Sigma Kappa - Purdue University

Visions Violets of Beta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Kappa Sorority at Purdue University • Fall 2020 2020 House Corporation Board President Christine Stoecker Watson '83 VP of Personnel Vicki Osmolski Lindamood '92 Treasurer Evelyn Alido Royer, Tau '88 Secretary Laura Haynes Moffat, Tau '80 Board Members-at-Large Loraine Fike Seyfried '87 Melissa Dunlap Fleming, Gamma Gamma '96 Supervisor Lindsey Farrell '05 Executive Vice President Advisor Vacant Vice President of Programming Advisor Jennifer Guy '07 New Member Education Advisor Emily Storm Smith '04 Scholarship Advisor Liz Wiemers, Zeta Iota '13 Financial Advisor Laurel Avery Smith '05 Social Chairman Advisor Allison Laughlin, Delta Upsilon '10 Advisory Board T he 2020-21 academic year has been filled with challenges and changes. We started the school year off with many unknowns because of COVID-19, and Purdue University implemented the first-ever Protect Purdue Plan. This plan was set up to protect the students and faculty as much as possible. Meanwhile, the Beta Sigma House Corporation Board implemented the university recommendations. Students were able to complete all their classes online at home, and sisters were given a one-time option to opt out of their housing contracts. Out- of-house members were also allowed out of their contracts to allow for social distancing and limited contact. Along with limited contact, the House Corporation Board implemented a no-visitor policy for the chapter house. The board feels a huge responsibility to keep not only the collegians safe and healthy, but also our staff as well. The collegiate executive board also implemented their own "Protect Sigma Kappa" plan. We implemented cleaning stations at two main access points when coming into the chapter house as well as in all bathrooms, common areas, and the dining areas. The housekeepers' hours were increased to accommodate disinfecting areas more often. The cold bar and hot bar were removed from the dining service per university protocol, and plating all food was implemented. The board purchased additional flatware, bowls, and cups to accommodate all meals. The dining times were lengthened to accommodate for social distancing and plating. Chairs in the dining area, library, and bum rooms were removed to aid in social distancing. The beds in the sleeping dorms were moved to as many rooms as possible to provide more distancing in the sleeping quarters. The west sleeping dorm was converted into a room. The biggest challenge for the board was implementing university guidelines as quickly as possible. Prior to the collegians' return, the board cleaned the house and restripped the parking lot. The two loveseat rockers were cleaned, scraped, and repainted, giving them a fresh look. I know that this year will be a year of remembrance, as I personally have had many conversations with collegians and parents about what to expect. It has been reiterated that the collegians would have a year of strictly going to class, going to work, and studying at the house, with not much in-person socializing unless it was with their sisters in the house. This has been a very trying year with the restrictions on campus housing. Many of them were not revealed until a confirmed COVID-19 case came up, and as a result additional changes were implemented. Thanks to all the executive board and House Corporation Board members for all they have done to make things run as smoothly as possible. On a lighter note, this was the first year with a virtual Sigma Kappa convention, which went off without a hitch. My pledge class and other pledge classes are hosting regular Zoom meetings. It has been quite fun catching up with everyone and seeing what they are doing. This is a great time to recreate those sister bonds with each other via virtual meetings; these are especially nice because you actually get to see everyone. I encourage other pledge classes to do the same. In closing, I hope each and every one of my Beta Sigma sisters, and other Sigma Kappas stay safe and healthy. Wishing everyone a super happy, blessed holiday season. In Sigma, Christine Stoecker Watson '83 House Corporation Board President Beta Sigma Chapter KEEPING BETA SIGMAS SAFE AT PURDUE House Corporation Board Aligns with University Guidelines

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