Phi Kappa Tau - Gamma Nu Chapter

This past weekend the Gamma Nu chapter held a Brotherhood Retreat. It included Spring 2008 Neophyte initiations, risk management presentations, brotherhood activities, and most importantly our “Milestones or Millstones” discussions. With the exception of the initiations, the weekend was completely voluntary, however all of the Active Brothers, some local Alumni, the Fall 2008 Associate Members, and some members from the University of Rochester Colony were in attendance.

The main reason for the retreat is that the Chapter was rated as a 'below basic' chapter last year due to deficiencies in four of the fourteen Borradaile Challenge categories. At Convention this past summer, other chapters who have continually been below basic were brought to show cause meetings where they had to explain their continual problems to National and beg not to have their charters revoked. Penn State lost their charter while other chapters were put on probation, including neighboring Rho Chapter at RPI - it was definitely an eye-opener.

It was incredible to see the turnout and participation of all the Brothers, stuffed in the lounge for over 8 hours together, as they worked out a plan for the future of Gamma Nu. There were jokes, arguments, laughter, and raised voices, but in the end the first steps were taken towards accomplishing something that has never been done before in the history of the Chapter.

To guide these discussions, they were broken down into each category of the Borradaile Challenge. Brothers who don't normally speak up voiced their opinions, and the new Associate Members and the members from the University of Rochester colony contributed as well.

The first half of the day focused on in-house matters and was led by First Vice President, John Casale. Recent Phi Kappa Tau Hall of Fame inductee and Alumni Advisor Gary Proud gave presentations on risk management issues including hazing, alcohol, sex, and drugs. The second half of the day covered out-of-house issues, led by Second Vice President Ivan Villafana. The Chapter’s strengths and weaknesses were examined, including what has been working and what has got to go.

Specific details on the Chapters goals, and how they plan to attain those goals, will be posted in the documents section for registered Brothers to view.