Executive Order No. 1068
Biennial Report
SUBMITTED BY:
San José State University
Division of Student Affairs
Student Involvement
www.sjsu.edu/getinvolved
getinvolved@sjsu.edu
Phone: (408) 924-5950
Fax: (408) 924-5953
August 2014
DEPARTMENT MISSION, INITIATIVES & LEARNING OUTCOMES
The Student Activities office at San José State University is known as Student Involvement. Our department’s
vision is “transforming student experiences into learning opportunities”. This student development point of view
is consistent with our counterpart campuses nationwide. (http://www.sjsu.edu/getinvolved/about/index.html).
The mission of Student Involvement at San José State University is “To engage students in learning and
personal development by fostering connections within our diverse University community, promoting campus
citizenship, and preparing students for current and future leadership roles”. Our mission has a direct
correlation to both the mission of the Division of Student Affairs and to the University.
The mission of San José State University is:
“In collaboration with nearby industries and communities, SJSU faculty and staff are dedicated to achieving the
university's mission as a responsive institution of the State of California: To enrich the lives of its students, to
transmit knowledge to its students along with the necessary skills for applying it in the service of our society,
and to expand the base of knowledge through research and scholarship.”
All programs and services of Student Involvement aim to transfer skills to students in hopes that it will assist in
their future career and personal development. All 3 of our learning outcomes are evidence of this endeavor. In
addition, through programs facilitated by Student Involvement, students have the ability to develop and hone
their leadership skills. Such skills include: student organization management, communication, problem solving,
and event planning.
The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is:
“In keeping with the academic mission of the institution, the Division of Student Affairs exists to provide
student-focused programs and services that support student success and enhance the student experience at
San José State University. Our aim is to create critical student learning opportunities beyond the classrooms
that support the intellectual, personal, and civic growth of our students.”
Student Involvement supports this mission by providing co-curricular programs to enhance students’ academic
careers while engaging them in thoughtful experiences surrounding equity and social justice. In addition, our
student organizations population allows for community development for our students, thus offering a social and
support network as students progress in their university experience.
Student Involvement has identified three (3) general learning outcomes to assess all programs and services.
Within each general outcome are three specific outcomes that connect directly to the opportunities and
experiences that Student Involvement facilitates for SJSU students. These specific outcomes were developed
in order to align directly with the University Learning Goals (ULGs).
1. Involved students at San José State University will think critically and practically
Students demonstrate self-awareness through accurate assessment and understanding of personal strengths
and challenges (maps to ULG #4)
When faced with uncertainty, students will demonstrate intellectual and emotional aptitude — a tolerance of
ambiguity (maps to ULGs #4 and/or #5)
Students exhibit cognitive complexity through creative and reflective thinking (maps to ULGs #4 and/or #5)
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2. Involved students at San José State University will commit to success
Resilient students will learn to appreciate the lessons that follow crucibles and adapt constructively (maps to
ULGs #4, #5, and/or #6)
Students will acquire practical competence in communication ability, managing time and responsibilities, and
leading purposeful, healthy lives (maps to ULGs #4 and/or #5)
Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of University programs, organizations, and services —
campus connectedness(maps to ULGs #5 and/or #6)
3. Involved students at San José State University will engage themselves as active members of society
Students will engender a conscious mindfulness that values difference in the thoughts and actions of
themselves and others (maps to ULGs #2, #3, #4, #5, and/or #6)
Students will become responsibly connected to the society in which we reside by actively working toward
change (maps to ULGs #5 and/or #6)
An ability to start a movement or participate wholeheartedly in the accomplishments of others — leaders and
followers (maps to ULGs #4, #5, and/or #6)
Student Involvement consists of two main program areas: (1) Student Engagement and (2) Student Success.
In addition, this report integrates information from the Club Sports Program, which is not housed within Student
Involvement, but remains closely tied to our department through its work with competition based student
organizations.
Student Engagement
The mission of Student Engagement is to develop personal and community growth experiences so that all
SJSU students can positively transform themselves and their world.
In 2012, the former Fraternity and Sorority Life (FASL) team and the Student Organizations, Activities, and
Leadership (SOAL) team were merged to create Student Engagement. This new team is responsible for
oversight, coordination, and assessment of SJSU’s student organization and fraternity and sorority
communities. Each full-time professional advises one or more fraternity/sorority councils and oversees support
and recognition processes for one or more categories of student organization. Management interns (graduate
students) support the professional staff in advising and coordination functions and also contribute to planning
and implementation of major team programs and operations.
As of Spring semester 2014, Student Engagement oversees 420 recognized student organizations, which
includes 44 social fraternities and sororities.
Student Engagement Major Initiatives
Student Engagement offers several major program initiatives over the academic year. Such programs include:
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Fraternity & Sorority New Member Experience
GREAT (GREek Active personal developmenT) Program
Fraternity & Sorority Standards of Excellence Program
Fraternal Values Summit
Joint Greek Council Swearing-In Ceremony
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Student Organization Fairs
Student Leadership Gala & Fraternal Values Awards
Student Organization Recognition
Student Organization Advisor Resources
In addition, the Student Engagement team provides support for major university programs such as
Homecoming, Honors Convocation, and Commencement. Student Engagement staff also act as university
advisors to student leaders and committees of the Associated Students.
Club Sports Program (housed within the Student Union, Inc.)
The Club Sports Program at San Jose State University provides an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to
shape their own recreational experience through competitive/instructional sports teams. This program
enhances the collegiate experience by developing skills and knowledge of a particular sport, building character
and leadership for future pursuits, and discovering lasting friendships and a lifetime appreciation for physical
activity. Club Sports supports all non-NCAA athletics at SJSU and enhances the college experience by
allowing students to join a team and compete with their fellow Spartans against other universities. Each team is
comprised of and managed by students, and in terms of competitiveness, teams range from the recreational to
the national elite. Some of the main goals of the program are 1) to create an environment where students can
enjoy the camaraderie and active student life of team athletics; 2) develop skills and knowledge of a particular
sport; and 3) build character and leadership skills that will benefit students in the professional world.
The Club Sports Program is housed by the Student Union, Inc. and is overseen by the Club Sports
Coordinator. In addition, this program assists with the overall risk management and insurance for these
competitive teams. The components of the program include:
Club Sports Executive Cabinet: The Club Sports Executive Cabinet has five student positions;
President, Vice President, Communications Liaison, Treasurer, and Safety Manager. The Club Sports
Coordinator and the previous year’s Club Sports Executive Cabinet appoint individuals to cabinet
positions to serve a one-year term. Appointed students should be active in the Club Sports Council for
one year prior to serving on the cabinet and a team cannot be represented in more than one position on
the cabinet. Each member on the Executive Cabinet is the Chair of a designated committee for the
Club Sports Program and serves as a leader to other Club Sports participants.
Club Sports Council: The Club Sports Council consists of one representative from each Club Sports
team. Teams may select any member to represent their interests on the council, and the representative
is required to attend all meetings. In representing the different teams the Council makes
recommendations concerning various matters within the Club Sports Program such as: discipline,
fundraising, promotions, and policies. The Council serves as a partnership between all the teams to
address common needs and concerns in order to create a stronger program.
PROGRAM INFORMATION AND EVALUATION: 2012-2014
2012-2014 Formal Recognition Process
The Fall recognition process for all student organizations (both Returning and New) opens annually on August
1 and typically concludes the second or third week of September. The Student Involvement website outlines in
detail each step of the recognition process and there are separate processes for new and returning
organizations. The site listed the 10 Steps for New Student Organizations and the 8 Steps for Returning
Student Organizations.
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Student Involvement also permits the formation of new recognized student organization at the beginning of
each Spring semester. Recognition requirements are identical, with the recognition period opening in midJanuary and closing in mid-February each Spring.
Below are the steps for both New and Returning organizations to receive their recognition with the University:
Newly formed student organizations: were required to complete the following steps to be considered for
recognition:
1. Review all necessary materials
2. Attend a new student organization info session
3. Gather minimum membership
4. Develop & approve constitution
5. Read and agree to the university policies and procedures for student organizations and student
organization code of conduct
6. Take alcohol awareness education training
7. Select an advisor
8. Submit information to SpartaNet (online recognition system)
9. (optional) Schedule and complete an approval meeting
10. Communicate with student involvement during the recognition period
Existing student organizations: were required to complete the following steps to be considered for recognition:
1. Review all recognition materials
2. Maintain required membership
3. Review your constitution
4. Confirm advisor
5. Read & acknowledge policies and procedures
6. Take alcohol awareness education training
7. Submit the recognition application in SpartaNet
8. Communicate with student involvement during the recognition period
Regular periods of time were set aside for drop-in appointments and were staffed by the Student Engagement
full-time and management intern staff. These meetings served as the preliminary information sharing for new
organizations and served as a resource for returning groups who needed assistance. Additionally, we hosted 3
New Student Organization information sessions each semester. Attendance at these workshops is a
mandatory step in the new student organization recognition process. These workshops provide an overview of
the recognition process and also include information on the following topics:
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Student organization funding through Associated Students
Reserving on-campus facilities & arranging for catering services
Managing organization finances through AS and university foundation accounts
Student Organization Code of Conduct & Hazing Prevention
Services offered by Student Involvement for recognized student organizations
The recognition process is conducted primarily online through SpartaNet, our web-based internal recognition
management system. This system was developed by Student Affairs Systems staff and is integrated with
PeopleSoft, allowing staff to instantly verify student officer grades and enrollment.
The benefits of SpartaNet:
 Grade Checks: able to complete grade check requirements instantly by pulling from regularly updated
PeopleSoft divisional student databases.
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Contact Information Management: online means to maintain accurate and current membership lists with
contact information
Student Organization Directory: a live means of displaying every registered organization, their purpose
statements, and the contact information of RSO leaders and advisors
Commitment to University & CSU Policy: a means to inform and require acceptance of an
understanding an willingness to comply with EO 1068 and SJSU policies
SpartaNet has continued to make the recognition process significantly more streamlined than in the past, more
approachable for students, and has the potential for further expansion of services. In Fall 2012, Spring 2013,
and Spring 2014, we additionally satisfied the alcohol training portion of EO 1068 by requiring the completion
of eCHECKUP TO GO. All presidents and treasurers were verified as having completed the online workshop
before recognition was granted. eCHECKUP allowed us to have a demonstrable means of proving compliance.
For the Fall 2014 recognition period, the alcohol training was offered in an in-person format conducted by
SJSU’s student Peer Health Educators.
Student ownership and responsibility continues to be a challenge for the recognition process, although to a
much lesser extent than past years. Since notification and communication with the team relies solely on the
information that the student organization provides the department, groups have many hitches when they do not
update their contact information in SpartaNet. Groups are continually reminded to update their contact
information throughout the year. Such reminders appear in the student organization newsletter, end of the year
closeout letter, various emails throughout the year, and are posted on our website. Despite the myriad of
reminders, occasionally groups maintain that they are unaware of the recognition process and the Student
Engagement staff had to have a few conversations with groups who missed the deadline. These instances
helped build awareness of the process. Moreover, the conversations were treated as opportunities to educate
and inform students on policies and general responsible behavior.
2012-2014 Student Organization Recognition Statistics
Total # of RSO’s
New RSO’s
Returning RSO’s
Fall 2012
343
29
314
Spring 2013
391
48
N/A
Fall 2013
388
42
346
Spring 2014
420
32
N/A
From Fall 2012 to Spring 2014, there was a 22% increase in the number of recognized student organizations,
bringing SJSU’s total recognized student organizations to over 400 for the first time.
2012 Constitution Revision Requirement
As a result of litigation at two CSU campuses, the Chancellor’s Office prompted campuses to review their
requirements for recognized student organization constitutions in Spring 2012. SJSU responded by revising
our student organization constitution template and the mandatory language that must be included by student
organizations in their documents. Based on that revision, we required all of our student organization to update
their constitutions. SJSU chose to do this simultaneously with our Fall 2012 student organization recognition
cycle. The updated template was provided to all new and renewing organizations and approval of recognition
was made contingent on successful revision of constitutions. This proved to be a successful approach and also
prompted our student organizations to review their operations and make further revisions. This was valuable in
that many organizations had been operating with constitutions that were obsolete.
Program Successes
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Team Merger: The merger of the former Fraternity and Sorority Life (FASL) team and the Student
Organizations, Activities, and Leadership (SOAL) team has allowed Student Involvement a great deal
more flexibility in its work with student organizations. The staff can now devote more time and attention
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to specific projects and can adapt staff time to managing urgent problems and situations. It has also
eliminated miscommunications and has allowed staff to foster connections among groups that normally
would not have necessarily interacted. As an example, having the same person advise multicultural
fraternities and sororities and oversee general cultural organizations allows for greater collaboration
and unique opportunities to work together for the benefit of the student experience. The new structure
also allow staff the unique opportunity build knowledge, skills, and experiences in aspects of student
affairs that are often not housed within the same department or unit.
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Student Leadership Gala: 2012 marked the first year of the annual Student Leadership Gala. Following
a series of discussions among campus life staff, it was decided to create a joint end-of-the-year event
that would celebrate student leadership achievement, replacing the many separate departmental and
program ceremonies. This Student Leadership Gala brought together Student Involvement, Associated
Students, LGBT Resource Center, Women’s Resource Center, MOSAIC Cross-Cultural Center, and
the Wellness and Health Promotion program of the SJSU Student Health Center. The event included a
keynote speaker, performances from SJSU student organizations, and the presentation of awards or
honors for student organizations, fraternities & sororities, AS 55, peer advocates and peer mentors, and
graduating seniors from the participating departments. Deemed an overwhelming success by
participants and organizers, the Student Leadership Gala is evolving into a new student life tradition at
SJSU.
Program Challenges
Student Organization Funding: With over 400 student organizations, there is a strong demand on SJSU
student organization funding sources. The Associated Students provides the primary on-campus
source of organization funding. However, the amount allocated by the Associated Students for this
funding has not increased in recent years (and actually decreased in 2013-2014). Since the number of
student organizations has increased 22% over the last two years, there are now many more groups
competing for this funding. Occasionally, the campus is able to offer one-time funding for organizations,
such as for school spirit-focused activities for Homecoming or community building and educational
activities for culturally-based student organizations. However, this funding is not permanent, varies from
year to year, and is generally modest in amount. Student organizations have been very creative and
diligent in obtaining a limited amount of funding through outside sources in terms of direct donations,
fundraising partnerships, and in-kind donations. In the same way as on-campus funding, these offcampus sources are not keeping pace with the increase in the number of organizations. With student
organization providing the vast majority of student life programming at SJSU, a lack of funding inhibits
the vibrancy of campus life and the potential impact of student organization.
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Campus Construction: Major construction projects are scheduled to take place on campus from 2012
through at least 2016. Several projects are taking place simultaneously and each of them impacts
student organization meeting and event space. During construction of the new student union, meeting
rooms in the old union no longer exist and organizations have had to identify new spaces until
construction is complete. Construction of the new student health and counseling facility, academic
facilities, and a new residence hall have necessitated blocking off large open spaces that have been
traditionally used for outdoor programs. While campus departments have been very supportive in
identifying spaces to relocate these events, the fact that these construction projects are happening
concurrently reduces available space on campus at a time when the number of student organizations
needing space continues to grow.
PROMISING PRACTICES: SJSU FRATERNAL VALUES SUMMIT
Program History, Objectives, and Logistics
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Positive and lasting community change is best achieved by leaders who are inspired, informed, effective, and
united. Annually since 2006, Student Involvement has hosted the Fraternal Values Summit for leaders of
fraternity and sorority chapters and councils to convene and collaboratively increase their efficacy as officers,
learn campus policy, build unity and understanding between organizations, and develop strategic plans to
advance the collective fraternal community. In community-wide discussion and in smaller cohorts designed to
maximize diversity of demographic, affiliation, and experience, students are guided throughout the Summit in
exploration of the shared values of Family, Academics, Service, and Leadership and the degree to which their
respective organization and the community as a whole were living these values.
Creation of the Fraternal Values Summit (previously known as the PRIDE Retreat) was prompted by the 2004
SJSU Greek Life Task Force Report, which outlined a number of recommendations for the enhancement of
fraternity and sorority advising and support services. The Fraternal Values Summit has evolved over the years
into a signature program for SJSU’s fraternity and sorority community.
Taking place each January before classes begin, SJSU’s fraternity and sorority chapters and councils send
two delegates to the Fraternal Values Summit. These delegates are the chapter/council president and the
chapter/council new member educator (or other officer). The summit is facilitated primarily by Student
Involvement staff, but chapter alumni and other university staff are often asked to attend the summit and
facilitate specific workshops or work with cohorts (which we term “Values Groups”).
The objectives of the Fraternal Values Summit are:
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To build understanding and unity within a highly diverse fraternity and sorority community
To train presidents and other leaders on necessary information related to SJSU and Student
Involvement policies and expectations and to outline a framework for accountability
To provide Greek leaders with resources that will help them be successful in their positions
For the 2013 fiscal year, approximately $18,000 was spent on the Fraternal Values Summit. The bulk of the
costs are dedicated to the retreat location fee, which includes meeting space for three days, overnight lodging
for two nights, and meal service. Two students per chapter and council attend, plus an average of 5 Student
Involvement staff, which generally totals to around 75-90 individuals participating in the summit. Because
location fees are incurred before the summit, chapters/councils that do not send their allotted delegates are
billed for the cost of attendance. The summit is hosted at one of several retreat/camp sites around the San
Francisco Bay Area. In addition to location costs, we do pay for charter busses to transport participants from
campus to the summit location. There are also nominal expenses for printing and supplies. There is no cost for
students to attend the program.
Program Content
Topics covered at the summit have included:
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Roles of the chapter/council leader
Human development theories/models (e.g.: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs)
SJSU Policies and Expectations (e.g.: Greek Management Manual)
State and Federal Law related to Fraternities and Sororities (e.g.: SB 1454 – “Matt’s Law”)
SWOT analysis of the fraternity/sorority councils and overall community
Social justice and inclusion awareness and training
Event planning and calendaring
Personal leadership development
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Dealing with difficult situations/conflict management/problem solving
Campus and community resources for health and wellness
Academic support programs and services
Goal setting and strategic planning
In order to encourage more in-depth discussion and to reinforce information presented in whole-group
sessions, there are several points during the summit where participants meet in cohort groups (“Values
Groups”). Professional staff and alumni facilitate these small discussion-based groups, which are often
assigned projects to complete during the summit, such as peer teaching assignments, skits, goals, and other
tasks. The Values Groups also allow participants to feel like they are making one-on-one connections with their
peers and the Student Involvement staff that are not always possible within the whole-group activities. The
staff is intentional about creating Values Groups that are bring together a variety of leadership experience
levels and council affiliations to ensure that the groups reflect the diversity of the wider fraternity and sorority
community.
Program Assessment & Recommendations
Each summit is assessed primarily for student satisfaction with the experience in general and the usefulness of
individual topical sessions. Students are also asked to rate their competence or knowledge in a variety of
subjects both before and after the summit (Pre-Test/Post-Test). These subjects change from year to year, but
in general, participants rate themselves as possessing greater competence or knowledge after the summit than
before. This has been a consistent result for the 2012, 2013, and 2014 summits.
For the 2014 summit, three learning outcomes for the summit were developed and assessed based on the
Student Involvement learning outcomes using a Pre-Test/Post-Test format. The three outcomes were:
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Outcome 1: Knowledge of SJSU Fraternity/Sorority Councils & Their Characteristics: Participants of the
Fraternal Values Summit will be able to articulate the unique characteristics of other governing councils
to their own council, measured against an established rubric.
This outcome links to Student Involvement’s Learning Outcome #3: Involved students at San José
State University will engage themselves as active members of society. The SJSU fraternity and sorority
is very diverse in terms of types of organizations, and our staff believes it is critically important for
members of the community to know about groups that differ from theirs and be able to demonstrate an
understanding and appreciation for the richness of the SJSU Greek community. This outcome is also
connected to the “Family” value of the fraternal values that underlie the summit and the community.
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Outcome 2: Knowledge of Greek Management Manual & SJSU Policies: Participants of the Fraternal
Values Summit will be able to articulate SJSU policies and procedures found in the Greek Management
Manual and other policy documents, measured against an established rubric.
This outcome links to Student Involvement’s Learning Outcome #1: Involved students at San José
State University will think critically and practically, and to Learning Outcome #2: Involved students at
San José State University will commit to success. Fraternity and sorority communities face significant
liability and risk management concerns, as well as a great deal of compliance issues with national
requirements, university policies, and local, state, and federal law. Being able to thoughtfully
understand and apply these policies and regulations to chapter operations is a critical skill for chapter
and council leaders. They must also be able to educate their chapter members and cultivate critical
thought about how chapters and councils exist within the wider community. This outcome is also
connected to the “Leadership” value of the fraternal values that underlie the summit and the community
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Outcome 3: Knowledge of Student Involvement Purpose and Programs:.Participants of the Fraternal
Values Summit will be able to articulate the purpose and programs of Student Involvement, measured
against an established rubric.
This outcome links to Student Involvement’s Learning Outcome #2: Involved students at San José
State University will commit to success. Student Involvement is the department responsible for SJSU’s
fraternity and sorority community, but it also plays a wider role in campus life. This wider role is relevant
to fraternity and sorority members. Our staff wanted to know the extent to which chapter/council leaders
were aware of the full scope of Student Involvement’s programs and services.
The 75 participants of the 2014 Fraternal Values Summit were asked to describe their knowledge of the
learning outcome areas before the beginning of the Fraternal Values Summit (pre-test) and after the summit
(post-test). The responses were coded using a rubric.
Outcome 1: Knowledge of SJSU Fraternity/Sorority Councils & Their Characteristics
On a 1 to 4 scale (4 highest):
Pre-Test Average: 2.65
Pre-Test Percentage of Responses Below the Average: 52%
Pre-Test Percentage of Responses Above the Average: 48%
Post-Test Average: 3.41
Post-Test Percentage of Responses Below the Average: 29%
Post-Test Percentage of Responses Above the Average: 71%
Outcome 2: Knowledge of Greek Management Manual & SJSU Policies
On a 1 to 4 scale (4 highest):
Pre-Test Average: 2.04
Pre-Test Percentage of Responses Below the Average: 51%
Pre-Test Percentage of Responses Above the Average: 49%
Post-Test Average: 2.71
Post-Test Percentage of Responses Below the Average: 29%
Post-Test Percentage of Responses Above the Average: 71%
Outcome 3: Knowledge of Student Involvement Purpose and Programs
On a 1 to 4 scale (4 highest):
Pre-Test Average: 2.03
Pre-Test Percentage of Responses Below the Average: 65%
Pre-Test Percentage of Responses Above the Average: 35%
Post-Test Average: 2.20
Post-Test Percentage of Responses Below the Average: 60%
Post-Test Percentage of Responses Above the Average: 40%
Percentage changes
Knowledge of SJSU Fraternity/Sorority Councils & Their Characteristics
Knowledge of Greek Management Manual & SJSU Policies
Knowledge of Student Involvement Purpose and Programs
28.7%
32.8%
8.4%
As our learning outcomes were not established with a specific achievement marker, we retroactively
determined that accomplishment of the learning outcomes would be signified by an average score of 2.5 and
the percentage of response above the average must exceed the percentage of responses below the average.
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We were able to determine that some learning had occurred for each of our outcomes, in that the average
score had increased from pre-test to post-test. We were able to determine that we had achieved two out of
three of our learning outcomes based on our retroactive criteria. Participants in the Fraternal Values Summit
did learn about the fraternity/sorority councils and the policies and procedures that apply to the
fraternity/sorority community as outlined in the Greek Management Manual. Participants were not able to
successfully articulate the purpose and programs of Student Involvement.
We were satisfied with our participants’ achievement of Outcome 1, although we plan on improving and
enhancing learning opportunities in that area in order to enrich understanding of the diversity of our
fraternity/sorority community.
Although learning occurred for Outcome 2, we are always looking for ways to improve how we deliver content
in this area. Rules, regulations, polices, and procedures can be very dry and unexciting to teach and to learn
and we will be employing further interactive and applied teaching methods in future Fraternal Values Summits
It is clear that much more work should be done to achieve Outcome 3 and help our participants understand the
purpose and programs of Student Involvement. Many of our participants are only aware that this department
works with fraternities, sororities, and student organizations. Because our department offers a wealth of
programs and services that are of us to fraternity and sorority leaders beyond the advisement and support
provided by the Student Engagement staff, we will develop a new curriculum to educate participants on the
resources of the entire department as well as its overall purpose at San Jose State University.
Sustainability
The summit has existed for almost 10 years and has become an important part of our training and
development of fraternity and sorority leaders. Student Involvement is committed to the program and has
altered the content and facilitation style from year to year to adapt to student learning styles, needs, and
emerging issues. In 2014, the staff incorporated the department’s assistant director for leadership development
in the planning and implementation process in order to enhance the personal leadership and community
building aspects of the program.
Funding is the primary factor that could potentially threaten the existence of the program or substantially alter
the way in which it is implemented. Over the years, increases in costs for summit locations have outpaced
increases in the program budget. The Student Involvement staff believes that the current three-day, two-night
format at an off-site location to be ideal for having participants focus on learning and building a community.
Changing the format or hosting the event on-campus may significantly decrease the impact of the program.
Replication
We have found that the summit’s focus on values and unity has been a very effective approach in bringing our
diverse participants together. While our students and chapters are very different, they do have the values of
Family, Academics, Service, and Leadership in common and we are intentional about connecting everything
we do at the summit back to those values. We recommend that any plans to replicate the Fraternal Values
Summit include something similar.
Timing is an issue that plays a significant role in the summit. The program was developed based on the fact
that many chapter and council officers’ terms are based on a calendar year cycle. Thus, hosting the summit at
the beginning of a calendar year allows us to present information to new leaders at the beginning of their terms
when it is most relevant to the leadership development. However, as our fraternity and sorority community has
grown, we are faced with the fact that a large number of our organizations have their officer terms on an
academic year cycle, so when they attend Fraternal Values Summit, they are already half-way through their
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terms. These attendees tend to already know our policies and procedures, although the community building
aspect of the summit remains relevant for them. Identifying an ideal time for this type of training for all
chapters/councils is an ongoing challenge.
For SJSU Student Involvement, the Fraternal Values Summit is a major program, but we are currently at a
crossroads in that significant improvement or enhancement of the program will require significant additional
funding. Our staff regularly invites key university administrators to join us at the summit, even for a short
amount of time, so that we can demonstrate the impact and relevance of the program. Our staff has had initial
discussions about the potential for outside sponsorship of the summit through donations from Greek-affiliated
alumni or other individuals and organizations in the wider community who may be interested in contributing to a
leadership and community-building program. We recommend that any replication of this program include
strategies for funding development.
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