Sigma Kappa Handbook for the Vice President of Alumnae Relations 2020 Sigma Kappa Sorority . Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook . page 2 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 TABLE OF CONTENTS The Vice President of Alumnae Relations 3 Resources for the Vice President of Alumnae Relations 4 Advisor to the Vice President of Alumnae Relations 5 Alumnae Relations Committee 5 Alumnae Relations Committee Timeline 6 Building Alumnae Relationships 9 Alumnae Newsletters 9 Inviting Alumnae to Events 10 Paired Alumnae Chapter 10 Ideas for Alumnae/Collegiate Activities 11 Chapter Advisors and Corporation Board Members 12 Alumnae Initiates 13 Maintaining Member Records 14 Educating the Chapter about Alumnae Membership 15 Founders' Day 17 Parents' Club and Activities 18 Alumnae and Recruitment 19 Standards of Excellence 20 Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 2 THE VICE PRESIDENT OF ALUMNAE RELATIONS The vice president of alumnae relations (VPAR) is elected by the collegiate chapter and is responsible for the collegiate chapter's relationship with all alumnae, including chapter alumnae, chapter advisors, corporation board members and local alumnae chapter members. She is also responsible for promoting a lifetime commitment to Sigma Kappa and the Sigma Kappa Foundation to all chapter members. She is a member of the executive council and reports to the president of the chapter. She works closely with the vice president of programming (VPP) to develop a balanced calendar of activities with alumnae for the chapter. In light of these responsibilities, the VPAR must do the following tasks. Prepare for the role: Read, comprehend and follow the Handbook for the Vice President of Alumnae Relations. Access and watch all training modules associated with the VPAR role located in SKILLab: Sigma Kappa's Interactive Learning Lab. Be knowledgeable about all policies regarding alumnae/collegiate relations. Understand her role for SOE requirements Maintain communication and coordinate events with alumnae: Develop and implement a chapter alumnae relations program, to be reviewed and approved by the advisor to the VPAR. Organize and plan the annual Founders' Day program and submit the Founders' Day Report by the due date shown on the form. Produce newsletters for alumnae using Sigma Kappa visual identity. Coordinate and execute events with alumnae each year. Encourage alumnae to submit Recruitment Introduction Forms (RIFs) via the Sigma Kappa website. Survey alumnae on what types of events they would enjoy attending and use this information for brainstorming alumnae events. Educate chapter members about alumnae membership: Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 3 Encourage graduating members or members leaving school to become active, dues-paying members of the alumnae chapter closest to them. Educate graduating members or members leaving school about what to expect as an alumna and how to stay involved with Sigma Kappa. Maintain accurate records: Prepare and submit the Vice President of Alumnae Relations' Report/Louis Helen Coburn Teamwork Award Application by the due date shown on the form. Work with the vice president of communications and operations (VPCO) to make changes in Dove Hub to names, addresses and telephone numbers for members leaving school for any reason. Update files and assist in the training of the next VPAR. Work closely with other officers, alumnae, and advisors: Serve as a contributing member of the executive council. Work closely with the advisor to the VPAR and the alumnae relations committee. Work with the vice president of membership (VPM) and vice president of new member education (VPNME) regarding alumnae submitting RIFs prior to initiation. Develop a relationship with the paired alumnae chapter, as well as your chapter's alumnae. Utilize the collegiate alumnae relations coordinator for assistance. Assist the advisory board supervisor (ABS) in identifying and recruiting advisory board and corporation board members. Manage the alumnae relations committee and conduct committee meetings. Collaborate with the VPNME and her advisor in educating new members on alumnae relations. Work closely with the VPP to ensure chapter programming includes events fostering alumnae/collegiate relations. Plan events to involve members' parents. Work closely with the parents' club. If there is no parents' club, consider starting one. Work closely with the VPM to involve alumnae during recruitment. Recognize and support current chapter advisors and corporation board members. Resources for the Vice President of Alumnae Relations In addition to her handbook, the VPAR must have certain resources and materials to properly perform her job. Many of these can be found on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website. They are as follows: Current chapter calendar Current alumnae chapter calendar Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 4 Current alumnae relations program and goals Names and contact information for paired alumnae chapter presidents and alumnae/collegiate liaisons Name and contact information for collegiate alumnae relations coordinator Sigma Kappa National Policy Handbook Chapter Code of Conduct Current Sigma Kappa Chapter Report Calendar Vice President of Alumnae Relations' Report/Louis Helen Coburn Teamwork Award Application and Founders' Day Report Copies of completed reports for at least the last three years. List of collegiate alumnae relations committee members and contact information Committee budget and record of expenses Alumnae directory/mailing list (for both local and chapter alumnae) Examples of past alumnae newsletters Advisor to the Vice President of Alumnae Relations The advisor to the VPAR provides continuity in a chapter's alumnae relations program from one year to the next. She is a member of the advisory board and can advise and guide the VPAR in developing and implementing an alumnae relations program appropriate for the chapter. To learn more about developing a relationship with the VPAR advisor, watch the SKILLab module that highlights best practices for building this relationship. What the Advisor Needs Handbook for the Vice President of Alumnae Relations Chapter Code of Conduct National Policy Handbook Contact information for the paired alumnae chapter List of collegiate alumnae relations committee members and contact information Committee budget and record of expenses Chapter calendar Copy of chapter alumnae relations program Copy of Vice President of Alumnae Relations' Report/Louis Helen Coburn Teamwork Award Application Copy of the Founders' Day Report Copy of committee goals What If You Don't Have an Advisor? If the VPAR doesn't have an advisor, several other individuals can assist. They are: Advisory board supervisor (ABS) Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 5 Paired alumnae chapter's alumnae/collegiate liaison Collegiate alumnae relations coordinator Collegiate coordinator Collegiate district director (CDD) Alumnae Relations Committee Effective chapter organization includes the use of committees. Chapter sizes and needs determine the size and responsibilities of the committee. Committee members are selected or appointed by the VPP or executive council. It is highly recommended that each chapter have an alumnae relations committee. The purpose of the alumnae relations committee is to work with the VPAR in: Executing the duties of the VPAR, i.e. keeping records, planning and executing programs and communicating with alumnae Evaluating the chapter alumnae relations program each term Planning and implementing the alumnae relations program each term Setting specific goals to be met each term Meetings are chaired by the VPAR, and should be held every two weeks. All committee members and the VPAR advisor should attend every meeting. The alumnae relations meetings should be open to any member of the chapter. Delegation of Responsibilities The VPAR responsibilities are collaborative in nature. Each committee member or pairs of members could take responsibility for a different aspect of the alumnae relations program. For example, the following areas might be delegated: Working with the parents' club Recognition program for chapter advisors and corporation board members Serving as the liaison to the paired alumnae chapter Gathering news items and photos for chapter newsletters Surveying alumnae on what types of events they would enjoy attending Evaluating events at the end of the term for planning purposes Alumnae Relations Timeline As the VPAR, along with her committee, develops and implements a successful alumnae relations program, it will be helpful to follow this timeline. If the chapter has additional alumnae event commitments, be sure to include them in this timeline to allow adequate time to plan. Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 6 December Read the handbook, participate in the online training course and review the VPAR files. Meet with the previous VPAR and key committee members to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities occurs. Coordinate communication to the chapter's paired alumnae chapter so that the alumnae chapter has the correct contact information. January First meeting of the committee: focus on team building and delegation of responsibilities. Work with the VPP to secure dates for alumnae events on the chapter calendar. Set goals for spring term. Ensure alumnae relations program has been created and approved by the advisory board. Send invitations and/or "Save the Date" notifications for upcoming events to alumnae. February Implement approved alumnae relations program with chapter. Send copies of approved program to the advisory board supervisor, and advisor to VPAR, retaining a copy for files. Send invitations and/or "Save the Date" notifications for upcoming events to alumnae. Work closely with VPNME to educate new members about alumnae membership. March Brainstorm alumnae relations events for the fall term. (Fall primary recruiting chapters) Work with the VPM regarding ways to include alumnae in recruitment, including utilization of RIFs. Send invitations and/or "Save the Date" notifications for upcoming events to alumnae. Send alumnae newsletter to all chapter alumnae, paired alumnae chapter members, advisory/corporation board members, and appropriate national officers April/May Hold an educational program for the entire chapter, and/or graduating members regarding alumnae membership. Set dates and details for fall events. Send invitations and/or "Save the Date" notifications for upcoming events to Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 7 alumnae. Evaluate spring programs and note successes and improvements for the future. Share proposed fall program with advisory board for approval. Present fall program to chapter for chapter support. Submit budget recommendations to the vice president of finance (VPF). During Volunteer Appreciation Month send out thank you notes to advisors and use social media to recognize advisors and corporation board members. Send alumnae newsletter to all chapter alumnae, paired alumnae chapter members, advisory/corporation board members, and appropriate national officers August/September First meeting of the committee - focus on team building and delegation of responsibilities. Distribute fall alumnae relations program to the chapter. Set goals for fall term. Ensure the Founders' Day celebration is on the chapter calendar and begin planning. Send invitations and/or "Save the Date" notifications for upcoming events to alumnae. Implement approved alumnae relations program. Review and update collegiate and alumnae member contact information. October Work closely with VPNME in educating the new members on the alumnae relations program. Complete the Founders' Day Report. This is due on October 15 through SmarterSelect using the chapter login. Send invitations and/or "Save the Date" notifications for upcoming events to alumnae. Send chapter newsletter to all chapter alumnae, paired alumnae chapter members, local alumnae, advisory/corporation board members and appropriate national officers. Brainstorm alumnae relations events for the spring term, taking notes that should be forwarded to the upcoming VPAR. November/December Celebrate Founders' Day with paired alumnae chapter and local alumnae! Educate graduating members about opportunities for alumnae involvement. Evaluate prior programs the chapter executed during the year. Share proposed spring alumnae programming with advisory board for approval. Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 8 Present spring program to chapter for chapter support. (Spring recruiting chapters) Work with the VPM regarding ways to include alumnae in recruitment, including utilization of RIFs. Set dates and details for spring events. Send invitations and/or "Save the Date" notifications for upcoming events to alumnae. Plan an advisory/corporation board recognition program for February. Schedule time to transition the next VPAR. Be sure all files are updated and organized. Complete Vice President of Alumnae Relations' Report/Louis Helen Coburn Teamwork Award Application for the year. Due December 1 through SmarterSelect using the chapter login. Send alumnae newsletter to all chapter alumnae, paired alumnae chapter members, advisory/corporation board members, and appropriate national officers BUILDING ALUMNAE RELATIONSHIPS Communicating with alumnae and involving them in chapter events is the responsibility of the VPAR. Successful relationships between alumnae and collegians encompass much more than just invitations to events. Strong alumnae relations can positively impact both collegiate and alumnae members. 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. A collegiate chapter that regularly interacts with alumnae will likely have more successful operations and events. Not all alumnae can commit the time to serve as an advisor, but most have a sincere willingness to be involved when time permits. For alumnae, having a close relationship with collegiate women can help them feel connected to the sorority and remind them why they made the lifelong commitment to Sigma Kappa. Interacting with the collegiate chapter can also help alumnae begin to build relationships with new sisters. After all, in just a few years the collegians will become alumnae! Alumnae Newsletters Newsletters are very important to keep alumnae informed of chapter events and positive achievements. It is recommended that the chapter send a minimum of four Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 9 newsletters, sent to all chapter alumnae, local alumnae, paired alumnae chapter members and advisors in the area, as well as appropriate national officers. In Dove Hub, you have access to your chapter's alumnae via the alumnae roster under Membership, which can be used to keep alumnae informed about chapter happenings. Newsletters should briefly explain events of the prior term. These can include events alumnae are planning, news of weddings, births, etc., and announcements they would like to share. Prepare a special column using these materials for each issue. Chapter newsletter templates, which can be found in the VPAR annual supplies, are encouraged to be utilized when creating newsletters. Keep in mind that the newsletter is written for the alumnae, SO make sure the items included are relevant to them. In every newsletter, include contact information for a member within the chapter where alumnae can submit information they wish to have included in the next newsletter. In addition to events of the previous term, newsletters can include such columns as: Alumnae Notes: Include information submitted from alumnae Thank You: Many people have done special things. Recognize them here (alumnae, collegians, parents or college officials). Future: Briefly state some of the plans for the next term with some dates Sigma Kappa Leaders: Pictures and descriptions spotlighting new chapter officers New Members: List names and hometowns of the new members Philanthropy and service: Explain chapter activities, including how alumnae can get involved Individual member and chapter honors and awards, including scholarship awards, Panhellenic awards, elections to major offices on campus, etc. Spirit: Include athletic achievements of the chapter Recruitment: Include pre-recruitment dates, recruitment dates, and how alumnae can get involved. Remind them of the importance of Recruitment Introduction Forms, and how to access them. This form is available on www.sigmakappa.org by clicking on "Recommend a Member" on the members only side. Be sure that names are spelled correctly. Have at least two people proofread the newsletter before the finished version is sent. You must adhere to the standards outlined in the Sigma Kappa Brand Style Guide to meet Standards of Excellence criteria. Inviting Alumnae to Chapter Events Chapter, paired, and local alumnae can be invited to business meetings, sisterhood events, new member meetings, philanthropy and service events and ritual ceremonies. They may enjoy arriving early to help set up ritual ceremonies and other events. Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 10 Consider including advisors and alumnae in chapter education by inviting them to host a program or workshop. Alumnae can facilitate workshops found in Workshop Warehouse on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website, or conduct programs on other topics of their expertise. Events should include intentional interactions with alumnae. Utilize various forms of invitations, including email, mail, social media, etc. This will help maximize the chances that the invitation will be viewed, as some alumnae may have incorrect mailing or email addresses. Event information should also be posted on the collegiate chapter website. Send announcements and invitations out five to six weeks in advance. Larger events, such as chapter reunions, should have invitations and/or "Save the Date" notifications sent out at least two to three months in advance. 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, children, or others may attend the event How alumnae can assist in setting up, bringing a dish, supply or donation, etc. All alumnae who assist with the event should receive a thank you note after the event. Paired Alumnae Chapter Each January, most collegiate chapters are paired with an alumnae chapter. This relationship is also sometimes referred to as a "sister chapter." The VPAR serves as the liaison between the collegiate chapter and assigned sister alumnae chapter. Work closely with the paired sister chapter in an effort to support one another and build lasting friendships among members. The VPAR must be aware of the alumnae chapter's activities, in order to pass this information on to the collegiate chapter. Programming should stress the importance of lifetime membership to both collegians and alumnae. The sister chapter pairings are available to view in the VPAR supplies on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website. The VPAR should work with the alumnae chapter's alumnae/collegiate liaison to prepare a program of events with the alumnae chapter that will strengthen the mutual relationship. The alumnae chapter's president or the VPAR advisor can provide assistance to reach this individual. Ideas for Alumnae/Collegiate Activities Promote involvement with alumnae throughout the year. Some ideas for involvement include: Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 11 An Alumna Mentor, or Secret Alumna program. Invite interested alumnae to sign up, and assign each to a collegian member or group of members. The assignment can be for the term/year, 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. The collegian should also be encouraged to connect via email, text messages or contact each other on social media. In addition, they can send notes, cards and letters to each other, so that the experience will be rewarding for both parties. Career Connections. Alumnae who are located all over the country/world can send their business cards to the chapter as a way to showcase the career and networking opportunities available to members after they graduate. This can be coordinated with the vice president of academic excellence (VPAE) and displayed during scholarship programming/events Members interested in career fields represented on the business cards can contact alumnae members to learn more about professional opportunities. 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 Appreciation event. Show the alumnae how much they are appreciated by inviting them to an alumnae appreciation event. Ideas include a brunch, dinner, dessert reception or an alumnae tea event. Present flowers or a special gift to those alumnae who have been of special help to the chapter, such as advisory board or corporation board members. Open House. Open houses can also be held in conjunction with major campus events (including Homecoming and Parents' Weekend), if the house is redecorated, or when the chapter celebrates a major anniversary. 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 alumnae. Work with the VPPS and the sister alumnae chapter to coordinate these events. Chapter reunions and anniversaries. For significant milestones or anniversaries of your chapter founding (10-year, 20-year, 50-year, etc.), your chapter may wish to celebrate with a reunion or anniversary event. These events bring alumnae together and allow time to share in the bond of Sigma Kappa. For more information on how to plan these events, see the Chapter Reunions and Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 12 Anniversaries resource on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website. Attend local and regional events together. Examples include major league sporting events, fairs, and festivals. Sigma Kappa Sing-Along. Invite alumnae for a night of sisterhood and singing. Alumnae can teach collegians songs and chants from their collegiate days. Introduce alumnae membership to new members. Work with your sister alumnae chapter to write a "Welcome to Sigma Kappa" email to new members. Sigma Kappetizers. Hold a joint event with alumnae where members can enjoy appetizers and sisterhood. Sigma Kappaccinos. Host an event with alumnae where all members can enjoy coffee, tea, pastries and their sisters. Craft nights with alumnae. Attend a crafting class together, have a member teach about a hobby of hers, or hold a Pinterest night to create crafts and recipes. Consider giving these crafts to a local senior citizen center or assisted-living facility to incorporate philanthropy. Sweatin' Sigma Kappas/Sigma Kappercize. Attend a Zumba, yoga or other exercise class together. "Speed dating." Adapt questions to Sigma Kappa generational themes. When were you initiated? What was your favorite hangout as a collegian? What is your favorite Sigma Kappa song? Chapter Advisors and Corporation Board Members The members of the advisory board and corporation board donate their time and service to Sigma Kappa as volunteers. Members of these boards should be recognized on a regular basis for the personal service they give to help the collegiate chapter. Consider holding an appreciation event each year to recognize these women, and/or giving gifts of appreciation. Collegiate chapters may also recommend potential advisory board members or corporation board members to the ABS. Alumnae Initiates Since Sigma Kappa provides lifelong membership, women can be initiated beyond their time in college. Collegiate chapters are encouraged to invite women to join our Sigma Kappa sisterhood. The VPAR should contact the ABS and collegiate alumnae relations coordinator if the chapter has women to recommend as alumnae initiates. Review the alumnae initiate procedure within the National Policy Handbook for specific guidelines and necessary documents. Alumnae initiates can include college/university faculty and staff, parents/relatives of members, and community members. Any alumnae recruitment attempts should be funded by the collegiate chapter. Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 13 MAINTAINING MEMBER RECORDS The VPAR is responsible for retaining information on all chapter members, both collegiate and alumnae. Keep the addresses up to date, so that mailings and invitations can be sent accurately. An updated chapter member contact list can be exported from Dove Hub at any time. In addition to the alumnae members who were initiated in your chapter, you should Sigma Kappa Sorority . Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook . page 14 have contact information of local alumnae, regardless of what chapter they were initiated into. To obtain this information, contact the alumnae/collegiate liaison, alumnae chapter president of the paired alumnae chapters or NHQ. The names and contact information of advisory and corporation board members for the chapter should also be kept on file, and should be updated whenever there are changes in membership on either of the boards. In addition to the contact information described above, ensure files are complete with copies of completed reports, past alumnae newsletters, and other information that will be of use to the next VPAR. EDUCATING COLLEGIATE MEMBERS ABOUT ALUMNAE MEMBERSHIP Sigma Kappa Sorority . Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 15 It is the responsibility of the VPAR to educate collegiate members about the alumnae experience of Sigma Kappa membership. This is important in ensuring that all members continue to be involved in Sigma Kappa after their collegiate experience. Several workshops are available in Workshop Warehouse, part of the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website, which can be used to educate graduating members and/or the entire collegiate chapter about alumnae membership. Consider inviting an alumna or advisor to present these programs. Additionally, it is important to encourage any members leaving school to contact the closest alumnae chapter to become a member. For the most up to date alumnae chapter list, visit the members only side of the website. If members are not able to join a local alumnae chapter, they can still stay involved with Sigma Kappa by paying their national alumnae dues online and joining the virtual alumnae chapter. Alumnae Education for Sigma Kappa New Members New Members must be educated about the alumnae experience of their sorority membership. Collaborate with the VPNME to invite local alumnae to Promise for New Members program meetings and events. Alumnae Education for Sigma Kappa Seniors and Those about to Graduate Members about to graduate (or leave school for any reason) will go through a big transition when they leave school. Bring in speakers or alumnae who can share their experience with getting their first job, first apartment, working with banks and credit cards, paying taxes, etc. Order of the Triangle information is included in the VPAR annual supplies. There is a letter to be read to the graduating seniors to help them transition into the alumnae phase of membership. A major priority during this time is working with the VPCO to ensure new alumnae have updated information in the database after graduation. The VPAR is responsible for ensuring that this is a special time for graduating seniors. Consider planning the following programs to help engage seniors and prepare them for life after college. These may also be co-hosted with chapter alumnae or the sister alumnae chapter. 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. Have alumnae members serve as mentors to graduating seniors and give them an intentional gift during the week of Order of the Triangle. Mentor pairings can be identified by the senior's field of work or some other common interest. Gifts should be something the member can use after graduation, such as stationary, Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 16 desk/office items, picture frames, padfolio, 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 sister alumnae chapter and the advisory board to arrange this program. Share graduating senior contact information and occupation (or desired occupation) in the alumnae newsletter, to be used for networking and keeping in touch. Work with alumnae to host a networking day for seniors. They can work on interview techniques and resume writing. Work with the college Panhellenic and/or local alumnae Panhellenic to host a speed-dating type networking event for all Panhellenic women who are graduating. Ask local alumnae or members of an alumnae chapter to host an event for graduating seniors in conjunction with or directly following Order of the Triangle. Establish an award only given to graduating seniors. It can be given at or following Order of the Triangle. Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 17 FOUNDERS' DAY It is the responsibility of the VPAR to plan a celebration of Founders' Day, ideally with the local or paired alumnae chapter. 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 9th 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. It should be planned in the spring and held in the fall, as close to November 9 as possible. Local alumnae should be invited to participate and whenever possible the local alumnae chapter or paired alumnae chapter should be involved in co-planning the celebration. The celebration can take many forms. Here are some examples to pair with the required programming: An informal activity A catered meal or meal together at a restaurant A dessert reception Small-group gatherings Formal ceremony Refer to the Founders' Day Resources in the VPAR annual supplies (found on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website) for more information and program ideas to celebrate Founders' Day. Founders' Day plans are due on October 15 through SmarterSelect using the chapter login. Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 18 PARENTS' CLUB AND ACTIVITIES The VPAR should coordinate events with and for chapter members' parents. If the chapter has an established parents' club, the VPAR should work with them to create projects that will benefit the chapter and its members. If the chapter does not have a parents' club, consider starting one. A parents' club resource is located on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website. Regardless of if the chapter has a parents' club, parents can be involved in Sigma Kappa activities and invited to events. Some ideas for activities with members' parents include: Open houses, house tours, and campus tours Programs and events during the college/university Parents' Weekend Picnics and outdoor games Attend sporting events of your college/university Invite parents to initiation banquets and Order of the Triangle banquets Organize a parents' dinner or brunch at the chapter house or nearby restaurant Mom's Day or Dad's Day events Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 19 ALUMNAE AND RECRUITMENT Involving alumnae in recruitment can help strengthen alumnae/collegiate relations and help improve the recruitment efforts of the chapter. Alumnae can be involved in recruitment by attending and facilitating pre-recruitment workshops and conversation practice, and by submitting RIFs. All alumnae who assist in recruitment should be sent a thank you note. The VPAR should discuss alumnae involvement opportunities with the VPM. Make sure to review the College Panhellenic recruitment guidelines in order to ensure the correct procedures for including alumnae in recruitment are followed. The purpose of RIFs is to promote Sigma Kappa to women prior to attending college, to assist collegiate chapters in making sound and informed membership selection decisions, to protect our single sex and private membership status, and to satisfy the bylaws of Sigma Kappa Sorority. The goal 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. Recruitment Introduction Forms are available on the Sigma Kappa website, under "Recommend a Member" on the members only side. Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 20 STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE It is the goal of Sigma Kappa Sorority that each chapter provides a quality membership experience for its members; it should be an experience that will extend far beyond one's academic career. This goal can only be reached if each chapter's level of performance in all areas of chapter life is exemplary. Because national council is committed to the pursuit of excellence for each collegiate chapter, the Standards of Excellence (SOE) program was developed to measure the health of collegiate chapters and to reward those chapters that excel on the campuses and within Sigma Kappa. The criteria that make up the SOE program are aligned with the following objectives: Essential: 12 essential criteria that all chapters must achieve Fundamental: 13 areas of fundamental growth that all chapters should achieve Chapters of Excellence: Where most chapters should fall Exceeds Excellence: Three Star chapters and Founders' Award finalists Standards of Excellence Judging The established SOE criteria gives national council a better assessment of each chapter and helps to identify the chapters who need additional assistance. National council is confident that each and every chapter can attain the essential and fundamental levels of achievement and are committed to providing the resources, as well as the support, to ensure a chapter's success. It is the goal of national council to notify those chapters that have not met the essential standards as early as possible in the spring term following the rating year. By doing so, the chapter has ample opportunity to develop a plan of action to ensure that all minimum standards are met for the current calendar year. Please refer to the following resources available on the members only side of the Sigma Kappa website for the most up to date SOE information: SOE Brochure Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 21 SOE Helpful Hints SOE Judging Worksheet SOE Frequently Asked Questions SIGMA KAPPA Live with Heart 695 Pro-Med Lane, Ste 300 Sigma Kappa Sorority . Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook page 22 Carmel, IN 46032-5323 317-872-3275 f: 317-872-0716 e: info@sigmakappa.org www.sigmakappa.org Sigma Kappa Sorority . Vice President of Alumnae Relations Handbook . page 23