2013 £2014 reb an nert e 2012 2014 National for Amy Denson Beth Chapters National Sara Chacon Sarah Extension for Janel for Reedy Dear Sigma Kappa Sisters, As I look back on this past year, I am proud to see Sigma Kappa growing and thriving in SO many areas. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you, the members of Sigma Kappa, for the past two years and to work with the wonderful women of national council. It is a blessing to have sisters that are living our values directing and leading our Sorority. The strategic plan that has guided us, The Path Forward, has truly been our road map to set out and accomplish what we only dreamed about over a year ago. I am pleased to share with you the 2013-2014 Annual Report to highlight and report to you the work of the Sorority as well as future plans to continue Sigma Kappa on our path forward. You will find some exciting things that have happened over the year. One of our strategic discussions has led us to review, evaluate and ultimately change our volunteer structure. You will also see the many things our programming team is doing in the area of online education, officer training and new member programs. Our extension team has been busy adding another collegiate chapter and locking in additional colonizations SO that we continue to grow. We continue to enhance our technology to keep up with today's tech savvy membership. I am excited for you to see all the wonderful things that are happening in the next pages. This past year was the first time the entities of Sigma Kappa, the Sorority, the Sigma Kappa Foundation and the Sigma Kappa National Housing Corporation all met and conferred on business pertaining to all three entities and for Sigma Kappa as a whole. The most significant outcome of this meeting was the sense of cooperation, transparency and willingness to work together for the good of the entire membership. We have many things to look forward to in this coming year. I have the pleasure to work with our NPC Delegate, Donna King, who also serves as the vice chairman of the National Panhellenic Conference. Sigma Kappa is proud to have one of its own representing all sorority women across the country. These are exciting times for Sigma Kappa! As I finish one biennium and begin my last as national president, I hope to continue this movement forward, one of strategic thinking and action to ensure that Sigma Kappa is living its purpose and encouraging all our members to live their values and make a difference in the lives of others. I thank our many volunteers that work tirelessly with such dedication throughout our entire organization. Without you, there would be no Sigma Kappa. You are the reason our Sorority is where we are today - your dedication and support is making a difference in the lives of our collegiate and alumnae members. As members of Sigma Kappa we all are part of a sisterhood we hold dear, one that we treasure close to our hearts. Loyally in Sigma Kappa, Cheu Herefory Cheri Morrell De Jong, Epsilon Omega 2012-2014 National President collegiate chapters chapters reaching achieving quota within quota the number number the year* same year* of of chapter chapters members 2013-14 113 14,309 86% 94% 2012-13 113 13,007 93% 90% 2011-12 112 11,900 94% 84% 2010-11 109 11,171 89% 72% membership recruitment *Based on paid new member and per capita fees. Number of highlights undergraduates pledged to Sigma Kappa in 2013-2014 was 5,143. Total women initiated into Sigma Kappa in 2013-2014 was 5,035, for a 98 percent initiation rate. Total membership as of May 31, 2014 was 151,582 chapters Collegiate chapters have total at or above continued to excel in total* academics. The spring overall GPA was 3.14 and fall GPA was 3.14 for an overall 2013-2014 GPA of 3.14. 83% 3.14 .02% 11% 24% 35% 87% 3.13 6%* 13% 28% 47% 94% 3.11 15% 18% 32% 65% 84% 3.13 7% 19% 30% 56% 41 collegiate chapters received recognition for their achievements in the SOE program during 2013. academic standards of excellence excellence SOE criteria revised to include higher standards. extension In spring 2014, Sigma Kappa colonized its second chapter in Alabama at Spring Hill College, located in Mobile. The Lambda Alpha Chapter was installed on April 12, 2014 and welcomed 49 members to the national organization. Throughout the year, the extension team made site visits to campuses around the country, submitted materials and participated in on-campus presentations at several universities. As a result of these efforts, Sigma Kappa was chosen for several upcoming colonizations, starting with a record breaking three colonizations in fall 2014. Sigma Kappa will start new chapters at the following campuses: Coastal Carolina University located in Conway, South Carolina - fall 2014 University of Houston located in Houston, Texas - fall 2014 Robert Morris University located in Moon Township, Pennsylvania - fall 2014 University of Oregon located in Eugene, Oregon - fall 2015 Indiana University located in Bloomington, Indiana - spring 2016 University of Oregon Robert Morris University Indiana University Coastal Carolina University University of Houston finance The Sorority's financial position remains strong. Our net income from all activities totaled $461,647 for the fiscal year June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014. Revenue growth was reported in three major categories: continued growth in new members, which led to increased dues and other payments, increased royalty income and jewelry sales, and the organization received a generous grant from the Sigma Kappa Foundation. The national organization has continued to be fiscally responsible, budgeting conservatively and making prudent decisions regarding spending. Our wise use of funds has enabled us to invest in new technology, programming and extension in ways that will ensure Sigma Kappa's future growth. Education Grant 2013-2014 $100,000 2.73% Interest & Dividends $6,810.43 .19% revenues Realized Gain $4,323.66 .12% Unrealized Gain $36,862.41 1.01% Jewelry Sales $384,019.25 10.48% Convention & RLC Collegiate $351,033 9.58% $761,438.90 23.76% National Organization $499,232.85 15.58% Member Services $240,893.25 6.57% Dues, Membership & Subscriptions $2,541,830 69.34% Jewelry Purchases $185,542.03 5.79% Extension $93,029.81 2.9% Alumnae $11,535.79 .36% Triangle $58,452.99 1.82% Convention $37,948.02 1.18% RLC $367,573.77 11.47% 2013-2014 Management & General NPC $1,165,984.51 36.39% $23,386.33 .73% expenses revenues expenses Revenues Dues, Membership & $2,541,830.00 69.34% Subscriptions Educational Grant $100,000.00 2.73% Interest & Dividend Income $6,810.43 0.19% Realized Gain $4,323.66 0.12% Unrealized Gain $36,862.41 1.01% Jewelry Sales $384,019.25 10.48% Convention & RLC $351,033.00 9.58% Member Services $240,893.25 6.57% Total Revenues $3,665,772.00 100% Expenses National Organization $499,232.85 15.58% Collegiate $761,438.90 23.76% Jewelry Purchases $185,542.03 5.79% Extension $93,029.81 2.90% Alumnae $11,535.79 0.36% Sigma Kappa Triangle $58,452.99 1.82% Convention $37,948.02 1.18% RLC $367,573.77 11.47% NPC $23,386.33 0.73% Management & General $1,165,984.51 36.39% Total Expenses $3,204,125.00 100% Net Income $461,647.00 programming Sigma Kappa Sorority held their national convention On, Warrior" and founder of Momastery.com, June 18-22 in Henderson, Nevada. The convention kicked off the educational programming with her reported a final registration of 855 members and keynote during the Welcome Banquet. Glennon also visitors. Convention 2014 was a success, theming presented two additional breakout sessions during programmatic elements around the purpose and the week that focused on sharing her story with our values of the organization, and placing a large focus attendees. Because the theme for convention 2014 on our recent milestones and achievements as was "Our Time to Shine", Sigma Kappa's own Miss we recognized "Our Time to Shine." Much America 2014 Nina Davuluri, Alpha Tau, Michigan was celebrated during the four days of State University, provided part of the keynote convention including the 20th Anniversary address during the Panhellenic Luncheon. She of the National Housing Corporation, the 30 shared with attendees her platform of "Celebrating year partnership between the Sigma Kappa Diversity through Cultural Competency," as well Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association, as personal stories and lessons learned during her and the upcoming role of Donna Crain undergraduate experience. During the Panhellenic King, Epsilon Rho, Eastern Washington Luncheon attendees also heard from current NPC University, as the Chairman of the Chairman, Jean Mrasek, Chi Omega. On Saturday, National Panhellenic Conference the focus was placed on the importance of Ritual; (NPC). Sigma Kappa's newest attendees were challenged to think about how to chapter, Lambda Alpha, apply our Ritual in their daily lives during a keynote Spring Hill College, from Peter D. Smithhisler, the president and CEO Mobile, Al., received for the North-American Interfraternity Conference. their official Following this keynote, attendees celebrated our charter. Two Ritual by participating in our Initiation ceremony. additional new and reestablished Many awards were given to collegiate chapters chapters, Epsilon for their successful endeavors and achievements. Mu, the University Chapters received awards for outstanding of Missouri, Columbia, programming, public relations, new member Mo., and Kappa Omega, programs, alumnae relations and scholarship. In Northeastern University, Boston, Standards of Excellence, two chapters achieved a Ma., were recognized as well. Three Star Award; 12 achieved a Two Star Award; and 26 chapters achieved a One Star Award. In its fourth Women from across the country year, the Founders Award was presented to Kappa met for four days to strengthen Upsilon, The College of New Jersey. their leadership skills, share ideas, and develop bonds with new Convention 2014 continued in the tradition of sisters. Participants learned from recognizing an outstanding fraternity/sorority a variety of national officers, staff professional. This year the award, named after members and guest speakers. Sigma Kappa's own Angela C. Guillory, Delta Featured speaker Glennon Doyle Mu, Northwestern State University, was awarded Melton, Delta Rho, James Madison to Adam Cantley, a member of Sigma Phi University, the author of the New Epsilon and the associate dean of students at the York Times best-selling memoir, "Carry University of Delaware. programming highlights In October 2013, a workgroup was formed to council officers, as well as the advisory board review and update the Promise Program for supervisor. It will also become an annually New Members. Guided by Growth Guiders, hosted program at this time, taking place in LLC, a consulting group focused on fraternity/ the months of January and February each sorority programming, the workgroup met over year. This change in timing for the RLCs will the course of three weekend retreats this year to effectively replace the Collegiate Officer's identify relevant topics and develop an updated Academy (COAR) moving forward. curriculum for the Program. RLC breakout tracks were revised and This updated Promise Program for New developed throughout the year and will Members experience features three different provide focused training for chapter enhanced elements: a complete set of online presidents, executive vice presidents, vice modules providing weekly education about presidents of programming, vice presidents the Sorority's history and values, a renewed of membership, vice presidents of new focus on the mentorship aspects of the Big member education, vice presidents of alumnae Sister / Little Sister Program, and a weekly relations, vice presidents of communication, discussion meeting led by the vice president vice presidents of finance, vice presidents of of new member education meant to help scholarship, vice president of philanthropic new members make connections between service, Panhellenic delegates and advisory what they are learning about Sigma Kappa board supervisors during the 2015 RLCs. and how it relates to their personal lives. During this year, the process of updating all Ten chapters and colonies were selected to collegiate officer handbooks and resources pilot the updated Promise Program for New began. This project culminates in the launch of Members during the fall 2014 semester. an entirely new suite of resources for collegiate Additional chapters will pilot in the spring officers on Founders' Day 2014. This includes 2015 semester, and this updated program is a completely revised handbook, updated and anticipated to launch to all collegiate chapters new supplemental web-based resources for in the fall of 2015. each officer, and newly created online modules providing additional training for our collegiate After a successful set of Regional Leadership executive council officers. Conferences (RLCs) in 2013, the decision was made to continue and enhance the program All collegiate chapters participated in the for our collegiate membership. Beginning in Collegiate Officer's Academy (COAR). An 2015, this leadership development program updated version of Advisor's Academy will expand to provide personal development was presented as a three-session track at and training for all 11 collegiate executive convention 2014. alumnae new & updated collegiate resources alumnae relations Various toolkits were created for alumnae chapter The alumnae team has partnered with the officers to provide a quick reference to assist collegiate management team and the National chapters with growth. Toolkits were also created Housing Corporation to send emails to local for those graduating to assist in learning about and chapter alumnae in an effort to recruit the alumnae phase of membership. advisory and corporation board members. Letters were sent to alumnae from 23 chapters A priority for the alumnae team in the last with over 100 alumnae members responding. year was to make things easier for chapter officers to perform their duties. To do so, The website was updated throughout the year to the annual report, various resources and add a additional support for alumnae chapters, to requirements were streamlined. These efforts share information with the general membership have resulted in increased report submissions and to add a new section devoted to graduating with various districts at 100% reporting and seniors/young alumnae. Resources include others close behind. job seeking tips, networking advice as well as financial tips. In the coming year, the alumnae team will be partnering with the programming team to create online training modules for alumnae chapter officers. These modules will be available at all times SO the officers can participate in the training on their own time. In the last year, the Sorority expanded it's partnership with Billhighway to include alumnae chapters. Billhighway is a provider of web- based financial solutions that helps membership-based organizations run better and enjoy improved financial health. The alumnae partnership with Billhighway allows alumnae chapters to manage their finances, track alumnae per capita payments and gives members the ability to pay dues online. UCSD Class UCSD of OF 2014 2014 membership Eleven chapters doubled their membership and in some cases tripled in size Five new alumnae chapters were started in response to the alumnae team's growth plan All per capita paying members received the 2013 exclusive gift, a three-piece magnet number of chapter members alumnae chapters average chapter size 2,500 2,361 2,327 2,000 2,015 1,977 1,500 1,000 500 122 100 114 116 118 50 22.2 19 17.42 15.4 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 traveling staff program Two collegiate services specialists and 11.5 leadership consultants (includes a mid-year hire to account for .5) comprised the 2013-2014 traveling staff program. Each traveling staff member was assigned to one or two focused chapters which entails working with a specific chapter on an ongoing basis to provide additional support in all areas of collegiate management and recruitment. Twenty-one chapters, including our newest Sigma Kappa chapters, participated in the focused chapter program. With only one colonization in 2013- 2014, 95 percent of our collegiate chapters received at least one visit from a traveling staff member. Traveling staff made 324 chapter visits during the academic year. 2013-2014 leadership consultants national headquarters Sigma Kappa Sorority has made a number of changes and enhancements in key areas to move the national organization forward. Some of these changes include: The Sorority staff continues to expand to support the increase in membership and to absorb some of the tasks and responsibilities volunteers have done in the past. The staff changes include: The collegiate extension specialist was promoted to the director of extension. The addition of a collegiate operations manager. This position provides support to collegiate chapters in all areas of chapter operations. She works very closely with the focus chapter volunteer support team and supervises the staff collegiate services specialists and collegiate operations specialists. The addition of two collegiate operations specialists. Working under the direction of the collegiate operations manager, these staff members supervise activities of assigned collegiate chapters. They also work closely with the district volunteers to support the collegiate chapters in all areas of chapter operations. As a result of our Why Survey and strategic planning efforts, national council has developed an updated volunteer structure to allow for more focused assistance to our chapters (alumnae and collegiate) and for more focused responsibilities for our national officers. The updated organizational chart and job descriptions related to the new volunteer structure are now available on the website. The new structure will go into effect in January 2015. In the national organization flow chart, our values are at the heart of the organization. National council then connects the circle around our core and distributes out to the various teams. Each council member will now have coordinators working with chapters in their area of supervision, and the district directors will lead discussions between the coordinators in their districts to provide a second level of connection. Technology enhancements continue to be Two Sigma Kappa communication pieces a priority for the national organization. In received awards this year. The Sigma the next year, all collegiate chapters will Kappa website received recognition have the capability of completing their from the Indiana Society of Association annual reports online, an enhanced profile Executives for a website that directly system will be active on the Live Sigma benefits the members and displays good Kappa side of the website and we will design, easy navigation and strong update our membership database to allow functionality. The Alumnae Dues Drive better functionality. ad received a third place award from the Fraternal Communications Association for Shop Sigma Kappa currently has over a single page ad. 420 vendors who provide Sigma Kappa paraphernalia and products that have been approved by Sigma Kappa. The royalty income from the purchase of these products increased 21% in 2013- 2014. This income provides financial support to educational programs including the leadership consultant program and regional leadership conferences. Sigma Kappa Sorority, the Sigma Kappa Foundation and the Sigma Kappa National Housing Corporation continue to partner to improve the overall experience for our membership. In June 2014, the joint decision was made by all entities to put the national headquarters building up for sale. The membership will be notified as progress is made on the sale and the new location of national headquarters. Sigma Kappa Foundation announced that it will provide the lead gift of $1 million for the Alzheimer's Association Women's Research Initiative, funding clinical research focused on women, as well as studies led by female researchers who are working to advance Alzheimer's and dementia science. Caroyln Caudell Tieger, Epsilon Epsilon, University of Georgia is matching each dollar raised for this initiative in the next two years up to $500,000.