Live broadcast with SigEp CEO Brian Warren about the Ole Miss Chapter closing

SigEp CEO speaks to the Ole Miss Chapter closing and addresses comments and questions about the decision and actions around it.

"Training in Ten" A New Era in Volunteer Training

Starting today, SigEp Headquarters is unveiling a new way to bring effective training to our many volunteers.

You may have seen teasers about following @TrainingInTen on Twitter and wondered what is was about. Well, it is time for the big reveal. Be sure to go to the linked site to see the entire 10-minute introduction.

"Training in Ten" is the HQ brand for a continuing series of twice-monthly 10 minute webinars specifically aimed at all the volunteers who give back so generously to SigEp with their time, expertise, and guidance. The first edition is an introduction to the series and covers the What/Why/How of this new communication channel. The screen capture shows there will be a narrator and slides to present information both with audio and graphically.

Future webinars will address core topics that AVCs face regularly: Mentoring Undergraduates; Cultivating Alumni; Managing Assets; Managing Corporate Health; plus topics on Personal & Professional Growth. There are also opportunities to suggest topics, provide feedback, and let others know what your AVC and chapter are doing well.

"Training in Ten" is available several ways. If you use Twitter follow @TrainingInTen or (and!) @OfficialSigEp. You can also "like" the Official SigEp Facebook page or check with the "Official SigEp Blog" on the headquarters site. S&P will be investigating methods to include a link here as well.

Thanks to HQ, and especially to Archie Messersmith for developing a new way to add value and interest to our volunteers.

Introduction to Training In Ten

Welcome – it's about time!

Welcome – it's about time!By Bryce Giesler, Tennessee’ 82

Brother Giesler is the author and editor of Sanguine et Purpure (S&P), the unofficial SigEp blog. This piece is dual posted on the "Official" SigEp Blog and here.
A little over a month ago (Sep. 16 to be precise) I saw a notice from SigEp Headquarters announcing a “New Official SigEp Blog.” My first thought was, “Wait a minute – I’ve been writing and posting to Sanguine et Purpure –the Unofficial SigEp Blog at sigepblog.org for over nine years. Who do they think they are?” My second thought was, “Well, it’s about time they figured out how to use the interwebs!”

I have not posted about this development before now for two main reasons: First, I wanted to take some time to make sure I could express my full opinion and not simply have a list of one-liner comments. Those who follow me on Facebook and Google+ know I am quick with a retort and not always politically correct. Second, I have been doing quite a bit of traveling lately. When the notice came out I was still unpacking from a vacation in Scotland and preparing to help out with an EDGE, followed by a trip to Tennessee and then a weekend in Las Vegas. All that is done now, and so here are my “Officially Unofficial” comments.

Last summer at the Dallas (Grapevine) Conclave, some 35 or so SigEps gathered for a “Social Media Breakfast” where we informally discussed how chapters are making use of the various channels to connect with members, prospective members and alumni. Beaux Carriere, Charleston ’10, Mike Ellis, Purdue ’84, Steve Hofstetter, Columbia ’02, and I were talking afterwards, and Beaux told us of his plan to consolidate the various information streams from Headquarters into one findable and searchable stream of posts, i.e. a blog format. We agreed that was a great idea and offered our support. Beaux went back to Richmond and got things moving. The result is the new SigEp Blog. I still think it is a great idea and well executed. My only quibble is that it took so long for the folks at Headquarters to get to it. The reason I started S&P was that I felt a broad information channel was needed and was not being developed at HQ.

Since the announcement I have been asked if I feel like Headquarters staff was trying to undercut S&P by offering a similar product. No, I don’t. There is plenty of room for both of us. The “Unofficial Blog” has been running for over nine years and in that time has developed a loyal following as a non-Richmond, no-spin source of information about SigEp and other matters of the fraternity and sorority world. We post items that, quite frankly, would not be appropriate for an official site, such as breaking news about problems at individual chapters and stories of general interest about other organizations. There is plenty of quality and appropriate SigEp information for an official blog. We have been known to “borrow” posts from the Headquarters site to help increase the distribution of good stories. Communication is the goal. And now SigEps have another way to get information.

Finally, I want to acknowledge Beaux, SigEp CEO Brian Warren, Virginia ’04, and Communications Manager Rob Jepson, Utah State ’12, and everyone else at Headquarters who has worked to bring this piece of the communication matrix to fruition. I know it took a while, but, as I have, you will find it was worth the effort. Welcome to the fray!

SigEp HQ Looking for a Communications Manager

A Communications Manager position is available at SigEp HQ. Interested?

Dear Brothers and Friends, I am excited to announce that SigEp is searching for a new communications manager to join our Headquarters staff. Because of your involvement with SigEp, I’m turning to you for help.  Please forward this along to any great candidates you know, or apply if you are interested. We are looking for somebody hardworking and passionate about SigEp to work full-time in our Richmond, Virginia office.  We are seeking a strong writer, who can create and edit compelling content.  The new communications manager will direct the SigEp voice through various print, online and social media platforms.  This is an essential position, and we are looking for someone to join our team immediately.  Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and work experience in marketing, journalism, public relations, donor relations, fundraising or a related field.  Visit the job posting on SigEp’s website for more information on the role and directions on how to apply. Thank you for helping us find SigEp’s next great communications manager. Sincerely, Brian C. Warren, Jr.  Executive Director This message is being sent to all volunteers, graduating seniors and past Headquarters staff members.

SigEp Regional Director Blog - Back for another year

SigEp Regional Director Blog - Life on the Road:

SigEp is excited to announce the return of the Regional Director Blog for the 2012-2013 academic year!

Over the course of this school year, your regional directors will be writing on a variety of topics and subjects. RDs may highlight chapter success stories, deliver resources and advice, open a window into life as a regional director, or simply write about what is going on in their region at any given moment. Our goal is for the RD Blog to be another open line of communication between SigEp road warriors and the brothers and volunteers that make our fraternity great.

'via Blog this'

New 2011 - 2012 Regional Directors Announced

SigEp Officers and Volunteers, I hope you are all enjoying the summer. I would like to introduce you to the recent additions to our staff as well as make you aware of staff members serving in new roles. First, the 2011-2012 Regional Directors arrived this week. The newest additions to the Headquarters staff began their nine-week Summer Development Program on Monday. This training will prepare them for a year of service to your chapter. Regional directors support the Fraternity by providing services and resources to chapter volunteers and undergraduates. Their training focuses on chapter recruitment, member development, leadership and finance. The staff exists to support you, so please take advantage of the time you have with your Regional Director— he can be a great resource for you and your chapter. We have assembled an extraordinary team of diverse and talented Regional Directors. They will be reaching out to volunteers and undergraduates in their regions soon. Share your goals with your RD and let him know where you need support. He’ll be interested in learning more about your chapter’s fall recruitment plan, Balanced Man Scholarship, and member development program. Check out our website to find your Regional Director’s contact information and a brief bio. This should also give you an opportunity to call, text, or shoot him a quick email welcoming him to his region and introducing him to your chapter. Second, I am excited to welcome a number of last year’s traveling staff members to our Richmond staff. Tyler Boggess, Drake ’10, and Josh Hodnichak, Case Western Reserve ’10 have accepted roles as Chapter Services Directors. Tyler and Josh will be responsible for managing the RD team and supporting our chapters, volunteers, and district governors across the country. Beaux Carriere, Charleston ’10, has accepted a role on our Volunteer Services Team. Beaux is responsible for supporting AVCs across the country, especially those at our newest chapters and those looking at major housing and fundraising projects. Trent Patterson, Wichita State ’10, is our new Leadership Programs Manager. Trent is responsible for execution of SigEp’s Leadership Continuum programs, primarily EDGE. Over the past two years, funding and support for EDGE has declined. The addition of Trent and the increase in program funding will allow us to provide more support to volunteer facilitators and offer an EDGE program to more of our members. Contact information for these gentlemen is available here. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for SigEp. I hope to see many of you at Conclave in Phoenix, from August 10-14. As always, I welcome any feedback or suggestions you have on how we can better support our alumni and undergraduates. I hope you are having a terrific summer, and that you are excited for another great year for Sigma Phi Epsilon. Fraternally, Andrew Lemens Fraternity Operations Director

Holiday Greetings from HQ

..and that goes for the S&P team, too.

Ultimate Wedding? Why not?

Ryan Blank has been on staff at HQ for several years. He and Amanda Coate are planning to wed and have entered the Crate and Barrel "Ultimate Wedding" contest. You can read all of their story and vote for them at the site.

Our love story.

Ryan's coworkers told him, "I met your perfect girl", and, two weeks later, we met over a business meeting. As the meeting ended we parted ways thinking we would never see each other again. As we walked away he texted a friend, "I met the future Mrs. Ryan Blanck" and I turned to my coworker and said, "I wish I was with a guy like that." 

Hot Off The Press: Brian Warren, SigEp's New Executive Director

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity
310 South Boulevard
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Ph: 804 353-1901 www.SigEp.org


The past year has been an interesting and challenging time for our Fraternity. During this time of transition, we have been honored that Doug Scheibe has served not only as Executive Director of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Foundation but also as Interim Executive Director of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

Doug has been instrumental in reorganizing our Headquarters Staff, increasing both internal and external communication, bringing transparency to our financial and reporting systems, and, most importantly, expanding service to our undergraduate and Alumni Brothers.

While working with Doug, your National Board of Directors and the Foundation Trustees have reviewed various options in deciding how best to move forward in structuring our organization and in serving our Brothers in these challenging economic times.

After an extensive review and considerable discussion, we have concluded that we are best served by dedicated Executive Directors serving each separate organization.

By reaffirming the validity of this structure, we are pleased that Doug will be able to return full time to his position as Executive Director of the Foundation and we are also pleased to announce that we have named Brian Warren as Executive Director of The Fraternity.

Brian has previously served SigEp as a Regional Director, Director of Learning Communities, Director of Operations, and Managing Director. His development and success as a proven leader have been impressive and are indicative of SigEps success in building balanced leaders for the world’s communities.

With Brian as our new Executive Director and Doug able to concentrate 100% on raising funds to support our scholarship and leadership programs, we are confident that we are poised for continued success and growth in the future.

Our congratulations go out to Brian and our sincere gratitude to Doug for leading us through this transition.

We all look forward to working with both of these distinguished SigEps in the years ahead and know that you will join us in supporting these outstanding Brothers.


Garry C. Kief
Grand President
Sigma Phi Epsilon

SigEp HQ Staff Changes Announced

Doug Scheibe sent this notice out earlier today:

Volunteer Support Team,

Gary Huff will be leaving the HQ staff in September. Gary has been instrumental in establishing key volunteer support tools over the last few years, and he will be missed. He is pursuing opportunities that will allow him to use a broader management and accounting skill set. He will keep us posted on where he will be landing.

The long-term solution regarding HQ personnel assigned to volunteer support will be crafted when the new Executive Director is hired, and the ED has a chance to consult with the National Board and the Volunteer Committee about plans moving forward.

In the interim, Ryan Blanck and Brian Warren will be working with District Governor to recruit, train and support volunteers. You will hear from them at Conclave about goals and action plans. Their tenure on staff and ability to work with volunteers is a good fit.

Thanks for your continued commitment to SigEp volunteers.

Doug

Doug Scheibe, Executive Director
Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation

SigEp HQ announces new Regional Directors

We got this announcement from The Mother Ship about the new crop of Regional Directors. They are training at HQ now and should be ready to hit the road after Conclave. Click on the graphic for a full size (i.e. readable) image.

The 2009-2010 Regional Directors have arrived! On Monday, June 15th, the newest additions to the SigEp staff embarked on their eight-week Summer Development Program. The Summer Development Program will prepare them for a year of service to the chapters in their respective regions.

Regional Directors aid the fraternity through providing services and resources to chapter's volunteers and undergraduates relevant to the core areas of chapter operations. History tells us that chapters who excel in each core area - Volunteer Engagement, Recruitment, Retention, Academics, Finances, and Housing - consistently provide members a fraternal experience unmatched in their respective community. By doing so, we further the fraternity's mission of "Building Balanced Leaders for the World's Communities."

We have assembled an extraordinary team of talented Regional Directors, dedicated to helping SigEp reach the next level of fraternal excellence. Regional Directors will be reaching out to Alumni and Volunteers in their new region soon.

SigEp RD gets "Punked" - on national TV

Subject: Check this link out...it's classic Ryan Blanck

Would you buy a used bridge from this man?

Check out this practical joke that HQ staffer Ryan Blanck pulled on one of the Regional Directors (Mark Cassata) It won on America's Funniest Videos.

Sigma Phi Epsilon announces Interim Executive Director

Doug Scheibe meets undergraduates at the 2009 Dallas CLA

Arron Granger, The Marketing Communications director for Sigma Phi Epsilon, has released the following update on the search for a new HQ Executive Director:

RICHMOND, VA, March 26, 2009—The Board of Directors of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity today announced the appointment of Doug Scheibe as interim executive director, effective April 17, 2009. Scheibe, who will continue as executive director of the Fraternity’s Educational Foundation, will serve after the departure of Craig Templeton, who will leave the post after almost nine years. The Board has retained the services of Washington-based Spencer Stuart to launch a nationwide search for a permanent executive director, and Scheibe will provide organizational leadership and operational oversight during this transition. He will continue to manage the Foundation and be responsible for all Foundation initiatives and campaigns.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Grand President Steve Shanklin said, “Craig leaves a legacy of leading the Fraternity to tremendous growth and in its strongest financial position since its founding. We are grateful for Craig’s long-term service, his commitment to a thoughtful transition and his support in the search. We are fortunate to capitalize on his working relationship with Doug to provide seamless continuity while we conduct an open and thorough search.”

Shanklin added, “Doug’s keen understanding of the operations and mission of SigEp will be invaluable in ensuring the continued success of the Fraternity as we search for a new executive director. Doug is not a candidate for the Fraternity position, and his work with the Foundation is important to the success of the Fraternity."

Foundation President and Chairman Don Hudler said, "The Foundation will remain focused, and we are happy to be supportive during this short-term situation. We look forward to working with the fraternity’s new executive director as we did working with Brother Templeton. We wish Brother Templeton well in all his future endeavors and we thank him for his service and commitment to Sigma Phi Epsilon."

Breaking - SigEp Executive Director Announces Resignation.

Just released from SigEp HQ in Richmond (Updated 17:33 cst to include a corrected quote):

Sigma Phi Epsilon's Executive Director Craig D. Templeton (Kansas '81) announced today that he will leave the Fraternity's staff by the end of the calendar year.

“As the board and I wrap up the creation of a new strategic plan to take SigEp to the next level of leading the American college fraternity movement, I’ve decided that this is the right time for a transition in leadership. I’m proud of the transformational changes that we’ve made since my arrival in 2000.”

Grand President Stephen B. Shanklin (Murray State ’70) said, “We are grateful for Craig’s long term service and his commitment to ensure a thoughtful staff transition. I know that he will continue to play a valuable role in the American college fraternity movement.”

Grand Treasurer, Christopher L. Bittman (Colorado ’85), commended Templeton’s leadership in driving the Fraternity to its strongest financial position since its founding in 1901.

"Craig’s financial strength also extends to the SigEp housing operation, where he launched the biggest expansion in real estate in our history during his tenure. As a result, SigEp is poised for continued growth in housing that will extend long past Craig's time on the staff," said Bert J. Harris, III, President of SigEp’s National Housing Corporation and member of the National Board (Florida Alpha ’75).

Templeton is also credited with the development of the Leadership Continuum, a sequential curriculum of four-year, continuous leadership development programming, the implementation of volunteer recruitment and training programs, and the Fraternity’s flagship, award-winning Sigma Phi Epsilon Journal magazine.

SigEp’s risk management programming, developed under Templeton’s leadership, has placed America’s largest college fraternity in the lowest risk category.

Sigma Phi Epsilon is the largest college fraternity with over 14,000 undergraduates on 250 campuses.

As always, comments are welcome.
Good move? A loss for the Fraternity? Who should be the next Exec. Dir.? What is your take on it?

Sound Mind, Sound Body, Missing Principles

One of our Regional Directors sent this message to his chapters today. It was the latest of several HQ based communications on the same topic sent out this year.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject:  IM Rankings and Varsity Athletes--Action Required
Date:  Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:40:07 -0500  
 
You may have noticed in the last few issues of the SigEp Journal that we have been 
highlighting our chapters who are leading their campuses on and off the field, 
academically and athletically.

Nothing shows the value of Sound Mind and Sound Body more than a list of 
intramural champions next to a list of our top academic chapters; a list of our 
Residential Learning Community accomplishments next to an expo on a varsity athlete.
[...]
Fraternally,

**************(signed)
*/Sigma Phi Epsilon
/Regional Director
310 South Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220

/This Fraternity will be different.../

On the surface, there is nothing wrong with touting Athletes and Academics as a reason to join a fraternity. But what about the "This Fraternity will be different" mantra that gets played in counterpoint to every celebration of SigEp being just like the others but better? Have the spiritual dictums of the Ritual been discarded because it is easier to get metrics on manpower, GPA, and intramural trophies?

We have seen several comments on the focus and direction of this email. Mostly they are wondering when we lost our way and forgot our principles. The last time I looked the Cardinal Principles were "Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love" - not varsity athletes and academic overachievers.

One of our alumni put it this way:

When I read this kind of stuff it makes me wonder where this fraternity lost direction. I read the ritual and we talk about Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love but that is no longer important.  There are so many dimensions to this fraternity and we care only about two things.  What happened to being men of high character, men who did what is right, men helping others?

There are many outstanding chapters out there who are doing great things on their host campuses and we just ignore those chapters.  Our HQ staff is so focused on a marketing mantra of sound mind and sound body that we have lost focus on the heart and spirit of our fraternity.

Recruit lots of men, get a chapter GPA above 3.0, and win intramurals and you have a great chapter is the message from Richmond.

It just makes me sad.  What would our founders think of what we find important today?

What, indeed? I believe the men in our undergraduate chapters want the best FOR the fraternity and FROM the Fraternity. The chapter alumni and other volunteers work many thankless hours to help them get there. Our leaders and staff seem to be more concerned with hitting metrics than with developing character.

Lots of Talk - Any Action?

Houston, We Have a Problem . . .

There have been several comments on the S&P Blog of late that when you put them all together begin to paint a picture that might well warrant concern and attention. Here are a few quotations from those postings – see if they catch your eye:

In times of economic uncertainty, successful organizations return to their core business and delay any/all expansion plans including growth in staffing modules.

I have no idea what business model Craig is following, but it sure isn't the one that tilts toward success. He reminds me of a Democrat controlled Congress; spend more and continue to raise taxes.

And then
Absolute power corrupts absolutely...

It looks like the NBD (and the ED) have been operating without any checks and balances for some time now. Or at least just chose which checks and balances they would follow.

Class action lawsuit?

Followed by:
Any consideration for any punitive measures against the NBD or ED for purposefully ignoring its own (NBD) rules or the rules of the Grand Chapter? Censure? A vote of no confidence? Impeachment? A return of a certain amount of fees to local chapters?

Here is a very clear statement that needs to be followed:
The real issue is one of transparency. What may have been acceptable year's ago is not acceptable for businesses and non-profits alike in a post Sarbanes-Oxley environment.

There is a difference between customers and contributors, staff and volunteers.

Poor allocation of limited resources by requiring a staff to participate in a junket at donor expense is a mis-use of resources and should become a priority.

The NBD has historically held a pre-meeting at the next GC Conclave site and for good reasons --- to scope out the facility, and to do so at potentially lower over costs --- a wise use of resources.

I am very proud of my Fraternity, and happy to serve as one of its long-term volunteers. I have personally benefitted from the experience beyond measure. And we "get it right" 95% of the time across the board, far better than anyone else.

However, it saddens me when we fritter away our resources unnecessarily in a day when the dollar is hard to get and keep. Mark my words, it's going to be a bumpy ride worldwide economically for the next five years and those that spend unnecessarily now will live to regret their foolish ways.

There have been concerns about what is happening to senior staff members disappearing and suddenly retiring and then concern about costs of staff and an October staff meeting in Las Vegas:
The staff expense went from $765,000 in 2000 to $1,700, 122 in 2007. That’s the number. $59.22 in 2000 per member now $118.45 per member. A 101% increase!

So, reduced staff coverage by 11% by increasing cost 100%.....stellar results in a decreasing wage inflation environment, especially for a non-profit.

Isn’t another expense a PR firm on retainer? Need to use it.

The point was also made again about a massive decrease in marketshare.

Perception becomes reality
The staff meeting is a perception thing. We tell chapters to be careful not to host events that would make the fraternity look bad yet Craig sees nothing wrong with spending undergraduate fees to host a staff vacation in Vegas. The staff who are on the BOG should be paying their way to the party like everyone else. It is just wrong.

Grand chapter by-laws not allowed to get in the way of progress
Check the grand chapter bylaws....editor of the Journal is supposed to be a Brother. When is Gay-Lynn Carpenter being initiated? She clearly is listed as Editor in the publications and on the website.

And then there is the stuff about money and charges to chapters
The bylaws clearly state that the fees to chapters may not be raised unless a 2/3 vote of the GCC approves it.

Specifically, the Grand Chapter bylaws state:
Sigma Phi Epsilon Administrative Policies and Procedures
Section D
EXPENDITURES
9. The National Board of Directors may authorize expenditures from the funds of the Fraternity
for the general operation of the Fraternity, including the operation of the Headquarters, and
for such other purposes as are specifically provided for in the Bylaws and Administrative Policies and Procedures.

10. A two-thirds vote of the Grand Chapter shall be necessary on all questions involving the
expenditure of any funds of the Fraternity not specifically provided for in the Bylaws and
Administrative Policies and Procedures.

Grand Chapter Bylaws
Article II
Section 7. The Grand Chapter shall determine the sources of revenue to meet the expenses of the
Grand Chapter and shall fix the amount of fees as may be required.
Section 8. All fees except charter fees shall be approved by the Grand Chapter.

Conclave went from $500 to $675 this two year period.
According to minutes of the NBD and Conclave this was never approved . It was reported to the NBD but not in the minutes.

To review the way one commentator understood it:
The Sig Ep Foundation money is a grant to SPE inc. for an educational purpose.
HQ (by way of NLC) puts on the CLAs and bills the chapters an amount that should equate to the cost difference of producing CLAs.

However, the NLC changed the makeup and required attendees of CLA. This resulted in an extra cost which was NOT subsidized by the Foundation Grant.

To cover the additional cost NLC increased the fees charged to the chapters.
However the bylaws state that fee increases must be introduced and voted on by the Grand Chapter (at Conclaves)

So according to the bylaws: a) CLA fees cannot increase; b) the fraternity could shoulder the extra cost if the NBD directs; c) but the Grand Chapter would have to approve, by a 2/3rd vote, that expense.

And if they don't? Then what? Heads rolling down the aisles!!!

Is that about it?

CLA – Problems with cost and locations
According to Ron Binder, chairman of the NLC he seems to think that the NBD voted to raise the fee. The NBD liaison person OK'd the increase to the NLC. The change does not appear in the NBD minutes. Something like that would be more than a casual thing and would be on the record. It would have to be official and would then have to be reported to the Grand Chapter to be approved at Conclave after the fact.

It appears that the NBD has been doing this for years and ignoring the bylaws when it's convenient to them. We need more of the affected chapters to speak up and express their concern.

Can anyone recall if the when the past conclaves stopped ratifying the actions of the board since the previous Conclave? We have been operating in violation for some time, if that is so.

Location, location, location
If you draw a circle around the 5 cities they booked that is about 250 miles (5 hours drive) you see where the chapters who get screwed by the CLA Change.

Supposedly the staff ran the numbers to calculate that the average chapter only added 2 hours to their drive. One look at the maps and one can see long drives for many chapters.

Costs of CLA
The charge for chapters for CLA:

2005 - $175 (4 officers & CC)
2006 - $225 (4 officers & CC)
2007 - $350 (4 officers & CC)
2008 - $500 (5 officers & CC)

If the NLC keeps adding officers as they are planning to the CLA at this rate the small chapters will no longer afford to be SigEp chapters.

These costs are exclusive of the hidden costs of extra hotel rooms and transportation. While it's great to set a goal that chapters send all 7 officers we can't bankrupt our smaller chapters to support one program.

Will we be raising the $675 per year charge for the Grand Chapter Conclave in 2009?

One Commentator Stated:
We need to move the burden for these programs over to the Annual Fee or abandon our small chapters.

In the fall 2008 semester a young man in a 30 man chapter (40 men on the March PMR) will pay $199.17 to the Grand Chapter from his fall dues. If we keep increasing the chapter fixed costs the men in these chapters feel the pain more than the larger chapters.

It's getting more and more painful for our small chapters to meet the financial obligations to the Grand Chapter. Many of these chapters are at smaller state schools where many of the students are on financial aid and working to stay in school. When the fees go up these chapters have to either cut programming or increase their dues. Both of these options make it more difficult for them to grow their numbers.

I hope the National Board of Directors considers these things before we increase the tax burden to these kids.

The Much Expanded National Housing Corporation
The announcement of an additional employee for the NHC raised more than an eyebrow:
National Housing Corporation Fills New Volunteer Recruiter Position

Sigma Phi Epsilon is pleased to announce that Jessica Faison has joined the National Housing Corporation's staff as volunteer recruiter.

The National Housing Corporation created the new position to focus on recruiting to fill vacant volunteer positions for the 35 Alumni & Volunteer Corporation Boards that are targeted for housing fundraising programs over the next four years.

One writer commented:
Legally, the NHC needs to be such to protect the Fraternity. And if like the Ed Foundation they can support their revenue expenses, then okay. The problem is that they are using the chapter's money to operate and not being very prudent. From what I understand collections are way off, but that does not surprise me. RDs used to have to work to get chapters and AVCs to understand the importance of rent increases and full facilities...it now is at the NHC so falls under the 'not my job' function when in the field - when the conversations are most effective.

Another said
How many "non Brothers" are we going to employ at Headquarters? Could we not find a SigEp to be able to relate to volunteers?

It was learned long ago that staff is ineffective as a recruitment tool for volunteers. No one is interested in listening to a 22 year old.

Suggestion from several:
Someone should propose legislation requiring that the bylaws be amended that all full time jobs should be offered to members of the fraternity who have been initiated at least 1 year. An exception could be made for administrative positions. Should a qualified member of Sigma Phi Epsilon not be available then the NBD may grant an exception and it noted in the minutes.

Justification is that if we are truly graduating the best men out there we should be hiring from that same pool of men. Who best understands our business than our own members?

It certainly has been a busy few days with lots of concern. SigEp needs to pay attention to those who pay the bill - the undergraduate chapters and the volunteers. That would quickly return focus to the right source.

SigEp Executive Director sheds some light

Craig Templeton, SigEp's Executive Director, sent this email today to several interested parties. We suggested that it be posted on the blog since it speaks to several items that have been discussed lately and he agreed.

---

Brothers:

I hear there is discussion of phones and staffing on the blog. I thought some background might help.

Last year, we did a review of the Headquarters & staff structure to overcome barriers to serving volunteers and their chapters. Telephone accessibility was a hot topic. We installed an advanced phone system that seamlessly connects callers to employees whenever and wherever they might be. If away from our desks, calls can be automatically forward to cell phones. Callers can now reach any employee any time, unless on an airplane, or otherwise "indisposed," by just dialing their extension.

That doesn't mean you won't get voice mail, but they'll get your message immediately.

Another barrier was the limited times a receptionist was available to answer & direct calls―particularly annoying to those in western time zones. When Douglas retired, our answering service proposed that, with our new phone system, they could provide live service, not just until "closing time," but 24 hours a day, seven days a week, just as they do for the Crisis Hotline. Particularly beneficial for reaching Regional Directors―calls now transfer directly to them too.

So now, rather than depending on one receptionist who often had to be away from her desk and left at 4:30 p.m. eastern/1:30 Pacific, we have four receptionists dedicated to answer every call. Live.

Like any new employee, they are getting used to our nomenclature, names, organization and services. They'll have everyone's availability on their screens just like Douglas did. When they can't reach me at my desk for any reason, they roll over to Karen for help―just like Douglas did. The same goes for every person and their backup in the building.

And best of all―if it doesn't improve service and accessibility, we can always go back to an in-house receptionist. In the meantime, I thought we'd try actually expanding and improving our service and accessibility…and, yes, at a small fraction of what our undergraduates paid for a full-time receptionist.

For those of you who know the Fraternity so well, I hope you'll help bring the new receptionists up to speed. As with any new employee, you will surely be able to catch them losing now and then, but please let me know when you experience any problem with the service. They have always been responsive and committed to performing at our standard, but if it doesn't work, we'll fix it.

Another top concern was with Chapter Services. Staff guys have come & gone over the years, but we've just undertaken the first staff structural reorganization since I arrived eight years ago. I am sending a letter to all chapter volunteers next week to detail the changes―again designed and intended to improve responsiveness and efficiency. We moved volunteer functions together under Gary Huff's direction and then divided the country east and west for Chapter Services, with a director and administrative coordinator for each, east & west.

I'm impressed by those who think the size of Headquarters staff has grown so much. Perhaps it is a sign of greater staff performance, presence and visibility, because this week I issued exactly the same number of paychecks as in 2000 before I came in. Also, that year our PMR (campus membership) was 12,917 & last year was 14,353. I know it's not popular to hear management in business terms at SigEp, but that's an 11% reduction in the staff to student ratio.

We are committed to finding ways to be more efficient and responsive to better serve volunteers working with undergraduates and chapters. I appreciate any ideas, feedback―or even volunteer assistance in improving. It's a challenge I take very seriously. In the meantime, if you have a favorite who normally helps you in Zollinger House, simply ask for them. Karen, Donna, Kathy, Debbie, Jan, Susan Ilch and Jerry are all still there and love to hear from you. And the newer folks on staff are anxious to get to know you.

You may also be interested that the RD fall meeting is in Lake Las Vegas next month. As it turns out, Vegas is a pretty cheap destination and the Foundation donors (Board of Governors) are having their fall gathering there and offered career planning meetings with RDs. Nice deal―the Fraternity saves on travel and the RDs get an added benefit. I've seen the schedule. Fall is our busiest season. No time for golf, but I hope they have a good time anyway. We'd love to have you to join us at the Foundation Homecoming Weekend in Nevada.

Please let me know if you have any questions, ideas or concerns and thanks for your continued commitment to SigEp.

Craig.

SigEp│All men by nature desire knowledge―Aristotle

Craig D. Templeton, Executive Director
310 S. Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220

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Thanks, Craig, for shedding some light on the issues. Communications such as this helps bring a much desired transparency to the workings at HQ. Still, I am sure that our readers will have comments and opinions on this post as they do on others.

Hello? Is anyone home?

A disconnected brother sent this message to several of his friends. We got it by the usual "over the transom" method.

SO you call 1-800-353-1901 and don't know who you want to talk to or you go to voice mail and your question could be answered by someone else on staff. In the past you would dial 1 for the receptionist and ask who ever picked up (if it wasn't Douglas) "Is anyone in the building today?

I need to talk to someone about ..."

Try this today and you get a generic answering service who doesn't know (or care who you are) and only flips your call to someone... if they are there, lucky you. If they aren't there you go to voice mail.

Great customer service! Thanks Craig! Save a few more bucks that he can hire another person from Richmond to build the empire... hmmm maybe he needs a VCU sorority woman to be Director of Malcontents.

Normally we would have let this pass, but we had the exact same experience last week when trying to find out if HQ was aware of the hurricane that passed over Lamar and U of Houston. Our power and internet were out so we did not know who to try to reach by telephone. It was voice mail hell, then some answering service that had no idea what a "Director of Chapter Services" is. We were finally contacted (the next day) by Gary Huff, who had apparently been pressed into "storm duty." He was able to assure us that HQ was indeed aware and informed, and the members accounted for.

In the last year or so we have seen the departure of long-time employees such as "Debit" Wester, Douglass McRaney, and this past Friday it was Barbara Shanahan. In their place are lots of new faces with fancy titles. But where is the service? Total staffing at HQ has grown much faster than the undergraduate manpower. Have the chapters experienced a comparable growth in services?

New Orleans - Here we go again?

Note:
We have "pegged" this post so it stays at the top of the postings for the next several days. Please use the comments to add messages of support, updates from the path, cries for -or offers of- help for your self or your chapter, and anything else related to the storm.
Thanks

Another hurricane may be approaching the Louisiana coast in a few days. The Colleges in New Orleans are taking no chances this time around. Our HQ staff also is following all the developments. Lets hope this time it turns out to be 'just a drill.' However I am sure I speak with the voice of all SigEps when I say we'll be their to offer assistance if it is needed.

All-
I have been notified of the following:

What: Hurricane Evacuation in effect at Loyola University and Tulane University.
When: Classes are canceled beginning Friday, Aug 29 through Wednesday Sept 3.

Students are required to evacuate New Orleans by Friday evening. Classes are tentatively scheduled to resume Thursday, Sept 4 in the event that the storm does not hit the area.

Chapter Response Plan: Both LA Alpha and LA Gamma are implementing an Evacuation Response plan. I have been in contact with both Jeff Schiffman, Chap Counselor at LA Alpha and Bill Hydrick, Chap Counselor at LA Gamma. Both chapters have contact info for all brothers and will be sending out updates to the chapter and HQ during the evacuation.

Jeff Schiffman of LA Alpha is in contact with Dave Lourie, AVC Pres about storm preparations for the chapter house. I will forward any updates that I receive.

There are no plans to evacuate at LSU at this time. I spoke to John Allen, Chap Counselor at LA Beta, and he said that he will be monitoring the storm's progress as well.

I conveyed to all chapters that we are willing to help in any way possible. I will continue to monitor the storm's status as well as stay in touch with the chapter volunteers through the weekend. Again, I will forward any updates.

Thanks,
Matt

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Matthew S Parrish
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Regional Director - Deep South
310 South Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 310-0035

Sigma Phi Epsilon Announces the Retirement of Douglas McRaney

Retirement Announcement
7/18/2008 9:49:14 AM

Sigma Phi Epsilon Announces the Retirement of Douglas McRaney

After 20 years of dedicated service to Sigma Phi Epsilon, Douglas McRaney will be retiring July 30.

Douglas has served as "the voice" of SigEp Headquarters, handling operator, reception and other administrative duties at Zollinger House. Nearly 200 past staff members, and many more volunteers and undergraduates have had the pleasure of working with her. Douglas plans to spend more time with her son and grandchildren and volunteer work in the community.

Alumni and others close to the Fraternity are invited to send your best wishes to Douglas. She can be reached until the end of the month at 804-353-1901, ext. 1405, douglas.mcraney@sigep.net or P.O. Box 1901, Richmond, VA 23218.