Finals week often brings on feelings of extreme stress for collegians. It can seem that no matter how much you study, you will never be prepared. To help our members during this stressful time, we have compiled a list of finals week tips from employees at Executive Offices.
“I realized I worked best at night, so I’d go home and take naps after class. Then, I’d hunker down after dinner. This ensured I didn’t lose sleep during finals.” – Raina B.J., Beta Nu-Carnegie Melon
“I preferred studying somewhere with a lot of people, like the library or a coffee shop. The random people around me added a sense of accountability. I couldn’t get on Facebook where people could see me when I was supposed to be studying!” – Rachel H., Delta Iota-Georgia
“I had to prioritize studying over socializing. For this reason, I studied at home away from other people, so I could focus. I knew there would be plenty of people to hang out with after finals.” – Logan D., member of Lambda Chi Alpha at Murray State
“Download the free SelfControl app for your computer. Using this app, you can block websites (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) for a period of time (from 30 minutes – 24 hours) that you decide. When you try to access those websites, you will be unable to until the time you have selected has concluded.” – Mariah B., Alpha Rho-Ohio Wesleyan
“Putting my phone on do not disturb helped me focus immensely.” – Sarah G., Eta Sigma-Charleston
“BREATHE! It is scientifically proven that taking time to focus on your breathing or taking part in breathing exercises can significantly decrease your stress. I have terrible test anxiety, so while the professor is passing out the exams, I take time to focus on my breathing, so I feel refreshed and focused when I start!” – Kate M., Gamma Nu-North Texas. Click here for some breathing exercises you can practice while studying for your final exams.
“I can get easily distracted, so in college I would go study in the library since the Delta Gamma house/my apartment was filled with distractions. A quiet place was necessary for me to focus. I also would follow the 50/10 rule. I would study for 50 minutes then take a 10-minute break. This break allowed me to check Instagram, eat a snack then get back to work.” – Rachael D., Gamma Epsilon-Kent State
“Take handwritten notes and then type them up later if you need to because you’re more likely to remember them!” – Lisa D., Zeta Rho-Ohio
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If you know a friend or sister who is struggling a little more than normal during Finals, we encourage you to check out our resource, Be Her Champion. The document shares advice on how to be there for a friend going through a challenging time.
End of the year events and parties are a common way to gather and celebrate. Nearly every office, organization and friend group get together to celebrate the end of the year and rejoice in the holiday season. When hosting an event, it is important to strive to make all guests feel welcome and comfortable.
Holiday parties provide a host with the opportunity to show they know and appreciate the things that make their guests unique: food, drinks, accessibility, personal life and lifestyle are all things to take into consideration when planning an event. What type of food is being served or available? Are there gluten-free and vegetarian options? Reach out to attendees to see if there are any dietary restrictions or cultural requirements. If drinks are provided, make sure non-alcoholic beverages are offered as well. Handicap accessibility should also be considered when determining the location of an event, especially if the attendees bring dates or friends to the event, as you likely will not know the needs of everyone. It is always best to be prepared.
Think about what activities will take place at the event. Is it a welcoming environment for those that are more reserved or shy? Or is it only a comfortable situation for outgoing individuals? Consider including activities for people of all personality types to do while at the event.
On invitations, consider mentioning that guests could also bring a friend. This is an easy way to include those individuals who are single, in long distance relationships or whose significant other simply cannot attend the event. Another way of using inclusive language can be as simple as saying “spouses and significant others are welcome” instead of saying “husbands and boyfriends are welcome.”
For collegiate and alumnae chapter events, a level of respect should be given to all members, including a respect of their cultural background and religion. Consider hosting events this holiday season without a specific religious theme. A New Year’s themed party is one way to host a holiday event that is not specifically Christmas-themed. Often holiday parties include religious themed décor, invites, games, food, etc. Games like Secret Santa or dreidel can insinuate a religious affiliation. It is also wise to consider the dates of major religious holidays and avoid hosting an event on those days.
As Delta Gamma’s Positional Statement on Inclusivity states, “Delta Gamma Fraternity does not discriminate in its membership selection on the basis of race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, physical disability or other characteristics protected by state, provincial or federal law. Membership is open to all individuals who identify as women. Those selected for membership in Delta Gamma must have good scholarship, be of good character and standing, have an interest in activities that will enhance the academic atmosphere at the college or university, and have a sincere desire to contribute to the work of Delta Gamma.” In order to support our Positional Statement on Inclusivity during membership, we encourage our members to be mindful of inclusivity when planning events. Enjoy this time of much celebration with sisters at all of your upcoming Delta Gamma events!
Each year, a select group of Delta Gamma members have the distinction of celebrating membership milestones. Last fiscal year, we proudly recognized 3,217 twenty-five year members and 1,594 fifty year members, but perhaps the most inspiring statistic was the number of Delta Gamma women who celebrated 75 years of membership in our beloved Delta Gamma.
To achieve 75 years of Fraternity membership brings with it a very special recognition. An alumna reaching this precious milestone receives the Fraternity’s traditional gift of a cream-colored silk rose and a personal letter from the Fraternity president. This past spring, Fraternity President Stacia Rudge Skoog, Beta Zeta-Denison, sent out 230 silk roses, each with a warm letter of congratulations.
Patricia “Pat” Skoles Downard, Alpha Lambda-Drake, was one of those special sisters who received her treasured silk rose and letter. Art Downard, Pat’s Anchor Man of 70 years, took the time to write Staci to tell her the impact this beautiful gesture had on his wife and how Delta Gamma truly continues to be something Pat cherishes to this day.
When Staci shared this letter with the Delta Gamma Fraternity Council and Foundation Board of Trustees, I knew I needed to call Art to ask his permission to share his heartfelt words with all of you. My conversation with Art and Pat clearly was one of the most beautiful moments I have had in some time. Bless this precious Delta Gamma and her Anchor Man.
Pat is our Delta Gamma sister. We are all united heart to heart with a bond stronger than anyone of us can describe…with the humbling realization that no matter how many years difference in one’s Initiation date, we are sisters and will be for a lifetime. I am deeply privileged to be Pat’s sister and I am honored to be yours. Join me as we take this gift of sisterhood and spend our lives living the vision of our Founders with integrity, purpose and character with the lovely thought that there is a cream-colored silk rose in our future.
Have you heard of Delta Gamma’s Bronze, Pink & YOU campaign? Every month we focus on a different wellness topic that helps guide, educate and empower our members, and friends, to make informed choices in their day-to-day lives. Bronze, Pink & YOU plays off of our motto (and our colors) to serve as a constant reminder to “Do Good.”
October’s theme is #TalkGOOD and, clearly, it doesn’t focus on using proper grammar. Rather it focuses on the impact our words and messages can have on both ourselves and those around us.
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Using social media has truly helped sisters stay connected and build strong bonds far past their collegiate days and across the world. Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, GroupMe, Facebook groups … they all help achieve this undeniably positive outcome. However, expressing yourself on social media can also have negative consequences, as it lends itself to abandoning morals and ideals under the perceived protection of anonymity.
Finstas. Their existence isn’t a problem. In fact, we heard from many of our own sisters that they use them to be “silly and real” and share their raw, unedited and honest thoughts and life updates. From the Fraternity perspective, we are not concerned if your account has your name on it or it doesn’t. Just know that you are always connected to Delta Gamma. Chances are, there is at least one person who follows you and knows who you are. Therefore you are a representation of a Delta Gamma woman.
We don’t want to criticize social media, rather we want to help you make informed decisions for how you choose to express yourself in this public space. It’s not about how or where you post, it’s about what you post.
The account may be anonymous. But the message you’re sending isn’t. What do we mean by that?
Example A:
You may say that you respect other cultures and other identities. But if the words you use in your Snapchat story are slanderous or degrading to a group of people, does that show respect? You may say that you have a heart for serving those less fortunate than you. But when you make homelessness a costume, does that show respect? The message you’re sending through your actions is contradictory to who you say you are.
Example B:
You may say that Delta Gamma helps you become a better version of yourself. But when you think it’s okay to talk negatively about one of your sisters behind their back, is that really the best version of yourself? You may say that Delta Gamma is about furthering your educational and cultural interests. But when you post on Instagram that you and your sisters skipped class because you were too hungover, what does that say about what DGs truly value?
When a photo or caption posted on Instagram or sent on Snapchat is problematic, it’s that person’s behavior that is the problem. You can ask a sister to take down a post that’s offensive or inappropriate, but doing it “because it makes Delta Gamma look bad” shouldn’t be the reason. It should be because the message that they’re sending is that their actions don’t match their verbal intentions or commitment to DG. We should be focusing on how we can help that sister better align her actions with her morals, instead of only being angry that the picture was posted.
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When you joined Delta Gamma you made a commitment, a pledge, to uphold our values. Not just because someone tells you to, but because you share those same values. This is why we have a Social Media Policy - we want to help you do and say what you promised; it’s not a restriction, it’s a reminder. Whether in person or in writing. Whether in pictures in a frame or pictures that disappear after 10 seconds. Every message you send has an impact. Because they’re not just our values, they’re yours too. Remember your Oath.
Fraternities and sororities are the nation’s second largest provider of college student housing. We provide housing – and one-of-a-kind experience – for more than 370,000 of the most active students on campuses. Yet, donations toward building and maintaining our houses are restricted from receiving full tax deductions.
The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA) would provide our houses with equal access to facility upgrades under the law. By simplifying the tax code, all non-for-profit housing (including fraternities and sororities) will be able to gain incentives to increase funding for life-safety and capacity upgrades like fire sprinklers and alarm systems. If integrated into tax reform, CHIA – which has always enjoyed bipartisan support – will also make a meaningful difference in the student debt crisis, by expanding the offering of affordable collegiate housing options.
Now we need your help. Click here to tell Congress to include CHIA in the upcoming tax reform package. The more voices Congress hears, the more likely students across the country will gain the benefits of safe and affordable student housing. Thank you for your support.
Delta Gamma has had the exciting opportunity to establish many new chapters in recent years. We have been fortunate to welcome sisters at universities that have never hosted a Delta Gamma chapter before, as well as re-establish our Alpha Omega chapter at the University of Arkansas. This year we are establishing four new chapters at Portland State, Brown, UNC Wilmington and California Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo.
Three of our Eta Psi-Iowa State members, who received their charter last year, share their experiences as a charter member of a new Delta Gamma chapter.
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Carlee Cutler, Eta Psi-Iowa State, pictured second from the left, with some of her Eta Psi sisters and CDC Shea Hermann.
“I remember walking past Parks Library in early September last year and seeing a table with two big Greek letters on it. I knew exactly what the Greek letters stood for, Delta Gamma. My grandma had been calling me for months with the news that Delta Gamma was coming to Iowa State. My grandmother is a Delta Gamma from Lawrence College 1945, and was ecstatic when she learned I could have the opportunity to become her sister. I walked up to the table and introduced myself to the CDCs, Sarah Gilbert, Eta Sigma-Charleston and Shea Hermann, Epsilon Phi-Loyola.
I remember getting interviewed by the Delta Gamma Fraternity President, Staci Skoog, and then getting to meet Delta Gammas from the University of Minnesota for our preference ceremony. I was so excited getting an email later that night saying that I received a bid to become a charter member at Eta Psi-Iowa State! Our Bid Day was a crazy whirlwind of activities and many other chapters on campus came out to support us on our Bid Day; that was so special! Our chapter dove right into the Greek life on our campus, with homecoming, officer elections and planning our first formal. I decided to take the position of director: recruitment records, this was such a fun and exciting position, as my ‘twin’ is vp: membership, it has made us so much closer planning our first recruitment together. I now since last fall have been the director: recruitment records, participated (and got first place) in Greek Week activities, coached Anchor Splash® teams, gone to formal, moved into our new house, assisted in polish and recruitment week, got a little (Yay!) and most recently joined Honor Board as their senior member.
Being a charter member for Delta Gamma on my campus has been such a new and exciting experience for me, I am so grateful to have met so many new best friends I otherwise would have never encountered, and getting to start every new tradition that will be carried on by my chapter for decades to come. So, thank you DG, for my sisters, my home and my anchor.”
Carlee Cutler, Eta Psi-Iowa State
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“I did not have the traditional sorority experience as most women have had during their undergraduate years -- I joined a brand-new Delta Gamma chapter during the fall of my junior year. Looking back over the past year, I'm so happy with my decision to become a DG. After joining last fall, I immediately became interested in holding an officer position due to my previous involvement in other leadership roles on campus. I applied to become the vp: member education and was slated approximately one week later. Through this position and my other involvement with the chapter, I've been able to grow into the woman I am today.
Joining a new chapter presented me new challenges I had not seen before but also presented me with great opportunities I would not have had if I had joined an already established chapter. During Eta Psi's first year on campus, I've been able to work with other officer members to shape our chapter into who we are today. I had the opportunity to plan Bid Day and Big/Little reveal with no help from previous officers since we did not have any at the time! I'm so excited to come back in ten years to see just how much we've grown as a chapter.”
Maranda (Randi) Hahn, Eta Psi-Iowa State
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Aimee Rodin, Eta Psi-Iowa State (right) with her little at last year's Big/Little Reveal.
“Becoming a member of Delta Gamma was never something I planned to do. One day I was on campus and saw women talking about a new Greek chapter coming to Iowa State, so I thought I'd talk to them about their chapter for fun. From the moment I started talking to the women I now know as our first CDCs, I felt like I had finally found my home away from home. While I was skeptical to join at first because I wouldn't know anyone joining with me, I knew that we were all interested in Delta Gamma for similar reasons. Finally, we all felt like we had a place we could call home, one that also cared about “Doing Good,” and one where we could find unconditional friendship.
Since joining, I've been challenged to grow both as a leader and as a person. My sisters help me live the values described in Article II, and I help them learn and grow in return. As a new chapter we've had a large learning curve, but I'm thrilled to see how amazingly our CMT handles situations we've never had to deal with before. Everything from our first Anchor Splash® to our first recruitment have incredibly successful. The new members we selected during recruitment really understand what our sisterhood is all about and want to leave their mark on our chapter. I'm proud to call one of them my little.
With the help of our advisers and CDCs, life as a member in a new chapter has been everything I expected and more!”
Aimee Rodin, Eta Psi-Iowa State
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If you or someone you know attend one of the universities we are establishing a new chapter this year, please share these stories with them. You can find more information about our upcoming and recent establishments here.
Heather Skapura Lamendola, Beta Sigma-Maryland, let’s her “Do Good” spirit show each and every day! Her commitment to Rho-Syracuse and the local alumnae group knows no bounds. Whether she’s hosting the annual Fall Kick-off event for the alumnae chapter or working behind the scenes to ensure a fantastic collegiate recruitment – she is all hands on deck, all the time. Heather, pictured above on the right, was truly surprised to receive her Loyalty Award presented by her admiring sisters of the Syracuse alumnae chapter at Founders Day last spring.
The Cable Award recognizes alumnae who, through years of serving Delta Gamma, have evidenced unusual loyalty and devotion far beyond normal alumnae participation. You can find Cable Award instructions here.
Ronni Smith Oppenheim, Beta Rho-George Washington, has truly lived our “Do Good” motto through her continued commitment to all things DG in NoVA! Over the years, she’s served as alumnae chapter president, DGs on the Go Special Interest Group Leader, Chili Cook off Chairman and everything in between. Ronni is the alumnae equivalent of the energizer bunny – and we are so fortunate to call her sister! At Northern Virginia alumnae chapter’s Founders Day 2017, Ronni, pictured above in red, was happily shocked when she was recognized for her incredible loyalty and devotion to Delta Gamma.
The Cable Award recognizes alumnae who, through years of serving Delta Gamma, have evidenced unusual loyalty and devotion far beyond normal alumnae participation. You can find Cable Award instructions here.
Julia “Julie” Ann Bredensteiner McKim – Loyalty Award
The Indianapolis alumnae chapter celebrated Julia “Julie” Ann Bredensteiner McKim, Alpha Tau-Butler, and her many Delta Gamma contributions with presentation of the Loyalty Award in spring 2017. Julie’s Delta Gamma commitment over 6 decades – wearing every hat that DG has tossed her way and served steadfastly with a smile – endears her to all of her sisters. Most recently they described Julie as “the steady heartbeat of the Lunch Bunch Group.” Having received the Cable Award in 1990, Julie, pictured above, was absolutely delighted to receive the Loyalty Award.
The Loyalty Award recognizes alumnae who have continued to serve the Fraternity for at least 10 years following recognition with the Fraternity’s Cable Award. She is a woman who exhibits extraordinary commitment and distinctive dedication to Delta Gamma. You can find Loyalty Award instructions here.
Suzanne Alli Reynolds, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma, is truly a remarkable volunteer in her service in Oklahoma, and is especially respected for her commitment to the success of the Oklahoma County Medical Society Alliance. Her “Do Good” spirit touched so many as she led Operation Santa, served on the Executive Board as president and raised funds to support myriad nonprofit organizations improving the lives of Oklahomans statewide. As a doctor, pharmacist, teacher and expert, Suzanne has improved many lives! Suzanne, pictured above, was overwhelmed to receive the Oxford Award while celebrating Founders Day with her Oklahoma City alumnae chapter sisters at their Founders Day celebration last spring - just as all who know her are overwhelmed with admiration for all the good that she does!
The Oxford Award – The Oxford Award recognizes alumnae who exemplify the Delta Gamma philosophy of community service through volunteer and philanthropic activities. Recipients bring a sense of pride to their alumnae groups through outstanding community efforts and involvement. You can find Oxford Award instructions here.
