15 September 2020 - Oxford, OH: From the Office of the CEO

I hope you had a great summer! I have compiled a few updates for you to review ensuring you have a successful year with Phi Kappa Tau. Remember you play a key role in safeguarding every member and guest when they attend one of our events. You make the difference.

My team and I look forward to working with you and your brothers this year. Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly at ceo@phikappatau.org.

Fraternally,
Wm. Tim Hudson
Chief Executive Officer

Phi Kappa Tau and COVID-19

COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way in which fraternity will operate in the near future. As we adjust to life with COVID, there are key reminders to note as we move through this very unique academic year:

All chapters should defer to guidelines set by their institution. Review the policies of your campus, state, and local health departments. Check these platforms regularly for any relevant updates and take their instructions seriously.
Refer to this page by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on information regarding the Coronavirus outbreak. Here you will find information on how it spreads, early symptoms, and prevention.
Wear a Mask when around people you do not live with.
Practice Social distancing when in public.
Schedule regular cleaning for your chapter facility or other applicable common spaces.

May we all represent the lines of our creed which call on us to be good and loyal citizens and to discharge our obligations to others as each member is asked to do their part and help mitigate the spread of the virus to family, friends, and community members.

Phi Kappa Tau Mark of Distinction program

The National Fraternity rolled out the updated Mark of Distinction program for new associate members during Fall 2017. All chapters and colonies are expected to fully adhere to the program during the association process of new associates as outlined. This program will allow for a more controlled education program for new associates to take part in and learn the values of Phi Kappa Tau.
If you have any questions about the program, please reach out to your chapter’s success manager.

Phi Kappa Tau and Tightrope

Phi Kappa Tau is committed to ensuring that you have the safest and most rewarding college experience possible. That's why we've partnered with Plaid to offer the Tightrope Education Program for our associate members.
Tightrope is a research and data-driven program consisting of online courses and optional in-person chapter activities to provide practical training on:

Alcohol and Other Drugs
Hazing
Sexual Misconduct
Mental Health

This program will replace the partnership Phi Tau has had with GreekLifeEDU over the past 4 years with its requirement of full associate member participation.

Phi Kappa Tau Risk Management Policy

With the Fall 2020 academic term shortly underway, be sure that you are taking time to review the Fraternity's Risk Management Policy. This policy ensures that every chapter is providing a safe environment for all members and guests.

Furthermore, during the semester, chapter officers and advisors will work to educate every member of the chapter regarding the Phi Kappa Tau Risk Management Policy. The first program they will hold is the Risk Management Policy Overview by Oct. 15. Take a moment to review the policy before the meeting and bring any questions you might have with you.

Please take some time to review the policy by clicking here prior to the beginning of the academic year.

Phi Kappa Tau Good Samaritan Policy

To encourage members and chapters to act without fear of disciplinary action The Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity has two Good Samaritan policies, one for individual members and guests and another for the chapter itself. Remember to always call emergency services by dialing 911 for anyone needing immediate medical attention.

Please read and familiarize yourself with our full Good Samaritan policies by clicking here.

Dispute Resolution Policy

Effective Aug. 1, 2010, Phi Kappa Tau new members, existing members, and alumni making claims for personal injury, claims for damages to property, or disputes of any nature are referred for resolution through the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity Claim and Dispute Resolution Program. This means that you and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity will be bound to use the Claim and Dispute Resolution Program as the primary and sole means of dispute resolution. If you are unable to resolve a claim or dispute arising out of your membership or participation in any Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity-related activity, under the terms of the program the claim or dispute will be submitted to binding arbitration instead of through the courts. If legal action is instituted, the court will be requested to refer the matter back to the Claim and Dispute Resolution Program for final resolution.

This program is binding on all Phi Kappa Tau new members, existing members, alumni, chapters, House Corporations, foundations, alumni organizations and the National Fraternity. YOUR DECISION TO JOIN OR ACCEPT MEMBERSHIP OR CONTINUE YOUR CURRENT MEMBERSHIP IN THE PHI KAPPA TAU FRATERNITY AFTER AUG. 1, 2010, MEANS YOU HAVE AGREED TO AND ARE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS PROGRAM AS CONTAINED IN THE PLAN DOCUMENT AND RULES, A COMPLETE COPY OF WHICH IS AVAILABLE FROM THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: as a download on the national website or through request from the Executive Offices at Travis Robinson. This will be true both during your membership and after your membership, should you terminate for any reason.

Likewise, the terms of the Claim and Dispute Resolution Program are binding on Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity; the terms can only be modified by providing advance notice of the change to members. While both you and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity retain all substantive legal rights and remedies under this program, you and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity are both waiving all rights which either may have with regard to trial by jury for personal injury, property damage, contract, or any other related matters in state or federal court. This plan covers any legal or equitable claim for personal injury, property damage, equity or breach of contract, arising out of any tort, statute, contract or law.

Click here to view the Dispute Resolution Policy.

Want a refresher on any other policies or governance updates?

You can visit our Governance & Policies page to view all of Phi Kappa Tau’s policies as well as the Constitution & Statutes by visiting phikappatau.org/governance. If you have any questions about a policy or section of governance, please reach out to your chapter’s success manager.