Sigma Kappa Handbook for the Panhellenic Delegate 2020 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 Bylaws 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 collegiate chapter officer exemplifies Sigma Kappa's purpose and values. C 2020 Sigma Kappa Sorority Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS The Panhellenic Delegate Job Responsibilities 4 Resources for the Panhellenic Delegate 5 Alternate Panhellenic Delegate/Panhellenic Committee 6 Sigma Kappa Panhellenic Team 6 Panhellenic Coordinators 7 Advisor to the Panhellenic Delegate 8 What is the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)? 9 NPC General Information 9 NPC Resources 10 NPC Area Advisor 10 Release Figure Methodology Specialists 10 NPC Manual of Information 11 NPC Unanimous Agreements 11 NPC Policies and Best Practices 11 Alumnae Panhellenics 12 Developing Relationships with Your College Panhellenic 13 Panhellenic Executive Board 13 College Panhellenic Advisor or Fraternity/Sorority Advisor 13 Leadership Opportunities 13 Honorary Fraternal Organizations 14 Fraternity/Sorority Relations 14 Education and Training 16 Educating the Chapter on the College Panhellenic 16 Programs Sigma Kappa May Direct or Initiate for the College Panhellenic 16 Representing Your Chapter to the College Panhellenic 18 The Panhellenic Delegate's Role in Recruitment 18 Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 3 Extension 18 Reporting and Awards 19 Panhellenic Delegate's Annual Report/Ruth Rysdon Miller Award Application 19 Donna Crain King Award for Outstanding Leadership in College Panhellenics 19 Ethel Hayward Weston Award for Outstanding Leadership in Alumnae Panhellenics 20 Angela C. Guillory Outstanding Fraternity/Sorority Advisor Award 20 PANHELLENIC DELEGATE The Panhellenic delegate is elected by the collegiate chapter and is responsible for representing Sigma Kappa to the College Panhellenic. She is a member of the executive council of her chapter and reports to the chapter president. The Panhellenic delegate has a relationship with three separate entities: the chapter, the College Panhellenic and the Sigma Kappa Panhellenic team. The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world with more than 4.5 million members. The College Panhellenic is often the largest women's organization on a college campus. This presence allows for a significant opportunity to influence the campus. It is important that Sigma Kappa members are seen as good Panhellenic partners who are engaged and involved in Panhellenic. The responsibilities of the Panhellenic delegate are: Prepare for your role: Download the newest version of the NPC Manual of Information from the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website in the General Supplies section and save it to your desktop or somewhere easily accessible. Download, read and follow the Handbook for the Panhellenic Delegate. Access and watch all training modules associated with the Panhellenic delegate role located in SKILLab: Sigma Kappa's Interactive Learning Lab. Introduce yourself to the fraternity/sorority advisor (FSA) and Panhellenic president on your campus. Request a copy of your local College Panhellenic council's bylaws and recruitment rules from the FSA or Panhellenic president. Contact the Sigma Kappa Panhellenic coordinator in your district to introduce yourself. Communicate Internally: Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 4 Represent Sigma Kappa by ensuring that the chapter discusses and votes on all matters before voting at College Panhellenic council meetings. Present a College Panhellenic report at each formal chapter meeting. Inform the chapter of current College Panhellenic recruitment rules/bylaws. Inform the chapter about all Panhellenic activities and events, as well as those of other sororities and encourage participation in them. Inform the College Panhellenic community about Sigma Kappa events, inviting their participation when appropriate. Work closely with the chapter advisor assigned to the Panhellenic delegate (if applicable). Serve as chairman of your chapter's Panhellenic committee (when chapter size allows), and keep the committee apprised of upcoming activities. Serve as a contributing member of the chapter executive council. Educate and Train: Work with the vice president of membership (VPM) regarding College Panhellenic recruitment structural or rule changes. Educate chapter members on the role of the College Panhellenic and NPC. Host a program from Workshop Warehouse or create your own for an informal chapter meeting at least once a year. Educate new members on the role of the College Panhellenic and NPC at a new member meeting. Meet with vice president of programming (VPP) to determine which programs could be hosted with the Panhellenic community or another Panhellenic chapter, and help plan these events. Ensure your Panhellenic committee is knowledgeable and supportive of Panhellenic and NPC, and supports the work of Panhellenic. Advocate: Encourage Sigma Kappa participation on College Panhellenic committees and identify strong leaders and good representatives of Sigma Kappa to serve as a College Panhellenic officer and/or committee chairman. Consider a leadership role within the College Panhellenic after you finish your term as Panhellenic delegate. Use your voice to discuss issues facing sorority women on your campus with the other Panhellenic delegates and Panhellenic executive officers. Be prepared to table a vote at a Panhellenic meeting if you haven't been given time to review the motion with your chapter, advisor and Panhellenic coordinator. Two weeks is considered adequate. Build Relationships: Plan events and activities with other sororities and for the community. Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 5 Promote a positive image of the College Panhellenic and Sigma Kappa at all times. Provide support to other sororities throughout the year. Encourage the chapter to participate in and/or sponsor College Panhellenic events, workshops and philanthropies. Communicate and work with your Panhellenic coordinator on a regular basis. Develop this relationship so you can share and learn with her throughout the year. Utilize your campus FSA to help with programming and situations that may arise throughout the year. Represent your Chapter: Attend all College Panhellenic meetings and functions or assure attendance by a member of your committee or Sigma Kappa executive council member. Encourage chapter members to attend with you. Vote on all Panhellenic motions, including recruitment rules, on behalf of Sigma Kappa. Keep accurate notes on all College Panhellenic meetings and decisions. Maintain External Communication: Prepare the annual Panhellenic Delegate's report/Ruth Rysdon Miller award application throughout the year. The report serves as the application for the Ruth Rysdon Miller award and must be submitted by December 1 through SmarterSelect. Respond to all communications from the Sigma Kappa Panhellenic team Send all College Panhellenic meeting minutes to the Panhellenic coordinator after each meeting. Make sure to include your own input and feedback on the topics reviewed or bring up any concerns. Contact your Panhellenic coordinator at least one week prior to voting on College Panhellenic bylaw changes, recruitment rules and guidelines, adjusting campus total, alcohol or risk management policies, relationship statements, standards documents, or adding a sorority (extension). Contact your Panhellenic coordinator with any potential problems and/or concerns before they become major issues. Some of these potential problems may be what NPC considers a "Campus Concern." These actions may include the campus creating new documents such as standards, expectations, relationship agreements, assessments, accreditations, etc. It may also include actions and policies taken by the institution to limit or stop the association of students with each other or NPC member organizations. Resources for the Panhellenic Delegate Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 6 In addition to this handbook, the Panhellenic delegate must have certain resources and materials to properly do her job. These resources are as follows: NPC Manual of Information, current edition Policies College Panhellenic bylaws (contact the College Panhellenic president if you do not have this resource) College Panhellenic recruitment rules and guidelines (contact the College Panhellenic recruitment officer if you do not have this resource) Sigma Kappa National Policy Handbook College Panhellenic Council Information College Panhellenic calendar of meetings and events Job descriptions of College Panhellenic officers and committee chairmen (should be located within local bylaws) College Panhellenic annual operating budget Sigma Kappa Information A list of goals for the office Chapter calendar Sigma Kappa budget for the Panhellenic delegate Report Forms Current Panhellenic delegate's report/Ruth Rysdon Miller Award application form (available in the Panhellenic delegate supplies on the members only side of the website.) Records of College Panhellenic programs and meetings Previously submitted reports Note: Reports should be kept on file per the Document Retention Policy, as outlined in the National Policy Handbook. The Alternate Panhellenic Delegate/Panhellenic Committee If chapter size allows, your chapter should appoint or elect an alternate delegate or a Panhellenic committee to represent the chapter in the event that the Panhellenic delegate must miss a College Panhellenic meeting, chapter meeting or resign from the office. An alternate delegate should not serve in another executive council office for Sigma Kappa. She should attend all meetings of the College Panhellenic along with the Panhellenic delegate and cast the chapter's vote in the absence of the delegate. She may serve on a College Panhellenic committee or as a committee chairman, if appointed. The responsibilities of the alternate Panhellenic delegate and/or Panhellenic committee are: Read and follow the Handbook for the Panhellenic Delegate. Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 7 Study and understand the NPC Manual of Information. Study and understand the College Panhellenic bylaws, recruitment rules and guidelines, as well as any other governing documents. Consult the Panhellenic delegate frequently regarding College Panhellenic business and issues. Attend College Panhellenic meetings. Cast the chapter vote at College Panhellenic council meetings in the absence of the College Panhellenic delegate. Actively promote College Panhellenic involvement within the chapter. Present the College Panhellenic report during a chapter meeting in the absence of the delegate. Assist the Panhellenic delegate in the performance of her duties as requested. Sigma Kappa Panhellenic Team The Sigma Kappa Panhellenic team is composed of: National president Director of Panhellenic Management Three Directors of Panhellenic Support Panhellenic Coordinators for each district NHQ staff member As national officers of Sigma Kappa, names and contact information of the Sigma Kappa Panhellenic team are available on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website. This team functions to provide information and resources to Sigma Kappa's College and Alumnae Panhellenic delegates. Currently, the National President serves as the Sigma Kappa representative to the NPC Council of Delegates and votes on behalf of Sigma Kappa at the National Panhellenic Conference level. The Director of Panhellenic Management serves as the Sigma Kappa Chief Panhellenic Officer (CPO) to NPC. The CPO serves as a liaison to and is the primary contact for NPC and other member organizations on all college and alumnae Panhellenic matters. The CPO communicates with NPC staff, NPC area advisors, and CPOs from other NPC member organizations. The CPO also supports NPC by serving on various committees and serves as an NPC Area Advisor. She oversees the Directors of Panhellenic Support and the entire Panhellenic team. The Directors of Panhellenic Support oversee the Panhellenic coordinators, support NPC by serving on various committees, and serve as NPC Area Advisors. Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 8 Panhellenic Coordinators Panhellenic coordinators provide College Panhellenic chapter support for each district. They work in partnership with members of the Sigma Kappa Panhellenic team. These alumnae volunteers should be your first contact when seeking out assistance for College Panhellenic matters. Their contact information can be found on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website. As the Panhellenic delegate, you should send your Campus Panhellenic meeting minutes and consult the Panhellenic coordinator on the following: If the College Panhellenic considers amendments to the bylaws, standing rules and recruitment guidelines or rules. If the College Panhellenic recruitment code of ethics, guidelines/rules are revised. If the college or university proposes a Standards Document, Recognition Agreement, Vision/Relationship Statement, or Fraternal Organization Compliance Criteria for fraternities and sororities. If the College Panhellenic or college/university administration considers alcohol/risk management or social policies and procedures. If the College Panhellenic considers extension by adding another sorority. If you have questions regarding interpretation of the NPC Unanimous Agreements, or any information contained in the NPC Manual of Information. If, and when, the College Panhellenic discusses adjusting campus total. If your chapter files a recruitment infraction against another sorority, or if a recruitment infraction is filed against Sigma Kappa. If discussions of recruitment style changes are initiated by the College Panhellenic. If you need ideas for chapter programs on College Panhellenic matters. If you need ideas for College Panhellenic activities or programs which can be sponsored by your chapter. If you need information regarding your regional leadership conference, i.e. NGLA, AFLV-Central, and AFLV-West. If your chapter or its members are asked to complete a survey, questionnaire or participate in a research project of any kind. If your chapter is approached or contacted by media or production companies seeking information. If you need support and guidance in communicating with your institution's FSA. Advisor to the Panhellenic Delegate The advisor to the Panhellenic delegate provides continuity in a chapter's College Panhellenic success from one year to the next. She is a member of the chapter's advisory board and can guide the Panhellenic delegate to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of her role. Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 9 To learn more about developing a relationship with your advisor, watch the module in SKILLab: Sigma Kappa's Interactive Learning Lab that highlights best practices for building this relationship. The advisor should have access to the following resources, many of which can all be found on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website under Alumnae, Volunteer or Collegiate Officer resources: Handbook for the Chapter Advisor Handbook for the Panhellenic Delegate NPC Manual of Information, current edition College Panhellenic bylaws College Panhellenic recruitment rules and guidelines Any other College Panhellenic governing documents Chapter Code of Conduct National Policy Handbook Chapter and College Panhellenic council calendar Copy of your goals and budget WHAT IS THE NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE? The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), founded in 1902, provides support and guidance for its 26 inter/national member sororities, and serves as the national voice on contemporary issues of sorority life. NPC is one of the oldest and largest women's membership organizations representing more than 4.8 million women at more than 670 college/university campuses and 3,700 local alumnae chapters in the U.S. and Canada. The National Panhellenic Conference General Information Sigma Kappa was the eleventh organization to join NPC, in 1905. Previously, each inter/national sorority selected an NPC delegate and three alternates to represent their sorority to NPC. NPC met as a delegation body annually, and officers rotated biennially. Sigma Kappa Sorority . Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 10 Three Sigma have Kappas served as NPC Chairman: Ethel Hayward Weston 1919-1921, Ruth Rysdon Miller 1965-1967, and Donna Crain King 2015-2017. In 2018, NPC changed their governance structure and adopted a Council of Delegates. The Council of Delegates includes a representative from each of the 26 NPC member organizations. The Council of Delegates meets at least annually to reaffirm and/or approve NPC Unanimous Agreements and policies and biennially elects the NPC Board of Directors and chairman. The Chief Panhellenic Officer is the primary member organization contact for NPC and the 26 member organizations for campus issues and directs all incoming and outgoing communication regarding chapter and alumnae issues specifically as it relates to college and alumnae Panhellenics. NPC provides a framework by which a College Panhellenic operates, including tenets all College and Alumnae Panhellenics are bound to uphold -- the NPC Unanimous Agreements, policies and best practices. College Panhellenics are the campus counterpart of NPC. Each chapter on a campus elects or appoints a delegate who attends the meetings of the College Panhellenic council, representing the interests of her organization and casting votes on behalf of her organization (the Panhellenic delegate). A College Panhellenic exercises the right to enforce its own rules and procedures, especially when it pertains to recruitment through a judicial procedures process. This should include informal discussion, then mediation, then a judicial hearing. For example, if a chapter is found responsible for a recruitment infraction, the College Panhellenic determines and imposes sanctions. The FSA or College Panhellenic Advisor advises most College Panhellenics as determined by the college/university. This person is a great resource! Sigma Kappa encourages collegiate members to pursue leadership positions in their College Panhellenic, which will enhance their sorority experience. Many College Panhellenic positions require prior experience as a Panhellenic delegate, so long- term interest in Panhellenic is important to consider when electing this position. As colleges and universities have College Panhellenics, many cities have Alumnae Panhellenics. Their activities may include: assisting with providing potential new members with alumnae recommendations, organizing philanthropy events and presenting scholarships to deserving College Panhellenic women. As an alumna, you will have opportunities to volunteer with an Alumnae Panhellenic. There are 10 NPC Unanimous Agreements, as outlined in the NPC Manual of Information. All member organizations of the NPC unanimously approved to uphold these agreements at all times. Mutual support is the strength of NPC. A sorority chapter cannot succeed without the cooperation of the other NPC member organizations. NPC is not a regulatory body. Through the establishment of unanimous agreements that are binding on all member organizations and the adoption of policies, NPC provides guidance and direction to College and Alumnae Panhellenics. Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 11 NPC Resources The NPC Area Advisor All College Panhellenics are assigned an NPC area advisor. Her responsibilities are to: Provide guidance to College Panhellenic councils in an assigned state or region. Inform and educate College Panhellenics of current changes in policy, procedures, and unanimous agreements. Review the College Panhellenic bylaws, and recruitment rules and guidelines. Provide resources to strengthen recruitment and other Panhellenic programs. Your NPC Area Advisor is a Panhellenic alumna. She may or may not be a member of Sigma Kappa. Note: The NPC area advisor is usually contacted only by the College Panhellenic president, the FSA or by a Sigma Kappa Panhellenic team member. All Sigma Kappa chapter issues should be referred to your Panhellenic coordinator. Release Figure Methodology (RFM) Specialists Release Figure Methodology (RFM) is the system used during recruitment to allow the maximum number of potential new members (PNMs) to receive a bid to a chapter. All College Panhellenics with two or more NPC chapters are assigned an RFM specialist. Sixty- seven volunteer RFM specialists make up the RFM team, which represents 25 NPC member organizations and includes organizational council/board members, Chief Panhellenic Officers, organizational staff, inter/national volunteers, and FSAs. These women have undergone extensive training on RFM implementation and pledged their support and cooperation to maintain a Panhellenic perspective in their work. RFM Specialists: Provide guidance and education to the FSA or Panhellenic Advisor pertaining to managed release figures for the chapters. Recommend to the Panhellenic and FSA necessary format (event progression) changes as suggested by the RFM model. Follow up with the NPC area advisor at the conclusion of recruitment to give her the overall recruitment results and issues that need to be addressed. Prepare and distribute the total summary report to the NPC area advisor within 24 hours of the completion of recruitment. Share any general concerns/issues with the area advisor that may have been discussed with or raised by the FSA during recruitment. The NPC Manual of Information This NPC resource contains the NPC Unanimous Agreements, policies pertaining to recruitment, extension, judicial procedures, and other best practices and guidelines for College and Alumnae Panhellenics. The manual is available on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website. Every Panhellenic delegate serving Sigma Kappa should download and review this manual. It should be used as a resource along with the Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 12 College Panhellenic bylaws/standing rules and recruitment rules and guidelines. Any questions regarding content should be directed to your assigned Panhellenic coordinator. NPC Unanimous Agreements The NPC Unanimous Agreements provide the basis for the relationship among the sororities that comprise the National Panhellenic Conference. Through these agreements, member organizations established the standards of conduct and fundamental operating procedures for the Conference as well as College and Alumnae Panhellenics. The NPC Unanimous Agreements are affirmed by all 26 sororities and signed by each representative on the Council of Delegates to ensure the organization's commitment to the agreements. Because of this mutual understanding, every College and Alumnae Panhellenic must adhere to the provisions and procedures outlined in the Unanimous Agreements. Areas range from the prohibition of membership in more than one NPC sorority to a declaration of the sovereignty of each member organization. As the Panhellenic delegate, it is imperative that you know the Unanimous Agreements to help ensure the compliance of the College Panhellenic community. The NPC Unanimous Agreements can be found in the current edition of the NPC Manual of Information. All questions regarding these agreements should be forwarded to your assigned Panhellenic coordinator. NPC Policies and Best Practices NPC adopted policies, procedures and best practices for conducting the business of NPC and College and Alumnae Panhellenics. These can be found in the NPC Manual of Information. It is essential that every Panhellenic delegate be familiar with these policies for the protection of her Sigma Kappa chapter. Contact your Panhellenic coordinator if you have questions about the NPC policies and best practices. Alumnae Panhellenics As colleges and universities have their Panhellenic associations, many communities have Alumnae Panhellenic organizations. Many of the Alumnae Panhellenic activities are similar to those of the College Panhellenics, including holding sorority information sessions for high school students and philanthropy events, hosting special programs or presentations, plus hosting regular business meetings. Most Alumnae Panhellenics present scholarships to deserving College Panhellenic women. As a Sigma Kappa alumna, you will continue to have many opportunities to volunteer as a member through involvement in an Alumnae Panhellenic. Sigma Kappa Sorority . Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 13 If there is an active Sigma Kappa alumnae group in your geographical area, most likely one of the current members of the alumnae group is the Alumnae Panhellenic representative. If there is no active Sigma Kappa alumnae group, some Alumnae Panhellenics will allow an individual alumna member to be the Sigma Kappa representative. The bylaws of the Alumnae Panhellenic will provide the guidance on the membership requirements. See the NPC website at www.npcwomen.org for a complete listing of all Alumnae Panhellenics in your geographical area. DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR COLLEGE PANHELLENIC The College Panhellenic is the local governing body of all NPC member organizations on a campus. It is composed of one chapter delegate and an alternate delegate (if applicable) from each sorority chapter represented on that campus. Each council also Sigma Kappa Sorority . Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 14 has an executive board of elected or appointed officers, such as president, vice president of recruitment and treasurer. The College Panhellenic is responsible for local Panhellenic operations in accordance with the NPC unanimous agreements, policies and best practices. Panhellenic Executive Board Similar to your chapter executive council, the College Panhellenic council is led by a team of officers who comprise the Panhellenic executive board. These members may have been elected into their positions, or your campus may utilize a leadership rotation system. You are encouraged to develop a relationship with these officers throughout your term. After you finish your term as Panhellenic delegate, you are also encouraged to run for one of these leadership positions! College Panhellenic Advisor or Fraternity/Sorority Advisor The Fraternity/Sorority Advisor (FSA) or College Panhellenic advisor is the person determined by the college/university to advise the College Panhellenic community. There are unique circumstances when a College Panhellenic advisor may be a volunteer sorority woman from the community if the resources are not available through the institution. The College Panhellenic advisor or FSA is a valuable resource to assist you and provide the College Panhellenic with guidance and advice. It is vital to build a relationship with this person by setting up time to meet with them at least once an academic term during your tenure as delegate. Leadership Opportunities Sigma Kappa members should be seen as strong Panhellenic partners by participating in and supporting the work of Panhellenic. The Panhellenic delegate should work with her advisor and Executive Council to educate and recruit strong or emerging leaders of the chapter to serve as Panhellenic officers, on Panhellenic committees, and as recruitment counselors. Ensuring Sigma Kappa appoints or elects the best leaders for the positions reflects positively on Sigma Kappa. It is important to run for Panhellenic offices to ensure Sigma Kappa's representation on the campus Panhellenic Executive Board. These representatives may be another chapter's only exposure to Sigma Kappa. Sigma Kappa encourages Panhellenic delegates to pursue leadership positions in the Panhellenic Council following their term as the Panhellenic delegate. Becoming a Panhellenic officer or committee chairman will not only enhance the experience of participating in the College Panhellenic, but it is also great public relations for Sigma Kappa. When considering a leadership position, it is often necessary to think long term. Several positions on the College Panhellenic may require previous service as a Panhellenic delegate or committee member. Electing or appointing a member as the Panhellenic delegate or alternate delegate with a long-term interest in and commitment Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 15 to the College Panhellenic will provide a greater opportunity for Sigma Kappa members to secure leadership positions in the College Panhellenic. Be sure to let your Panhellenic coordinator know if someone from your chapter is elected to a Panhellenic leadership position so she can be recognized! Honorary Fraternal Organizations College Panhellenics may offer opportunities for involvement in honorary organizations such as Order of Omega, Rho Lambda and Gamma Sigma Alpha. Chapter members should be encouraged to participate whenever possible. If applications are required for membership to any of these organizations or associations, enlist the chapter's executive council to identify members of your chapter who might be eligible. If your campus does not host any of these organizations, discuss the possibility of starting one with the FSA or College Panhellenic advisor. Fraternity/Sorority Relations and the Greater Fraternal Community As part of the fraternity/sorority community, we support other fraternal organizations and councils. We are often asked to participate in other organizations' events, such as philanthropic efforts, educational programs, social events and more. As Panhellenic delegate, you are responsible for encouraging your chapter members to interact with other councils and organizations, including attending their events. Care must be taken to ensure that Sigma Kappa's participation in other organizations' events is compliant with Sigma Kappa's risk management policy and upholds our organization's standards. Work with your PR chairman to build and maintain strong fraternity/sorority relationships in your community. There are more than 175 national fraternities and sororities. Additionally, campuses have local organizations, which are fraternities and sororities only on one campus. Most of the 175+ fraternities and sororities fall into six umbrella organizations, listed below. Sigma Kappa is a part of the National Panhellenic Conference. The single sex/gender status of fraternities and sororities is an important aspect of our identity, especially Sigma Kappa's. NAPA National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association www.napa-online.org NALFO National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, Inc. Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 16 www.naflow.org NMGC National Multicultural Greek Council www.nationalmgc.org NPC National Panhellenic Conference www.npcwomen.org NPHC National Pan-Hellenic Council Inc. www.nphchq.org NIC North-American Interfraternity Conference www.nicindy.org Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook . page 17 EDUCATION AND TRAINING Educating the Chapter on Panhellenic It is the Panhellenic delegate's responsibility to educate the chapter on the role and responsibility of the College Panhellenic. At least once per year, you must conduct an educational program during an informal meeting. The programs available in Workshop Warehouse located on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website are an excellent resource. Consult the chapter VPP to coordinate this program, and work with the vice president of new member education (VPNME) to help the new members learn about Panhellenic. Other topics for chapter education might include: College Panhellenic committee involvement and leadership opportunities. Regional Panhellenic conference opportunities. Inviting the FSA or College Panhellenic advisor to speak about their role. Programs Sigma Kappa May Direct or Initiate for the College Panhellenic Sigma Kappa encourages each chapter to get involved in the College Panhellenic. Sponsoring programs for all fraternity and sorority members is a great way to foster interfraternal relationships. The following are ideas to assist in that effort. Discuss these ideas with the College Panhellenic advisor or FSA and seek her/his assistance in planning the event. Non-alcoholic mixer with another sorority Sexual/relationship violence awareness seminar Women's health speaker Recruitment conversation workshop Cultural awareness workshop Risk management program Faculty appreciation dinner or other event Sponsor a College Panhellenic philanthropy event Non-competitive Greek Week activities Leadership conference Host officer roundtables Dessert for all College Panhellenic women who made the Dean's list the previous term Co-sponsor a study skills workshop with campus resources provided Host a new member program or event Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 18 Dinner exchange program for sorority chapters Yoga, hike, self-defense or other wellness/sisterhood activity with another sorority chapter Use Workshop Warehouse on the Sigma Kappa website for more ideas Programs sponsored by Sigma Kappa for the College Panhellenic should be included in the chapter's Panhellenic delegate's report/Rysdon Miller award application. Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 19 REPRESENTING YOUR CHAPTER TO THE COLLEGE PANHELLENIC The Panhellenic Delegate's Role in Recruitment Recruitment is often a topic of College Panhellenic discussion and governance. It is important for Panhellenic delegates to have a strong understanding of recruitment policies and guidelines, as well as to have clear lines of communication with the VPM, chapter leadership, general chapter members, advisors and your Panhellenic coordinator. It is important for the VPM to be aware that the Panhellenic delegate is to vote on behalf of Sigma Kappa on all matters including recruitment after consulting the chapter, advisor and Panhellenic coordinator. Recruitment is the lifeblood of the College Panhellenic community, and ultimately, your chapter. A well-designed and executed recruitment is good public relations for your community, resulting in making new friends and new members. Recruitment includes everything we do all year as chapters, and as a College Panhellenic community. Other students watch what we do and what we stand for, and therefore determine if they want to be involved. It is important for the College Panhellenic to reach out to new and current students, parents, faculty, staff and community organizations to educate them about College Panhellenic membership and how it can positively impact students and communities. Ensure your College Panhellenic is doing this on a year-round basis. Extension The process of inviting another sorority to campus is called extension. Extension can be positive because it continues the growth of the College Panhellenic community. Before this process begins, an evaluation of the current community must confirm that the college/university can support another NPC member organization. You must contact the Panhellenic coordinator when your campus begins discussing extension. Sigma Kappa Sorority . Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 20 REPORTING AND AWARDS Panhellenic Delegate's Annual Report/Ruth Rysdon Miller Award Application This award was created in honor of Ruth Rysdon Miller, a Sigma Kappa alumna who held the role of NPC chairman, the highest role within NPC. Ruth Rysdon Miller served as NPC chairman from 1965-1967, and was only the second Sigma Kappa to hold this title. The purpose of this award is to recognize a Sigma Kappa chapter who excelled in all areas of Panhellenic: serving as officers and committee members, programming, education, and participation. This award is selected and presented on an annual basis. The Panhellenic delegate's Report/Ruth Rysdon Miller award application serves as the basis for determining Standards of Excellence points for the areas that fall under the Panhellenic delegate's responsibility. This report also serves as the application for the Ruth Rysdon Miller Panhellenic award each year. It is the Panhellenic delegate's responsibility to properly complete and submit the report on time via SmarterSelect. Questions regarding the report should be sent to your Panhellenic coordinator. Reports should be kept in chapter files for at least three years, allowing for evaluation of previous activities and generation of new ideas. The report form is located online in the Panhellenic delegate annual supplies on the members only side of the website, for your review throughout the year. When you are ready to submit the report, you will need to do so via SmarterSelect, following the instructions at the top of the report form. All chapters must submit the report annually by the December 1 deadline. Any reports filed after this date will not be given award consideration. Donna Crain King Award for Outstanding Leadership in College Panhellenics Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 21 This award was created in honor of Donna Crain King, a Sigma Kappa alumna who held the role of NPC chairman, the highest role within NPC. Donna Crain King served as NPC chairman from 2015-2017, and was only the third Sigma Kappa to hold this title due to the rotation system NPC previously used to determine organization leadership. At that time, the position of NPC chairman was held by each member organization only once every 52 years The purpose of this award is to recognize a Sigma Kappa sister who served on the College Panhellenic Association as an executive officer, chairman or chapter Panhellenic delegate and served in a distinguished manner in the performance of her duties, implementing changes or improvements in the College Panhellenic. This award is selected and presented on an annual basis. Chapters, chapter advisors, and national volunteers may nominate candidates for this award. Nominations are due by March 1 and the nomination form is located in the Panhellenic delegate supplies on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website. The Panhellenic team selects the national winner with final approval given by National Council. Ethel Hayward Weston Award for Outstanding Leadership in Alumnae Panhellenics This award was created in honor of Ethel Hayward Weston, Sigma Kappa's first NPC Chairman serving from 1919-1921. This award recognizes an alumna who has served on the Alumnae Panhellenic Association as an Alumnae Panhellenic officer/chairman or Alumnae Chapter Panhellenic delegate who has served in a distinguished manner in the performance of her duties and has implemented changes or improvements in the Alumnae Panhellenic. National volunteers on the alumnae team, national vice president for alumnae, or any alumna at large may nominate candidates by district for this award. Nominations are due by March 1 each year. The nomination form is located in the Panhellenic delegate supplies for alumnae on the members-only side of the Sigma Kappa website. The Panhellenic team selects the national winner with final approval given by National Council. Angela C. Guillory Outstanding Fraternity/Sorority Advisor Award This award was established in 2012 in honor of Past National President Angela C. Guillory, longtime Sigma Kappa volunteer and leader in the national community of Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 22 fraternity/sorority professionals. The purpose of the award is to annually recognize an individual in the field of higher education who has demonstrated a commitment to fraternities and sororities. This individual should have exhibited high professional standards and worked with Sigma Kappa to strengthen and/or foster change in a local collegiate chapter and/or fraternity/sorority community. This person will demonstrate a commitment to fraternities and sororities on their campus while promoting the interfraternal community. This award is intended to recognize any FSA regardless of his or her affiliation. The Panhellenic delegate is encouraged to work with the chapter president and other members in nominating deserving individuals for this award. Sigma Kappa Sorority Panhellenic Delegate Handbook page 23 SIGMA KAPPA Live with Heart 695 Pro-Med Lane, Ste 300 Carmel, IN 46032-5323 317-872-3275 f: 317-872-0716 e: info@sigmakappa.org www.sigmakappa.org Sigma Kappa Sorority . Panhellenic Delegate Handbook . page 24