Sigma Phi Epsilon - Purdue University

Sigma Phi Epsilon-Indiana Alpha Purdue University P.O. Box 442100 Lawrence, KS 66044-2100 Address Service Requested From the Heart A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI OF INDIANA ALPHA t SIGMA PHI EPSILON I ndiana Alpha's Sigma Phi Epsilon annual meeting was held on Saturday, October 2, at the Purdue Memorial Union following an informal dinner on October 1 at Mountain Jacks in Lafayette, Indiana. The dinner was well attended, with over 33 alumni, a few wives, and 11 undergraduates. It was a very informative get-together where many learned about past brothers and future possibilities. The meeting presented the following topics, which are critical right now: State of the chapter and recruitment, finances and fundraising, chapter house remodel, and looking toward the future. We also held the election of the 2021-22 AVC board members: Mike Ellis '84, Brian Rodell '98, Mark Napier '92, Chris Kelly '80, Jim Mosch '80, Scott Swisher '79, Ted Hazledine '65, Norm Nabhan '71, and Jim Quinn '83. Some on the board also met with Brandon Cutler, associate dean of students and director of fraternities and sororities, prior to the dinner. Please enjoy our interview with Mr. Cutler to the left. Also, I encourage you to get involved in our efforts to return 690 Waldron to its rightful place in the Greek community! HFF, Chris Kelly '80 Director of Alumni Relations What Does Greek Life Look Like Moving Forward? Associate Dean of Students Brandon Cutler Outlines Steps for Future Success A surge of volunteers, an honest conversation about student well-being, and a plan to expand diversity: according to Director of Fraternity, Sorority, and Cooperative Life and Associate Dean of Students Brandon Cutler, that's how fraternities and sororities will maintain relevancy in the undergraduate experience. The Greek life experience has changed since Brandon was in Theta Chi at Iowa State University in 2004. He recognizes the way the world has changed, the variation of communal backgrounds, and the hardships students face in the present day; but if there's one thing Brandon knows to be true, it's that Greek life is important. "SigEp, as a national organization, has been a leader in the fraternity industry for decades. They look at the student experience from a holistic perspective. Enhancing social environments and membership development experiences are an asset we lean on to provide ultimate living and learning experiences." Brandon believes that the future of Greek life relies on meeting outcomes-based objectives. Having more alumni volunteers to take on mentorship roles encourages students to understand their career aspirations; creating conversation about student well-being calls on higher education stakeholders to discuss financial insecurity and mental health; expanding diversity and inclusion creates a more vibrant, fulfilling student experience. "Students need someone to challenge them; helping them get good grades or graduate on time is wonderful, but students need someone to guide them into their full potential," Brandon posits. He believes that each organization should have 30-40 volunteers to mentor students; the expertise, value, and companionship they provide to students in need of direction is invaluable. When discussing student success, the conversation must center around the whole student. Universities and higher education partners should coordinate a plan that provides resources, direction, and potential solutions to students. At Purdue, financial affordability, mental health and well-being, and diversity and inclusion have become a clear focus. In fact, Purdue has frozen tuition for over 10 consecutive years under the leadership of President Daniels. "Financial burdens can limit opportunities for students. It's important to consider living-and- learning models that offer unique housing options, including senior discounts, variable room rate, or compensation for facility leadership roles to help students graduate without a mountain of debt." Brandon encourages students to take advantage of campus resources. In recent years, the conversation around mental health has increased, widening the opportunity for students to seek help or assurance if they need it. "Going to the counseling center is understood, by most students, as a positive resource, and it's something we really hope students will continue to utilize," Brandon added. Annual Meeting Well Attended Brandon implores universities and higher education partners to strategize a plan to enhance the student-learning experience, learn from people with different backgrounds, and explore various cultures. Fraternities, sororities, and cooperatives members are 80 percent Caucasian, while the overall campus percentage is only 60. He asked, "How do we create a fraternity's living-and-learning environment to feel welcoming to students that come from diverse backgrounds if we're not considering their needs within the structure and strategy of our organizations?" Ultimately, Greek life 10, 20, or 30 years from now is unpredictable. "I wish I had a crystal ball," Brandon added. The most effective plan for the University and higher education partners is to ask themselves what they want the future to look like and determine the most feasible way to get there. The first step to undergraduate success is ensuring that students' needs and desires are understood and acknowledged in action. To hear Brandon's thoughts on strategizing the future of Greek life, you can read his full interview at purduesigep.org. You can also check out Purdue's long-term visions at purdue.edu/purduemoves.

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