Purple Legionnaire Monthly Update

 • Check in with your Section Chief.
 • Attend a chapter and/or cabinet meeting.
 • All IHQ forms due are completed and sent (see last week's Friday Letter).
 • Check with officers to make sure they are keeping up with their calendar.
 • Attend a new member meeting - have the Risk Management and other policies been reviewed? Responsible Action Protocol?
 • Pledges are registered within 15 days, fees submitted.
 • Initiates are reported within 30 days, fees submitted.
 • Evaluate Post-Initiation Education (PIE) program. Ask your Field Secretary for suggestions to improve.
 • Check in with the Chapter President - is he getting time with campus administration officials, including Greek and academic advisors?
 • Check in with Chapter Treasurer - are the books and forms in order?
 • Request list of graduates from IHQ for spring communications.
 • Is the spring newsletter being drafted? Pig Dinner invitations sent? Assistance is available from the Graduate Communication Services.
 • Pig Dinner/spring graduate event planning is on track.
 • Chapter is working to complete campus and Fraternity awards applications?
 • Begin planning for upcoming fraternity events.
 • Keep BCA, house corporation informed.
 • Re-evaluate chapter calendar, adjust as necessary.

^ Top

Late last week, chapters were billed for liability insurance at a rate of $180/man. Chapters which pay their full premium by March 1, 2020 are eligible for a 3% discount. And, chapters which pay their full premium by April 1, 2020 are eligible for a 2% discount. 

Contact Amy Watson for additional information.

^ Top

As noted in last week's Friday Letter, any brother or chapter wishing to propose amendments to Fraternity Laws for consideration by the 172nd Ekklesia should read this notice for procedures and deadlines for filing. Proposed amendments must be received no later than June 8, 2020. Questions and submissions should be directed to Rob Caudill.

Nominate brothers to serve on the board of directors of the Fraternity. Nominations should be submitted no later than May 1, 2020 to be considered. 

^ Top

Now is a good time to remind your chapter of the Fraternity’s Responsible Action Protocol. Along the same lines as Good Samaritan policies, this policy is intended to remove a perceived barrier to seeking medical attention. Under this policy, individuals and chapters which do the right thing and seek medical assistance when it is needed may not be subject to disciplinary action. 

Additionally, the policy highlights the potential sanctions for individuals or chapters which discourage, obstruct or prevents another person from seeking medical assistance. This includes expulsion from the Fraternity and suspension of the Charter. 

Along with the Risk Management Policy, we need your help to educate ALL our undergraduates on this protocol. Please raise this topic at the next chapter meeting and, if not present then, with the new member class. As a reminder, the Fraternity suggests that it be discussed each semester when reviewing the Risk Management Policy and Crisis Management Procedures.

^ Top

As an advisor to an undergraduate chapter or colony, it is important that you are familiar with pertinent campus policies and requirements (and help to educate your undergraduate officers on those policies as well). This includes, but is not limited to, those related to recruitment, risk management/social event planning and new member education. 

If you have not done so recently, reach out to the campus Greek Advisor and ask them to provide you with these items. This may also provide you a good opportunity to (re)introduce yourself and develop this important relationship.

^ Top

There are several major fraternal events coming up in the next six months, which you and your chapter should plan for: 

Archives Weekend will be held March 13-15 at IHQ in Lexington, Kentucky. Willing brothers will help preserve Phi Gamma Delta’s history by assisting with digitization, preservation, cataloging and, if you like, research. Brothers are responsible for their own transportation and lodging. Additional information and registration are available at phigam.org/ArchivesWeekend.

The Summit will be held June 26-28 in Lexington, Kentucky. The event focuses on recruitment and new member education, and it is strongly encouraged that each chapter and colony send at least one member. Additional information and registration will be available soon. 

The Leadership Institute will be held in two sessions, May 26-31 and July 7-12, at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. Additional details and applications are available at phigam.org/LeadershipInstitute. We encourage each chapter and colony to send one representative to one of the two available sessions. The ideal attendee is a rising leader in the chapter between their sophomore and junior years. Please share the above link with undergraduates, who you think would benefit from attending the Institute. Participation costs, including travel, are covered through the support of the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation. The deadline to apply is April 12. 

The Fraternity is sponsoring 25 scholarships for our undergraduate members to attend UIFI (Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute). This scholarship covers the cost of registration, lodging and meals to attend one of eight national sessions running from May to July 2020. Encourage your men to learn more and apply here. Applications are due April 1.

The 172nd Ekklesia will be held August 6-9 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Ekklesia is the Fraternity's legislative body, also offering in-person training for our graduate volunteers. Each chapter is required to send at least three delegates, and Purple Legionnaires are highly encouraged to attend as well. We anticipate that registration will open next month.

Purple Legionnaires who attended the 2020 Fiji Academy: if you plan to submit travel expenses, be sure to do so soon! Expenses not submitted within 60 days may only be reimbursed at 90% of the request. Expenses not submitted within 6 months may not be reimbursed. Expense reporting forms and our expense reimbursement policy are available at phigam.org/Advisor. Direct expense related question to Rob Caudill.

^ Top

Thank you for the important work you do to advise our chapters and colonies. If you have questions, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Perge!

Copy: Section Chiefs, Field Secretaries 

 • Check in with your Section Chief.
 • Attend a chapter and/or cabinet meeting.
 • All IHQ forms are completed and submitted (see last week's Friday Letter)
 • All officers keeping up with their calendar?
 • Attend new member meeting - have the RM and policies been reviewed? Responsible Action Protocol?
 • New Members are registered within 15 days, fees submitted.
 • Initiates are reported within 30 days, fees submitted.
 • Evaluate Post Initiation Education program. Ask Field Secretary for suggestions to improve.
 • Is the Chapter President getting time with campus administration officials, including Greek and academic advisors?
 • Chapter Treasurer books and forms are in order.
 • Request graduate contact list from IHQ for spring communications.
 • Spring newsletter is being drafted? Design, printing & mailing assistance is available.
 • Pig Dinner/spring graduate event planning is on track.
 • Chapter is working to complete campus and Fraternity awards applications.
 • Make spring courtesy call to the campus Greek Advisor.
 • Keep BCA, house corporation informed.
 • Re-evaluate chapter calendar, adjust as necessary.

Back to top

Thomas Lovejoy (Oregon State 2014) recently departed the Fraternity staff. In his role as Director of Graduate Involvement, he provided direct staff support, and was often the primary contact, for Purple Legionnaires and Section Chiefs. We appreciate Thomas’s work and role on the Fraternity staff and wish him the best in his career. 

Dio Protopapadakis (Appalachian State 2017), Director of Graduate Engagement, will temporarily assume responsibility for supporting graduate volunteers, including Purple Legionnaires and Section Chiefs. 

Have a question and do not know the appropriate person to contact? Visit the staff directory to see a list of staff responsibilities and contact information.

Back to top

Phi Gamma Delta continues to work to eliminate and prevent hazing. The preferred approach in this initiative is to eliminate hazing by working with chapters, not by automatically closing chapters. For this reason, an amnesty process is provided.

Through this process, a chapter can admit that it has been hazing and enter into a Diversion Agreement. The Fraternity then will work with that chapter to implement our recommended New Member Education Program. The chapter will not be punished for previous hazing.

We encourage brothers who feel the chapter may benefit from the Amnesty Program to review the Amnesty-Diversion Plan and discuss it among their Chapter Officers and involved graduate brothers. Questions may be directed to your Section Chief or any member of the Headquarters staff.

The Fraternity also provides several resources to help Purple Legionnaires and Boards of Chapter Advisors educate and work with their chapters to promote a positive, hazing-free, new member experience.

Back to top

As an advisor to an undergraduate chapter/colony, it is important that you are familiar with pertinent campus policies and requirements (and help to educate your undergraduate officers on those policies as well). This includes, but is not limited to, those related to recruitment, risk management, social event planning and new member education.

If you have not already done so recently, reach out to the campus Greek Advisor and ask them to provide you with these items. This may also provide you a good opportunity to (re)introduce yourself and develop this important relationship.

Back to top

A special thank you to those brothers who were able to attend the 2020 Fiji Academy!

As a reminder, you can find Academy resources at phigam.org/AcademyResources. If you haven't already, meet with the undergraduate brothers who attended the Academy to discuss what they learned, any concerns they have and any action items they have.

Purple Legionnaires who attended the Academy are eligible for travel reimbursement. The Fraternity's travel reimbursement policy stipulates that:
 • Purple Legionnaires who have never attended a Fiji Academy or Ekklesia in your current graduate position may have their entire, reasonable, transportation cost reimbursed.
 • Purple Legionnaires who have attended the Fiji Academy, or the past Ekklesia, in your current position may be reimbursed up to $200 for transportation costs (flight cost/mileage). Additional travel expenses, such as parking and baggage fees, are eligible for reimbursement beyond the $200 cap. 

To submit your expenses, you need to complete an expense report and send (including receipts) to Todd Rotgers by email at trotgers@phigam.org, or mail: Phi Gamma Delta, Attn: Todd Rotgers, PO Box 4599, Lexington, KY 40544.

Receipts are not needed for mileage reimbursement requests. Our current reimbursement rate is $0.32/mile.

Undergraduate chapters have already had their travel reimbursements applied to their chapter accounts. Each chapter receives one travel reimbursement of $0.12/mile, round trip to/from St. Louis.

Back to top

As was indicated in last week’s Friday Letter, invoices for liability insurance will be emailed no later than Friday, February 7, 2020. The estimated base rate this year is $175 per member, including fall 2019 new members and fifth-year seniors. Chapters that have had a risk management violation will be charged a 10% penalty. Payment options will be noted in the email containing the invoice. 

January 31, 2020 is the deadline for roster changes prior to the insurance billing. Please advise your chapter/colony to update its roster by logging in at phigam.org. Once insurance bills are issued, there will be no credits for roster adjustments. 

If you have any questions, email Amy Watson, or call her at 859-255-1848.

Back to top

You should have recently received this year's Graduate Dues mailing. Now is an opportune time to remind you and ask you to educate your soon to be and recent graduates of the importance of this program. 

What are Graduate Dues? In 2006, Phi Gamma Delta revived its voluntary graduate dues program after a 20-year cessation. More than 5,600 brothers paid dues in 2019 - thus providing significant unrestricted income to the Fraternity to supplement the dues and fees paid by undergraduate brothers. 

Graduate Dues help the Fraternity to better support our undergraduate chapters and expand the opportunities for graduates to remain involved without increasing the financial burden to our undergraduates through dues and fees. 

Our graduate volunteers set the example for others to follow. If you have not already, support Phi Gamma Delta with your $25 (or more) gift. You can give online or by mailing your gift with the noticed you received.

Back to top

Thank you for the important work you do to advise our chapters and colonies. If you have questions, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Perge!

Copy: Section Chiefs, Field Secretaries 

- Check in with your Section Chief.
- Attend a chapter and/or cabinet meeting.
- All IHQ Forms due are completed and sent. See last week’s Friday Letter.
- Assist your chapter/colony in planning for upcoming Officer elections. New Officers should be promptly reported and updated with the Fraternity and campus.
- Submit spring Field Secretary Visit Request.
- New officers registered for Fiji Academy.
- Firm up plans with BCA for officers leadership/transition retreat - location, travel, materials, speakers.
- Begin working with cabinet and (future) new member educators to plan spring Pledge Education Program.
- Work with cabinet and recruitment chairmen to ensure spring semester recruitment plan is underway.
- Determine status of GreekLifeEdu completion.
- Are you sending holiday/Christmas cards to graduate brothers, parents, administration officials and sororities? Pig Dinner save the dates for spring Pig Dinners? Assistance is available through our Graduate Communication Services program.
- Follow-up with the status of outstanding fall projects.
- Keep BCA, house corporation informed.
- Re-evaluate chapter calendar, adjust as necessary.

Back to top

The 2020 Fiji Academy will be held January 3-5, 2020 in St. Louis, MO. The Academy is designed to give new chapter officers a strong foundation so they can dynamically and courageously lead their chapters, as well as provide training to our graduate volunteers.

The deadline for registration was December 1, but we will continue to accept registrations on a limited basis. For more information, visit phigam.org/Academy. Remember, all chapters are automatically billed for three delegates (additional delegates may attend and will be billed following the event. Chapters without at least three attendees are subject to disciplinary action.

Brothers registered for the Academy will receive additional information in the coming days and weeks leading up to the event.

As a reminder, registration includes a shared hotel room. Graduates may include two accommodation preferences at registration:
 1. Graduate brothers may opt for a single room at your own cost (approximately $62 / night), payable directly to the hotel upon checkout.
 2. Graduate brothers may alternatively provide a roommate preference at registration (this is not guaranteed).

The Fraternity will fully reimburse reasonable travel expenses to/from your first Fiji Academy as a Purple Legionnaire. Travel reimbursement is limited to $200 for subsequent Fiji Academies.

New Purple Legionnaires (those who began the role during the calendar year and did not attend the 2018 Academy) should plan to attend the New Purple Legionnaire Training on Friday, January 3, at 3:00 pm.

Back to top

If you have not had a discussion with your chapter/colony this fall regarding hazing, now is the time. Reference an older PL Update for suggested talking points. While a single discussion is not a panacea, it allows you to continue the dialogue with your chapter and make the Fraternity's and your stance against hazing known.

As Purple Legionnaire, you should continue to set the expectation and reinforce with your officers, new member educators and the chapter that hazing will not be tolerated. Utilize the New Member's Bill of Rights as a guideline, connect the contradiction of hazing to the Fraternity’s values and remind brothers that an amnesty process exists if they need to implement change.

We encourage you to reference and utilize the Advisor Resources available to you, particularly the Hazing Prevention module on the Phi Gamma Delta Learning Portal.

Do not hesitate to reach out to your Section Chief or the Headquarters staff at any time with questions.

Back to top

In the continual push for excellence, any chapter must be prepared to constantly re-evaluate its goals, aims and future objectives. We find that the most successful chapters and colonies have a clearly formed identity, are self-aware and have consensus around their goals and purpose. Chapter Retreats, facilitated at the beginning of academic terms, are excellent at establishing those three key pieces.

As your cabinet plans for the next semester starting in 2020, we encourage Purple Legionnaires and BCA members to assist in the planning and facilitation of a chapter-wide retreat. Having graduate led retreats to kick-off every academic year or semester is an excellent habit and will provide significant benefit to the group you advise. A full Retreat Facilitator Guide is available to assist you.

Headquarters staff members are also able to facilitate chapter retreats on a limited basis. Contact Director of Chapter Services Bryan Hartzell for assistance or to request a retreat for your chapter/colony. 

Back to top

Thank you for the important work you do to advise our chapters and colonies. If you have questions, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Perge!

Copy: Section Chiefs, Field Secretaries 

 - Check in with your Section Chief
 - Attend a chapter and/or cabinet meeting
 - All IHQ forms due are completed and sent. See last week’s Friday Letter
 - IRS Form 990 submitted by November 15 and a copy submitted to the Headquarters
 - Assist your chapter/colony in planning for upcoming officer elections. New officers should be promptly reported and updated with the Fraternity and campus
 - Initiates reported within 30 days
 - Submit spring Field Secretary Visit Request
 - New officers registered for Fiji Academy no later than December 1, 2019
 - Firm up plans with BCA for officers leadership/transition retreat - location, travel, materials, speakers
 - Check in with New Member Educator(s) on program status and upcoming speakers - date/time set for Initiation?
 - Begin working with cabinet and (future) New Member Educators to plan spring New Member Education Program
 - Work with cabinet and Recruitment Chairmen to ensure spring semester recruitment plan is underway
 - Determine status of GreekLifeEdu completion (December 1 is the deadline; contact Todd Rotgers with questions)
 - Are you sending holiday/Christmas cards to graduate brothers, parents, administration officials and sororities? Pig Dinner save the dates for spring Pig Dinners? Assistance is available via IHQ's Graduate Communication Services
 - Follow-up with the status of outstanding fall projects
 - Keep BCA, House Corporation informed
 - Re-evaluate chapter calendar, adjust as necessary

Reminder: IHQ Staff Contacts
Looking for the best staff contact for questions? You can always call or email any staff member and we will best direct you, but here is a staff directory with details about each person's area of responsibility and contact information.

Back to top

The 2020 Fiji Academy will be held January 3-5, 2020 in St. Louis, MO. The Academy is designed to give new chapter officers a strong foundation so they can dynamically and courageously lead their chapters. The Academy also provides training to our graduate volunteers.

The Academy registration deadline is December 1, 2019. Please register and encourage your chapter to register its delegates as soon as possible. Remember, all chapters are automatically billed for 3 delegates (additional delegates may attend and will be billed $475/person following the event). Chapters that do not attend are subject to disciplinary action.

Section Chiefs and Purple Legionnaires are strongly encouraged to attend. Registration for SCs and PLs is complimentary and travel subsidized. Other graduates are encouraged to attend as well but are subject to the $475 registration fee.

As a reminder, registration includes a shared hotel room. Graduates may include two accommodation preferences at registration:
 1. Graduate brothers may opt for a single room at your own cost (approximately $62/night), payable directly to the hotel upon checkout.
 2. Graduate brothers may alternatively provide a roommate preference at registration (this is not guaranteed).

The Fraternity will fully reimburse reasonable travel expenses to/from your first Fiji Academy as a Purple Legionnaire. Travel reimbursement is limited to $200 for subsequent Fiji Academies.

New Purple Legionnaires (those who began the role during the calendar year and did not attend the 2019 Academy) should plan to attend the New Purple Legionnaire Training on Friday, January 3, at 3:00 pm.

Back to top

As an advisor to an undergraduate chapter or colony, it is important that you are familiar with pertinent campus policies and requirements (and help to educate your undergraduate officers on those policies as well). This includes, but is not limited to, those related to recruitment, risk management/social event planning and new member education. 

If you have not recently done so, reach out to the campus Greek Advisor and ask them to provide you with these items. This may also provide you a good opportunity to (re)introduce yourself and develop this important relationship. This good relationship can go a long way for a chapter's success.

Back to top

All nonprofit entities in the U.S., including undergraduate chapters, are required to file an annual tax return with the IRS. The return is some version of the Form 990 and is due by the 15th day of the fifth month following the close of the fiscal year. For those chapters that have adopted a fiscal year end consistent with the Fraternity's on June 30, this is due by November 15, 2019. 

We ask Purple Legionnaires and/or appropriate BCA members to work with your Chapter Treasurer to ensure the 990 is filed on time. Most undergraduate chapters may file the 990-N (less than $50,000 in gross receipts) or 990-EZ (less than $50,000 in gross receipts). Chapters using Legacy Financial can files these for free using file990.org.

Nonprofit entities that fail to file the annual return for three consecutive years will have their tax-exempt status revoked. The loss of tax-exempt status means that the entity must operate as a for-profit entity, with its revenue, such as dues and rent, subject to income tax. To see if your chapter is on the revocation list, go to this page on the IRS website. The Fraternity may also be able to direct you to assistance if your tax-exempt status has been revoked. Contact Will Shier.

Back to top

Thank you for the important work you do to advise our chapters and colonies. If you have questions, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Perge!

Copy: Section Chiefs, Field Secretaries 

 - Check in with your Section Chief
 - Attend a chapter and/or cabinet meeting
 - IRS Form 990 submitted by November 15
 - Start planning for officer elections
 - Ensure chapter updates officers with IHQ and campus
 - Potential officers should be made aware of Fiji Academy date (January 3-5, 2020)
 - Begin planning officer's leadership/transition retreat with cabinet and BCA - location, travel, materials, speakers
 - Check in with New Member Educator(s) on program status and upcoming speakers
 - Check status of big brother/little brother program
 - Determine status of GreekLifeEdu completion. Contact Todd Rotgers with questions
 - Check on new members' academic status and overall chapter performance
 - Check status of fall newsletter, Pig Dinner planning 
 - Keep BCA, house corporation informed
 - Re-evaluate chapter calendar, adjust as necessary

Back to top

All nonprofit entities in the U.S., including undergraduate chapters, are required to file an annual tax return with the IRS. The return is some version of the Form 990 and is due by the 15th day of the fifth month following the close of the fiscal year. For those chapters that have adopted a fiscal year end consistent with the Fraternity's on June 30, this is due by November 15, 2019.

We ask Purple Legionnaires and/or appropriate BCA members to work with your Chapter/Colony Treasurer to make sure the 990 is filed on time. Most undergraduate chapters may file the 990-N (less than $50,000 in gross receipts) or 990-EZ (less than $50,000 in gross receipts). Chapters using Legacy Financial can file these for free using file990.org.

Nonprofit entities that fail to file the annual return for three consecutive years will have their tax exempt status revoked. The loss of tax exempt status means that the entity must operate as a for-profit entity, with its revenue, such as dues and rent, subject to income tax. To see if your chapter is on the revocation list, go to this page. The Fraternity may also be able to direct you to assistance if your tax exempt status has been revoked. Contact Will Shier.

Back to top

The 2020 Academy will be held January 3-5, 2020 in St. Louis, MO. The Academy is designed to give new chapter officers a strong foundation, so they may dynamically and courageously lead their chapters. The Academy also provides an opportunity for in-person training for our Section Chiefs, Purple Legionnaires and other chapter advisors.

All chapters are automatically billed for three delegates with additional delegates encouraged to attend. Educational tracks are provided for Presidents, Treasurers, Recording Secretaries, Corresponding Secretaries, Chapter Historians, Recruitment Chairmen, New Member Educators, Emerging Leaders and Graduate Volunteers.

Have your officers and/or potential new officers start planning to attend now, and encourage the chapter to budget for attendees' travel to St. Louis. 

Section Chiefs and Purple Legionnaires are also strongly encouraged to attend. Registration for Chiefs and PLs is complimentary and travel subsidized. Additional graduates are encouraged to attend, but are subject to the registration fee.

More information will be communicated and registration will open in the coming weeks.

Back to top

Thank you to those who participated in our recent #JoinTheFight campaign. This effort goes well beyond National Hazing Prevention Week, and Phi Gamma Delta continues to work diligently to eliminate and prevent hazing. We need your assistance and support in this effort.

The Fraternity's preferred approach is to eliminate hazing by working with chapters, not by automatically closing them. The Archons adopted an Amnesty Policy which allows chapters to admit to hazing and enter into a Diversion Agreement in lieu of punishment. The Fraternity will then work with that chapter to implement our recommended New Member Education Program and eliminate hazing activities. The chapter will not be punished for previous hazing.

If you have concerns and feel your chapter needs to consider using this process, we encourage you to make these concerns known to your cabinet and review with them the Amnesty Diversion Plan. Even if you do not have concerns, we ask that you educate your cabinet on this process as an option should they have concerns.

Questions may be directed to your Section Chief or a member of the Headquarters staff. 

Back to top

There are a number of additional resources available specific to graduate advisors. These, and more, are available to you at phigam.org/Advisor.

New Member's Bill of Rights: This will be provided to each new member when he registers online with the Fraternity and is included in the Fraternity’s New Member Education Program. We encourage you to utilize this as a tool to help guide discussions regarding hazing with your chapter/colony and new members. 

Hazing Prevention for Graduate Advisors: A brief course in the Phi Gamma Delta Learning Portal (LMS) created to help advisors understand the Fraternity’s laws and policies regarding hazing and provide tips to help you to recognize and combat hazing activities. 

Graduate Pledge Education Questionnaire: A one-page tool for use in reviewing the chapter new member program. 

Letter to Parents: Sample letter you can send to parents of new members referenced in the Promoting Positive New Member Education document. This letter is also located in the New Member Educator's Manual. 

Back to top

Thank you for the important work you do to advise our chapters and colonies. If you have questions, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Perge!

Copy: Section Chiefs, Field Secretaries 

 - Check in with your Section Chief. Does he have current BCA/HC/ Chapter Officer rosters and contact information?
 - Attend a chapter and/or cabinet meeting.
 - All IHQ forms due are completed and sent (see last week's Friday Letter).
 - Confirm the Chapter's roster is updated with college/university/IFC and IHQ.
 - Work with Chapter Officers to identify/refine fall goals and create/refine fall calendar.
 - If the Chapter is planning a spring Pig Dinner, will there be another graduate or Homecoming event in the fall? Or a parents’ event?
 - Meet with New Member Educator/Officers to review fall New Member Education Program. Is the written program set? Have Purple Pilgrims and New Member Pins been ordered?
 - Confirm all New Members are/will be registered and fees paid within 15 days of formal pledging.
 - Attend a recruitment event. Attend a New Member education meeting.
 - Has the chapter budgeted for appropriate fraternity and campus expenses for the academic year?
 - Is documentation being maintained for chapter activities this fall? These items may be of use as exhibits next spring when developing the year’s awards packet.
 - Confirm that an itinerary has been established for the fall Field Secretary visit. Refer to previous FS reports to check chapter follow-up.
 - Is the Chapter President getting important time with campus officials, including academic advisors?
 - Make a courtesy call to the university/college Greek Advisor.
 - Keep BCA, house corporation informed.
 - Re-evaluate chapter calendar, adjust as necessary. 

Back to top

Since 2018 alone, Phi Gamma Delta has closed 10 chapters for hazing, making it the Number One Killer of fraternity chapters. In late September, the Fraternity will roll out a new element of our Hazing Prevention Plan and launch the #JoinTheFight Against Hazing campaign – inviting our brothers and friends to share their commitment against this insidious practice. 

As a a Purple Legionnaire, we need you to be an active voice against hazing. If you have not already done so this fall, have an open and honest discussion with your officers, new member educators and/or the entire chapter to set your expectation that hazing has no place in the new member education program. And, educate the undergraduates on the dangers and realities of hazing. You could/should incorporate the following key points: 
 - Introduce/remind the undergraduate men of the New Member's Bill of Rights. This provides, in a common-sense approach, some guidelines for the proper treatment of our future brothers.
 - Providing alcohol at any time, or involving alcohol in the new member education program in any way, will not be tolerated. It has closed many chapters and has brought too many young lives to a tragic end.
 - Connect the contradiction of hazing to the Fraternity’s values. Can anyone make the case that hazing enhances Friendship, Knowledge, Service, Morality or Excellence? That hazing enhances a new member’s ability to learn about the history, values and customs of our Fraternity?
 - The Fraternity’s Bylaws prohibit hazing and, among a variety of other things, speak to activities which involve physical exhaustion or abuse, interfere with a person’s ability to perform college work or reflect unfavorably upon the chapter or the Fraternity. Beyond activities, hazing begins with an attitude that engenders a subservient relationship of new members to brothers.
 - Educate the officers and the chapter on the Fraternity’s amnesty process. This process allows an undergraduate chapter to acknowledge previous hazing, commit to implementing the Fraternity’s New Member Education program moving forward, and avoid discipline to make changes in the chapter’s New Member Education activities in a positive and productive way. 

We encourage you to reference and utilize the new member education/anti-hazing resources available to you and/or to reach out to your Section Chief or the Headquarters staff with questions. Now more than ever, we need our Purple Legionnaires and other involved graduates to Join the Fight!

Back to top

Chapter Officers, or other brothers, may be contacted by reporters/media at any point during the school year - whether in response to a chapter incident, a positive story that the chapter is promoting or other reasons.

As a Purple Legionnaire, the chapter should be, and will be, looking to you for guidance in these situations. We suggest you review our tips for handling media inquiries and review these with your cabinet.

By working with headquarters staff, Purple Legionnaires, Chapter Presidents and chapters can more easily navigate the potentially challenging media waters. For additional information, reference the Fraternity's Undergraduate Chapter Emergency Response Tips.

Back to top

All nonprofit entities in the U.S., including undergraduate chapters, are required to file an annual tax return with the IRS. The return is some version of the Form 990 and is due by the 15th day of the fifth month following the close of the fiscal year. For those chapters that have adopted a fiscal year end consistent with the Fraternity's on June 30, this is due by November 15, 2019. 

We ask Purple Legionnaires and/or appropriate BCA members to work with your Chapter Treasurer to ensure the 990 is filed on time. Most undergraduate chapters may file the 990-N (less than $50,000 in gross receipts) or 990-EZ (less than $50,000 in gross receipts). Chapters using Legacy Financial can file these for free using file990.org.

Nonprofit entities that fail to file the annual return for three consecutive years will have their tax exempt status revoked. The loss of tax exempt status means that the entity must operate as a for-profit entity, with its revenue, such as dues and rent, subject to income tax. To see if your chapter is on the revocation list, go to this page on the IRS website. The Fraternity may also be able to direct you to assistance if your tax exempt status has been revoked. Contact Will Shier.

Back to top

As an advisor to an undergraduate chapter or colony, it is important that you are familiar with pertinent campus policies/requirements and help to educate your undergraduate officers on those policies as well. This includes, but is not limited to, those related to recruitment, risk management/social event planning and new member education. This is especially important to know this time of year.

If you have not done so recently, reach out to the campus Greek Advisor and ask him or her to provide you with these items. This may also provide you a good opportunity to (re)introduce yourself and develop this important relationship.

Back to top

Thank you for the important work you do to advise our chapters and colonies. If you have questions, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Perge!

Copy: Section Chiefs, Field Secretaries 

Check in with your Section Chief.

Attend a chapter and/or cabinet meeting.

Keep BCA, house corporation informed.

Re-evaluate chapter calendar, adjust as necessary.

Is your Fall recruitment plan on track?

Is your Fall New Member Education plan on track? Please review the plan to make sure.

We encourage PLs to spend some time with the new class. Go to meet them in person if possible.

Review Fall goals with the cabinet.

Schedule a meeting with the campus Greek advisor or similar campus professional.

Academic Year Budgeting: 
Below is a quick reminder for you as you work with your Treasurers this year:

 - WITHIN 15 DAYS OF PLEDGING: Pledges must be registered at www.phigam.org/newpledge and pay their $70 pledge fee (paid by the pledge upon registering).
 - WITHIN 30 DAYS OF INITIATION: New Initiates must be reported and their $252.50 initiation fee/first year dues are due (billed to the chapter upon reporting Initiates).
 - SEPTEMBER: Annual Dues are billed ($105 per man). Rosters must be updated by Friday, September 14.
 - OCTOBER/NOVEMBER: Academy registration fees are billed for 3 delegates (budget $1,425, or $475 per delegate - this is subject to change). The chapter should also consider budgeting for attendee travel to St. Louis.
 - JANUARY: Liability insurance is billed (budget $175 per man).
Follow this link for a full listing of mandatory forms and fees.

Back to top

Chapter Officers or other brothers may be contacted by reporters/media at any point during the school year - whether in response to a chapter incident, a positive story that the chapter is promoting or other reasons.

As a Purple Legionnaire, the chapter should be, and will be, looking to you for guidance in these situations. We suggest you review our tips for handling media inquiries and review these with your cabinet.

By working with headquarters staff, Purple Legionnaires, Chapter Presidents and chapters can more easily navigate the potentially challenging media waters. For additional information, reference the Fraternity's Undergraduate Chapter Emergency Response Tips.

Back to top

The Fraternity staff is here to help you. Here is a reminder of some of the key staff members you may need to contact:
 - Thomas Lovejoy, Director of Graduate Involvement, is the key contact for questions related to graduate volunteers, volunteer training, recruitment and support, as well as graduate related questions regarding the Fiji Academy and Ekklesia.
 - Bryan Hartzell, Director of Chapter Services, is the primary contact for most chapter-related matters, including Field Secretary visits.
 - Alex Cruz, Director of Chapter Development, is the contact for all colony-related matters.
 - Todd Rotgers, Senior Director of Undergraduate Services, is the contact for our educational programming, risk management and discipline concerns, as well as alcohol-free housing exemption questions.
 - Rob Caudill, Executive Director, is the key contact for chapter emergencies.
 - Amy Watson, Director of Membership & Operations, is the contact regarding membership records, forms, fees, chapter accounts and billing.

A full staff listing is available here, and all staff members may be reached at 859-255-1848.

Back to top

With recruitment ramping up and New Member Education beginning on many campuses, now is an opportune time for you to discuss with your chapter/colony the Fraternity’s, and your, expectations regarding new member education – specifically the prohibition of hazing and use of alcohol.

You could/should incorporate the following key points:
 - Introduce/remind the undergraduate men of the New Member's Bill of Rights. This provides, in a common-sense approach, some guidelines for the proper treatment of our future brothers.
 - Providing alcohol at any time, or involving alcohol in the new member education program in any way, will not be tolerated. It has closed many chapters and has brought too many young lives to a tragic end.
 - Connect the contradiction of hazing to the Fraternity’s values. Can anyone make the case that hazing enhances Friendship, Knowledge, Service, Morality or Excellence? That hazing enhances a new member’s ability to learn about the history, values and customs of our Fraternity?
 - The Fraternity’s Bylaws prohibit hazing and, among a variety of other things, speak to activities which involve physical exhaustion or abuse, interfere with a person’s ability to perform college work or reflect unfavorably upon the chapter or the Fraternity. Beyond activities, hazing begins with an attitude that engenders a subservient relationship of new members to brothers.
 - Educate the officers and the chapter on the Fraternity’s amnesty process. This process allows an undergraduate chapter to acknowledge previous hazing, commit to implementing the Fraternity’s New Member Education program moving forward, and avoid discipline to make changes in the chapter’s New Member Education activities in a positive and productive way.
 - We encourage you to reference and utilize the new member education/anti-hazing resources available to you and/or to reach out to your Section Chief or the Headquarters staff with questions. 

Back to top

There are a number of additional resources available specific to graduate advisors. These, and more, are available at www.phigam.org/advisor.
 - New Member's Bill of Rights: This will be provided to each new member when he registers online with the Fraternity and is included in the Fraternity’s New Member Education Program. We encourage you to utilize this as a tool to help guide discussions regarding hazing with your chapter/colony and new members.
 - Hazing Prevention to Graduate Advisor: A brief course in the Phi Gamma Delta Learning Portal (LMS) created to help advisors understand the Fraternity’s laws and policies regarding hazing and provide tips to help you to recognize and combat hazing activities.
 - Graduate Pledge Education Questionnaire: A one-page tool for use in reviewing the chapter pledge program.
 - Letter to Parents: Sample letter you can send to parents of pledges referenced in the Promoting Positive New Member Education document. This letter is also located in the New Member Educator's Manual. 

Back to top

The Fraternity has established the Courageous Leader Award to recognize brothers, pledges and friends of Phi Gamma Delta who who have gone above and beyond in courageously living the values of Phi Gamma Delta.

Award winner(s) will be announced at the Fiji Academy in January 2020. Nominations are due by October 31 to be considered. For more information or to nominate someone, visit www.phigam.org/CourageousLeaderAward.

Back to top

As a Purple Legionnaire, your influence is crucial to our efforts with the upcoming #myFraternity social media day, on September 10. Our goal is to socially engage our members and friends to make a post to social media about the positive experience they have had through Phi Gamma Delta. Please plan now to join us in the outreach.

We ask that you be a leader in sharing and encouraging others to share the key phrase for the day: "I am _______ because of #myFraternity." (Pick a word that best describes your growth and development through Phi Gamma Delta -i.e. courageous, smarter, thoughtful or better.)
 - Plan to make a post on Sept. 10. Be sure to include #myFraternity.
 - Reach out to others in your network and ask them to also share their stories.
 - Share the Fraternity's posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Back to top

Thank you for the important work you do to advise our chapters and colonies. If you have questions, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Perge!

Copy: Section Chiefs, Field Secretaries 

 - Check in with Section Chief.
 - Attend a chapter and/or cabinet meeting.
 - All IHQ forms due are completed and sent (see last week's Friday Letter)
 - Get updates for each committee’s progress on spring goals
 - Submitted award packets (local and Fraternity) are retained for the chapter’s records
 - Did the chapter submit a Wilkinson Award nominee? Or nominate deserving graduate brothers for individual awards? Contact Bryan Hartzell for potential extended deadlines
 - Proper Pig Dinner follow-up: bills paid, thank you notes sent, notebook maintained for next year’s chairman
 - Historian maintains appropriate Pig Dinner memorabilia/photographs
 - Pig Dinner attendance is reported
 - Work with BCA / cabinet to begin planning for summer / fall retreat.
 - Ensure recruitment plans are in development for summer / fall.
 - Are brothers attending The Summit?
 - Chapter identified and submitted a participant for The Leadership Institute?
 - Check progress towards the completion of GreekLifeEDU (deadline: April 15)
 - Attend Initiation for the spring pledge class
 - Push for spring newsletter if not yet sent
 - Ensure preparations are underway for closing the chapter house for the summer / summer tenants
 - Summer roster/contact info is being assembled for distribution
 - Keep BCA, House Corporation informed
 - Re-evaluate chapter calendar, adjust as necessary 

Back to top

With the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Fraternity and Educational Foundation are hosting our second Giving Day on May 1, 2019, helping to Continue Our Legacy and Expand Our Impact. Money raised during the event will benefit the Fraternity and the Educational Foundation. We encourage all of our brothers to support our great Phi Gam legacy and help us expand our reach and increase our impact.

What Can I Do to Participate?
There are a number of ways you can support the Fraternity and make Giving Day a success.
 - Make a donation to the Fraternity or Foundation on May 1 at phigamimpact.org.
 - Sign up to be an Ambassador - helping to spread the word and encourage your contemporaries to participate.
 - Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #PhiGamImpact. Share posts and updates from the Fraternity and Educational Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

What is the Goal for the Phi Gamma Delta Giving Day?
This year’s Giving Day goal to have an ambassador from each of our active colonies and chapters. This helps us to broaden our donor base and encourage participation from each of our chapters and colonies. Every donation makes a difference, so spread the word and encourage others to donate!

Additional questions? Learn more at phigam.org/GivingDay or contact Duke Murphy.

Back to top

Has your chapter submitted a Wilkinson Award nominee? Has it nominated deserving graduates for the Coulter Cup or other awards for graduate volunteers? If not, nominations are still being accepted for a short time.

The Wilkinson Award is presented annually to the most outstanding undergraduate member of the senior class of the Fraternity based on scholarship, personality, Fraternity service and extra-curricular activities.

Each undergraduate chapter is requested to select a nominee and submit that nominee to its Section Chief. Each Section Chief will then select a candidate from his section and forward his application to the Fraternity. Nominee applications should be submitted to the Section Chief (or headquarters if no Section Chief) as soon as possible!

Please encourage your chapter to submit a nominee. Application details are available here or by contacting Bryan Hartzell. 

Individual Awards for Volunteers
The Fraternity's awards competition also provides a number of individual awards to recognize deserving brothers for their contributions as graduate volunteers. While many tend to rely on the undergraduate chapter to nominate these brothers, we encourage graduate brothers to nominate others where they recognize deserving brothers.

These awards include:
 - Coulter Cup: Graduate brother who has contributed the most to an undergraduate chapter through service in a capacity other than as a Purple Legionnaire or General Officer
 - Crowder Cup: Outstanding Faculty Advisor
 - Durrance Award: Outstanding Purple Legionnaire
 - Haynes Award: Most effective Section Chief

Application details are available here or by contacting Bryan Hartzell. We MUST have any additional nominations submitted no later than April 30.

Back to top

Please emphasize the below message regarding Fiji Island (as well as other chapter/colony events), which was included in last week's Friday letter.

A message about Fiji Island from our Executive Director.

With the spring and summer months upon us, chapters may plan Fiji Island and other outdoor events. While these can be fun events, they require careful planning and attention to risk management procedures. Whether the event is held on or off of chapter property, the Fraternity requires that all chapters and colonies to comply with these guidelines:

There is to be no construction or use of pools, ponds, towers, platforms, slides or swings. Add to this list drawbridges, trampolines, hot tubs and trapeze apparatus. Such constructions are the most frequent case of serious injury, and resulting liability insurance payments, at our chapters.

All events must comply with the Risk Management Policy and Event Planning Guidelines. All events must utilize Third Party Vendor or BYOB Guidelines, a predetermined guest list and cannot allow underage drinking or drinking games.

There is to be no 'painting up' or use of the Fiji Man caricature.The Fraternity’s policy on these activities is over 30 years old. This includes using black or purple paint to cover the face or body. These do not present a favorable image of Phi Gamma Delta and are offensive. You may also wish to reference our Statement on Sensitivity. 

Follow transportation guidelines, utilizing professional transportation options when brothers and guests must be transported to and from the event. Brothers and guests should not drive if intoxicated!

When chapters violate the Risk Management Policy or laws of the Fraternity, and that violation results in injury and a liability claim, that chapter can lose coverage under our liability insurance policy. Additionally, chapters and individuals face disciplinary action by the Fraternity and college/university.

Contact Todd Rotgers with any questions.

Back to top

Thank you for the important work you do to advise our chapters and colonies. If you have questions, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Perge!

Copy: Section Chiefs, Field Secretaries