Tau Kappa Epsilon - Iowa State University

Fall 2020 Newsletter

Epsilon Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity at Iowa State University

Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1292869

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 5 of 7

6 David Arlt Downers Grove, Ill. Nick Bezanis Western Springs, Ill. Chris Boyle Johnston, Iowa Bobby Didiana Downers Grove, Ill. Jake Dielman Johnston, Iowa Zach Duren Osage, Iowa Preston Greiner Omaha, Neb. Ryan Jaskowski Yorkville, Ill. Nick Keller Waukee, Iowa Dylan Kepley Ames, Iowa Sam McCune West Des Moines, Iowa Zach McDaniel Council Bluffs, Iowa Ethan Newell Gilbert, Iowa Tony Nieland Marion, Iowa Aiden Olsen Chaska, Minn. John Ramirez Gilbert, Iowa Orion Shnayder Omaha, Neb. Bayley Stafslien Sun Prairie, Wis. Lucas Spohn Downers Grove, Ill. Gavin Tatar St. Charles, Ill. Grant Thilges Ames, Iowa Raef Trautman Lakeville, Minn. Ray Wilmes Foristell, Mo. Welcome, New Members! E psilon had a wonderful recruitment season despite having many obstacles in place. Recruitment Chairmen Josh Gouldsmith '18 E-2326 and Dominic Tassoni '19 E-2392 worked diligently to ensure that Epsilon's recruitment remained undeterred. As we begin the fall semester, we have 23 wonderful new members. We plan to add more members through informal fall recruitment as well. As stated in our founding, each man was recruited based off his self-worth and character rather than his wealth, rank, or honor. This candidate class consists of men primarily from the Midwest, all pursuing various degrees. We believe that these men will positively contribute to the Chapter in countless ways and are excited to see what they are capable of accomplishing. KEEPING ALL FRATERS AND THE AMES COMMUNITY SAFE IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19 W ith COVID-19 still being a major concern despite students being back on campus, we are committed to keeping all Fraters and others we encounter safe and healthy. Epsilon's executive team has met virtually since the spring to decide how to move the Chapter forward through the pandemic. It is essential for our members to maintain health guidelines from the CDC and ISU so everyone stays on campus for the fall semester and move on with our college careers with some normalcy. The following recommendations were put into place at Epsilon. A SAFE MOVE-IN Along with suggesting a limited number of family members to help Fraters move back into the Chapter House, we encouraged everyone who entered our home to wear a mask. Guests were and still are the responsibility of the Frater. We're also trying to do our due diligence by taking the temperature of our guests when possible. MASK UP, CLEAN UP, AND SPEAK UP IF EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS We have implemented a mask-on policy for all common areas, including the living room, kitchen, libraries, laundry room, Chapter room, and new addition. When possible, Fraters are encouraged to wear a mask in rooms with multiple individuals. Masks are also required in the kitchen. Rather than eating in the dining room, Fraters are eating in their own rooms. We're not serving food buffet style like we normally would out of safety precautions and out-of-house meals are also prohibited. We're committed to making sure the Chapter House will be as clean as possible. There are hand sanitizer dispensers at all entrances, which all members are encouraged to use regularly. All members are also doing weekly deep cleans. To ensure that no Fraters are running a fever, temperatures will be taken daily. All Tekes understand that they're not only looking out for their best interest when practicing healthy habits, but each other's as well. If Fraters are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, they are asked to stay in their room as much as possible and wear a mask. Should any COVID-related policies be purposely broken, an initial warning will be given, followed by a strike system. A judicial board hearing will be used in extreme cases. While we have a controlled and safe environment in the Chapter House, we can't control what Fraters do outside of our home. We have strongly recommended that all Fraters wear masks and speak up and isolate if experiencing symptoms so we can all stay in Ames for the entirety of the fall semester. STARTING OUT WITH VIRTUAL MEETINGS While we were ecstatic to be back under the same roof, we played it safe by conducting Chapter meetings online for the first two weeks and new member education for the first three weeks before reevaluating our options. The executive board will continue to reevaluate all the guidelines that have been put in place, but the main goals are to stay in Ames for the full fall semester and to have all Fraters remain healthy while doing so.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Tau Kappa Epsilon - Iowa State University - Fall 2020 Newsletter