UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Shortly after the end of the semester and spring commencement, Penn State’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life invited leaders from the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Panhellenic Council (PHC) to ELEVATE, a leadership retreat focusing on skill development and change within the fraternity and sorority community. The event was planned specifically with chapter presidents and executive board leaders in mind.
“The retreat is designed to equip leaders with the tools, strategies and mindset necessary to drive meaningful and sustainable change within their organizations and the broader fraternity and sorority community,” explained Carly Walter, associate director for community development and belonging in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “These leaders aren’t just talking about leadership; they’re living it. Leadership development opportunities such as ELEVATE empower fraternity and sorority leaders by creating a stronger sense of community at Penn State.”
More than 30 chapters across all governing councils participated in the three-day retreat. Guided by two experienced facilitators who are professionals in the fraternity and sorority life field, student leaders engaged in a series of large group discussions and small group breakout sessions. These activities encouraged participants to reflect deeply and embrace the overarching objectives to the ELEVATE retreat:
- Understand and define change: Identify the compelling reasons for change within their chapters and councils, assess their current environment, and explore how people, processes and systems are impacted.
- Communicate and engage effectively: Learn how to clearly articulate the “why” behind change, tailor messaging to different stakeholders, and facilitate two-way communication that builds trust and shared understanding.
- Prepare themselves and their organizations: Identify the new skills and behaviors needed to lead effectively, explore how to realign structures and responsibilities, and engage in meaningful training to build leadership capacity.
- Embed change into culture: Develop strategies to integrate change into daily operations, reinforce positive behaviors and create systems for continuous improvement that foster long-term success.
