Beta Theta Pi - Miami University

Spring 2016 Newsletter

Alpha Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Miami University

Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/663475

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 1 of 3

Alpha Slants of BETA THETA PI PAGE 2 Greek Affairs at Miami University A s Alpha Chapter prepares for a strong return to mother Miami in 2016, it's critical to look at the University's political aspects and administrative changes, status of Greek affairs, and the environment in which the chapter will be immediately immersed. The Alpha Chapter Steering Committee has thoroughly reviewed Miami's housing infrastructure, ranging from new and renovated Greek facilities to incredible improvements made by the University to student housing and dining options. Recently, the committee had the opportunity to discuss the state of Greek affairs with Jenny Levering, director of student activities at the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Throughout the dialogue, some key points emerged: • Over the last decade, university retention rates of sorority women and fraternity men have been 10% higher than non-affiliated men and women. • More than 35% of the student body participates in Greek life. • The Interfraternity Council consists of 2,241 men with an average chapter size of 86. • Thirty-five of the 49 Greek organizations at Miami report that more than 50% of their members are involved in other campus organizations. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life supports a broad mix of programming and resources for member organizations, including new member education training and anti-hazing initiatives, leadership retreats, Greeks Step Up (a new bystander education program launched last year), social chairman and risk management training, family weekend, leadership transition workshops, as well as one-on-one counseling with leaders of each group. The model that the office utilizes has been commended nationally and is emulated by other colleges and universities across North America. Every Greek system has its challenges, but Alpha Chapter is returning to a university with a proud and long Greek heritage, progressive leaders, and an environment that supports a bright future. AROUND CAMPUS Award Winners On behalf of Alpha Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, congratulations, Jenny and Gary! Longtime Beta Friend, Jenny Levering, Receives AFA's Distinguished Service Award Jenny Levering, director of the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Student Activities at Miami University, was honored by the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) and named recipient of the Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award. Jenny has been a valuable AFA volunteer over the last decade and an active member of Delta Gamma Fraternity. Jenny is the recipient of the Beta Theta Pi Interfraternalism Award as well as the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values "The Gathering" grant. Gary Goshorn '73 Named 2016 John E. Dolibois Award Recipient for Distinctive Service to Miami Alumni Association Gary earned his degree in secondary social studies education from Miami and spent the majority of his career as a teacher, coach, dean of students, and principal with Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation in Columbus, Ind. As alumni, Gary and his Miami Merger wife, Carole Fidler Goshorn, have served on their 25-, 30-, 35-, and 40-year reunion committees. Gary served on the MUAA Board of Directors from 2004-2009, including as president in 2008. He returned to the board in 2012, contributing three additional years. He currently serves Miami alumni and students on the College of Education, Health, and Society's Dean's Advisory Council; the Miami Men's Glee Club Alumni Board; and the Alpha Chapter Steering Committee for Beta Theta Pi. Progressive Miami Freezes Tuition M iami University's board of trustees approved a zero percent increase in tuition for in- state students for all campuses and programs for 2015-16. The decision is made possible through an anticipated increase in the amount appropriated through the state budget to be passed by the legislature. This decision doesn't impact current students but will affect next year's first-year class. Miami Welcomes New President T his summer, Gregory Crawford will become Miami University's next president. There was a unanimous vote by the board of trustees to approve his hiring. Dr. Crawford was a professor of physics and vice president and associate provost at the University of Notre Dame. We look forward to welcoming President Crawford and being a part of progressive and positive change within the University community.

Articles in this issue

view archives of Beta Theta Pi - Miami University - Spring 2016 Newsletter