Fraternity and Sorority Life Task Force

Background

Recent years have been some of the most problematic for fraternities and sororities across the nation. Since 2017, there have been six hazing deaths nationally. Hundreds of chapters have been closed and scores of universities have shut down entire systems.

Our Boise State fraternity and sorority community has seen its own challenges over the last few semesters as well. There is a pattern of behavior within chapters that endangers student welfare and undermines university objectives of belonging and student well being.

Purpose

It is evident that significant organizational development is needed to both reform the Boise State fraternity and sorority community and position our chapters for long term success. The task force will consult widely with those who have a stake in the university’s mission and examine research and high-impact practices that contribute to student growth and development. The objective of the task force is to recommend a framework for fraternity and sorority excellence at Boise State. 

The Task Force is predominantly composed of students with university staff members also serving as members. Chapter advisors, faculty and staff, university administrators, and headquarters staff will be invited to specific meetings depending on the topic.

Objectives

The Boise State University Fraternity and Sorority Life Task Force has been convened to examine the issues and expectations of the sorority and fraternity culture to position our chapters for long term success. Specifically, the Task Force is asked to:

1. Identify and propose a set of shared community standards and conduct for the fraternity and sorority community.
2. Describe and define community-wide self-governance and accountability.
3. Develop and recommend an annual assessment framework and process for chapters based on established community standards.

Task Force Members

Students

• Brian Karsann, Chapter President, Kappa Sigma
• Frank Bondaza, Chapter President, Alpha Kappa Lambda
• Holly Harper, Former Chapter President, Alpha Sigma Alpha
• Joan Varsek, Chapter President, Alpha Gamma Delta
• Kayla Clark, Member, Alpha Xi Delta
• Taylor Haeling, Panhellenic President

Staff

• Charlie Varland, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Center (Task Force Chair)
• Dr. Chris Wuthrich, Dean of Students
• Terrell Couch, Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator

Conclusion and Recommendations

The task force proposed two recommendations to Dr. Leslie Webb for consideration of the initial charge and action items. They also sought final feedback from chapter leadership on the recommendations in January 2021.

Recommendation 1

The fraternity and sorority community will adopt a set of standards for conduct, member development, and accountability. The standards will serve as a baseline framework and set of expectations for every chapter within the community.

These community standards were developed based on the responses from a survey sent to every active fraternity and sorority member in October 2020. They were further informed by a discussion with chapter advisors at a meeting on November 17, 2020. Finally, the task force also consulted assessment data for the Boise State University fraternity and sorority community and a review of research and high-impact practices that contribute to student growth and success.

There are 7 community standards:

1. Academic Achievement: All chapters should actively work to support members in their academic efforts, promote lifelong learning, and create opportunities for growth and improvement related to academic excellence.
2. Chapter Management: A high-performing chapter is one that is attentive to detail in all areas of chapter operations. They are organized, efficient, and timely.
3. Equity and Inclusion: To achieve equity and inclusion for all members of our community, fraternities and sororities must make intentional efforts to examine and make changes to their current practices and cultures.
4. External Relations: As members of the Boise State community, your organization represents the Bronco Standard just as it does your national organization. Chapters should be proactive in maintaining a positive image with alumni, community members, inter/national organizations, non-affiliated students, parents, and staff and faculty.
5. Member Recruitment and Development: Developing members throughout their membership experience is a hallmark of membership in a fraternity and sorority. Chapters should identify methods to engage members in ongoing education, skill building, and leadership development.
6. Risk Reduction: The fraternity and sorority experience should include the promotion of healthy lifestyles, understanding expectations, and organizational accountability both internally and externally. The health and wellbeing of members is paramount.
7. Service and Philanthropy: As part of a community, fraternity and sorority members can serve as change agents to address community needs, advocate for important causes, and change the world. Service includes giving of our time and talents. Philanthropy includes raising money or resources to assist the mission of a charitable organization.

Recommendation 2

Each Boise State fraternity and sorority chapter will be asked to participate in an annual chapter excellence program called Breakthrough. This accrediting program will be focused on lifting up individual chapters and the entire community through a process of continuous improvement. It will be based around the 7 community standards.

Every chapter is different in what it excels at and what it is challenged by currently. Because of this, Breakthrough will not be a ‘one size fits all’ model. Instead, it will:

• Encourage each chapter to assess their current reality
• Determine goals to fit their individual needs
• Develop plans to meet established goals
• Reflect on success and opportunities for improvement.

Each chapter will be automatically enrolled in Breakthrough. The process will operate on a points-possible system, meaning that all components will have a value assigned to them and it is the chapter’s responsibility to complete each component in a timely and thorough manner to receive credit.

The chapter excellence program is in development through a review of accreditation programs at other institutions and consultation with headquarters staff. It will be informed by feedback from university stakeholders, alumni, and chapter members.

Breakthrough will be introduced to chapter leaders in spring 2022 and launched in the following fall.