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From the Editor
Where I live, we often joke that there are four seasons — winter, winter, winter, and construction. Just when the weather gets nice enough to actually drive on the roads without hazard, up go the orange barrels. While sitting in traffic, we could get angry that we’re inconvenienced. After all, no one consulted us when they decided to take the 3-lane highway down to one lane. Instead, we adapt. We consider driving a different route to work or we leave a little earlier in the morning. We change because we must. We accept that change is everywhere. The ability to manage and maximize change successfully is a fundamental skill for any fraternity/sorority professional. This month’s Essentials offers several perspectives on managing change in a community and in one’s professional pursuits. As you read the articles, think about what changes you will shepherd in the coming academic year.
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This is Your Brain on Change
As you seek renewal, rejuvenation, and lessons on cultivating change in your community, pass up the fables and airport books, and look instead to some serious science for answers. There is currently an abundance of research on change and leadership emerging from the field of neuroscience. Apparently, the brain has something to say about the best way to advance our interfraternal community. Here is what it is telling us: Change is hard. Or more accurately, change isn’t exactly hard; it is exhausting.>>Read full article
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Managing the Job Change Process
Annually, the summer months bring job change season in higher education. Many start dates are between June and August, and new employment opportunities bring new challenges and considerations both personally and professionally. Prior to beginning new positions, higher education professionals have already made a series of personal and professional choices. Managing change in searching for and starting a new job can provide a wide range of emotions and opportunities for professionals.>>Read full article
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Book Review: How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In
Almost daily, someone questions the ability of fraternities and sororities to remain relevant in the 21st century. Jim Collins' (2002) book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companiesprovides strong evidence that corporations which remain true to their missions are the ones most likely to succeed. In his most recent book, How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In (2009), Collins examines why and how a successful corporation can eventually fail.>>Read full article
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H1N1 During Panhellenic Formal Recruitment
As fraternity/sorority advisors, we often find ourselves in situations that we never anticipate. After we have dealt with the situation the best way possible, we ask ourselves, “Why didn’t I think of that earlier?” or “Why didn’t I see that coming?” If you have ever been involved with Panhellenic Council formal recruitment, you know that the last thing on your mind is the possible outbreak of a highly contagious disease or illness like H1N1. The following information, based on Louisiana State University’s experience with formal recruitment in the fall of 2009, is intended to assist you as you prepare your panhellenic community for upcoming formal recruitment processes. >>Read full article
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Have you Twittered Today? The Social Network Generation
Most fraternities and sororities were created over 100 years ago by men and women who gathered together to discuss the foundations of their principles. As these organizations grew, they handled their communications by attending meetings or via written letters. Many organizations have weathered two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the social upheaval of the 1960s to become established on college/university campuses across the country. However, today’s generation of college students is facing a less visible threat—the threat of social networking. In today’s society the world of communication has expanded beyond phone calls and text messages. >>Read full article
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Essentials Information
Essentials welcomes articles, ideas, and feedback from Association members throughout the year. Please contact Emily Perlow, 2010 Editor, or review the online submission guidelines for more information.
Essentials is a monthly educational e-newsletter provided to AFA members and subscribers. Member login is required to view articles. If you have misplaced your member number, please contact the Central Office.
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Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors | 9640 North Augusta Drive Suite 433 | Carmel, IN. 46032
Phone: (317) 876-1632 | Fax: (317) 876-3981
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