BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES
July 18-20, 1996

Archie Arechederra (Board of Directors), Howard Farrell (Board of Directors), Kent Gardner (Executive Director), David Grady (Editor), John Hatley (Board of Directors), Larry Lunsford (Board of Directors), Michael Shonrock (Vice President), Sue Supple (Board of Directors), Carol Thompson (Secretary/Treasurer), Barbara Tootle (Board of Directors), Anne Forcier (Board of Directors), Ed Whipple (President) and Daisy Woods (Board of Directors).

Members Absent:

None.

Province Advisors Present:

Bridgit Guernsey-Riordan ( Beta Province), Mardie Sorensen (Province Advisor Coordinator and Nu Province), and Cherie Wechsler (Theta Province).

The Summer Board of Directors Meeting of the National Order of Omega was called to order by Ed Whipple, President, at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 1996 at the Westin Mission Hills Resort (Rancho Mirage, California).

Reports:

1. Minutes
A motion was made by Anne Forcier and seconded by Larry Lunsford to approve the minutes of the Winter Board of Directors Meeting. Motion passed.

2. Introduction of New Board of Directors Member
Ed Whipple introduced John Hatley, of the Northwestern State University (Natchitoches, Louisiana) as the new member to the Board of Directors. John is the new student Board of Director and will serve a one year term.

3. Introduction of Province Advisors
Ed Whipple welcomed Bridgit Guernsey-Riordan and Cherie Wechsler to the meeting. Bridgit and Cherie were invited to attend the Summer Board of Directors meeting to represent Order of Omega Province Advisors. Bridgit and Cherie represented Beta and Theta provinces respectively.

4. Regional Conference Update
Kent Gardner reported to the Board that ninety-eight (98) new honorary initiates were inducted into the National Order of Omega at the five (5) regional conferences and National Pan-Hellenic Conference during 1995-1996.

	NPHC    October 1995   38
	WRGC    March 1996     11
	SEPC    March 1996     14
	SEIFC   February 1996   0
	NEIFC   February 1996   7
	MIFCA   February 1996  28

	SEIFC        Atlanta        February 13-16
	MIFCA/MAPCA  Chicago        February 20-23
	NEIFC/NEPC   Pittsburgh     February 27-March 2
	WRGC         San Francisco  April 3-6
	SEPC         Atlanta        April 3-6

6. Tentative Fiscal Statement
Kent Gardner reported to the Board that the fiscal year for The National Order of Omega ends August 30, 1996. He noted that the annual fiscal report will be presented at the Winter Board of Directors Meeting. Kent reported that the income compared to the same time last year is running approximately $8,000 ahead. This is due to new chapters being installed. Kent indicated that we will have more income than expenses this fiscal year and will end the year in the black. He also shared that there is approximately $200,000 in savings and Certificates of Deposit.

7. Initiation Dues for 1996-1997
Ed Whipple reviewed with the Board the previous discussions regarding initiation dues. He reminded the Board that the initiation dues for Order of Omega is $25.00 and has not been increased since 1986. Kent Gardner indicated that if the Board intends to expand headquarter services and programs, scholarships and fellowships, the province advisor program or staff, an increase in the initiation dues will be needed.

Kent noted that the largest expense in the budget is the Order of Omega Scholarship Program. Ed suggested that if the Board seeks to increase either the number of scholarships or the amount of the scholarships, a dues increase will be needed. Barbara Tootle suggested the development of monies to be made available to members who cannot afford to pay the cost of the initiation fee. Howard Farrell noted the importance of focusing a dues increase on the long term plans identified in the Order of Omega Strategic Plan. David Grady asked if it was known what the chapters set as their local dues. Additionally, David asked if there was a breakdown of what the expenses are per initiate for the $25.00 initiation fee. Kent indicated that he could prepare that information for the next Board of Directors meeting.

After discussion, Ed requested that a committee be formed from the Board that would research the need for a dues increase and prepare a proposal for the Board to review and vote on at the Winter Board of Directors Meeting. John Hatley, Mardie Sorensen, Howard Farrell, Kent Gardner and Michael Shonrock volunteered to serve on the committee. Mardie will develop and coordinate a survey to gather local chapter feedback on the topic. This survey will be distributed through the province advisors. Kent also requested the committee gather information on the initiation dues of other honor societies.

8. Initiation Fee - Late Fee
Kent Gardner reported that the recently established $50.00 late fee policy for late initiation reports is not resolving the problem of accounts receivables or paper work being received in a timely fashion. He shared that the accounts receivable is currently at approximately $11,000. Kent indicated that it takes a considerable amount of time to follow-up with each chapter who has not brought their account current.

After Board discussion, a motion was made by Michael Shonrock and seconded by John Hatley to establish a policy that no initiation pins and certificates will be sent to chapters without payment in full in advance. Motion passed.

9. New Chapter Listing
Kent Gardner reported to the Board that seventeen (17) new chapters of The National Order of Omega were installed during 1995-1996. They include the following:

• Youngstown State University (Ohio)
• Franklin College (Indiana)
• California University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania)
• St. John's University (New York)
• Lynn University (Florida)
• Oglethorpe University (Georgia)
• Wright State University (Ohio)
• Hamline University (Minnesota)
• Kennesaw State College (Georgia)
• Indiana University-Purdue University @ Fort Wayne (Indiana)
• High Point University (North Carolina)
• Fairleigh Dickinson University (New Jersey)
• Saint Joseph's University (Pennsylvania)
• The College of William and Mary (Virginia)
• University of Missouri - Kansas City (Missouri)
• Lynchburg College (Virginia)
• Sonoma State University (California)

Kent explained that there are two kinds of inactive status. The first, is the chapter which has not completed any reports for one year. The second, is the chapter that has not completed any reports or had any contact with the National Office for three or more years. The former status allows a chapter to remain on the Order of Omega brochure, the latter does not.

10. Graduation Cords, Omega Stoles and Banners
Kent Gardner reported that the graduation cords are selling very well. He noted that the graduation cords sell for $6.00 each. Kent explained that inventory space is tight in the National Office, consequently requiring him to make several orders during the year from the supplier. He indicated that most colleges/universities were allowing the Order of Omega members to wear the graduation cords to the commencement ceremonies. There were a few cases where he had to write a letter to the Provost explaining what Order of Omega is, the criteria for membership selection and the purpose behind the graduation cord, before the members on that campus were allowed to wear them at the commencement ceremony.

Kent reported that the initiation stole has not sold as well. He reminded the Board that the stole replaced the initiation sash. Kent also noted that new chapters receive the initiation stoles and Order of Omega banner when they are installed. Kent reported that the banners are selling well, particularly after members see the banner used at the regional conferences.

11. Black Greek Conference
Kent Gardner reported that he attended the Black Greek Conference, held at Arizona State University, April 5-7, 1996. He reported that there were no more than ten (10) people in attendance and was disappointed in the overall conference. Kent recommended that the Board reconsider its future participation in the conference if the number of students attending does not increase. In the past the Board has presented scholarships to two outstanding students attending the conference.

Daisy Woods recommended that it would be appropriate to provide scholarship support to students attending the National Pan-Hellenic Collegiate Leadership Conference. She noted that it will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, February 1997. After Board discussion, a motion was made by Carol Thompson and seconded by Daisy Woods to provide two $250 scholarships (one male and one female) to two students who will be attending the National Pan-Hellenic Conference. Motion passed.

12. Constitution and By-Laws
Ed Whipple and Barbara Tootle reviewed proposed changes to the Order of Omega Constitution, By-laws and Ritual with the Board of Directors. They included the following:

National By-Laws

1.Vice President

Current wording - In charge of the Executive Council meeting if the President is unable to attend. Is in charge of the national scholarship program.

Proposed wording - In charge of the Executive Council meeting if the President is unable to attend. Is in charge of the national fellowship and scholarship program.

Current wording - Is directly responsible for the editing and the production of Omega Trends, the official newsletter of The Order of Omega.

Proposed wording - Is directly responsible for communications, including producing and editing Omega Trends, the official newsletter of The Order of Omega.

Article Eight - Local Powers Section 3

Current wording - The officers of each collegiate chapter shall be a president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer, and a faculty advisor. Where desired, the offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined and held by a faculty member. All officers shall be elected by the chapter at some convenient time as may be provided in the bylaws of the chapter. The faculty advisor shall be nominated from among the active faculty members of the chapter. Any officer of a chapter shall be eligible for reelection or reappointment.

Proposed wording - The officer of each collegiate chapter shall be a president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer, and an advisor. (delete - Where desired, the offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined and held by a faculty member.) All officers shall be elected by the chapter at some convenient time as may be provided in the bylaws of the chapter. The advisor shall be nominated from among the faculty and staff of the institution. Any officer of a chapter shall be eligible for reelection or reappointment.

Ritual

Proposed change - Materials section
add the following wording after "Eighteen (18) white candles"... "battery operated candles may be substituted"

A motion was made by Michael Shonrock and seconded by Archie Arechederra to accept the proposed changes to the Order of Omega Ritual. Motion passed.

Introduction to Initiation - page 3.33

Proposed change - line seven (7)
delete the word "Then"... to read "On February 9, 1967..."

Proposed change - line twelve (12)
delete the word Finally... to read "In 1983, a National..."

Proposed change - line thirteen (13)
add wording at the end of the paragraph to read... "Since that time, Order of Omega has experienced rapid growth. A student board member is elected annually, there has been an increased focus on chapter services, the newsletter has been expanded, and Order of Omega has a home page on the world-wide web. In addition, an active scholarship program for undergraduates and a fellowship program for student affairs staff have been initiated.

Ritual and Initiation - The Tenets of the Order of Omega - pages 3.37 and 3.39

1. Current wording - Vice President

Beta - Brotherhood, prime reason for our Order; may it remain uppermost in our hearts forever.

Proposed wording - Beta - Bond, a belief in unity and cooperation of all humankind, a prime reason for our Order...

2. Proposed change - Delta

capitalize "His"

3. Current wording - Secretary/Treasurer

Psi - Psyche, the soul; or the interior force of brotherhood which inspires fraternity men and women to serve the university and their fellow man.

Proposed wording - Psi - Psyche, the soul; or interior force of fellowship, which inspires fraternity men and women to serve the university and the community.

A motion was made by Daisy Woods and seconded by Howard Farrell to accept the proposed changes to the Order of Omega Ritual. Motion passed.

13. Omega Trends
David Grady distributed to the Board the following summary of expenses for Omega Trends for 1995-1996:

Omega Trends Summary of Expenses 1995-1996

         October 1995  April 1996  1995-96 Totals  1994-95 Totals   1993-94 Totals
Printing     $ 647.40   $1,825.00       $2,472.40       $3,249.00        $1,189.50
Postage      1,340.64    1,652.13        2,992.77        4,131.83         2,356.96
Supplies        27.96      234.59          262.55          176.63           111.96

Totals      $2,016.00   $3,711.72       $5,727.72       $7,557.46        $3,658.42

# ordered       7,800       8,000          15,800          22,850           15,000

Avg. $/newsletter                      $   0.3625      $   0.3307       $   0.2439 	

14. World Wide Web - Order of Omega Page
David Grady reported that the Order of Omega World Wide Web page has been averaging 25 "hits" per week. David shared that the Order of Omega mouse pad looks great and is sent to students who sign the Omega guest book on the web page. David distributed a summary of comments made by individuals viewing the Order of Omega page. He shared that the comments were very positive and supportive. David also shared with the Board that the Order of Omega web address has been sent to the various internet directories to make it easier for students to find the page.

John Hatley suggested providing chapters with information on how to set up their own web page. Barbara Tootle indicated that a good project for an Order of Omega chapter would be to conduct a workshop for the Greek community on how to develop and manage a web page. This workshop could cover all the first amendment issues to how to produce a page that serves as a positive representation of fraternities and sororities to the public.

David noted that he would like to add a bulletin board forum that would allow students to talk with each other on the Order of Omega web page. This would provide discussion opportunities on a variety of important topics including but not limited to scholarship, service, programming and leadership development.

15. Order of Omega Fellowship and Scholarship Report
Michael Shonrock distributed to the Board a sample press release he has developed to promote and inform others about the Order of Omega Fellowship and Scholarship Awards program. He noted that it will be easy to fax the press release to anyone who requests specific information about the awards. Michael also distributed a draft of a letter to be used to inform Order of Omega advisors about the Fellowship and Scholarship awards program. Michael distributed the Fellowship and Scholarship time line and draft application materials. He asked the Board to review them and provide him with any noteworthy changes. Michael reported that the deadline for the Order of Omega Fellowship Award is October 18, 1996. The deadline for the Scholarship Award applications has been set for November 1, 1996.

Michael reported that he will use a business reply envelop again this year to minimize applications for the Scholarship and Fellowship awards being sent to the wrong address. He noted that this worked successfully last year.

Michael reported that the scholarship committee at Texas Tech University has not changed from the previous year and continues to do excellent work. He also recommended increasing the number of scholarships awarded from forty (40) to fifty (50).

16. Student Board Member Position
Larry Lunsford provided a summary of the recent Student Board of Directors selection which was completed this spring. The Student Board of Director was selected from the Southeast Region. John Hatley, from Northwestern State University (Natchitoches, Louisiana), was selected for the 1996-1997 Student Board of Director position. Ed Whipple reminded the Board that the next Student Board of Directors position would be selected from the Mid-America Region and would be coordinated by Barbara Tootle. Barbara suggested putting the application information and materials on the Order of Omega web page.

The following students have served on the Board of Directors:

Year     Student Board Member            Affiliation       College/University

1987-88  Heather Nickles                  Alpha Delta Pi   Oregon State University
1988-89  Robert Longfield, Jr.            Sigma Chi        Memphis State University
1989-90  David Morris                     Sigma Chi        University of Kansas
1990-91  Marnie Simon                     Delta Gamma      University of W. Virginia
1991-92  Karen Jennings                   Gamma Phi Beta   Univ. of So. California
1992-93  Rob Wellbaum                     Alpha Tau Omega  Auburn University
1993-94  Stacey Valy                      Alpha Delta Pi   University of Iowa
1994-95  Chaz Fisher                      Sigma Alpha Mu   American University
1995-96  Leandro (Archie) Arechederra III Sigma Chi        University of Arizona
1996-97  John Hatley                      Theta Chi        Northwestern State Univ.

The rotation for the Student Board of Director position for the next four years is as follows:

1997-98    Midwest
1998-99    Northeast
1999-2000  West
2000-2001  Southeast

17. Board of Director Position
Ed Whipple reviewed the Board of Directors appointment schedule. He noted that the appointments of Howard Farrell and Anne Forcier expire summer of 1996. In addition, Ed announced that Sue Supple has submitted her resignation from the Board of Directors, effective the Summer Board of Directors Meeting, July 1996. He also noted that the National Pan-Hellenic Conference rotation concludes at this meeting and rotates to the National Interfraternity Conference. Ed reported that the Executive Council voted to appoint Anne Forcier and Howard Farrell to an additional three year term and to appoint Daisy Woods to a regular three year term on the Board of Directors.

Ed opened the floor for nominations and discussion regarding the National Interfraternity Conference position. Kent Gardner reminded the Board that this position can be filled by either a national president or executive director of any National Interfraternity Conference group. After discussion, a motion was made by Sue Supple and seconded by Michael Shonrock, to invite Dave Westol of Theta Chi Fraternity to serve on the Order of Omega Board of Directors. Bob Biggs (Phi Delta Theta), Scott Gilpin (Alpha Tau Omega) and Ed Pease (Pi Kappa Alpha) would be alternate choices (in this order) in the event Dave Westol was unable to serve. Motion passed.

18. Summer Board of Directors Meeting
Kent Gardner reviewed with the Board the suggested dates for the next Summer Board of Directors Meeting 1996. After discussion, the Board scheduled the next Summer Board of Directors meeting for July 17-20, 1996. Kent will notify the Board of Directors and Executive Council of the selected location of the next Summer Board Meeting in May 1997.

19. Case Study Competition
Michael Shonrock reported that Order of Omega will be sponsoring the Case Study Competition at the 1996 Annual AFA/NIC Meeting. The competition will be limited to graduate students and will be held December 5, 1996 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.. Michael noted that a maximum of eight (8) teams will be allowed to compete for the cash awards (first place - $350.00, second place - $250.00, third place - $150.00).

Michael reported that each team will receive a written assessment of their case study presentation by the team of judges. He noted that this should provide the graduate students with additional constructive feedback on their experience. Ed Whipple, Kent Gardner, David Grady, Carol Thompson and Mardie Trask will serve as judges with Michael Shonrock.

20. Winter Board of Directors Meeting
Ed Whipple reminded the Board that the Winter Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the Annual NIC/AFA Meeting, December 4 - 8, 1996 in Orlando, Florida. The Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7, 1996. Carol Thompson reported that the Order of Omega Recognition Reception will be held Saturday evening, December 7, 1996 prior to the National Interfraternity Conference Banquet.

21. Chapter Reports
Kent Gardner reported that he has received several questions regarding Order of Omega's policy on alcohol. He reminded the Board that the Order of Omega position statements are sent out in the fall mailing to chapters. This mailing does include the position statement on alcohol.

Kent also shared that the Iowa State University Order of Omega Quiz Show was a great success. He noted that the Quiz Show is structured in a similar format as that of the College Bowl program. Kent suggested sharing this program idea with other Order of Omega chapters. Kent noted that he will contact the Iowa State University Order of Omega chapter to get more information on the Quiz Show to include in the Omega Trends newsletter and fall chapter mailing.

Barbara Tootle recommended encouraging chapters to conduct two initiations a year. She noted that this keeps the members focused and involved and new members added to the local chapter. Barbara volunteered to write an article for the Omega Trends on this topic.

22. Chapter Reference Manual
Kent Gardner asked if there were any suggestions for changes in the Chapter Reference Manual. Sue Supple suggested adding a section on the World Wide Web - Order of Omega page. Sue suggested that information be provided on resources available on the page and how to use it. Ed Whipple asked David Grady to develop a table of contents on the World Wide Web page for the manual.

23. Corporate Advisory Board
Kent Gardner reported that he has sent a letter with an Order of Omega brochure to approximately twenty (20) Fortune 500 companies and has received only one response back (State Farm Insurance). Kent noted that he will follow-up with a personal phone call to these same companies. He indicated that the key to success will be in directly contacting the person at the corporate level who is responsible for hiring. Kent shared that this contact will need to be of a one-on-one nature to be effective. He requested that the Board utilize their contacts with Fortune 500 companies to identify the appropriate corporate person and forward the information to him. Kent noted that he will then follow-up with the contact to solicit corporate involvement with Order of Omega. Howard Farrell noted that Gary Hill of EDS is in charge of hiring and 90,000 employees internationally. Kent asked Howard to forward this information in writing to the national office.

24. Speakers Bureau
Barbara Tootle distributed to the Board for review a draft letter of invitation and application to participate in the Order of Omega Speakers Bureau. In addition, she distributed a Speakers Resource List and a Planning Guide for Hosting a Guest Speaker. Barbara reported that the letter of invitation to participate in the Speakers Bureau will be sent to current and former members of the Order of Omega Board of Directors and to Province Advisors. She indicated that the application provides space to gather information on professional background, volunteer experiences, subject areas willing to speak on and references. She added that the Speakers Resource List contains approximately 50 different topics and asks the applicant to identify those topics in which they are willing to speak on.

Barbara reviewed the Planning Guide for Hosting a Guest Speaker. This guide along with the Speakers Resource List will be added to the Chapter Reference Manual as a resource to the chapters. The planning guide includes helpful information on everything from the idea development, invitation, confirmation of plans to the itinerary, visit and follow-up.

Ed Whipple asked the Board to make final edits and changes on the invitation and application by the end of next week. In addition, Ed asked the Board to review the planning guide for final edits and forward corrections to Barbara by September first. Kent Gardner requested that the information be included on the Order of Omega World Wide Web page. Barbara suggested that Ed Whipple as president of the organization, should write a cover letter to accompany the invitation and application being sent to former Board members and province advisors inviting them to participate.

25. Order of Omega Foundation
Anne Forcier reported that she has spoken with Rick Barnes from the Association of Fraternity Advisors (AFA) on the foundation they have set up. She noted that the foundation must be set up in the state the organization is incorporated in. Rick recommended keeping the make-up of the Order of Omega Board of Directors and the foundation board separate. It not only keeps the operation of both organizations distinct, but it provides additional leadership opportunities for volunteers.

Anne asked the board to seriously consider the need for a foundation at this time. She indicated that the Board of Directors must determine who would be solicited for monies and how it would be managed. She added that it is a time consuming and an expensive endeavor and would require full-time staff in the national office to coordinate and supervise activities. Anne also shared that the Board must make a decision regarding the type of data base to be used. This requires additional management of records which are not currently in any computer database at the National Office.

Anne recommended talking with an attorney in Texas to determine the requirements for setting up a foundation in the State of Texas. She noted that requirements vary from state to state. Ed Whipple requested that Kent Gardner meet with an attorney and gather information regarding the establishment of a foundation and prepare a report for the November Executive Council meeting.

Barbara Tootle asked if there would be any advantage to the Fortune 500 companies the Board of Directors are pursuing for the Corporate Advisory Board if they contributed money to a foundation. Michael Shonrock suggested reaching out to past scholarship recipients as a possible group to help establish the foundation. Michael volunteered to develop a list of former scholarship recipients and their affiliation by the Winter Board of Directors meeting. Anne indicated that she would volunteer to contact the national headquarters of the former scholarship recipients to locate current addresses on these individuals.

26. Membership Pins
Kent Gardner reminded the Board that he requested proposals from J.P. Pollack and Masters of Design. Masters of Design provided a bid for 8,000 units per year at $1.85 a pin or 4,000 units per year at $2.00 each. J.P. Pollack provided a bid of $2.25 per pin for 8,000 units if a three-year contract is provided and they have exclusive rights tot he pin during that three year period. He noted that the Board had previously determined the need for contracting with two suppliers. Kent reported that Pollack has agreed to a three year contract. They will not have exclusive rights to the pin during this period. Kent also noted that Masters of Design will be the second supplier and expected to sign a contract shortly with them.

27. National Headquarters
Kent Gardner reported that as the services provided through the National Office have increased, so has the need for better utilization of space. Kent shared that he will be trading in the current furniture for modular furniture that will help maximize the space in the office suite arrangement Order of Omega is using as the National Office. He said this would provide for more effective work areas for the six individuals that are coming in to work on Order of Omega business.

28. Province Advisor Report Mardie Sorensen distributed a current directory of province advisors. She noted that all positions are filled. Eight (8) positions have been filled since the December 1995 Winter Board of Directors Meeting. In addition, Mardie reported that she has developed a distribution list through the internet that allows her to be in regular contact with the province advisors.

Mardie reported that the goal to invite two province advisors to attend the 1996 Summer Board of Directors Meeting was accomplished by the attendance of Bridgit Guernsey-Riordan (Beta Province) and Cherie Wechsler (Theta Province). She indicated that she has developed a letter which will be sent to the supervisor of each province advisor acknowledging their work with Order of Omega. This letter will be sent in the fall semester.

Mardie reported that she will be highlighting province advisors in the Omega Trends to provide more exposure to the individuals who serve in those positions and to encourage the local chapters to utilize their services. Bridgit Guernsey-Riordan and Reuben Perez will be featured in the next issue.

Mardie distributed and reviewed with the Board a packet of materials which highlight the new Province Advisor Responsibility and Agreement Form, Province Advisor Active Status Report and Chapter Status/Activity by Province Report. Mardie recommended that the Board review the distribution of chapters by province and realign the chapters to reduce the size of the larger provinces. She indicated this would provide the respective province advisors with a more manageable distribution of chapters to communicate and work with. Ed Whipple requested that Mardie prepare a proposal for realignment of chapters to balance out the size of the provinces for the November Executive Council meeting.

Mardie indicated that the new Province Advisor Responsibility and Agreement Form is designed to build in accountability to the organization. She noted that inactive Province Advisors are now active and understand their role better. Mardie reported that the Chapter Report Form that province advisors use has been revised to provide the National Office with current and accurate information about the Greek community and campus where each chapter is located. Mardie suggested that the Chapter Report Form be sent directly to the province advisor instead of the National Office. The province advisor would become responsible for gathering these forms from each chapter and forwarding them to the National Office. Mardie noted that this would be more effective and increase chapter contact with the province advisor. Kent suggested that the form be updated to include the province advisor and National Office addresses.

Mardie opened discussion regarding the coordination of a province advisor meeting at the Greek regional conferences. After discussion, the Board directed Mardie to develop a pilot province advisor meeting at the regional conference where the most advisors would be in attendance. Cherie Wechsler suggested that the Board should encourage Order of Omega officers to attend and province advisors to coordinate an Order of Omega workshop at the regional conferences. She felt this would provide for additional leadership training. Barbara Tootle suggested providing each regional conference with ribbons that would have Order of Omega printed on them, which could be attached to the conference nametag for those who are Order of Omega members. Archie Arechederra suggested encouraging Order of Omega members to wear their pins at the regional conferences.

Mardie noted the need to develop a reward system to recognize outstanding province advisors. Mardie reported that she will develop criteria for this recognition for the fall Executive Council meeting. Howard Farrell suggested providing a professional development grant as a reward to the outstanding province advisor. Ed suggested that outstanding province advisors be extended an invitation to attend a Summer Board of Directors Meeting.

29. Strategic Plan
Ed Whipple reviewed the National Order of Omega Strategic Plan with the Board. The Board reviewed and discussed each goal and actions achieved. See addendum. The following items are updates.

Goal I: To increase diversity in The National Order of Omega.

Number 4 - David Grady noted that Order of Omega does receive copies of national magazines at the National Office.

Number 6 - Kent Gardner suggested adding attendance at the National Pan-Hellenic Collegiate Conference.

Number 3 - Kent Gardner reported that contact with the Historically Black Institutions through correspondence has not been successful. He noted that one-on-one contact at the National Pan-Hellenic Conferences will be more effective than recent efforts to reach out through letters of introduction.

Goal II: To improve communication with chapters by providing new services.

Number 3 - Ed Whipple recommended changing the time line to December 1996. Carol Thompson volunteered to be responsible for this objective.

Number 2 & 4 - David Grady noted that an implementation plan must be developed for the Order of Omega Awards program and should be prepared and ready for distribution to chapters for the fall mailing. Anne Forcier and Kent Gardner will be responsible for this objective.

New - Ed Whipple recommended adding a new objective to focus on continued enhancement of electronic communication. The time line would be on-going. David Grady will be the Board member responsible for this objective.

Goal III: To enhance the quality of the educational experience by promoting joint partnerships with the faculty and administration.

Number 1 - Anne Forcier and Larry Lunsford will develop for the Winter Board of Directors Meeting the criteria and implementation plan for the Outstanding faculty/administrator award. The Board discussed an implementation time line to include - applications sent out to chapter Spring 1997; Board reviews applications and makes decision at Summer Board of Directors Meeting; award presented at the Association of Fraternity Advisors Conference December 1997. A motion was made by David Grady and seconded by Michael Shonrock to provide a $500.00 cash award to the recipient. Motion passed.

Goal IV: To provide outstanding volunteers, professionals, and support staff to implement the strategic plan and assist in the achievement and evaluation of the Order's goals and objectives.

Number 1 & 3 - Kent Gardner noted that the time line should be changed from April 1995 to on-going.

Number 2 - The Board member responsible has been changed from Michael Shonrock to Mardie Sorensen.

Goal V: To make necessary innovations within The Order of Omega structure to ensure its importance and survival into the next century.

Number 1 - Ed Whipple noted that this objective was completed.

Number 4 - Ed Whipple recommended moving the time line for creation of the Editorial Board to the Winter Board of Directors Meeting.

Goal VI: To continually review and improve The Order of Omega through such methods as organizational evaluation and setting priorities through strategic planning.

Number 1 - Michael Shonrock recommended changing the objective to read... Develop annual report of accomplishments.

Number 2 - Michael Shonrock suggested using a video on assessment and benchmarking at the next Summer Board of Directors meeting as a tool to educate the Board on assessment strategies.

Number 3 - Barbara Tootle reminded the Board that Order of Omega will be celebrating its 30th year February 9, 1997 and suggested that a special logo be developed to be incorporated in correspondence and materials used during the next eighteen months. She suggested highlighting thirty members that have made a difference or thirty past scholarship recipients and where they are now. In addition it was suggested that we develop pins or buttons with the 30th anniversary logo to be distributed to the chapters. David Grady suggested developing a special 30th issues of Omega Trends that would contain an interview with Dr. Halloran. Larry Lunsford volunteered to find a graphic artist to develop several logo designs. Larry Lunsford, Kent Gardner and Michael Shonrock volunteered to select the 30th anniversary logo.

30. Recognition of Outgoing Board Members
Ed Whipple presented to Archie Arechederra with a gift (engraved clock) on behalf of the Board of Directors and Executive Council for serving as the Student Board of Director for 1995-1996. Ed also presented Sue Supple with a gift (crystal bookends) on behalf of the Board of Directors and Executive Council for serving on the Board of Directors from 1990-1996. The Board expressed their sincere appreciation to Archie and Sue for their service to The National Order of Omega.

The Summer Board of Directors meeting of The National Order of Omega was officially adjourned by Ed Whipple, President, on Saturday, July 20, 1996 at twelve noon.

Respectfully Submitted,

Carol D. Thompson
Secretary/Treasurer

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