Expansion and Chapter Services Team to Offer New Recruitment Services

From the Chapter Services Team:

The Expansion Team and Chapter Services Department are proud to unveil a new service that is available to all active and associate chapters!

Brothers at Leadership Academy, July ‘22

The Recruitment Services Initiative is a service developed collaboratively between both departments that focuses on providing hands-on support to chapter’s recruitment teams. This service provides chapters the opportunity to discuss their goals, troubles, and recruitment plans with skilled Expansion Team staff members on a regular basis.

This will assist with the strategic plan and better establish the organization for our 2025 goals.

As stated, this service is available to every chapter; and support will vary depending on each chapters individual needs. Chapters are highly encouraged to take advantage of this service and may direct any questions to their respective Success Manager!

Announcing the 2022 Maxwell Founders Four

After great deliberation by the Phi Kappa Tau awards committee, we are excited to announce this year’s Founders Four Finalists. All four of these chapters will be presenting for the prestigious Maxwell Award, given annually to the top performing chapter in the country.

Your 2022 Founders Four are:

In Greek Letter Order

• Upsilon - Nebraska Wesleyan University

• Chi - North Carolina State University

• Delta Kappa - University of Tennessee

• Zeta Xi - University of South Carolina

Upsilon

Chi

Delta Kappa

Zeta Xi

This group is comprised of past presenters, as well as newcomers - in fact, three of the four chapters represented chartered within the past 5 years. The presentations will take place on August 15th at 7pm ET, and you can watch them live by clicking here to register. The schedule is as follows:

• 7PM - 7:30PM - Chi

• 7:30PM-8PM - Upsilon

• 8PM-8:30PM – Delta Kappa

• 8:30PM-9PM – Zeta Xi

The winner will be announced at the 3rd Annual Virtual Brotherhood Banquet taking place on August 17th at 8:30pm ET, streaming live on Facebook and YouTube!

Chapter Services Announces Fall 2022 Fee Structure

Along with compiling the financial information needed for chapters to calculate their budgets, the Chapter Services team has also included a detailed explanation of where their investment goes. Read more below or download the comprehensive pdf here.

---

2022 Fall Fee Structure

Member Fees

• One-time

  • Associate/Affiliation Fee: $250 (for new associates only)

Total: $250

Per Semester

• Member Dues: $87.50

• Housing: $7.50

• Insurance: $160 ($70-$160 in Spring)

Total: $255

Chapter Fees

• Chapter Dues: $500

• Education Pool: $765

• Conference Pool: $510

• NIC Dues: $176

Total: $1,951

---

Understanding your Bill

To calculate what members may pay, Use the following formula: 255+ (1951/X)

X= amount of members in your chapter

Example: Chapter with 35 members

255 + (1951/35) = ~310.74

---

A Breakdown of Fees

Associate/Initiation Fee

Associate Fee: $250 per member

This covers your initiation cost, membership badge, and insurance for being a member of Phi Kappa Tau.

Insurance

Insurance cost: $160 per member (with applicable discounts every Spring semester)

The provided insurance policies are for Liability, D&O and Member Accident Protection that apply to chapters/members in the event of injury, incidents, etc. All national fraternal organizations provide insurance, and the cost is relatively the same for all groups.

It is important to note that there are available Spring semester insurance discounts. These discounts will still be applied based on the dollar amounts from previous years. You can learn more about insurance discounts below:

• Host/Participate in all 4 Risk Prevention seminars – Save $15 per member during the spring semester.

• Have a clean 2-year record (no Risk Prevention Policy violations within the past two years) – Save $15 per member during the spring semester.

• No chapter house – Save $45 per member during the spring semester.

• Alcohol-Free chapter house – Save $30 per member during the spring semester.

*Note for housed chapters, needs to be included in chapter bylaws

• Alcohol-Free chapter operations (all chapter events/activities/housing is alcohol-free) – Save $60 per member during the spring semester.

*Note needs to be included in chapter bylaws

• Have a live-in advisor if you have a house – Save $5 per member during the spring semester.

Housing Fee

$7.50 per member

The housing fee is collected and used to help support a lending partner organization. The funds are made available to housing corporations that seek loans for property improvement, enhanced safety features and/or assistance in securing property.

Member Dues

$87.50 per member

This cost covers items such as Portal (ChapterSpot), Plaid partnerships, and more.

Educational Programming Dues

Educational Pool: $765 + Conference Pool: $510 = $1,275

This covers the costs of our programming. In 2023 we are planning to rollout new educational programming and look forward to presenting new curriculum along with educational opportunities.

One specific way you can help save costs is by utilizing your Chapter Educational Grant (CEG) Fund. This chapter-specific fund is hosted by the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation and given the chapter has the necessary funds, they can be used to help cover portions of this cost. While the cost of educational programs for Spring 2023 is still being configured, this number will help to provide needed funding for your chapter's participants.

NIC Dues

$176 per chapter

The NIC (North American Interfraternity Conference) is our Fraternity trade organization which consists of over 66 men’s fraternities. The majority of our peer organizations are members of the NIC. The NIC provides a lot of resources to the national organization and our staff. From staff training workshops/conferences to Fraternity legislation with our peers at the local/state/federal level, this organization is committed to the betterment of Fraternity life across the country. In turn, our organization is committed to being on the ground floor and having a voice in the future of fraternities as it will surely impact our organization directly.

Chapter Dues

$500

Each chapter gets a very similar level of services, products, and solutions no matter the size of the chapter or host institution. While some of these products may not have been utilized in the past by chapters, they are provided to all chapters which can provide insight on this fee. Below are some examples of services, products, and solutions that are currently available.

• Portal (ChapterSpot). A one-stop shop for member management and chapter organization. Here are some of the features that are available today:

• Roster Management

• Service Hours Tracking

• Points Tracker for members

• Recruitment Pipeline management

• Fully-branded, customizable chapter websites

• Submitting reports to Executive Offices

• Calendar tool

• Communications tool

• Debt Collections tool

• Online Resource Library

Success Manager. Chapters have a single point-of-contact with their Success Manager whose primary role is to help ensure the success of all chapters.

• Currently there are 3 staff members, allowing for a smaller ratio and better support for more officers/advisors.

Member Planet. Chapter’s that have an active Graduate Council are eligible to participate in a better way for alumni to connect, communicate, fundraise, host events, etc.

• This will allow for more alumni touchpoints and grow the potential advisor pool, fundraise to help provide financial resources for the chapter, and a way to communicate in mass/individually so alumni can remain active in the chapter experience.

Salesforce database. Our organization is committed to the #1 database in the world to help provide a central location to track our nearly 100,000 members.

• We utilize our database to track things like member contact information, donation history for accounting purposes, and can more easily provide information, run reports/analytics, etc.

National Online Payment Portal. We provide an online payment portal for chapters so they can pay the national fraternity online, view statements, view past invoices & payment history, set up automatic payments, etc.

Crowd Change. An online fundraising tool that is free for chapters to use with much lower rates than its competitors such as CrowdRise, GoFundMe, Eventbrite, etc.

• This is a gamechanger for philanthropy events and general fundraising strategies that chapters want to do. This platform allows you to sell tickets for events as well.

Better Volunteer Resources. We know a strong chapter typically has a strong group of Board of Governors members. Our online certification program has been updated.

Additional Staff members. We know there are other areas that we need staff support for (i.e., alumni relations, event management/logistics, growth, etc.) to help successfully meet the goals set within the strategic plan, and more specifically the priorities.

We are expanding to new campuses. One of the priorities is continued growth by (re)starting new chapters

More support for current chapter growth. Another priority is helping support the current chapter’s recruitment efforts by providing additional and intentional support/coaching in this area.

• This past semester, we performed nine in-person chapter recruitment retreats and are eager for this number to increase.

Better Scholarship/Awards application process. We have recognized that scholarship and award applications have been clunky in the past and are excited to continue utilizing smarter select and continuing to update and make the process easier!

More resources*. We recognize the fact there is a need for more resources on a variety of different topics from recruitment to prevention/wellness to leadership development to career development. The organization needs to be able to be prepared to meet those needs swiftly versus not being able to meet the needs because there is not money available.

Leadership Academy: A Homecoming

Group photo outside of Shideler Hall

When you think about it, what better place to return to an in-person Leadership Academy than Oxford? A town so infused with Phi Kappa Tau history that it is almost impossible to leave without a massive boost of Phi Tau pride.  

Taking place July 21-24, over 50 emerging undergraduate leaders from chapters across the country descended upon Miami University’s campus. Utilizing campus facilities, primarily the Farmer School of Business as the home base, the new leaders were introduced to the program by Educational Deans Guillermo Flores, Southern Illinois ’08, and Chad Warrick, Akron ’08 as well as a kickoff speech from CEO Tim Hudson, Truman ’97. From there the men were broken into their color groups, led by the programs volunteer leadership coaches representing multiple Phi Kappa Tau chapters and outside organizations and university professionals.

Brothers at the opening session.

Over the four days the men underwent a leadership transformation by developing a deeper understanding of their leadership styles, growing through teambuilding exercises, and setting tangible action plans for their chapter for when they return in the Fall. Some of the most impactful moments came in the form of the “Brother to Brother” activity where brothers share deep conversations with multiple participants that dive into chapter issues and push brothers to be vulnerable with one another. 

Tours of the Executive Offices

Beyond the leadership training, brothers were also given the opportunity interact socially with one another as well as enjoy an evening of fellowship at the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices. At the office, the men were given the opportunity to learn about the historic memorabilia in the “Heritage Room,” explore the Centennial Garden, and enjoy s’mores at the circle of warmth – all, of course, resulting in multiple photo opportunities.  

“I am often asked why I’m still involved and why do you put all this extra work on yourself,” wrote Education Dean Guillermo Flores in an Instagram post, “It’s simple, undergraduate brothers need the opportunity to connect with each other and challenge the stereotype of being a ‘frat boy.’” 

Brothers enjoying the “Phi Tau Circle”

Similar positive sentiments were expressed across social media by participating chapters including our newly reestablished Alpha Associate Chapter whose very own Jack Coyle, Miami AM, won one of the three coveted John F. Cosgrove Spirit and Leadership Awards granted to participants who exemplify the spirit leadership. “We [also] would like to thank everyone involved with Leadership Academy” the chapter wrote via Instagram, “We are beyond thankful for the relationships made with the 50+ brothers at the conference from chapters across the nation.” Joseph Falcon, Centre AM and Jackson Morgan, Eastern Kentucky ’21 also received Cosgrove awards in recognition of their exemplary participation in the Academy.  

The passing of the flame at the Candlelight Ceremony

On the final evening of the program the men were led on a walk through Phi Kappa Tau’s founding locations and took part in the “Legacy Walk,” the traditional and powerful candlelit conclusion to the program. 116 years of brotherhood culminated with the ceremonial singing of the Brotherhood Song, and as is written in the candlelight ceremony, we are confident that the early pioneers of our Fraternity would each be enthusiastic about their presence on that night.  

Phi Kappa Tau Returning to Clemson and Expanding to Minnesota

Sporting the largest team since 2019, the Phi Kappa Tau Growth Department is geared up for a busy semester of expansion this coming Fall. Led by Associate Director of Organizational Growth Hunter Pemberton, Akron ’18, the four-man recruiter team will begin staff-driven expansion projects at four universities over the course of the Fall semester, two of which we are pleased to be announcing today.  

Courtesy of Adobe Stock

Recruiters will be “running down the hill” with the Clemson Tigers as they restart the Epsilon Nu chapter of Phi Kappa Tau at Clemson University. Last active in 2017, the recruitment team and University are confident this Fall is the right time to bring the chapter back. Foundation Trustee Adam Goetz, Clemson ’95, and former National Councilor Bob Ragsdale, Georgia ’66, joined staff on a kickoff call for the project earlier this month to engage alumni and begin planning support for the chapter. On-the-ground support for the expansion will come from newcomers Ryan Callahan, Tennessee ’20 and Ethan Bunn, North Carolina State ’19. Both re-founding fathers of their chapters with experience recruiting in the south.  

Courtesy of UMN Website

Shifting gears to the north we’ve heard reports of a certain Gopher dawning red and gold – well maroon and gold is close enough. That’s right Phi Kappa Tau will be breaking new ground by expanding to the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. The recruitment team is sending its best and brightest Midwesterners, Dom Mularo, Mount Union ’19 and Danny Baldwin, Akron ’18 to the land of 10,000 lakes to establish a new Associate Chapter at the tentpole university. We will be holding a similar kickoff via Zoom in August, more details to come. Contact Hunter Pemberton if you are interested in attending hpemberton@phikappatau.org.  

More updates on these and future projects will come as the semester unfolds, follow them on social media on Instagram: Clemson (@clemson_pkt) Minnesota (@umnphikappatau). If you know someone attending either of these universities and would like to refer a member use this form: click here. 

Want to learn more about expansion? Check out our Expansion Magazine Catalyst here.  

New Feature in the Spring Edition of the Laurel: On Campus

James O’Connor, Tennessee ’21.

By James O’Connor, Tennessee ’21 

Nowadays, anybody who is halfway decent at math and ready to get their hands dirty is labeled an “engineer” from the start. But that doesn’t mean that person is necessarily cut out to be all that is an engineer. Thankfully, I’m glad I earned that label, because I have come to love the idea of using my problem-solving skills to make things more efficient, specifically the body.  

From the get-go, I have always been interested in the human body and how it worked, and biomedical engineering gives me the perfect opportunity to explore the way the body works and how we can make it more efficient. I’m most interested in how the brain works, and I recently picked up a minor in Neuroscience. One topic that fascinates me is sleep. Most college students are either sleep deprived or jacked up on caffeine to spend more hours studying, but what if there was a way to improve sleep quality and efficiency? I plan to get into research next semester, and my engineering brothers at Phi Tau have been a huge help with finding me the right people to reach out to at the University. Knowing me personally, it just seems there are never enough hours in the day to do everything I would like to do, so what if I spent less time sleeping and more time being productive?  

Rather than bore you with my talk about research, I cannot express my gratitude to Phi Tau for the leadership opportunities and skills it has provided me. As philanthropy chair for our chapter, I was able to raise $5569 for our chapter in my first semester on the job—more than double our amount from last semester. I could not have done this without the help of my peers in Phi Tau and the mentoring they gave me about how to lead a group of guys. Leadership is often a topic, especially in the STEM field, that gets swept under the rug. However, by taking a leadership class on campus and through Phi Tau, I have found myself being much more productive team member and actually enjoying team projects, whereas I used to despise them. 

By Zaid Hatem, Belmont ’19 

Zaid Hatem, Belmont ’19.

Coming into Belmont, I had the sole aim of earning a degree in science, but I never knew what that pursuit could entail. As I progressed into my studies, I gained a unique perspective into the immense possibilities that STEM offers. My institution highly values scientific exploration, offering graduate-level research at an undergraduate pace. Indeed, this phenomenon was displayed throughout the courses that I had to take as a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, but that was only a glimpse into the world of scientific research. 

In the summer following my first year, I had the opportunity to participate in Belmont University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and research endophytes within known medicinal plants in pursuit of novel antibiotic synthesis. As my first research experience as an undergraduate student, I learned laboratory techniques in microbiology, biochemistry, and genetics and was exposed to the professional aspects of conducting a major scientific study. 

Utilizing that momentum, I began to integrate myself into other research projects that have spanned the last four semesters of my college career. Currently, under the supervision of an accomplished Belmont faculty and primary investigator, I am conducting a study that explores the mechanisms of mRNA export in S. cerevisiae under stressed environments, such as heat shock conditions. My project specifically focuses on identifying an unknown adaptor protein that assists the recruitment of another protein, Mex67, to the stress induced SSA4 mRNA transcript. When bound to Mex67, this transcript is targeted to the Nuclear Pore Complex for export into the cytosol to be translated by the ribosomal machinery into amino acids, the basic building blocks of all proteins. 

I am thankful for these experiences because they have opened my eyes to the real world of scientific exploration. I had the opportunity to publish my work in the Vanderbilt Young Scientist Journal. I also had the chance to interact with aspiring and leading scientists at key academic events, such as Belmont University's Undergraduate Research Symposium and Tennessee Academy of Science annual conference, where my research efforts were being showcased. Most importantly, these opportunities allowed me to challenge myself with complex yet crucial questions and enhance my problem-solving skills, gaining affection for inquiry. 

As I am nearing the end of my undergraduate education, I decided to utilize my love for scientific inquiry to pursue a career in medicine. My academic journey has provided me with skill sets that I believe will empower me to become a better physician in the future. Indeed, much of my success would not have been possible without the support of my brothers of Phi Kappa Tau. Throughout my time in the Zeta-Alpha Chapter, I had the incredible privilege to share a brotherhood filled with exceptional leaders and men who are genuinely committed to transforming their campus and community. Through the optimistic spirit and great determination instilled in these men, I am constantly encouraged to challenge myself and reach new academic and professional milestones. Inspired by their leadership, I served the chapter as the community service chair and the scholarship chair, and Belmont University's Student Body President for the year 2021. I am forever thankful for their constant encouragement and motivation, for they have molded me into a leader dedicated to going far every single day. 

This is a sample from our most recent edition of The Laurel featuring members in STEM. To read the full issue or see past issues and sign up for distribution head to phikappatau.org/laurel.

Alpha Psi Celebrates 81 Years!

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Poolside Reception on Friday, May 20th.

For the first time in over thirty years, dozens of Alpha Psi brothers gathered for a weekend of celebration and reunion. Beginning as a dinner party in August of 2021, the event ballooned in its second year and turned into a multi-day event celebrating friends, family, and brotherhood. The event began the night of Friday, May 20th with a pool-side reception at “Robinson House” the chapter's former residence, then later moved to a dinner down the street. On Saturday the event grew even larger, with over 75 brothers in attendance for dinner at the State Line Restaurant—founded by Alpha Psi alumnus, Bruce Walcutt, Texas-El Paso ’67.  

Saturday dinner, hosting over 75 brothers and their families.

With graduate members ranging from the classes of 1969-1974, this event was a generation spanning success. Ringing in the 81st anniversary of the Alpha Psi chapter felt even sweeter for the brothers in attendance, and the hope to continue this tradition long into the future.  

Robert Oakes, Penn State '70, Finds His Passion in Writing

Oakes dressed as a Hogwarts Professor.

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

There’s an art to storytelling, one that could be learned over time, but the lucky few are born with a proclivity to the tall tale. For Robert Oakes, Penn State ’70, the realization that he could spin a yarn began in the TV room of the Omicron house on Penn States Campus. Oakes describes the event, “In the TV room, a group of us were watching a western movie with a complicated plot and it was right at the climax near the end of the movie when a brother walked in and asked, ‘What's this about?’ Several brothers said it was too complicated to explain, and all of a sudden, I launched into an impromptu synopsis of the movie that had my brothers shouting with amazement.” Upon reflection, he realized this was an early moment in his storytelling career, but Oakes’s creativity wouldn’t fully flourish for many years after this event. 

The Black Scarlet Saga.

Following his graduation from Penn State, Oakes felt the need for variety in his life. Not willing to settle on just one career, he immersed himself in many; Oakes did stints as a youth director for the YMCA, a wood-burning stove installer, insulated homes, painted houses, sold insurance, worked as a security guard at a nuclear-power station, and then found a home as an account manager for Dominion Energy (previously named Virginia Power). While working at Dominion Energy and living in Fairfax, Virginia, Oakes and his wife, Annie, yearned for a more secluded and nature filled life. The couple moved to the Shenandoah Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains—it was there that his creativity was unlocked once again. Inspired by a friend who was a third-degree black belt in tae kwon do, The Black Scarlet Saga was born. This series of novels focuses on strong-willed warrior women in their battle against evil. The series currently has four novels: Black Crystal, Black Scarlet, White Angel, and Raven Quest, focusing heavily on the themes of willpower, courage, and personal sacrifice.  

Oakes and his wife, Annie.

Of all Oakes’s experiences and accomplishments, he stated that the most rewarding is the decades spent with Annie. The couple will celebrate their 50th anniversary on September 20th of this year. Oakes expressed his love and appreciation for Annie endlessly, and even immortalized it within his pen name for the Black Scarlet Saga—R. A. Oakes—the “A” standing for Annie. 

To follow the works of Robert “R. A.” Oakes click the link here.  

Phi Kappa Tech: Laurel STEM Edition Mini-Feature

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Bill Newhouse and his family.

We are going to go back in time for just a moment, not too far, only about twenty years. The year is 2002, you’ve just woken up for work and are still reeling from what happened on Survivor last night. Headed off to work, you grab your brand spanking new iPod, so you can jam out to all the tunes you’ve downloaded from LimeWire (you’ll salvage what’s left of your virus ridden desktop some other day). Huddled around the coffee pot in the morning, one of your co-workers predicts that in just twenty years you’ll all be walking around with supercomputers, working from home and holding meetings via video calls (and could oh-so-cleverly make it seem like the Eiffel Tower was just outside the window behind you), and finally that there was a forthcoming virtual world called the Metaverse. As you sit down at your desk, you might find yourself thinking, “What’s gotten into this guy? He must be on some weird AOL sci-fi chat rooms.” 

When thinking about the leaps and bounds that technology has taken over the last twenty years, it can be staggering to comprehend. Now more than ever, it is the driving force behind our daily lives and continuously expanding its reach on the global economy. With boundless advancements in technology, it comes as no surprise that careers and education in this field are also booming. More and more members of our organization are pursuing careers in the tech industry, and those who were ahead of the curve are flourishing in their respective roles. We were fortunate enough to speak to three of our alumni who are doing just that. Bill Newhouse, Georgia Tech ’86, is a Cybersecurity Engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce; Shawn Brown, PhD, Bethany ’94, is the Director of the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center; and Brian Smith, Cal Poly-Pomona '91, is the President of the Haven Agency.  

Brian Smith and his family.

While there are few similarities in the day-to-day functions of these positions, each of these brothers shares a common link (see what I did there) in the journey to their roles. For Brown and Smith, there was a deviation from their original plans. Brown planned to become a high school teacher, but soon realized a passion for computers and began the journey to his current position—working the heft of his career performing research in public health. Following the completion of his bachelor’s degree in communication, Smith was struggling to find employment opportunities in this field. With great foresight he and another former member of the Delta Tau chapter enrolled in website development classes at a local community college, eventually finding employment in this field and working his way to the Haven Agency. Taking a more traditional path, Newhouse, a graduate of the cooperative education program at Georgia Tech, found employment with the National Security Agency (NSA) in their telecommunications (TCOM) directorate. Spending 23 years with the NSA, Newhouse went on to become their representative within other agencies and at the Pentagon. In the spring of 2010, Newhouse left the NSA and began his career with the NIST—continuing to serve his country and working with colleagues at the very peak of his industry.   

The second connective thread between these three distinguished careers, and throughout most of our lives, is brotherhood. With his start at the Haven Agency, Smith had gone into business with the company’s founder and life-long friend, Chris Wheeler, who was an associate member of the Delta Tau chapter while Smith was serving as the Membership Orientation Officer. Brown and Newhouse may not have been directly hired by another Phi Tau brother, but they attribute the opportunities given and skills learned within the fraternity to many of the successes throughout their careers. Leadership, teamwork, and problem solving are highly valuable skills in the fields of all three brothers, and each of them detailed how the fraternity helped nourish and grow these attributes at an early age. The impact of these opportunities stretches far beyond the years as an undergraduate. When you’ve been in an organization that offers the chance to develop such skills and knowledge, it becomes easy to undervalue them and think them common.  

Shawn Brown.

The accomplishments of these three men, in both personal and professional life, is something to behold. Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown was working with WHO, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation to transform vaccine supply chain in Benin, ensuring that more children in the country received lifesaving vaccines. With the experience of being imbedded in U.S. Government during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemics, helping them with computer modeling to advise the CDC, Brown and the PSC team were able to make the Bridges-1 supercomputing platform available to the national community during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Brown was working to curb a country and world in distress, Smith and the Haven Agency were becoming a beacon for companies in distress. Gaining the reputation of the “fixers” in the website development community, they were able to land video game juggernaut, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 as a client—completing the design and development of the website in just six weeks. This led to partnerships with Riot Games, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Tech Deck, Coachella Music Festival, and countless other big-name organizations. Sometimes the greatest accomplishments can be as simple as safely getting together with old friends. Following his COVID-19 vaccines, Newhouse was happy to once again get together with brothers of the Alpha Ro chapter at John Cochran’s, Georgia Tech ’89, lake house. 

Now that we have reflected on past and present, a brief glimpse into the future is only fitting. With the ever-expanding world that falls under the blanket term of “tech” and the inevitably growing number of our undergraduate members looking to enter a career in it, each of our three alumni reflected on how to help our younger brothers in their journey. There was a general consensus among Brown, Newhouse, and Smith—it's all about knowledge and experience. Taking the time to learn everything you can possibly know about your respective field of study, practicing and perfecting, and gaining all the experience possible—be it from internships, jobs, or any other conduit. Take it from three men who have gone far in their careers, and you’ll find yourself on the road to equal success.      

This is a sample from our most recent edition of The Laurel featuring members in STEM. To read the full issue or see past issues and sign up for distribution head to phikappatau.org/laurel.

Leadership Academy 2022 FAQ

Use this handy guide for an overview of frequently asked questions regarding this year’s Leadership Academy! Click here to register for the event.

Can we send more than 2 people?  

• Yes, but your free registration would only apply to at most 2 people from your chapter. Any additional registrants would be charged $500 per registrant. 

Can my travel expenses be reimbursed? 

• Yes. Your expenses accrued as a result of travel are 100% reimbursable via your chapter’s CEG. 

If I am flying, which airport should I fly into? 

• We recommend flying into Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). That is where the shuttle will be going to and from. 

If I am driving, will there be parking made available? 

• Yes. Parking will be made available, but you will need to register your vehicle with the campus to ensure you are not ticketed. 

What time should I arrive on site on Thursday July 21st? 

• Please plan to arrive no later than 1PM on Thursday. The program will begin at 2PM.

• If you are flying, we recommend scheduling your flight to land at 11 AM or earlier. 

What time should I depart on Sunday July 24th? 

• The program is slated to end at 1PM on Sunday. You may depart after this. 

• If you are flying, we recommend scheduling your flight to depart at 4PM or later. 

Where can I check in on Thursday July 21st?  

• Check in on Thursday will be at the residence hall, Han Hall.  

• You will check in with one of the staff representatives from Miami to obtain your room key and check in with one of the Executive Office Staff members to obtain your leadership academy items. 

What time do I need to checkout on Sunday July 24th? 

• Check out on Sunday will be communicated at the program, but the program is slated to end on Sunday, July 24th at 12PM.

Will there be a shuttle service to Oxford? 

• There will be a shuttle that takes people to and from the airport to our event site in Oxford. 

Will lodging be provided? 

• Yes, you will be staying in a dormitory on Miami University’s campus. 

Are meals going to be provided?  

• Yes, we will be utilizing the dining hall located on campus. 

What does the time commitment look like for each day?   

• The schedule each day, except for Thursday as the start day, has events starting at 9 AM and ending at 10PM. There are breaks worked in to avoid overload and allow time to decompress.  

Will there be a virtual component to Leadership Academy? 

• There will not be any virtual components associated with leadership academy due to the in-person presence needed for the curriculum.  

What do I need to bring?  

• Please be prepared to bring a laptop just in case you need it.  

• Other items needed will be provided for you. 

What is the attire for the program? 

• Attire for the program is casual. Shorts and t-shirts work just fine!

• Please bring tennis shoes as there are some activities that will require you to wear closed-toed shoes. 

Will we be able to leave site at all? 

• We do not recommend leaving Miami’s campus but should you need to leave site, please contact the event coordinator, Drake Berlin at dberlin@phikappatau.org 

What if I need to leave early or cannot stay for the entire program? 

• We would prefer you stick around for the entirety of the program, which is why we recommend if you need to leave early, please inform the event coordinator Drake Berlin at dberlin@phikappatau.org.

What other information should I know? 

• We are excited to be bringing back Leadership Academy, this will be our first academy since 2019. 

• If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Drake Berlin at dberlin@phikappatau.org.