How to effectively transition to a new E-Board

Transitioning to a new E-Board can be difficult if your sorority’s old officers do not take the necessary steps to prepare the new E-Board for the long, but rewarding, journey of leading your sorority for the upcoming year.

Before the new E-Board takes over, or during the transition, the old E-Board should show the new officers how to hold meetings, organize events, and how to conduct business within the sorority. All E-Board members should be told what to say or do to effectively run a meeting. It’s important to inform the new E-Board of the rules and regulations, so that the meetings will continue to run smoothly.

Organizing service and social events are a huge part of sorority life. Therefore, the new E-Board should be shown where to find forms to rent buildings or props, given a list of contacts, and have a meeting with the old E-Board to discuss what events they were working on or events they wanted to do but didn’t have time to complete.

Besides teaching the new E-Board how to conduct meetings and organize events, the new E-Board should be taught how to conduct business within the sorority. This is a very important step when transitioning to a new E-Board. The new members have to familiarize themselves with all documents and rituals, and be shown how to fulfill their duties. Along with these important steps, make sure your sorority completes this checklist to effectively transition.

Checklist

•   Pass down important documents
•  Switch names on bank accounts
•  Notify nationals and school officials of new officers
•  Build a bond with the graduate advisor
•  Get to know fellow E-Board members

 

 

Sherelle Black is a junior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

Lilly Pulitzer’s 2012 Sorority Print CLass Revealed!

The wait is finally over! Lilly Pulitzer’s 2012 Sorority Print Class has been officially revealed. “Over, around, about” one million votes were cast by excited voters according to Janie Schoenborn, Lilly Pulitzer’s Fashion Director.

While usually three prints win per year, Pulitzer showed fans how much she appreciates them by accepting five new sororities into her sisterhood.

The winning sororities are Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Phi Mu, Sigma Kappa and Pi Beta Phi!

Schoenborn unveiled the winning prints at her alma mater, Rollins College in Florida, with the sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma. KKG already has a print with Pulitzer.

Winning sororities are encouraged to “stay tuned to Facebook” by Schoenborn. The social networking site will publicize when the brand new prints will be shown.

According to a Lilly Pulizer blog post today, prints should be revealed by the end of February. Pre-ordering should be  start in June, while your favorite new wristlet will be in the mail by August.

If your sorority hasn’t won a print yet, don’t worry! Schoenborn promises a new class of prints next year.

Ariana Romero is a senior entertainment and fashion writing intern for College Lifestyles! She is looking forward to Alpha Gamma Delta winning a print next year! 

The Relationship Between Big and Little Sis

Out of all the hundreds of sisters you gain when you pledge a sorority, your “Big” becomes your closest friend and mentor. When you first join your sorority, you probably don’t know many people yet, and your Big can help you get to know her friends and other people in your Greek Family. Everyone in your pledge class will be fixed up with a Big Sis. Prior to the reveal of who your Big Sis is or around Initiation, you might receive gifts (handmade gifts, treats, letters) or little notes from your Big- it’s her job to be your support system and go-to girl!

Your Big Sis is someone you can tell anything to and guides you through all of your most important moments, such as I-Week.

Now that everyone is coming back from winter break, it’s important to catch up and spend quality time with your Big!

 

 

 

 

Activities you can do with your Big/Little Sis:

Go out to eat

Pedicures

Movie night

Crafting

Work out

Library dates during midterms/finals

Get coffee!

 

 

 

Make sure you plan some fun “family nights” too! Your Big’s Big is usually pretty similar to her and all of you can end up being great friends. It’s important to get to know more girls than just your pledge class, and this is a fantastic way to start!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morgan DeBoest is an intern for College Lifestyles (TM), and is a freshman Magazine Journalism major at Drake University. She is a proud sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma and loves her friends, family, a good book, and traveling. Her Big is abroad this semester in Thailand but that won’t stop them from Skyping!

What to Expect During Sorority Recruitment

If you are interested in joining a sorority at your school, you are going to first have to go through recruitment.  During the recruitment season, there are a few things to expect:

 

1)      Getting overwhelmed is ok and normal.  The events you attend are going to be overwhelming (in a good way).  Choosing which organization would be the match for you can be a tough decision.  Attending multiple events in one night or in a few days can seem like a lot to handle, but it hopefully will help you narrow down your choices.  I would encourage attending as many events as possible (from multiple organizations as well) because it will help you learn the most about each sorority, which can help you when you need to decide who you wish to join the most.  There are a lot of factors that go into this lifelong decision.

2)      You are going to meet a lot of new people.  You are going to meet a lot of new people in each organization.  Remembering names can be tricky, so really observe the women you talk to.  Don’t feel embarrassed if you have to ask her to refresh your memory.  Remember, they were once on your end too, so they can definitely relate to how you are feeling.  It’s ok if you become friends with an individual and do not wish to join her organization.  You can still be her friends, and rightfully should.  You are also going to get a lot of friend requests on Facebook.

3)      Hearing unfamiliar words, such as “Panhellenic,” “philanthropy,” “Bid Day,” and “PNM.”  The Panhellenic Council is the governing body of 26 recognized social sororities.  There is also “Pan-Hellenic,” which is equivalent to Panhellenic.  They each govern different social sororities.  A philanthropy is a service event that raises money for a specific cause.  For example, Alpha Sigma Tau’s national philanthropy is Pine Mountain Settlement School.  The various chapters of Alpha Sigma Tau hold different kinds of fundraisers and donate the proceeds to Pine Mountain.  Each sorority does multiple kinds of philanthropic work for a number of different philanthropies.  Bid Day is the day in which sororities can start handing out bids (bids are invitations to join a sorority).  You can receive a bid from multiple organizations, though you can only officially join one sorority.   “PNM” is a potential new member, which is what you are considered while going through recruitment.  A new member is someone who is a member of a sorority but has yet to be initiated.  Therefore, a potential new member is a person who is going through the recruitment process.

 

Though it is an overwhelming process, sorority recruitment is meant to be fun and enjoyable.

 

12 Days of Christmas Sisterhoods

It’s the greatest time of the year! When everyone is merry, Christmas music is playing everywhere, and Santa is coming to town! Sure, finals are coming up but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break from the books to have a fun Christmas sisterhood!

Instead of spending 12 days of Christmas singing about partridge trees and five golden rings, try 12 days of sisterhoods!

1. Organize a Secret Santa for your whole chapter! Put all your sisters’ names in a hat and have each one select a name in chapter. Set up a maximum amount that can be sent and set a date to exchange – and try to keep it a secret!

2. Christmas movie night! There are a ton of Christmas movies – make it a marathon!

3. Bake Christmas cookies!

4. Decorate your chapter house together! This could include everything from hanging lights to decorating the tree to making snowflakes and hanging them everywhere.

5. Visit the Santa Clause mall and take a group picture!

6. Go Christmas tree shopping for your chapter house!

7. Set up a Toys-for-Tots on your campus! if one is already set up, have each girl spend a set amount of money and donate it. It will make Christmas special for many children, and make you feel good about yourself too!

8. Decorate/create ornaments!

9. Make a gingerbread house! Messy and loads of sugar – what could be better?

10. Make Christmas cards for soldiers! They would really appreciate the effort and to know they are always being thought of especially during the holiday season.

11. Make your own snow globes! You can give them as gifts to your family, advisor, or big sis! All you need is a clean glass jar, water, and glitter. Check out Martha Stewart’s “How to Create a Snow Globe”

12. Ice skating! Not all of us are professional figure skaters, but its fun to fall with your sisters! Or even organize a big snowball fight. It’s nice to get outside and play in the snow every once and a while!

 

Make sure you don’t stress too much over finals coming up and remember to enjoy every minute with your sisters! I hope you enjoy these ideas. Do you have any fun sisterhoods your chapter has done for Christmas?

 

Sharon Tendler is a junior at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She is majoring in business marketing and minoring in graphic design. Sharon is a proud sister of Sigma Sigma Sigma. She enjoys hanging out with friends and family, scrapbooking, texting, and watching movies!

CL’s Ideas for Fun and Rewarding Sisterhood Events

Sisterhood, to me, is one of the most important aspects of being in a sorority. Yes, the management of the organization and philanthropic, social and academic success are extremely important but without good sisterhood, your sorority will never excel to its fullest potential. As the first ever sisterhood chair of my chapter of Kappa Delta, 1-year-old Eta Phi, I understand how important it is, and difficult it can be, to plan organized, creative and fun events that sisters will want to attend. In the beginning, everyone was very excited to get to know one another and eager to attend sisterhood events. However, as the year progressed, school, work, extra-curriculars and other time commitments began to get in the way, and it became even more important for me to choose and plan events wisely, keeping the different interests of my sisters in mind always. I’ve outlined some of our past sisterhood events, with what worked and what could have been improved, that can help boost the sisterhood in any chapter across the country…

Sporting Events: I go to school in Boston and, here, the sports teams practically run the city. As one of our big sisterhood events of the semester, I bought a bunch of tickets to a Red Sox game in the beginning of September. The tickets were standing room only, which was kind of a bummer, but were only $25 each. We asked each girl to pay $10 of their ticket and we paid the rest and I had a huge turnout. It turned out to be a fun adventure running around Fenway Park to try and find seats and for a few girls, it was their first time at a game! Even if your city doesn’t have a major sports team, plan a sisterhood event at one of your school’s games – it’s exciting and a good way to show school pride!

Movie Marathons: We aren’t allowed to have houses at our school, so sometimes it’s hard to plan sisterhood events without a big place to call your own. But on a Saturday afternoon last semester, I rented a room on campus with a projector, ordered pizza, brought popcorn and lots of candy and asked girls to bring their favorite movies. We spent the afternoon lazily watching movies and munching on snacks and it was so much fun! If you have a chapter house, it’s even easier: invite all the girls to your family room for a lazy day of bonding.

Walks for Charity: During October, there was a big “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” that took place right across the river from our school. Even though only 10 girls could take part in the actual walk, everyone chipped in and we ended up raising over $700 in only one week. It was a fun and healthy way to bond with your sisters while helping a really good cause! There are always different walks, 5k’s and marathons going on in your neighborhoods and every little bit counts.

Letter Decorating Party: Especially around big/little week and recruitment, a letter decorating or crafting party is a great way to pull everyone’s creative ideas together in a way that gives you some presents to keep! You can decorate paddles together, tie-dye t-shirts, decorate cups, etc.

 

 

Apple Picking/Pumpkin Picking: Although Fall has sadly flown by, it will come again, so take advantage of everything the season has to offer by going apple picking in the beginning of the year or picking up some pumpkins around Halloween. If you’re close enough in New England to Salem, like we are in Boston, I definitely suggest stopping by during the crazy month of October where you can drink apple cider, visit haunted houses and listen to ghost stories to get you in the true Halloween spirit!

Christmas Tree Lighting: Technically, my chapter hasn’t had this one yet, but jump on it before you miss it! This thursday, we are attending the big Boston Common Christmas Tree Lighting together as our final sisterhood event of the semester. Try to find one happening in your area, whether it’s on campus, in a local park or through a local church. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season with your sisters before school and finals get too crazy.

Group Dinners: We have definitely utilized this idea many times throughout the past year…everyone’s got to eat right?! Whether it’s grabbing a bite together before Sunday chapter meetings, planning a fun night out at a local restaurant, or ordering pizza in with all of your sisters, it will be a huge hit each time.

Volunteering: Helping out others is a always a good thing for sororities to keep up with. Whether it’s volunteering at a convalescent hospital, children’s school or soup kitchen, planning a sisterhood event like this is equally as rewarding for you as it is for those you are helping. Knowing that you are making a difference by seeing where your hard work is going is something that your sisters will remember forever as the ultimate bonding experience.

 

Slumber Party: If you have a chapter house, this is a very fun and easy idea. My chapter has a sleepover for our retreat, where we rented out a big dance studio room and slept on the floor, so that is always an option for those without houses too. Rent some chick flicks, paint each other’s nails, do facials, play truth or dare – think back to your slumber party days when you were little! It is the perfect way to get to know the girls you don’t know as well and create a deeper sisterhood bond throughout your whole chapter.

Let us know some of your great sisterhood event ideas by leaving comments below!

 

                                                                                                                                               

Katie Maguire is a junior at Boston University, majoring in Public Relations with a minor in history. She is Sisterhood Chair of Kappa Delta Sorority and loves baking, working out and laughing with her friends!

CL’s Guide to Feuding with Sisters

Unfortunately, sorority life is not all crafting with puffy paint and organizing philanthropies all the time. You become so close to these women …and will sometimes fight with them! It’s sad because these women are supposed to be your support system and your best friends. If you are or have experienced a bit of a feud with your sisters, it’s okay! You are totally not alone! Check out these tips on how to resolve and handle these issues!

Do’s:

• The best thing you can do, and I mean BEST, is do not involve anyone else. We have all experienced the issue when you complain to your BFF and she tells other people. Words get put in your mouth, things get stretched, and fights get worse! Only confide in one person you know you can trust!!
• Do sit down and simply talk. No friends tagging along or distractions in your way. Do it over lunch or coffee.
• Consider the other person’s point of view. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, so take some time away from the feud and really think why they’re acting this way.
• Do remind yourself of why you love your sister. You did not always have an issue with her; think of the good times and why this friendship is worth holding on to.
• If she is hard to talk to, do write a letter (not a text!) It will give you a
  

  Sisterhood is about being there for each other

  chance to say everything you are thinking and feelingwithout her interrupting you. It will help you feel better to get everything off your chest as well. Be warned though, she can and may show other people so don’t put anything you wouldn’t want others to see.

• Do make up before it gets any worse – because it will!
• Be classy, not catty!

Fashion & Life: CL Interviews Laura Kathleen from Project Runway

 

Hailing from Saint Louis, Laura Kathleen embodies classic, sassy, and chic in her designs and personality. On Lifetime TV’s “Project Runway” Season 9 Laura was the finalist with modern edge and sophistication. College Lifestyles chatted with Laura about her undying determination, education, and her awesome fashion tips. Check it out!

 CL: What was the biggest life lesson you learned while competing on “Project Runway?”

LK: “I’d have to say it reinforced a life lesson I already learned. Stay true to who I am as a designer and as a person. I wanted to have a great experience since this was/ is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If I held back on who I was it would only hinder the whole process.”

CL: Were you involved in any activities while you studied at Western Kentucky University?

LK: “Absolutely! I was/ am a Kappa Delta, a Western Kentucky Hilltopper Cheerleader, and in the family and consumer sciences honor society Phi Upsilon Omicron. My sorority, KD, took up a lot of my time. I was head of a lot of committees and formed strong friendships with my sisters. I only cheered for 2 years, eventually Kappa Delta became what was most important to me.”

CL: What are some must have fashion items that every college girl should have in her closet? 

LK: “Every college girl should have an awesome pair of flat leather boots. She can wear these to class tucked into jeans, with skirts, or dresses. It’s chic but doesn’t look like she is trying too hard. Also, she should have some amazing tailored blazers or jackets and great totes to carry to class. If she is greek, the totes have to wear your letters ”

CL: I read that you tried out for “Project Runway” four times. What motivated you to keep designing and trying to make it on the show?

LK: “When I set my mind to something I am very determined to get what I want. It’s natural for me to never give up so I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Project Runway is the type of publicity people pay tons of money to get. You have to understand what you are signing up for, but if you are okay with that, then game on.”

CL: You’re really into vintage. How can a young fashionista incorporate vintage pieces into her wardrobe?

LK: “I love vintage. For a young fashionista to really incorporate vintage pieces into her wardrobe she would need to educate herself on what is really vintage and what is just thrift store. Not that thrift store isn’t interesting but there is a huge difference. By just taking a belt, clutch, or sweater you can mix and match modern pieces with vintage to make it updated.”

CL: I recently found out that you teach fashion design at a charter school in St. Louis. How is that experience for you? Do you think it is important for aspiring designers to be mentored by established designers?

LK: “Teaching to children at a charter school is very rewarding. I want these kids to know that you can make a career out of something you love. Any designer can always use more mentoring. I think it’s a little unrealistic to say that you are ever done learning. I still apprentice under designers that I respect and that have had more life experience than me. I believe it’s one of the best ways to learn.”

CL: Your fans want to know, what’s next for you?

LK: “The next step is to concentrate on growing my ready-to-wear collection for Fall 2012 so it’s more available to customers. I want to ease into this naturally without ungracefully falling on my face. I want to make sure that my clothing continues to be the main focus.”

Be sure to follow Laura on Twitter, check out her website, and like her on Facebook!

 

Amber Ferguson is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is sophomore at Prince George’s Community College studying English. She’s the first girl out on the dance floor, is obsessed with reality TV, and loves getting stamps on her passport when she travels to new places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CL’s 5 Ways to Survive Black Friday

Black Friday a frightening sight. Everyone is running around like mad men trying to get that designer clutch they have had their eye on since September. Plus it doesn’t help that the employees are cranky from having to be friendly at midnight and the shirt you want is never in the right size. Fear not my fellow trend-seekers, CL is bringing you 5 surefire ways to keep you alive and well during the madness of black Friday this year.

 

1. Rations: Black Friday usually means an all night stake out. It is imperative that you bring snacks, water and tons of hot cocoa to keep you warm. Grab a lawn chair and some blankets and you’ll be the most comfortable girl in line.
2. Coupons: Getting the right deals is all about having a plan. Before even thinking about lining up for this fateful day, check out the advertisements. They will most likely have coupons that can only work on black Friday, ensuring you even cheaper items than what the in-store deals have to offer.
3. Map it out before: People go for large ticket items on black Friday, and if you are one of them you need to know exactly where the product you want is located in the store. Do a bit of comparative shopping and then find what you want so you’ll be prepared to make a mad dash for it.
4. Know what you want: Simply put, and as stated above: don’t go into black Friday shopping blindly. If you don’t have anything in mind you want, sleep in and go for cyber Monday instead. You’ll be in such a better mood plus you won’t have to leave the comfort of your couch.
5. Bring a buddy: There is nothing lonelier than black Friday shopping without company. Grab your best gal pal and get ready for a long night of gossip, coffee and great deals.

Celebrate the Upcoming Holidays with your Sisters

The next few months are filled with holidays and feelings of cheer, gratefulness, sharing and giving.  Some of the best people to share those warm feelings with are your sisters.  Learn how you and your sisters can come together and celebrate the holidays.

Potluck dinner- Have your own Thanksgiving supper on campus.  Whether you have a sorority house or you are using a sister’s house, invite each girl to contribute a certain dish.  To make it more interesting, ask your sisters to use a family recipe or a dish representing their heritage.  It shows that no matter how diverse we are, there is a certain bond that connects us to be grateful for.

Thanks jar- At your meeting this week, pass around a jar and ask each sister to submit what she is thankful or to thank a specific sister for a simple act.  It is a nice reminder to count your blessings and show your appreciation for each other.

Secret Santa- It is unrealistic to buy gifts for your entire chapter, but it is nice if you can give one to at least one sister.  Secret Santa is a great way to get your sorority excited for the holiday.  It also allows girls to be creative and learn more about each other if they are given a sister that they do not really know.  Try to keep it at a $15 limit or DIY because many sisters are on a budget.

Donation Tree- Ask your college activities if you can set up a fake Christmas tree in the student center.  Work with a local shelter or children’s center and ask the children to write down something they want on a paper ornament. Hang the paper ornaments onto the tree and ask the students on campus to take one and buy that gift for the child.  Together, everyone can deliver the gifts for a deserving child.  Philanthropy and spreading the holiday spirit makes everyone closer.

Holiday Party- As a sisterhood event, gather your sisters for a fun holiday party.  Bake holiday themed goods and hand out candy canes.  You can ask your classy guests to dress in holiday colors, or make it more formal with dresses.

Decorating- Deck the halls of your sorority house! Give everyone a project to do, whether it is setting up figures on the lawn or wrapping garland around the staircase.  Play Christmas music to get everyone excited for the holidays.  If your chapter does not have a house, such as mine, do some holiday crafts together, such as wreath decorating or personalizing a Santa hat.

Holiday Show- Find a nearby show that celebrates the holidays.  Look for a reenactment of the nativity in a local community.  Even if a sister does not celebrate Christmas she can still appreciate the presentation.  My college offers trips to New York City and every year tickets to the Christmas Spectacular.  Look at theaters and cities close to campus to see what is offered and take a fun trip there together.

We want everyone to remember the importance of the holiday spirit.  How do you and your sisters celebrate the holidays?

 

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

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