State of the Collegiate Chapter – Fall 2015

Dear Zeta Kappa Alumni,

I hope this finds you well, whether in Fresno or elsewhere. As we’re well underway this semester, I’d like to take this opportunity to share an update on the collegiate chapter.

A Tough Year

The truth is, we had a tough year that included setbacks. Over the past year we started to lose sight of what it truly means to be Sigma Nu and the responsibilities that come along with it. As a result of less-than-model behavior (namely we failed to comply with the risk reduction and alcohol policy) we found ourselves on “serious concern” status with the national headquarters, and were placed under a plan of action.

These events have caused serious discussion and questioning regarding the longevity of our chapter. More importantly, we have disappointed ourselves with the lack of leadership and ingenuity that our chapter has shown.

Turning The Ship

Stick with me, there is good news. The last three months have really showed that we needed to make changes. Looking back at where we have been, and where we want to be, we are currently working closely with the general fraternity and alumni chapter to make changes and right the ship. What does that mean?

For one thing we have committed to a completely alcohol-free chapter house, to the man, at least through the remainder of this semester or until our status changes. Which, on a side-note, we’d love to have you come and visit the house, but please respect the zero-alcohol policy at the house until further notice.

Right now recruitment is the #1 priority with rush week coming fast. We are also working hard to make grades, stay financially current with both headquarters and Chris Olson, and bring leadership back into our fraternity.

This semester we’ve already had alumni and national representatives help us with facilitating LEAD sessions, improving our risk reduction policies, working with our community, attending chapter meetings and recruitment workshops, and making sure our chapter house is maintained and clean.

Looking Ahead

What I can tell you is this: we are committed to the future of Zeta Kappa. It was only five years ago our chapter was named honorable mention for the Rock Chapter Award. And as quickly as things went downhill, we’re going to show how quickly we can turn it around. We have brothers who care, who are committed to the ideals and principles of Sigma Nu, and who are willing to work for it.

But it’s true, we need help. In today’s day and age, between risk reduction and liability, member education, university and national standards, it’s harder than ever to be a good fraternity. We’ve realized that we simply don’t know how to do some of this stuff, and we need help and guidance from our alumni.

Preference Dinner

To start reconnecting with our alumni, we want to invite you to Preference Dinner. Come and meet the active chapter and our new members as we close out rush week on October 2.

The price for alumni is $30, and we ask that you RSVP by clicking here. If you can make it we’ll do our best to make sure you have a good experience, and that you’ll be proud to be a part of this fraternity.

Recruiting Leadership

In the meantime, do you know any men attending Fresno State who we can reach out to? The #1 quality we’re looking for in new members is LEADERSHIP. If know a man who would make a great Sigma Nu brother, please fill out a referral form.

We’ve been through some hard times. But we’re on the rise. And soon, with your help, we are going to be the top fraternity at Fresno State once again. Until then,

To Believe in the Life of Love,
To Walk in the Way of Honor,
To Serve in the Light of Truth.

Fraternally,

Evan Schivo ZK 862

Eminent Commander
Sigma Nu Fraternity, Zeta Kappa Chapter #125
California State University, Fresno