Rise to the Challenge: A Message From National President, Dale Holland

Brothers of Phi Kappa Tau,  

National President Holland

Every new semester presents an opportunity to rise to the challenge and be everything a man is capable of being. I want to thank all of those who attended the recent Virtual Brotherhood Banquet, the awards delivered that night exemplify all that is great about Phi Kappa Tau. I want to give special congratulations to Ryan Callahan, Tennessee '20, on his Shideler Award win as well as the Delta Kappa chapter at the University of Tennessee on taking home the Maxwell Outstanding Chapter Trophy. Truly great accomplishments that I hope all chapters take note of in the school year to come.  

Just prior to the Virtual Brotherhood Banquet, the fraternity announced the departure of Tim Hudson, Truman State ’98, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Fraternity. I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his dedicated and steadfast service to Phi Kappa Tau in his eight years as CEO, and his almost 20-year career at the executive offices. In collaboration with Foundation Chairman Buzz Green, Ole Miss '66, the National Council and Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Board of Trustees are working diligently on a transition plan. We are exploring options for a third-party consultation group to lead the CEO search under the watchful guidance of our councils, as well as beginning a proactive deep dive into fraternity operations to ensure the ship is running smoothly for years to come.  

All the while, Brother Sam Medley, Transylvania '94, has stepped in to provide day-to-day support to the Fraternity Staff during this time of change, and I would like to thank him for the impact he has had in just two short weeks. Sam is integral in setting the next CEO up for success in the role. He, along with the current executive offices staff, are laser focused on providing our undergraduate and graduate members the most outstanding fraternity experience possible.  

So, what does this mean for you, brothers? You can sit back and let change happen around you, or you can be a part of the change. Phi Kappa Tau has a role for each and every one of you in our 2025 Strategic Plan. To our chapters, I want to wish you success in your fall recruitment efforts, chapter operations, and brotherhood. To our graduate members, I empower you to engage in our brotherhood, provide feedback, and support our collegiate men on campus. We are a fellowship that began long before any of us were born, and it will be here long after we’re gone.  

Have a safe and great Labor Day weekend brothers and remember, “Brotherhood first, Phi Tau always.” 

In Phi, 

Dale Holland, Kent State ’87

National President 

Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity

Phi Tau Nominated for NIC Undergraduate of Distinction

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Chris Gomez in front of the Cal State-Long Beach house.

When Chris Gomez, Cal State-Long Beach '19, transferred to his new educational home in the Fall of 2019, he had no interest in getting involved with Greek Life. Coming to Cal State-Long Beach as a marketing major, Gomez was more focused on completing his degree and having fun with his friends along the way. Yet, as more and more of his friends decided to rush, he was compelled to join them. As you may have surmised, our Beta Psi chapter was fortunate enough to show him the many benefits and merits of Phi Kappa Tau. The addition of Gomez to the chapter, and the natural leadership he carried with him, was immediately felt.  

Enticed by the leadership roles, as well as the philanthropic and sporting events, Gomez took on the position of Chapter Historian—giving him experience creating recruitment videos and documenting brotherhood events. Following his stint as Chapter Historian, Gomez was elected Vice President of Alumni Relations. He would find equal success in this position, parlaying it into a Presidential Election. As the head of the Beta Psi chapter, Gomez helped lead a successful recruitment season, made sure 100% of dues were paid, ran the most successful alumni dinner in the organization's history, built strong trust between the chapter and university, and created strong relations with every sorority chapter at CSULB. 

Following his flourishing presidency, Gomez set his sights on a larger organization and is now a member of the Interfraternity Council—hoping to make positive change across all Greek organizations. This much dedication and success is rightfully fit for reward. Held in the esteem of the top undergraduate fraternity men around the country, Gomez was nominated for the Undergraduate Award of Distinction by the North American Interfraternity Conference. The NIC had this to say of Gomez, “As IFC director of recruitment, Gomez went above and beyond to help struggling chapters at CSULB and was a champion for bringing another group on campus through virtual expansion during the height of COVID-19. He is a full-time student who works off-campus, holds leadership positions and is a budding entrepreneur bringing nacho bars near college campuses providing an expanded sense of belonging and community to more than just students.” 

Join us in congratulating Chris Gomez on all his accomplishments and thanking him for the dedication to our organization. The results of this award and many more will be announced this fall.  

Welcome Back from Phi Kappa Tau

From the Chapter Services Team:

As we prepare to embark on a new academic school year, the chapter services team wanted to share key items that can be helpful in navigating this upcoming semester. Our team is looking forward to seeing your successes and we are happy to field questions or thoughts you may have!

​​​​​Key Items

Fall 2022 Billing Update
The organization will be shifting back to a structure similar to what was rolled out in 2019. For more information, click here or contact your Chapter’s Success Manager 

Who is my Success Manager? 

Undergraduate Members posing outside of the main entrance to the Executive Offices

Your Success Manager can be seen as your chapters individual account manager. They are the first line of communication for your chapter and the Executive Offices. They can be used as a general resource and an advocate for you and your chapter. At the minimum, your chapter president is expected to connect with your chapter success manager, at least once a month. You do not need to be a chapter president to speak with them, so feel free to schedule a call or reach out. The individual that works with your chapter can be found here.  

Chapter Services and Expansion Team Offer New Recruitment Services 

The Recruitment Services Initiative is a service developed collaboratively between both departments that focuses on providing hands-on support to chapter’s recruitment teams. This service provides chapters the opportunity to discuss their goals, troubles, and recruitment plans with skilled Expansion Team staff members on a regular basis. To find out more, contact your chapter’s Success Manager.  

Want a refresher on any other policies or governance updates? 

You can visit our Governance & Policies page to view all of Phi Kappa Tau’s policies as well as the Constitution & Statutes by visiting phikappatau.org/governance. If you have any questions about a policy or section of governance, please reach out to your chapter’s success manager. 

What is Phi Kappa Tau’s Policy on receiving membership badges, shingles, and membership cards? 

To receive your membership badge, shingle, and membership card; there are two key requirements: 

1. Ensuring you have completed your tightrope course via the Phi Kappa Tau portal  

1. Ensuring your $250 affiliation fee has been paid and the chapter has submitted payment to the Executive Offices. 

After you have done these two steps, your chapter president will need to change your membership status from Associate to Undergraduate on the Phi Kappa Tau Portal. This status change request allows for us to begin processing shingles and membership cards as well as place an order for your membership badge to our vender, Herff Jones. Page Break 

Phi Kappa Tau Mark of Distinction program  

The National Fraternity has fully rolled out the updated Mark of Distinction program for new associate members during Fall 2017. All Chapters and Associate chapters are expected to fully adhere to the program during the association process of new associates as outlined.  If you have any questions about the program, please reach out to your chapter’s success manager. 

Phi Kappa Tau and Tightrope 

Phi Kappa Tau is committed to ensuring that you have the safest and most rewarding college experience possible. That's why we are continuing to partner with Plaid to offer the Tightrope Education Program for our associate members.  

Tightrope is a research and data driven program consisting of online courses and optional in-person chapter activities to provide practical training on:  

• Alcohol and Other Drugs 

• Hazing 

• Sexual Misconduct 

• Mental Health 

 This program has a requirement of Full associate member participation. 

Phi Kappa Tau Risk Management Policy 

With the Fall 2022 academic term shortly underway, be sure that you are taking time to review the Fraternity's Risk Management Policy. This policy ensures that your chapter is providing a safe environment for all members and guests.  

Furthermore, during the semester, chapter officers and advisors will work to ensure that every member of the chapter is aware of the Phi Kappa Tau Risk Management Policy. The first program they will hold is the Risk Management Policy Overview.  

Please take some time to review the policy by clicking here prior to the beginning of the academic year. 

Phi Kappa Tau Good Samaritan Policy 

To encourage members and chapters to act without fear of disciplinary action The Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity has two Good Samaritan policies, one for individual members and guests and another for the chapter itself. Remember to always call emergency services by dialing 911 for anyone needing immediate medical attention. 

Please read and familiarize yourself with our full Good Samaritan policies by clicking here. 
Need a refresher on Phi Tau Portal? 

If you need a refresher or perhaps even an introduction on how to navigate the Phi Kappa Tau Portal, check out these helpful How-To videos.  

Where do I look for further updates? 

Keep an eye out for Sidelights, the Phi Tau Minute, our website, or schedule a conversation with your chapter success manager to stay up to date and in the know on all things Phi Kappa Tau. 

Tim Hudson Steps Down as CEO of Phi Kappa Tau

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

OXFORD, OH - In an era in which change is constant and management of transition is necessary for organizational success, Phi Kappa Tau itself enters a period of transition.   

Today, we announce that a dedicated Man of Distinction, Tim Hudson, Truman ’97, has stepped down as CEO of Phi Kappa Tau after a multi-decade career working in our Executive Offices, including the last eight years as CEO.   

Tim has brought to the organization a lifelong commitment to the bonds and ideals of our brotherhood, and thanks to his stewardship, Phi Kappa Tau has successfully navigated the difficult decisions brought to fraternal organizations by way of the Covid-19 pandemic.   

Tim leaves our organization well-positioned to find success in the years to come, in which all Greek organizations will face new and greater existential challenges than ever before. The National Council and National Foundation will form a board to review a panel of applicants to lead our organization into its next, thriving era. Sam Medley, Transylvania ’94, will assume the role of interim CEO as the review board seeks out qualified candidates. 

We as brothers should all be grateful to Tim for his dedication, commitment, and service to our organization.  

Questions, concerns and additional contact can be directed in the form of an email to communications@phikappatau.org. 

Intergenerational Brotherhood on the Campaign Trail

Richardson and Pfeffer on election day.

As a first-time candidate for political office in Tennessee, John D. Richardson, Tennessee '97, reached out to active brother Chris Hilton, Tennessee '20, (VP of Alumni Relations) with the Delta Kappa chapter of Phi Kappa Tau at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As a UT alumnus, John shared with Chris that he was a political candidate in need of volunteers for Election Day on Thursday, August 4, 2022. John sent Chris an overview of what the volunteer opportunity entailed and the gear (campaign shirt and hat) that volunteers would receive for volunteering. Chris sent a message out to all of the active Delta Kappa chapter brothers that lived in the greater Nashville, TN area, since everyone was still back home enjoying their Summer vacation.

Current Delta Kappa chapter active brother, Gehrig Pfeffer, Tennessee '21, responded to Chris' message.

On Election Day, Gehrig drove over an hour from Clarksville, TN to the polling location in Nashville, TN and arrived promptly at 6:45am before the polls opened at 7:00 am.

Throughout the day, Gehrig helped voters learn about his fellow Phi Kappa Tau brother, John D. Richardson, and shared with them why they should vote for him. It was a hot, sunny day standing in the parking lot of a local church in Nashville, with the temperature passing well over 90 degrees.

After a long day of holding a 2ft by 3 ft election sign, the Phi Kappa Tau team of Gehrig and John were able to secure more than 75% of the votes at that polling location which in-turn helped John secure a win over his opponent with a 142 vote margin.

On Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 8:00am, John and Gehrig connected for breakfast at a First Watch restaurant in Brentwood, TN.

Over breakfast, they discussed their shared experience on Election Day, the film projects that Gehrig is working on as a college student, and John introduced Gehrig to a friend of his that may be able to help him further his career in the film industry.

Gehrig's willingness to assist a Brother in need and be his "Brother's Keeper" paid off with a new life-long friendship and potentially helping Gehrig advance in his career.

This is Brother Submitted news story, if you want to submit a story for consideration please use this link.

Expansion and Chapter Services Team to Offer New Recruitment Services

From the Chapter Services Team:

The Expansion Team and Chapter Services Department are proud to unveil a new service that is available to all active and associate chapters!

Brothers at Leadership Academy, July ‘22

The Recruitment Services Initiative is a service developed collaboratively between both departments that focuses on providing hands-on support to chapter’s recruitment teams. This service provides chapters the opportunity to discuss their goals, troubles, and recruitment plans with skilled Expansion Team staff members on a regular basis.

This will assist with the strategic plan and better establish the organization for our 2025 goals.

As stated, this service is available to every chapter; and support will vary depending on each chapters individual needs. Chapters are highly encouraged to take advantage of this service and may direct any questions to their respective Success Manager!

Announcing the 2022 Maxwell Founders Four

After great deliberation by the Phi Kappa Tau awards committee, we are excited to announce this year’s Founders Four Finalists. All four of these chapters will be presenting for the prestigious Maxwell Award, given annually to the top performing chapter in the country.

Your 2022 Founders Four are:

In Greek Letter Order

• Upsilon - Nebraska Wesleyan University

• Chi - North Carolina State University

• Delta Kappa - University of Tennessee

• Zeta Xi - University of South Carolina

Upsilon

Chi

Delta Kappa

Zeta Xi

This group is comprised of past presenters, as well as newcomers - in fact, three of the four chapters represented chartered within the past 5 years. The presentations will take place on August 15th at 7pm ET, and you can watch them live by clicking here to register. The schedule is as follows:

• 7PM - 7:30PM - Chi

• 7:30PM-8PM - Upsilon

• 8PM-8:30PM – Delta Kappa

• 8:30PM-9PM – Zeta Xi

The winner will be announced at the 3rd Annual Virtual Brotherhood Banquet taking place on August 17th at 8:30pm ET, streaming live on Facebook and YouTube!

Chapter Services Announces Fall 2022 Fee Structure

Along with compiling the financial information needed for chapters to calculate their budgets, the Chapter Services team has also included a detailed explanation of where their investment goes. Read more below or download the comprehensive pdf here.

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2022 Fall Fee Structure

Member Fees

• One-time

  • Associate/Affiliation Fee: $250 (for new associates only)

Total: $250

Per Semester

• Member Dues: $87.50

• Housing: $7.50

• Insurance: $160 ($70-$160 in Spring)

Total: $255

Chapter Fees

• Chapter Dues: $500

• Education Pool: $765

• Conference Pool: $510

• NIC Dues: $176

Total: $1,951

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Understanding your Bill

To calculate what members may pay, Use the following formula: 255+ (1951/X)

X= amount of members in your chapter

Example: Chapter with 35 members

255 + (1951/35) = ~310.74

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A Breakdown of Fees

Associate/Initiation Fee

Associate Fee: $250 per member

This covers your initiation cost, membership badge, and insurance for being a member of Phi Kappa Tau.

Insurance

Insurance cost: $160 per member (with applicable discounts every Spring semester)

The provided insurance policies are for Liability, D&O and Member Accident Protection that apply to chapters/members in the event of injury, incidents, etc. All national fraternal organizations provide insurance, and the cost is relatively the same for all groups.

It is important to note that there are available Spring semester insurance discounts. These discounts will still be applied based on the dollar amounts from previous years. You can learn more about insurance discounts below:

• Host/Participate in all 4 Risk Prevention seminars – Save $15 per member during the spring semester.

• Have a clean 2-year record (no Risk Prevention Policy violations within the past two years) – Save $15 per member during the spring semester.

• No chapter house – Save $45 per member during the spring semester.

• Alcohol-Free chapter house – Save $30 per member during the spring semester.

*Note for housed chapters, needs to be included in chapter bylaws

• Alcohol-Free chapter operations (all chapter events/activities/housing is alcohol-free) – Save $60 per member during the spring semester.

*Note needs to be included in chapter bylaws

• Have a live-in advisor if you have a house – Save $5 per member during the spring semester.

Housing Fee

$7.50 per member

The housing fee is collected and used to help support a lending partner organization. The funds are made available to housing corporations that seek loans for property improvement, enhanced safety features and/or assistance in securing property.

Member Dues

$87.50 per member

This cost covers items such as Portal (ChapterSpot), Plaid partnerships, and more.

Educational Programming Dues

Educational Pool: $765 + Conference Pool: $510 = $1,275

This covers the costs of our programming. In 2023 we are planning to rollout new educational programming and look forward to presenting new curriculum along with educational opportunities.

One specific way you can help save costs is by utilizing your Chapter Educational Grant (CEG) Fund. This chapter-specific fund is hosted by the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation and given the chapter has the necessary funds, they can be used to help cover portions of this cost. While the cost of educational programs for Spring 2023 is still being configured, this number will help to provide needed funding for your chapter's participants.

NIC Dues

$176 per chapter

The NIC (North American Interfraternity Conference) is our Fraternity trade organization which consists of over 66 men’s fraternities. The majority of our peer organizations are members of the NIC. The NIC provides a lot of resources to the national organization and our staff. From staff training workshops/conferences to Fraternity legislation with our peers at the local/state/federal level, this organization is committed to the betterment of Fraternity life across the country. In turn, our organization is committed to being on the ground floor and having a voice in the future of fraternities as it will surely impact our organization directly.

Chapter Dues

$500

Each chapter gets a very similar level of services, products, and solutions no matter the size of the chapter or host institution. While some of these products may not have been utilized in the past by chapters, they are provided to all chapters which can provide insight on this fee. Below are some examples of services, products, and solutions that are currently available.

• Portal (ChapterSpot). A one-stop shop for member management and chapter organization. Here are some of the features that are available today:

• Roster Management

• Service Hours Tracking

• Points Tracker for members

• Recruitment Pipeline management

• Fully-branded, customizable chapter websites

• Submitting reports to Executive Offices

• Calendar tool

• Communications tool

• Debt Collections tool

• Online Resource Library

Success Manager. Chapters have a single point-of-contact with their Success Manager whose primary role is to help ensure the success of all chapters.

• Currently there are 3 staff members, allowing for a smaller ratio and better support for more officers/advisors.

Member Planet. Chapter’s that have an active Graduate Council are eligible to participate in a better way for alumni to connect, communicate, fundraise, host events, etc.

• This will allow for more alumni touchpoints and grow the potential advisor pool, fundraise to help provide financial resources for the chapter, and a way to communicate in mass/individually so alumni can remain active in the chapter experience.

Salesforce database. Our organization is committed to the #1 database in the world to help provide a central location to track our nearly 100,000 members.

• We utilize our database to track things like member contact information, donation history for accounting purposes, and can more easily provide information, run reports/analytics, etc.

National Online Payment Portal. We provide an online payment portal for chapters so they can pay the national fraternity online, view statements, view past invoices & payment history, set up automatic payments, etc.

Crowd Change. An online fundraising tool that is free for chapters to use with much lower rates than its competitors such as CrowdRise, GoFundMe, Eventbrite, etc.

• This is a gamechanger for philanthropy events and general fundraising strategies that chapters want to do. This platform allows you to sell tickets for events as well.

Better Volunteer Resources. We know a strong chapter typically has a strong group of Board of Governors members. Our online certification program has been updated.

Additional Staff members. We know there are other areas that we need staff support for (i.e., alumni relations, event management/logistics, growth, etc.) to help successfully meet the goals set within the strategic plan, and more specifically the priorities.

We are expanding to new campuses. One of the priorities is continued growth by (re)starting new chapters

More support for current chapter growth. Another priority is helping support the current chapter’s recruitment efforts by providing additional and intentional support/coaching in this area.

• This past semester, we performed nine in-person chapter recruitment retreats and are eager for this number to increase.

Better Scholarship/Awards application process. We have recognized that scholarship and award applications have been clunky in the past and are excited to continue utilizing smarter select and continuing to update and make the process easier!

More resources*. We recognize the fact there is a need for more resources on a variety of different topics from recruitment to prevention/wellness to leadership development to career development. The organization needs to be able to be prepared to meet those needs swiftly versus not being able to meet the needs because there is not money available.

Leadership Academy: A Homecoming

Group photo outside of Shideler Hall

When you think about it, what better place to return to an in-person Leadership Academy than Oxford? A town so infused with Phi Kappa Tau history that it is almost impossible to leave without a massive boost of Phi Tau pride.  

Taking place July 21-24, over 50 emerging undergraduate leaders from chapters across the country descended upon Miami University’s campus. Utilizing campus facilities, primarily the Farmer School of Business as the home base, the new leaders were introduced to the program by Educational Deans Guillermo Flores, Southern Illinois ’08, and Chad Warrick, Akron ’08 as well as a kickoff speech from CEO Tim Hudson, Truman ’97. From there the men were broken into their color groups, led by the programs volunteer leadership coaches representing multiple Phi Kappa Tau chapters and outside organizations and university professionals.

Brothers at the opening session.

Over the four days the men underwent a leadership transformation by developing a deeper understanding of their leadership styles, growing through teambuilding exercises, and setting tangible action plans for their chapter for when they return in the Fall. Some of the most impactful moments came in the form of the “Brother to Brother” activity where brothers share deep conversations with multiple participants that dive into chapter issues and push brothers to be vulnerable with one another. 

Tours of the Executive Offices

Beyond the leadership training, brothers were also given the opportunity interact socially with one another as well as enjoy an evening of fellowship at the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices. At the office, the men were given the opportunity to learn about the historic memorabilia in the “Heritage Room,” explore the Centennial Garden, and enjoy s’mores at the circle of warmth – all, of course, resulting in multiple photo opportunities.  

“I am often asked why I’m still involved and why do you put all this extra work on yourself,” wrote Education Dean Guillermo Flores in an Instagram post, “It’s simple, undergraduate brothers need the opportunity to connect with each other and challenge the stereotype of being a ‘frat boy.’” 

Brothers enjoying the “Phi Tau Circle”

Similar positive sentiments were expressed across social media by participating chapters including our newly reestablished Alpha Associate Chapter whose very own Jack Coyle, Miami AM, won one of the three coveted John F. Cosgrove Spirit and Leadership Awards granted to participants who exemplify the spirit leadership. “We [also] would like to thank everyone involved with Leadership Academy” the chapter wrote via Instagram, “We are beyond thankful for the relationships made with the 50+ brothers at the conference from chapters across the nation.” Joseph Falcon, Centre AM and Jackson Morgan, Eastern Kentucky ’21 also received Cosgrove awards in recognition of their exemplary participation in the Academy.  

The passing of the flame at the Candlelight Ceremony

On the final evening of the program the men were led on a walk through Phi Kappa Tau’s founding locations and took part in the “Legacy Walk,” the traditional and powerful candlelit conclusion to the program. 116 years of brotherhood culminated with the ceremonial singing of the Brotherhood Song, and as is written in the candlelight ceremony, we are confident that the early pioneers of our Fraternity would each be enthusiastic about their presence on that night.  

Phi Kappa Tau Returning to Clemson and Expanding to Minnesota

Sporting the largest team since 2019, the Phi Kappa Tau Growth Department is geared up for a busy semester of expansion this coming Fall. Led by Associate Director of Organizational Growth Hunter Pemberton, Akron ’18, the four-man recruiter team will begin staff-driven expansion projects at four universities over the course of the Fall semester, two of which we are pleased to be announcing today.  

Courtesy of Adobe Stock

Recruiters will be “running down the hill” with the Clemson Tigers as they restart the Epsilon Nu chapter of Phi Kappa Tau at Clemson University. Last active in 2017, the recruitment team and University are confident this Fall is the right time to bring the chapter back. Foundation Trustee Adam Goetz, Clemson ’95, and former National Councilor Bob Ragsdale, Georgia ’66, joined staff on a kickoff call for the project earlier this month to engage alumni and begin planning support for the chapter. On-the-ground support for the expansion will come from newcomers Ryan Callahan, Tennessee ’20 and Ethan Bunn, North Carolina State ’19. Both re-founding fathers of their chapters with experience recruiting in the south.  

Courtesy of UMN Website

Shifting gears to the north we’ve heard reports of a certain Gopher dawning red and gold – well maroon and gold is close enough. That’s right Phi Kappa Tau will be breaking new ground by expanding to the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. The recruitment team is sending its best and brightest Midwesterners, Dom Mularo, Mount Union ’19 and Danny Baldwin, Akron ’18 to the land of 10,000 lakes to establish a new Associate Chapter at the tentpole university. We will be holding a similar kickoff via Zoom in August, more details to come. Contact Hunter Pemberton if you are interested in attending hpemberton@phikappatau.org.  

More updates on these and future projects will come as the semester unfolds, follow them on social media on Instagram: Clemson (@clemson_pkt) Minnesota (@umnphikappatau). If you know someone attending either of these universities and would like to refer a member use this form: click here. 

Want to learn more about expansion? Check out our Expansion Magazine Catalyst here.