Greek councils hold benchmark retreat
Earlier this summer, Virginia Tech’s fraternity and sorority governing councils held their first successful retreat conference involving the governing boards for the university’s four councils: the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-hellenic Council, and the University Council of Fraternity and Sororities.
Guided by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, members from the four governing boards discussed strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and goals for the more than 3,000 fraternity and sorority members on campus.
The focus and theme for this year was “Community One”—all 64 Greek chapters acting as one united community. One of the main motivations to hold the conference was for all the councils to work as a team.
After introductions and icebreakers, the councils discussed group dynamics and communication. The leaders from each group then educated one another about their nationally prescribed traditions and methods of operation. Next, conference members analyzed operations in the Greek community, focusing mostly on the strengths and opportunities, but also addressing weaknesses and short comings faced by Greek leaders. The members set goals that focused on education for members and nonmembers, greater intercouncil communication, and community involvement.
The groups will meet again in late September and again in October to discuss each member’s progress on initiatives aimed at strengthening Greek Life at Virginia Tech.
