SIGMA KAPPA ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT Sara Seely Chacon Gamma Alpha, University of Northern Colorado Dear sisters, This past April, members of all three boards It's been an incredible year for our beloved came together for strategic discussions Sorority, and we have much to celebrate about each entity's vision and collaboration and be proud of thanks to our loyal and committed to identifying more ways members, hard-working staff and dedicated the entities can work together to further volunteers. It is my pleasure to share with advance the organization. you the annual report for 2016-2017, which highlights the many accomplishments of Executive Director Jordan Bentlage led the Sigma Kappa over the past year and our adoption and rollout of a new sorority staff plans for continued success into the future. structure to better serve the needs of our organization today and in the future. This One of the first duties national council took enhancement promotes greater alignment on this past year was the creation of a new and integration across all areas of staff. strategic plan. As the world changes, Sigma Kappa must adapt with it. The 2017-2020 Through ongoing investment in tailored strategic plan focuses on being leaders by programming and resources, such as the building a culture that is forward thinking unveiling of a new RESPEKT movement, we are and innovative, engaging our alumnge and working to empower our collegiate members supporting our collegians, while enhancing SO that every woman will have the opportunity our ongoing efforts to address challenges for individual growth and development, and create competitive advantages. It ultimately supporting our collegiate chapters inspires us to lead with bravery, strength to be the absolute best they can be. and purpose; to drive each of our members to live with heart, exemplifying the values of The opportunity for and benefit from lifelong our organization in all we do. alumnae engagement requires thoughtful attention and an emphasis on enhancing We remain diligent on the execution of a our alumnae experience. The alumnae team consistent, stronger brand across all three introduced a new signature event, Connect, entities that will drive the story of Sigma in five cities across the country allowing Kappa and the impact we are making on our alumnae new opportunities to reconnect members and communities. with the national organization. Be on the lookout for more Connect events With Donna Crain King, Epsilon Rho, this year. Additionally, new training and serving as chairman of the National resources have been rolled out to equip Panhellenic Conference, we have embraced alumnae chapters with knowledge to best the challenge of leading the premier support the individualized needs of chapters advocacy and support organization for the and members. advancement of the sorority experience. Our 87th national convention was a I am very excited about the work we are gathering of epic proportions, with more doing to sustain the advancement of our than 900 attendees converging on Chicago organization. This speaks to our devotion for education, celebration and sisterhood. to living with heart: the heart of our The Sigma Kappa Foundation launched its membership, the heart of our organization first-ever capital campaign and showcased and the heart of what is to be a Sigma our powerful partnership with the Kappa. Thank you all for your tireless work Alzheimer's Association. Just this past year, and commitment to our organization. We Sigma Kappa teams nationwide exceeded couldn't do what we do without you. expectations and raised more than $1 million for the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Sigma Kappa's inaugural Day of Service, held on April 1, was a great success, with more than 12,754 hours of service donated Sugar by members across the country. 2016-2018 National VP for Programming National President Carol Beth Ivory Sara Chacon NATIONAL National VP for Alumnae National VP for Collegiate Chapters Ann O'Connell COUNCIL Malana Salyer National VP for Finance National VP for Extension Rebecca Patel Meaghan Miller Thul National VP for Membership National VP for Communication Mary Ellen Elkins Kellie Bray IG M MEMBERSHIP 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 Alumnae chapters 110 109 113 Average chapter size 11 9 16.4 Number of alumnae chapter members 2,389 2,790 1,836 MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS COLLEGIATE STATS OF EXCELLENCE STATS 168,000 54% 6,048 total sorority membership of chapters achieving undergraduates pledged to as of May 31, 2017 minimum standards or Sigma Kappa in 2016-2017 above in 2016 5,592 3.18 34 total women initiated into Sigma Kappa in 2016-2017 overall 2016-2017 GPA chapters receiving stars 93% initiation rate 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 Collegiate chapters 124 122 116 Number of collegiate chapter members 17,530 16,437 15,907 Chapters reaching 89% quota within the year* 90% 89% Chapters achieving 80% 81% 80% quota the same term* Chapters at or 62% 75% 87% above total** *Based on paid new member and per capita fees. ** In fall 2016, the NPC Manual of Information changed the procedure for determining total which results in it being adjusted each term. Chapters did not COB the additional women which caused a significant number of chapters to be below total. CONNECT In 2016 and 2017, Sigma Kappa hosted five of our new signature Connect Events in cities nationwide: Atlanta, Austin, Omaha, Seattle and Atlantic City. Connect Events, hosted by the national organization, provide an opportunity for alumnae to reconnect with the national organization and with sisters in their geographic area with no strings attached and no goal other than to enjoy an evening of sisterhood. ! SKILLAB In the fall, in collaboration with the programming team, we launched officer-training modules for alumnae chapter presidents, vice presidents of membership and vice presidents of finance. DOVE HUB Alumnae Dove Hub is available for all alumnae chapters. Alumnae chapters may now report, maintain chapter records, and update information online. In 2016, for the first time, alumnae chapters submitted their annual reports electronically through this platform. ALUMNAE CHAPTER COMMERCIAL In the spring, we unveiled an alumnae chapter commercial for use as an educational tool for collegiate members and as a recruiting D tool for alumnae chapters. The video highlights the differences between the collegiate and alumnae chapter experience, the relatively small cost of alumnae chapter membership, and the mentorship opportunities that alumnae chapters create. Kappa Gamma University of Dayton Lambda lota, Austin Lambda Theta University of Tampa Peay State University EXTENSION After wrapping up several years of record- to include the updated visual identity and breaking growth with the installation of to reflect the latest trends in the user seven new collegiate chapters in 2015-2016, experience by creating our materials in the extension team spent the "electronic magazine" style. Our newly 2016-2017 academic year focused on developed materials were awarded crafting a strategic plan for future the William C. Levere Award for Total extension, positioning our organization Communication, the highest honor given by as bold and purposeful, and pursuing the Fraternity Communications Association several exciting extension opportunities. (FCA). Additionally, we reframed our We revamped our extension materials extension language to eliminate the to enhance our representation of what appropriated and outdated "colonization/ Sigma Kappa brings to each new campus, colony" phrasing. Fall 2016 Spring 2017 Fall 2017 Fall 2018 University of Tampa University of Dayton Austin Peay State University of Alabama Lambda Theta Kappa Gamma University Tuscaloosa, Alabama Chapter Chapter Lambda lota Chapter Two collegiate services specialists, two collegiate operations specialists, and 17 leadership consultants comprised the 2016-2017 traveling staff program. Traveling staff members were assigned chapters on the chapter advancement program (CAP), which entails working with a specific chapter (s) on an ongoing basis to provide additional support in all areas of collegiate management and recruitment. Eleven new chapters, four specialized chapters, 12 focused chapters and two good-to-great chapters participated in CAP. With two new chapters established in 2016-2017, 98 percent of our collegiate chapters received at least one visit from a traveling staff member. Traveling staff made 318 chapter visits during the academic year. TRAVELING STAFF Throughout the year, we brought Sigma We are excited about fostering future Kappa to two campuses by reestablishing our growth for Sigma Kappa. It will be grounded Kappa Gamma Chapter at the University of in cultivating alumnae participation, Dayton and establishing our Lambda Theta developing a support structure near Chapter at the University of Tampa. campuses and in regions in which we desire The extension team researched a number to grow, and emphasizing opportunities of potential campuses, participated in to return to campuses where we once had numerous exploratory visits and represented thriving chapters. We continue to be grateful Sigma Kappa at several on-campus for our partnerships with the many support presentations. From the intensive campus teams in Sigma Kappa and for the deep research and successful presentations, collaboration we share with the National Sigma Kappa was selected to establish a Housing Corporation. new chapter Austin Peay State University in fall 2017 and to reestablish our Alpha Omega Chapter at the University of Alabama in fall 2018. PROGRAMMING SKILLAB When a new suite of resources for collegiate officers was launched in 2014, it set the process in motion for an annual update of all collegiate officer resources. As a result, executive council officers and chairmen have completely revised handbooks, updated and new supplemental web- based resources, and updated online training courses annually. These training courses are hosted in SKILLab, providing additional training for our collegiate executive council officers and chairmen. Courses are also available for new members as a part of the Promise for New Members Program, as well as for national officers, chapter advisors and advisory board supervisors. CONVENTION In July 2016, Sigma Kappa held its 87th national convention in Chicago. With over 900 attendees, this was Sigma Kappa's largest convention in recent years. The 87th national convention focused on recognizing the organization's milestones and achievements in the areas of philanthropic partnership, leadership in education, completion of a renewed strategic plan, and the launch of a newly developed visual and brand identity as exemplified in our theme: "Brave Women. Big City. Bold Purpose." Educational sessions and keynote speakers were selected and designed to benefit collegians, alumnae and national officers as we focused on individual leadership development. RESPEKT In January 2017, the RESPEKT movement received a significant update. With a refreshed logo, tagline and purpose, the RESPEKT movement now works to educate, energize and empower Sigma Kappa members to engage in the relevant topics and issues in their communities. Each month features a new RESPEKT topic. An email is sent to collegiate chapter vice presidents for programming and vice presidents of communication with links to relevant resources, workshops and tools they can use to help educate their fellow chapter members on the topic for that month. Additional resources are posted on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website and featured throughout the month on the organization's social media platforms. REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES In January 2017, Sigma Kappa Sorority hosted the regional leadership conferences (RLCs) for the fourth time. Almost 1,750 collegians, advisors, volunteers and facilitators were in attendance at the five events. The RLCs provide personal development and training for all 11 collegiate executive council officers, as well as the advisory board supervisor and the social chairman, annually. This year, leadership development programming focused on the connection between the values of Sigma Kappa and each individual member's personal values, the importance of self-confidence as a chapter leader, understanding the many facets of risk management, and establishing a chapter culture that supports building confidence and courage among members and caring for one another. New to the RLCs this year were "nuts and bolts" focused track sessions. Each officer and advisor track dedicated a portion of the weekend to covering information related to the basic roles and responsibilities of the various positions. INITIATED MEMBER EXPERIENCE The workgroup formed to review and update initiated member programming continued their work this year. The first pilot phase launched at convention 2016 continued into the fall. In this first phase, 14 chapters facilitated five new chapter workshops that align with five competencies that have been developed for member education. These competencies are: meaningful relationships, self- awareness & development, holistic personal wellness, national & global citizenship, and career readiness. The workgroup launched the second phase of the pilot process in January 2017, testing out an individualized component to the programming resources. While this component is still being reviewed and enhanced to determine how best to release it to the membership, the five competencies and an updated Workshop Warehouse were released to all collegiate chapters in August. COLLEGIATE MEMBER PROGRAMMING FINANCE Royalty Review 2017 $300,000 The Sorority's financial position $304,171.00 for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2017, was strong, with reported $250,000 2015 growth in revenues, net profits $272,631.00 2016 (gains) and investment balances $244,736.00 year over year. Revenue growth $200,000 2014 can be attributed to increased $180,453.94 revenues from convention and $150,000 closed chapter funds coupled with an overall improvement in 2013 investment returns. The Sorority $100,000 $149,566.60 reported $561,000 in revenues from closed chapters. This is a one-time transaction moving the funds held from dormant chapters Net Jewelry Sales from the National Housing Corporation to the Sorority. Our $300,000 investment account balances increased by $604,407 during the 2017 fiscal year, due to in part to the $250,000 2015 $217,380.91 addition of the closed chapter $187,767.66 funds as well as overall favorable $200,000 2014 market conditions, which resulted $198,477.22 in a return on investments of 2016 2013 $205,000. $150,000 $168,464.72 $223,574.00 In addition, the Foundation generously increased the grant $100,000 awarded to the Sorority to $150,000 to assist with the funding of RLCs, leadership Increase in Investments consultant program, and other educational programming. $3,000,000 2017 Despite lower management $2,971,115.00 and general expenses, expenses related to convention and new $2,500,000 2016 chapter support resulted in higher $2,366,708.00 combined expenses year over year. $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 2012 $760,148.00 Revenues & Expenses Revenues Member Services $400,163.76 - 5.98% Revenues Closed Chapter Revenue $561,191 - 8.39% Dues, Membership $3,193,787.00 47.73% & Subscriptions Educational Grant $150,000.00 2.24% Investment $205,054.00 3.06% Return, Net Dues, Membership & Convention & RLC Subscriptions Jewelry $480,373.24 7.18% $1,700,263 - 25.41% $3,193,787 - 47.73% Convention & RLC $1,700,263.00 25.41% Closed Chapter Revenue $561,191.00 8.39% Member Services $400,163.76 5.98% $6,690,832.00 100% Jewelry Sales Total Revenues Education Grant $480,373 - 7.18% $150,000 - 2.24% Investment Return, Net $205,054 - 3.06% Expenses National $648,313.67 11.41% Organization Collegiate $1,384,234.00 24.37% Expenses National Organization $648,313.67 - 11.41% Jewelry $262,992.33 4.63% Purchases NPC $27,546 - 0.48% Extension $176,646.00 3.11% Alumnae $77,896.00 1.37% Management & General $1,235,018 - 21.74% Sigma Kappa $135,442.00 2.38% Triangle Collegiate RLC $1,384,234 - 24.37% Convention $946,932.00 16.67% $785,923 - 13.83% RLC $785,923.00 13.83% NPC $27,546.00 0.48% Convention $946,932 - 16.67% Management $1,235,018.00 21.74% & General Jewelry Purchases $262,992.33 - 4.63% Total Expenses $5,680,943.00 100% Sigma Kappa Extension Triangle $176,646 - 3.11% $135,442 - 2.38% Alumnae $1,009,889.00 $77,896 - 1.37% Net Income (Loss) FOUNDATION $335,940 Granted to Sorority The Sigma Kappa Foundation made its second largest grant ever of $150,000 to the Sorority to support leadership consultant training, conduct educational and leadership training at RLCs and convention, and fund the director of educational programs position. The Foundation provided a $45,000 chapter educational grant from a designated chapter fund, awarded $21,950 as grants to SEE YOU assist members in need, and granted $14,600 to fund chapter philanthropic projects. The Foundation assisted seven members with scholarships totaling $4,230 to attend leadership conferences and awarded $100,160 YEAR! in academic scholarships to members for the 2017-2018 school year - the first time in history surpassing $100,000. Shared Hearts. New Heights. Record-Breaking Year A Campaign for Sigma Kappa. for the Walk to End The Shared Hearts. New Heights. Campaign was launched at convention 2016 and has already Alzheimer's! surpassed $3 million of its $5 million goal. The Every year, Sigma Kappas across Shared Hearts. New Heights. message was shared the country join the Walk to at glumnge events around the country starting in End Alzheimer's and support fall 2016. At each of these events, the message was the Foundation's goal of raising clear - help secure Sigma Kappa's legacy and build $500,000. This past year more than an even better future for the next generation of 13,000 Sigma Kappa members members. Sigma Kappas have been bold in their participated in hundreds of walks response by stepping up and committing to do their nation wide. In true Sigma Kappa part. Visit the campaign page to learn more. As the fashion, not only did members Sigma Kappa Foundation continues its campaign surpass this goal, they doubled it! journey, it will take shared hearts and gifts of all Sigma Kappa teams raised more sizes to reach new heights. than $1 million for the Walk in 2016. Foundation Net Assets 2017 $5,916,368 $5,000,000 2013 2015 $4,000,000 $4,053,726 $4,061,998 2011 $3,000,000 $3,014,113 2007 2009 $2,495,849 $2,412,263 $2,000,000 2016-17 Key Accomplishments National Housing Corporation (NHC) staff and volunteer team members with expertise in architecture, interior design, construction, and project budgeting and financing provided technical assistance on new construction and major renovation projects that took place at several chapter houses including Upsilon, Oregon State University and Beta Tau, University of Florida. NHC presented the third biannual National Housing Conference and monthly educational programming to build the knowledge and skills of local housing volunteers. The Keys to Housing Excellence program provides benchmarks to guide local house corporations in legal and procedural best practices for managing and operating sorority housing. Twenty-nine house corporations received gold, silver, or bronze awards of excellence for meeting and exceeding the benchmarks. NHC published 12 new TEAM Guides, which are manuals that provide information and procedural guidelines to local house corporations on topics such as board governance, property management, human resources, and financial management. NHC SIGNARAPPA Members of the NHC Paid to vendors for 30 team including nine housing-related $7M $10.4M employees, seven expenses on behalf Total current Revenue processed members of the of participating NHC loans to for housing fees from board of directors, corporations and local house collegiate members and 14 coordinators chapters corporations of participating corporations and chapters Participating chapters that are in university 83 housing or that do not currently have housing and are savina for that possibility 36 Participating local house corporations