Minutes
Board of Directors
National Order of Omega
July 15 – 17, 1999    

Members Present:  

Bob Biggs (Board of Directors), Howard Farrell (Board of Directors), Anne Forcier (Board of Directors), Kent Gardner (Executive Director), David Grady (Editor), Jennifer Holsman (Board of Directors), Larry Lunsford (Board of Directors), Michael Shonrock (Vice President), Mardie Sorensen (Province Coordinator), Carol Thompson (Secretary/Treasurer), Barbara Tootle (Board of Directors), Ed Whipple (President), and Daisy Wood (Board of Directors).  

Members Absent:  

None.  

Province Advisors Present:  

Joni Burke (Sigma Province) and Darryl Stubbs (Alpha 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 16, 1999 at the Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson, Arizona.  

Reports:  

1.        Minutes  

Kent Gardner asked that the minutes be corrected to reflect that Howard Farrell was not in attendance at the 1998 Summer Board of Directors Meeting. A motion was made by Michael Shonrock and seconded by Daisy Wood to approve the minutes as amended. Motion approved.  

2.       Introduction of New Board of Directors Members  

Ed Whipple introduced Jennifer Holsman, of Arizona State University, and Bob Biggs, of Phi Delta Theta, as new members to the Board of Directors. Jennifer is the new student Board of Director and will serve a one-year term. Bob Biggs will serve a three-year term as the National Interfraternity Council representative.

3.       Introduction of Province Advisor  

Ed Whipple welcomed Joni Burke and Darryl Stubbs to the meeting. They were invited to attend the Summer Board of Directors meeting to represent the Order of Omega Province Advisors. Joni and Darryl represent the Sigma and Alpha provinces respectively.  

4.        Scholarship and Fellowship Report  

Michael Shonrock updated the Board of Directors on the Fellowship and Scholarship programs, including major changes, selection time line, and outreach information. Michael noted that all information regarding the Fellowship and Scholarship program for 1999 has been listed on the Order of Omega web page. He indicated that a mailing would be going out to  active and inactive chapters with all the related materials. A follow-up postcard mailing will also be sent out to encourage applications and utilization of the website for information on either program. Michael reported to the Board of Directors that application materials could be submitted electronically. The application deadlines for the Fellowship and Scholarship programs are October 15^th and October 29^th respectively. Michael noted that applicants are asked to send a photograph with their application materials to be used for printing in the Omega Trends, in the event that they receive a Fellowship/Scholarship. The photographs will not be used during the selection process.

After discussion by the Board of Directors, a motion was made by Barbara Tootle and moved by Anne Forcier, to develop three levels of scholarship awards to include: 1) first tier - the top ten (10) applicants (or at the point of natural break as determined by the selection committee) -$750 scholarships each; 2) second tier - the next forty (40) applicants - $500 scholarships each; and 3) the third tier – up to the next seventy-five (75) applicants - $100 scholarships each. Motion was passed. Barbara Tootle suggested naming the scholarships. After discussion by the Board, a motion was made by Carol Thompson and seconded by Daisy Wood, to name the scholarships after Parker Enright (first tier), Pat Halloran (second tier), and Kent Gardner (third tier). Motion was passed.  

Kent Gardner indicated that he has been working with Greg Singleton of University of Miami, to place a permanent plaque in an appropriate location to commemorate the founding of Order of Omega at that institution. Kent asked Mardie Sorensen to work closely with the Province Advisors to encourage a strong outreach to chapters regarding the scholarship program. It was suggested that Pat Halloran be invited to the next Summer Board of Directors Meeting.  

Michael shared that he has utilized information from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators website to expand the number of higher education related programs in which information is sent on the Fellowship and Scholarship programs. He will be asking these groups to share information with eligible students and encourage them to apply  

5.         Omega Trends

David Grady distributed to the Board of Directors the following summary of expenses for the Omega Trends 1998-1999.

David noted that the cost of printing went down significantly, while the cost of postage continues to increase. David reported that two issues of the Omega Trends were sent out this past fiscal year. One issue was sent in the fall and the second issue was sent in the spring. David reported that he worked with a committee, which included Kent Pawlak, Andrea Stenger, and Barbara Tootle to develop new ideas and enhancements for the newsletter. The following four recommendations were presented to the Board for discussion:

1.        Number of Issues:  Increase the number of newsletter issues annually to a minimum of three. Focus one issue on information/reference type of items – national directory, reference information, scholarship/fellowship application and deadlines, case study competition. This issue would be published as needed. The informational issues could be sent with other regular chapter mailings to save printing and postage costs. Two additional issues would be published each semester (October/April), to focus on content  - articles of interest, chapter news, campus topics, and scholarship winners.

2.         More Feature Articles: Publish more feature articles – e.g. important issues facing Greek leaders, Order of Omega’s national goals, improving relationships with faculty, Board of Director speeches.

3.         More Chapter News: Solicit information from chapters that are doing interesting things. Utilize the Province Advisors to facilitate identifying and getting these interesting items for the newsletter. Goal is to have one interesting chapter item from each Province Advisor – 23 articles annually.

4.        Electronic Communication: Get the newsletter on the Order of Omega web site immediately after publishing.  

Kent Gardner noted that the chapter program ideas section of the Order of Omega web page had not been updated in a couple of years. He asked David to work with Kent Pawlak to get the information in that section more current. Kent indicated that he gets many calls from chapters looking for programming ideas and often refers them to the web site as a resource. Barbara Tootle indicated that more pictures conveying appropriate messages would also be helpful in communicating information to the chapters. After discussion by the Board, a motion was made by Barbara Tootle and seconded by Daisy Wood, to accept the recommendations of the Omega Trends committee. Motion passed.

6.        Order of Omega Website  

Kent Gardner reported to the Board of Directors that Kent Pawlak has done a great job as the Order of Omega Webmaster. Kent distributed a report summary prepared by Kent Pawlak and reviewed the updates.  Updates included the addition of several chapter links; the posting of scholarship reports; and updating scholarship and fellowship application information and province advisor and National Directory information. In addition, the graphics and design of the web page will change by the end of July to provide a fresh look to the web page, and a new section will be added to allow information and documents to be downloaded in a pdf format. Downloadable documents will include the Chapter Reference Manual and various Order of Omega application forms.  

Kent Pawlak also reported that a new computer and laser printer has been purchased for the national headquarters. He noted that an office network has been established to allow all three computers to work together and share files and software. The printer is connected to all three computers and prints certificates, charters, newsletters and general office documents. He also noted that the Order of Omega membership database has been updated to correct previous problems and take advantage of the new equipment. Kent Pawlak presented the following recommendations for the Board of Directors to consider:  

1.        Register the domain www.orderofomega.org as our web address. The approximate cost is $70.00.

2.         Ensure newsletters and minutes are mailed immediately following their completion, to allow for posting on the website on a more timely basis.

3.         Send photographs of events and persons related to Order of Omega to be posted on the website. Purchase a digital camera.

4.         Purchase and install Microsoft Office 2000 upgrade for two of the office computers. Purchase Windows 98 Upgrade for the server computer. These upgrades will allow for Order of Omega headquarters to take advantage of new networking tools and enhancement of the membership databases.

5.         Install a new phone line for the computer modem.  

David Grady noted that once the domain address is registered, all the printed Order of Omega materials would need to reflect the new address. Barbara Tootle suggested looking at hardwire cable for the network and fax machine when the new office location is identified. After further discussion by the Board of Directors, a motion was made by Michael Shonrock and seconded by Anne Forcier to accept the recommendations by Kent Pawlak.

David indicated that Kent Pawlak has explored listserv and chat room arrangements, which is available with additional costs. David noted that Kent Pawlak recommended using existing services like America On-Line for chat services, however, it is only limited to those individuals who are members. Ed Whipple asked Kent Pawlak to research this particular option further and present the Executive Council with recommendations at the December meeting.  

Barbara Tootle asked if we are linked to other Greek sites. She suggested actively soliciting chapter web sites to link with the Order of Omega web page. Kent indicated that he could request this information from the chapters in the fall mailing. Barbara also suggested actively searching for chapter web pages and other related web pages to counter non-responses from chapters. Barbara asked if we are monitoring our chapter links to ensure that only active chapters are receiving the privilege of being linked with the national web page. Barbara stressed the importance of encouraging our chapters to establish appropriate website’s. She also suggested developing a feature article in the Omega Trends on the chapter website of the month. It was also suggested that an article on Kent Pawlak be done in the Omega Trends to discuss his role as the Order of Omega Webmaster and his availability for technical assistance.  

7.         Speakers Brochure  

Kent Gardner distributed copies of the Speakers Planning and Resource Guide to the Board of Directors to review. Kent noted that these are sent to the Order of Omega chapters in the spring chapter mailing. He indicated that several Order of Omega advisors have commented on how helpful the planning information was. Kent reported that the planning guide will be added to the Order of Omega website.  

8.         Financial Statement                

Kent Gardner reported to the Board of Directors that the fiscal year for the National Order of Omega ends August 31, 1999 and that the annual fiscal year report would be presented at the Winter Executive Council Meeting.

National Order of Omega
Tentative Financial Statement
Income Comparison 

Kent reported that the new fee has not generated as much money as originally anticipated. He noted that the number of initiates has decreased as a result of the new fee. The new fee was predicted to generate approximately $120,000 in new money to the national organization; however, the realistic figure will be closer to $70,000 - $80,000. Kent reported that the organization is solvent and the new money had permitted the hiring of two half-time clerical staff to provide support in the national office. Barbara Tootle asked Kent to distribute a copy of the audited 1997-1998 Financial Statement to the Board of Directors.  

9.         Office Staff Update 

Kent Gardner reported that the national office has had the equivalent of one full-time position providing support in the office during the past fiscal year. This has occurred by establishing two half-time clerical support positions. Kent reported that he has combined these two half-time positions into one full-time position for the next fiscal year. He shared with the Board of Directors that the national office would be better served by a full-time staff member. He noted that an offer has gone out to a potential candidate and he is waiting for the candidate’s response to the offer.                

10.       Office Location Update  

Kent Gardner reported that he is looking for new office space for the national headquarters. The current office space is inadequate and does not offer the storage needed for supplies and materials. He reminded the Board of Directors that the current monthly rent is $750.00.  

11.        Chapter Concerns                

Kent Gardner reported that there are two concerns to update and review with the Board of Directors. The first concern has to do with the Order of Omega Ritual and the reference to God in the ceremony. The second concern has to do with the availability of sizes in the Order of Omega T-shirt. Kent indicated that several chapters have requested t-shirts in double XL. Kent indicated that he would order the larger t-shirt and would adjust the price for the shirt accordingly.   

12.        Alcohol Policy Statement  

Kent Gardner reported that he would continue to inform and remind chapters though national headquarter mailings, the National Order of Omega position on alcohol.

13.       Honorary Member Program  

Kent Gardner explained the importance of chapters recognizing outstanding faculty and staff that have supported fraternities and sororities on their campus by making them honorary initiates of the chapter. Kent noted that he has communicated this to the chapters through the regular mailings, but it hasn’t resulted in an increase in the number of honorary initiates nationally. Kent asked the Board to consider some new methods of addressing this need with the chapters.  

David Grady noted that several articles have been written on this topic in past issues of the Omega Trends, which included highlights of faculty and staff who have been initiated as honorary members. David indicated that Jim Kicklighter, Auburn University, is writing an article for the Fall Issue of Omega Trends on how to involve faculty in the local Order of Omega chapter.  Darryl Stubbs suggested developing an information sheet on honorary memberships to contain the specific details of who can be honorary members and how to initiate them. Kent suggested updating the chapter initiation form to include a separate sheet for honorary initiates, which would include the facts and information on honorary memberships. Barbara Tootle stated that this additional form conveys a message of expectation that a chapter should be initiating new honorary members with every new class of student initiates.  

Ed Whipple asked that the Order of Omega web page be updated to include a section on Honorary Members. He also asked Darryl Stubbs and Joni Burke to work with Mardie Sorensen on additional ideas for marketing the honorary initiate program to the chapters. After discussion, the Board of Directors decided to keep the honorary initiate fee at $10.00.  

14.       Membership Certificates and Pins  

Kent Gardner asked the Board of Directors to discuss whether or not the practice of allowing chapters to send in their initiation paperwork without a check for the initiation fees should continue. Kent reminded the Board that he has allowed chapters to forward their initiation materials without checks, and then sends the chapter its initiation certificates and pins with an invoice for the amount due. He reminded the Board that at the 1998 Summer Board of Directors meeting, it was decided if a chapter does not remit the amount due within ten days of being invoiced, the chapter would lose this privilege in the future.

Kent reported that approximately 40%-50% of the operations monies would come in during late spring, which is when most of the chapters conduct their initiations. He noted that at one time there was approximately $78,000 in accounts receivables. As of July 11, 1999 there is still $11,000 of accounts receivables that are directly related to chapters who have not paid their initiation fees. These chapters have received two letters from the national office with notice of being past due and being placed on inactive status. Kent noted that the process of following up on these chapters is time intensive for the national office staff.  

After discussion by the Board of Directors, a motion was made by Michael Shonrock and seconded by Mardie Sorensen to require initiation dues to be paid in advance and prior to the national office sending the corresponding initiation certificates and pins to the chapter. Motion passed. Carol Thompson suggested updating the initiation form to include a statement regarding the new policy in boldface type. David Grady suggested including the information on the different initiation fees for regular and honorary members on the initiation form.  

15.       Province Advisor Report  

Mardie Sorensen distributed a Province Activity Report for 1998-1999 to the Board of Directors. This report showed the number of newly established, reactivated, active and inactive chapters for each province. Mardie reported that there are currently two Province Advisor positions vacant  - Xi (Wisconsin) and Iota (North Carolina, Virgina). Mardie identified the new Province Advisors – Jane S. Campaigne (Beta), Jo-Anne Shibles (Eta), Cathy Pritchett (Nu), Peter Leighton (Chi), and Michael Carey (Psi).

Mardie noted that she would be working with the province advisors to follow-up on the seventy-five (75) schools that have expressed interest in starting a chapter of Order of Omega on their campus. In addition, the province advisors will be asked to follow-up with campuses that have Greek organizations, but do not have Order of Omega chapters, to encourage development of new chapters. Mardie reported that nine of the twenty-three province advisors submitted their spring report forms. This limits the current information on the respective provinces for assessment and planning. Jonie Burke and Daryl Stubbs will assist Mardie in reviewing the report form format to ensure that it is user friendly and to assess the timelines for report deadlines. She indicated that Kent Pawlak would be putting the new Province Advisor Report Form on the Order of Omega web page to make it more accessible and easier for province advisors to complete the task.  

Mardie noted that several awards would be developed to recognize individuals and chapters. The awards would include Outstanding Chapter Programming Award, Outstanding Chapter Award, and Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award. The chapter programming award will be initially awarded on a regional level. Darryl Stubbs will develop the criteria and application materials for the Outstanding Chapter Award and the Outstanding Chapter Programming Award. Joni Burke will develop the outstanding chapter advisor award criteria and application materials. Chapters will be able to nominate their respective advisor for this national award.  Ed Whipple asked to have these awards operationalized as quickly as possible. Mardie suggested presenting the outstanding Province Advisor and Chapter Advisor awards at the Annual Association of Fraternity Advisors/National Intefraternity Conference (AFA/NIC) during the Order of Omega Recognition Reception. She also suggested that it is more appropriate to present the Outstanding Chapter Award and the Outstanding Chapter Programming Award at the regional conferences, where the chapters can be recognized in front of their peers. Mardie will work with Darryl and Joni to develop a corresponding timeline for these awards. Ed asked Mardie to be prepared to present the first Outstanding Province Advisor and Outstanding Chapter Advisor awards at the 1999 AFA/NIC Conference.  It was agreed that the Outstanding Chapter and Outstanding Chapter Programming Award would be presented at the spring 2000 regional conferences.  

Barbara Tootle suggested placing an advertisement in the AFA/NIC Directory or AFA Perspectives Newsletter recognizing the province advisors for their work with Order of Omega. David Grady suggested writing an article on honorary organizations as a news item and include information on the province advisor program. After discussion it was decided to recognize province advisors in the Fall Issue of the AFA Perspectives Newsletter. Ed asked David and Mardie to work together on the public relations initiative for province advisors.  

Mardie indicated that she had a good response from the Western Region Province Advisors when she involved them in the review of Student Board of Director applications at WRGC. She felt that it provided a substantial involvement opportunity for the province advisors and allowed for some discussion time on other related Order of Omega topics. Mardie encouraged this practice with future Student Board of Director selections.  

Mardie shared two ideas forwarded by Cherie Wechsler (Theta). First, Cherie wanted to know if there were any ways for Order of Omega alumni to stay involved with the organization. Anne Forcier explained that alumni development activities for the organization cannot occur until the ability to manage a alumni database, with current addresses, can be developed. Kent said that the focus would have to remain on individual involvement as interest is expressed.  

Cherie also wanted to find out if there were officer transition training opportunities for Order of Omega chapter presidents. Ed suggested that one avenue for this could be the regional conferences. Ed also suggested developing a pilot program in one specific province, assess and determine need. Barbara noted that there are many leadership development opportunities for our members that already exist. She indicated that Order of Omega could provide scholarships or other financial incentives to attend some of these programs. After discussion, it was determined by the Board of Directors to not develop any additional training programs for the student members.  

In related discussion, David shared information from the Like-Minded People program, as a possible training and development idea for province advisors. They could do a half-day program at AFA for province advisors or develop a more elaborate signature program on a national scale for Order of Omega. Bob Biggs suggested developing a CDRom to be given to all new Order of Omega members, which would contain all the critical information on Order of Omega. Ed asked Bob to investigate this further and present any additional information to the Executive Council at the Winter Board Meeting in Denver, Colorado. Ed suggested inviting the province advisors who are in attendance at the AFA/NIC conference to a portion of the Executive Council meeting so they can be involved in the selection of the Outstanding Chapter Award and to talk about training needs and province issues. Barbara suggested getting the invitation out early so that those who need financial assistance to attend the conference can plan accordingly. Ed asked David to gather more information on the Like-Minded People program for the Executive Council meeting.  

16.        Graduation Cords  

Kent Gardner noted that the graduation cords are very popular among the graduating seniors. He reported that approximately 3,000 graduation cords have been sold. Kent indicated that he is looking for a second supplier for the graduation cords.

17.       Steve Favors – Omega Trends  

David Grady reported that former Board of Director Steve Favors is now President of Grambling University. David indicated that he is going to write an article on Steve’s professional success for the Omega Trends. David felt this might help bring some additional visibility of the National Order of Omega to Historically Black Institutions.

18.      AFA/NIC Annual Meeting  

Ed Whipple reported that the Annual Association of Fraternity Advisors/National Interfraternity Conference Meeting would be held in Denver, Colorado, December 2-5, 1999. The Order of Omega Recognition Reception will be held Saturday, December 4, from 5:00-6:00 pm. The AFA/Order of Omega Case Study Competition will be held Thursday, December 2; from 1:00 – 6:00 pm. Ed asked Board of Directors who would be attending the conference to notify him. The Order of Omega Executive Council and any Board of Directors present will meet prior to the recognition reception.

19.       New Chapter Listing  

Kent Gardner reported to the Board of Directors that twelve (12) new chapters of The National Order of Omega were installed during 1998-1999. Kent noted that this number is lower than in previous years and indicated that most of the new chapters are a result of direct contacts made at the regional conferences. He noted that the new chapters represent a range of public and private, large and small, international and land grant type of institutions.  

Kent reported that in the file of possible institutions at which to establish new chapters, there are at least seventy-five campuses that do not have an Order of Omega chapter. He indicated that this presents some opportunities for targeted recruitment activities.  

Kent discussed the process of how we install new chapters to ensure their success in the early years of their establishment. Kent suggested that we utilize the Board of Directors and Province Advisors located closet to a new chapter, to provide direct support to the new chapter and Order of Omega advisor. In addition, correspondence should be developed and targeted to provide the information and support needed in the first year. Darryl Stubbs suggested providing a flier with a step-by-step “how to” establish a new chapter. Barbara Tootle suggested working with the new chapter to initiate honorary members, to provide some permanency in support for the group. Anne Forcier suggested writing another article on the benefits of initiating honorary members.  

The new chapters include the following:  

Capital University (Ohio)
Georgetown College (Kentucky)
Georgia College and State University (Georgia)
Lafayette College (Pennsylvania)
Linfield College (Oregon)
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (Massachusetts)
University of North Carolina (North Carolina)
Northeastern State University (Oklahoma)
Pacific University (Oregon)
Vanderbilt University (Tennessee)
Whitman College (Washington)
Wingate University (North Carolina)  

20.       Regional Conferences Updates  

Kent Gardner reported to the Board of Directors that sixty-one (61) new honorary initiates were inducted into the National Order of Omega at five regional conferences. The following indicates the number of initiates per conference:  

Kent noted that there were no initiations at the Northeast Interfraternity Conference because of some changes in the NEIFC leadership. He indicated that this should not be a problem at the 2000 conference. He also reported that there were no initiations at the Southeast Interfraternity Conference, which has occurred in the past. Kent reminded the Board of Directors that the SEIFC conference is small and has not facilitated the honorary initiate program as has the Mid-America and Western Regional Greek Conferences.  

Kent asked the Board of Directors to discuss ideas on how to expand opportunities for more national officer honorary initiations. He noted that the Western Regional Conference has developed the best process for this to occur by including a section on the registration form for the national officers and professional staff to complete if they are interested in becoming a member of Order of Omega. He noted that he is working with the administration of the other regional conferences to incorporate a similar practice.  

Kent suggested targeting national field staff who did not have the opportunity on their campus to become a member of Order of Omega, but who are outstanding members of the Greek community. Bob Biggs suggested connecting with the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) Field Staff Training program, which includes field staff from twenty-five different men’s fraternities. The training program will be held November 21-23, 1999. Bob added that they might be open to adding a section on the registration form to indicate interest in becoming an honorary initiate of Order of Omega. Joni Burke noted that National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is hosting a parallel program for the women’s groups in August. She indicated that there would be approximately 165 women in attendance. Kent asked Joni to follow-up with NPC to see what opportunities might exist for Order of Omega to conduct honorary initiations at the field staff training program.  

Barbara Tootle suggested exploring ways to market the honorary initiation program with NPC and NIC, as a way to acknowledge volunteers who have served their respective fraternity/sorority international/national organization. Darryl Stubbs indicated that he will be in charge of registration for the upcoming SEIFC conference and will be able to incorporate information on Order of Omega honorary initiations in the registration materials. Mardie Sorensen noted that Tami Patterson Manko holds a similar responsibility with NEIFC and will follow-up with her to address the honorary initiation program opportunities for that regional conference.  

Kent reported the dates and locations of the 1999 conferences. He noted that the dates for the Southeast Panhellenic Conference and the Western Regional Greek Conference are tentative.

Kent noted that three of the regional conferences are on the same weekend, making it difficult for him to attend all three of them. He asked the Board members to notify him if they will be attending any of these conferences so that Order of Omega will have a presence and can conduct the honorary initiations.  

21.        Inactive Chapters  

Kent Gardner distributed a current listing of inactive chapters as of June 1999. These are chapters who have not sent in their initiation lists in the past two years. He indicated that the number on the list has decreased from the previous year. Follow-up letters have gone out to these chapters and requested them to contact the national office to indicate their ability and interest in becoming active chapters.

Kent suggested asking chapters to develop a co-advisor system, with one of the advisors being from the faculty. Mardie Sorensen suggested contacting the Association of Fraternity Advisors/National Interfraternity Conference to determine how we could obtain a list of new advisors. Barbara Tootle suggested that this list then could be used to send new advisors a welcome mailing, with specific information on Order of Omega advising expectations and ideas.

Kent indicated he would have the office support staff person follow-up on all chapters that do not respond to the fall mailing. Then for those chapters who do not respond at all, province advisors will be enlisted to assist in the reactivation of inactive chapters. Inactive chapters include:

Institution  
University of Alabama (Huntsville)
University of Arkansas (Monticello)  
Arkansas State University  
Bentley College  
University of British Columbia (Canada) 
Bucknell University  
California State University, Northridge  
Cameron University  
Clarion University  
Coe College  
University of Colorado  
The Colorado College  
Columbia University  
Culver-Stockton College  
Drake University  
Duke University  
East Tennessee State University  
Eastern Michigan University  
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University  
Florida International University  
Gannon University  
The George Washington University  
Georgia Institute of Technology  
Hamline University  
Henderson State University  
University of Illinois  
Indiana University at Bloomington  
Indiana University at Pennsylvania  
Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne  
University of Iowa  
Jacksonville University  
Lambuth University  
Louisiana State University at Shreveport  
Loyola University of Chicago  
Lynn University  
Massachusetts Institute of Technology  
McMaster University (Ontario, Canada)  
The University of Memphis  
Merrimack College  
University of Michigan  
University of Minnesota  
University of Mississippi  
University of Missouri-Kansas City  
Missouri Western State College  
Montana State University  
University of Nebraska at Kearney  
University of Nevada at Reno  
University of New Orleans  
State University of New York at Albany  
State University College of New York at Fredonia  
University of Northern Iowa  
Northwestern University  
University of Oklahoma  
Oklahoma State University  
Olivet College  
Oregon State University  
Queens College (North Carolina)  
Quinnipiac College  
University of Rochester  
Saint Francis College  
South Dakota State University  
Southeastern Louisiana University  
Southeastern Oklahoma State University  
University of Southern Indiana  
University of Southern Mississippi  
Syracuse University  
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga  
University of Tennessee at Knoxville  
Texas A & M University  
West Virginia University  
Western Kentucky University  
Westminister College  
University of Wisconsin at River Falls  
Youngstown State University

22.      Strategic Plan  

Ed Whipple led a review of the Strategic Plan with the Board of Directors. Ed indicated that all the discussions that have taken place with the other agenda items of the 1999 Summer Board of Directors meeting would be incorporated into the updated plan. Ed asked the Board of Directors for any additional changes.  

Michael Shonrock clarified that Goal 1;Objective 9 applies to the Fellowship Program only. Carol Thompson reviewed Goal 1, Objective 10 regarding the NASPA Minority Fellowship Program. The model is an extensive one and would take significant management from the national office. Michael felt that until we have appropriate full-time staffing in the national office, we would not be in a position to develop and manage this type of fellowship program.  Larry Lunsford (Goal 1, Objective 11) suggested looking into developing internship opportunities for students through a partnership with the organizations that are in the Dallas area – Delta Delta Delta, University of Texas at Arlington, and Order of Omega. Bob Biggs suggested that a summer internship could be forty hours per week, and twelve hours per week during the academic year. Barbara Tootle asked Kent to prepare a membership report by affiliation of Order of Omega members. She felt it would be helpful to familiarize the Board with the other ethnic founded fraternal organizations that are developing across the country.  

Larry asked that the Awards Committee (Jennifer Holsman, Darryl Stubbs, Joni Burke, and Mardie Sorensen), prepare the materials for all of the awards approved by the Board of Directors, to include the criteria, application, and timeline for promotion, selection and presentation of awards (Goal 2, Objective 2).

23.       Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute  

Anne Forcier reported to the Board of Directors that a scholarship to Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) is $395 per person. If the Board decided to provide a scholarship, Order of Omega would need to make a commitment with the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) by December 1, 1999. She noted that six hundred students were registered to participate in the program this summer, with approximately 210 who have received scholarships.  

Anne indicated that the NIC suggested another option of providing support to the program. NIC has developed a “Take Home Kit” for each UIFI participant, which includes a NIC Impact Brochure and UIFI t-shirt, facilitator guide, leadership journal, pin, video, and 365 days of leadership book. NIC suggests that Order of Omega consider becoming one of the sponsors for the  “Take Home Kit” for $1,000. Anne noted that this type of support by Order of Omega would reach a greater number of individuals compared to providing one student with a single scholarship.  After discussion by the Board of Directors, Ed Whipple asked Anne to follow-up with NIC and find out how many other sponsors there would be for the kit and to clarify the parameters for sponsorship. The Board provided tentative approval to sponsor the “Take Home Kit”, pending the information Anne obtains from NIC.  

Anne explained that the Board had also expressed interest in sponsoring a scholarship for a professional to attend the Interfraternity Institute (IFI). After discussion by the Board of Directors, Darryl Stubbs was asked to gather information on IFI scholarships.  

24.       Order of Omega Self-Study and Evaluation  

Ed Whipple distributed a draft of two self-study materials that the Board of Directors could use to assess performance of volunteers and programs. Kent Gardner suggested that the Executive Council discuss this item during the fall conference call. Ed asked the Board of Directors to get responses to the draft by September 1, 1999. Barbara Tootle suggested that there be broader input into the development and finalization of the self-study materials to ensure sensitivity to the process of objective assessment.

25.      Inter-Association Alcohol Task Force  

Michael Shonrock provided to the Board of Directors with an update on the potential of Order of Omega joining the Inter-Association Alcohol Task Force. Michael indicated that if the Order of Omega joins the association, it would need to send a representative to at least three meetings a year. Kent Gardner, Ed Whipple, and Michael Shonrock would serve as representatives for the Order of Omega. He indicated that the first meeting is in November. Michael felt that it would be very beneficial for the organization to join the Inter-Association Alcohol Task Force, and particularly if Order of Omega is to help address some of the alcohol related issues facing the Greek community nationally. After discussion by the Board, a motion was made by Daisy Wood and seconded by Barbara Tootle to join the Inter-Association Alcohol Task Force. Motion approved.  

26.       Review of Chapter Reference Manual  

Kent Gardner asked the Board of Directors to review the Chapter Reference Manual and forward any updates or changes to him.

27.      Student Board of Director Selection  

Larry Lunsford reported that he would be coordinating the selection process for the new Student Board Member. This year the student will be selected from the Southeastern Region. Larry reported that applications would be sent out to Order of Omega chapters in this region in February 2000. Larry indicated that the province advisors of the Southeastern Region and Jennifer Holsman, the current Student Board of Director, would serve as the application review and recommendation committee. The committee will forward their recommendation to the Executive Council by mid-April 2000.  

28.      Board of Director Appointments  

Ed Whipple reviewed the Board of Directors appointment schedule. He noted that the appointments of Howard Farrell, Anne Forcier, and Daisy Wood expire summer of 1999. A motion was made by Barbara Tootle, and seconded by Larry Lunsford, to appoint Howard Farrell, Anne Forcier and Daisy Wood to an additional three-year term. Motion passed.  

29.      2000 Summer Board of Directors Meeting  

Kent Gardner asked the Board of Directors to note the date of July 13-15, 2000 for the Summer Board of Directors Meeting. Kent noted the location is to be determined at a later date.

The Summer Board of Director meeting of The National Order of Omega, was officially adjourned by Ed Whipple, President, on Saturday, July 17, 1999 at twelve noon.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol D. Thompson
Secretary/Treasurer