouraging notes and goody baskets.
17. Lasting Gifts. Providing a lasting gift, such as a decorative item for the collegiate
chapter's house, suite, or lodge, is an excellent way to connect with the collegians
even when alumnae are not often able to visit. Lasting gifts provide a constant
reminder of the alumnae chapter's connection with the collegiate chapter.
18. Newsletters. Include a section in the alumnae chapter newsletter that features
collegiate chapter news and events. Also, submit alumnae chapter news and
events to the paired collegiate chapter for its newsletter. Include photos.
19. Exam Goody Bags. Regardless of distance, an alumnae chapter can send
popcorn or other energy-boosting snacks to collegians for study breaks.
20. Craft Nights. Attend a crafting class together, have a member teach about a
hobby of hers, or hold a Pinterest night to create crafts and recipes together.
21. "Popcorn & PJ's" Movie Night. The event can be held at the chapter house or
an alumna's house. Members can rent a movie and offer small snacks. Attendees
can wear their pajamas or comfortable clothing.
22. Sweatin' Sigma Kappas. Attend a Zumba, yoga, or other exercise class together.
23. "Speed Dating." Adapt questions to Sigma Kappa generational themes. When
were you initiated? What was your favorite hangout as a collegian? What's your
Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 10
favorite Sigma Kappa song?
FOUNDERS' DAY
The alumnae/collegiate liaison and the alumnae vice president of programming are
responsible for planning a celebration of Founders' Day, ideally with the paired
collegiate chapter. Both officers should work together to help ensure a successful event.
Article XV of the Sigma Kappa National Policy Handbook, states:
XV. Founders' Day
a. Celebration of Founders' Day is a required function for alumnae and collegiate
chapters.
b. A special program shall be held as close to November 9 as possible and shall
include a tribute to each of the Founders.
C. Non-Sigma Kappa guests may attend the Founders' Day celebrations.
All chapter members should attend the Founders' Day celebration as a tribute to the
Founders. Consider inviting prospective alumnae initiates as well for a glimpse at Sigma
Kappa history and traditions. Founders' Day observance may also include recognition
and honoring of 25, 50, 75-year members, Pearl Court recipients, and memorial tributes
to deceased national officers and members.
A Founders' Day program should be planned in the spring and held in the fall, as close
to November 9 as possible. All local alumnae should be invited to participate and
whenever possible the paired collegiate chapter should be involved in co-planning the
celebration.
Sigma Kappa Sorority . Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 11
The celebration can take many forms. Here are some examples:
An informal meeting activity
A catered meal or meal together at a restaurant
A dessert reception
Refer to the Founders' Day guide on Live Sigma Kappa for more information and
program ideas to celebrate Founders' Day.
EDUCATING COLLEGIATE MEMBERS
ABOUT ALUMNAE MEMBERSHIP
The collegiate VPAR is responsible for educating collegiate members about the alumnae
side of Sigma Kappa membership. Assist her in this duty to ensure members continue to
be involved in Sigma Kappa after their collegiate experience.
Several workshops are available in Workshop Warehouse, part of Live Sigma Kappa,
which can be used to educate graduating members as well as the entire collegiate
chapter about alumnae membership. Consider joining with the collegiate chapter to
present these programs.
Alumnae Education for Sigma Kappa New Members
New Members must be educated about the alumnae side of their sorority membership.
Collaborate with the collegiate vice president of new member education (VPNME) to
attend Promise for New Members Program meetings and events.
Alumnae Education for Sigma Kappa Seniors and Those About to Graduate
Sigma Kappa Sorority . Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 12
Members about to graduate (or leave school for any reason) will go through a big
transition when they leave school. Assist them by offering opportunities for alumnae
chapter members to share their experience in getting their first job, first apartment,
working with banks and credit cards, paying taxes, etc.
Consider planning one or more the following programs to help engage senior members
and prepare them for life after college.
Sigma Kappacinos - hold an event at a local coffee shop for graduating seniors.
Alumnae and seniors can spend a few hours getting to know each other,
networking, and sharing sisterhood.
Dove Sisters - alumnae members serve as mentors to graduating seniors and
give them a gift during the week of Order of the Triangle. The gifts should be
something the member can use after graduation, such as a portfolio, stationary,
engraved pens, etc.
Encourage seniors to attend alumnae chapter meetings and events.
Seniors can "tour" different alumnae chapter officer or advisor positions by acting
as an assistant. This will allow seniors to see what volunteering looks like as an
alumna. Work with the collegiate chapter and their advisory board to arrange this
program.
Host a networking day for seniors. They can work on interview techniques and
resume writing.
Ask alumnae to host an event for graduating seniors in conjunction with or
directly following Order of the Triangle.
Establish an award given only to graduating seniors. It can be given at or
following Order of the Triangle.
RECRUITMENT INTRODUCTION
PROGRAM
As alumnae, it is our privilege and responsibility to bring to the attention of our
collegiate chapters young women who we would be proud to represent Sigma Kappa,
and who would be outstanding members of Sigma Kappa for a lifetime. The
Recruitment Introduction Form (RIF) is a tool designed to assist collegiate chapters in
making sound and informed membership selection decisions about young women who
have the potential to make a positive contribution to Sigma Kappa. They also help the
Sigma Kappa Sorority . Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 13
collegiate chapter to identify legacies in the recruitment process.
The goals of the recruitment introduction program is to secure a RIF for every potential
new member, and every new member prior to initiation. Collegiate and alumnae
members may complete RIFs for women they know will be attending the
college/university.
RIFs are available on the Sigma Kappa website, under "recommend a new member." An
electronic version of the form can be submitted online. Hard copy forms should be sent
directly to the collegiate chapter.
AWARDS AND REPORTS
Sigma Kappa Sorority . Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 14
Recognition is given to alumnae and collegiate chapters that work well together and
have formed a strong relationship.
The Louise Helen Coburn Award recognizes chapters for their excellence in alumnae-
collegiate relations. Criteria includes events in which the collegiate and alumnae
chapters participate together, demonstration of effective communication between the
chapters, and participation in joint projects and fundraising efforts.
The Patricia Carlin Smith Award recognizes an alumnae chapter working beyond the call
of duty for and with collegians. Criteria includes special events sponsored by the
alumnae chapter for both the assigned sister collegiate chapter and area collegians,
service on advisory and corporation boards, and support of the collegiate chapters such
as scholarships, gifts, attending chapter functions, joint functions, special programs
presented, summer recruitment parties, completing RIFs, etc.)
In order to be considered for awards, it is important that the Alumnae Chapter Annual
Report be completed thoroughly and accurately. The alumnae/collegiate liaison is
responsible for providing the alumnae chapter president with thorough information
about alumnae/collegiate activities to include in the report.
Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 15
SIGMA KAPPA
Voices Strong Hearts United.
695 PRO MED LANE, SUITE 300
CARMEL, IN 46032
317-872-3275
f: 317-872-0716
e: INFO@SIGMAKAPPA.ORG
WWW.SIGMAKAPPA.ORG
Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae/Collegiate Liaison Handbook page 16