____ HIELD OF DELTA ____ THETA SIGMA
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THE
Fall 2015
The official publication of Delta Theta Sigma Inc.
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SHIELD OF DELTA Alpha Chapter Host ConclaveTHETA SIGMA 2014 Delta Theta Sigma National Conclave, P.4
National President Report www.dtsfraternity.org
Fall 2015 Volume 109, Number 1
Alex Walker Addresses the Membership, P.3
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THE "KNOWLEDGE and BROTHERHOOD in a BOND OF UNION"
ESTABLISHED IN 1906
DELTA THETA SIGMA FRATERITY ESTABLISHED IN 1906
IN THIS ISSUE
4 A Look Back at Delta Theta Sigma’s 80th Annual Conclave Gamma Chapter Receives Rush and Recruitment Award
DEPARTMENTS 3
Presidential Address
4
National News
10
Connect With Delta Theta Sigma
Presidential Address
Greetings from your 2015 National Executive Council. This year shows a lot of promise for the National Board. Most of the Board has over two years’ experience and with each year we are getting better as a functioning board. We have set some goals for this year which include finishing the website, updating the policy handbook and always getting The Shield out every year. Our main concentration after these projects are completed is to turn to expansion. Alpha Chapter put together some great research on expansion and we want to use that and hopefully generate some results. If you know of any young men at a college that doesn’t have a Delta Theta Sigma, contact us as we would welcome the opportunity to discuss the possibility of starting a new chapter.We have constantly heard that communication has been lacking. At the 2014 Conclave, every chapter turned in their Chapter Officer Report forms. This allows us to get ahold of these great young men faster than leaving messages at the house for when they return. We have revamped our website and there’s a lot less “testing content area”. During Conclave our chapters were enthusiastic about the new pledge classes that they may bring in. Overall all chapters seem to be doing well. We didn’t have to have any conversations with Campus Administration which is always a relief for us. Alumni, the best thing I heard at Conclave is how you guys are stepping up and working with your local chapters and supporting them. Thank you. You guys are making it easier on us. Fraternally, Alex Walker President - Delta Theta Sigma National, Inc.
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National News
2014 National Conclave By: Alex Walker, President – Delta Theta Sigma National, Inc. The 2014 Conclave was hosted by Alpha Chapter at Ohio State. This year we had 62 active and alumni members in attendance. Alpha introduced the guest speakers. Sharrell Hassell-Goodman, the Director of Sorority and Greek Life, informed the members that Ohio State Greek Life raised over $532,000 in philanthropy last year and they consistently have higher GPA’s then campus. Dr. Jeff Hattey, Assistant Dean of CFAES, gave a brief description of Ohio State research developments in the agriculture industry. Did you know that the slow moving sign and the ice cream drumstick were designed on campus? Then Delta Theta Sigma National Board followed up the night with different topics that everyone needs to be refreshed on and some changes that were coming up for Conclave. On Saturday the members were impressed by the passion that Dr. James Papritan brought when explaining his history with Delta Theta Sigma. Beta followed that up with a discussion on alcohol safety and reminded us that we all need to pay attention when we have guests at our chapters. This year’s Nominations for chapter representatives were Alpha – Craig Miller, Beta – Josh Deering, Gamma – Mike Greesch, Delta – Andy Watland, and At-Large – Dave Dziak. This year the Delegates approved the by-law changes. The new by-law changes: Section3. Membership Dues: The National Treasurer shall collect through the local Treasurers, the sum of $50.00 per new member at the time of installation and $110.00 per active or alumni member per year or fraction thereof, beginning the quarter or semester after the member is initiated. Page 4 ● The Shield of Delta Theta Sigma ● Fall 2015
National News
Section3. A: Expansion Fund: An amount of $10.00 from each Membership Dues paid, will be assigned to an Expansion Fund. The Expansion Fund will be administered by the Executive Committee with the express propose of membership expansion within current chapters or starting new chapters. Section 7. Host Chapter Advanced Funds: The Host Chapter will receive advanced funds from the National Treasury to reduce participation fees in such amounts as prescribed by the National Executive Council. New business concluded with Adam Switzer successfully making the bid for the 2015 Conclave being hosted at Theta Chapter in Crookston Minnesota. This year the board wanted to try something new. We asked the members in a breakout session to pick the winners for each award category. The National Board was surprised how close the actives compared to the Board. We wrapped up the evening with a great dinner in the 4-H building listening to DTS Alumni, Dan Anderson, give a riveting speech on the good times he had and how far he has come. 2014 Conclave Chapter Awards 5 year GPA – Alpha with a 3.21 High GPA – Gamma with a 3.43 Most improved GPA – Epsilon went from a 2.70 to a 2.96 Rush and Recruitment – Gamma pledged in 8 new members Chapter Activity’s – Delta Philanthropy – Epsilon Publication/website – Epsilon
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National News
Risk Management Policy By: Alex Walker, President– Delta Theta Sigma National, Inc. This year at conclave I led a discussion on the importance of each local chapter having a defined Risk Management Policy. Under Active Chapter Responsibilities we ask all active chapters, in cooperation with their respective Alumni Association, to review their Risk Management Policies on an annual basis. This is to be done at the beginning of the academic school year and prior to the annual Conclave. A revised copy of the chapter’s Risk Management Policy must be signed by the Active President and Alumni President and submitted to the National Secretary at each annual Conclave. This year we did receive a few at Conclave. We are asking that the alumni help us out and make sure their respective chapter has provided us with this form.
2015 National Conclave Theta Chapter - Crookston, MN October 2–3 Contact the national board for more information on attending!
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National News
Expansion Committee Report By: Andy Watland, Vice President– Delta Theta Sigma National, Inc. Currently, the Delta Theta Sigma National Council does not have specific plans for a new chapter. However, there is a renewed interest to restart the Zeta chapter at Purdue. The board is currently in talks with some interested students and alumni to evaluate the feasibility of restarting this chapter. Also, in anticipation of the potential for a new chapter, the National Board is finalizing the New Chapter Colonization Process and changes to the National By-Laws to accommodate the revisions. The next goal of the expansion committee will be to create the following documentation: 1. Internal documentation to administer the creation of a new colony and chapter. 2. Informational packet for interested parties. 3. Thorough Procedure Manual for a new colony. The prospect of the creation of a new colony and eventual installation of a new chapter has the likelihood of being a very large undertaking. However, the process is bound to be exciting and the result would be very rewarding for all involved. We would love to receive any leads anyone may have for schools, students, or alumni who have an interest in starting a new chapter.
Staying Connected Online By: Scott Sanderson, Council Representative– Delta Theta Sigma National, Inc. Social media has become one of the most available tools used by fraternities today. There are many different types of social media. It is important to know how each can benefit the organization and how each can hurt the organization if used incorrectly. Many of the popular media outlets are Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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National News
Each one provides a different function and reaches a different audience. Having an open discussion with your members is best when determining what information you want to publicize and which media outlet fits the level of content and the audience you are targeting. Here are some dos and don'ts when it comes to using these forms of social media: Keep It Professional - Everything you post on the internet can be found. Be sure to make sure all content is displayed in a professional manner. It is always a good idea to have another member proof your posts, pictures, or messages. Keep It Updated - The worse thing to do is to have outdated information out on the web. This shows that you either have nothing of significance to share or that your organization is not that important. Posting on at least one media outlet once a week is a good idea. Once a day is great but any more than that can steer people away. Too much posting becomes annoying to the reader, follower, or friend. You want each post to be exciting to see and not overwhelm your audience. Keep Evolving - There are many new tools and technologies that are being created each and every day. Facebook is much more popular than it was 10 years ago. Keep your eyes and ears open for the newest and next best thing. Be able to evolve and adapt to new forms of social media. Be the first to take a chance with new and unique advertising practices. If you don't, your competitors will. Lastly - There are many different ways to market, advertise and publicize your organization. Focus on what fits your needs and resources. The main audiences your organization should focus on are your active members, your alumni, other organizations on campus, your prospective members, your College/University, and your local community.
Page 8 ● The Shield of Delta Theta Sigma ● Fall 2015
National News
By: Isaac Dallager, Treasure – Delta Theta Sigma National, Inc. At the 2014 Conclave, several structural changes were approved in how Nationals handle the Treasury. Approved by unanimous vote, all Active Membership dues have been increased from $72 dollars to $110 a year. Percentage wise that’s an enormous increase, but let me explain the structural changes that come with it. The original proposal was for an increase to $100 after work done by the National Executive Board. That original $18 increase had two purposes; first to provide inflation protection for national operation and second to assist with conclave expenses. Inflation is self-explanatory but here is a little more about assistance with conclave expenses. A common concern among the membership was conclave being cost prohibitive. So, approved by unanimous vote, the following bylaw was added. Section 7. Host Chapter Advanced Funds: The Host Chapter will receive advanced funds from the National Treasury to reduce participation fees in such amounts as prescribed by the National Executive Council. What that means is the members who attend conclave are receiving some of their dues back in a benefit and at the same time being subsidized by those who don’t. We want maximum participation in conclave and hopefully this reduces one barrier. Advance funds to the host chapter will also help with deposits and purchases before collection of the participation fee. Now that we made it to $100, how did we end up at $110? To the National Board’s surprise, when the original increase was proposed at the 2013 Conclave, the membership wanted an expansion fund. Approved by unanimous vote, the following bylaw was added. Section3. A: Expansion Fund: An amount of $10.00 from each Membership Dues paid, will be assigned to an Expansion Fund. The Expansion Fund will be administered by the Executive Committee with the express propose of membership expansion within current chapters or starting new chapters. In conclusion we didn’t just raise dues; we made structural changes that we hope pay dividends to current and future members. Page 9● The Shield of Delta Theta Sigma ● Fall 2015
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2014-2015 National Board
Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity
President - Alex Walker (Eta) 1st Vice President - Andy Watland (Delta) 2nd Vice President - Craig Miller (Alpha) Secretary - John Lilla (Epsilon) Treasure - Isaac Dallager (Theta) Editor - Dave Dziak (Alpha) Council Representative - Scott Sanderson (Eta) Council Representative - Josh Deering (Beta) Council Representative - Mike Gresch (Gamma)
Founded at The Ohio State University in the Spring of 1906. The fraternity has 7 chapters located across the Midwest and Eastern parts of the United States. “The Shield” is produced annually.
