Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update from General Headquarters
Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and how it is affecting our members on their respective campuses. This web page will stay up-to-date with any additional information that GHQ shares.
Thursday, July 30
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Chapter Financial Management
- Day of Giving
- Phikeia Experience College
- Buster Posey Wins Lou Gehrig Award
- Iron Horse Relay Coming to Your Campus
- Fall Expansion Projects
Wednesday, July 22
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Phi Delt Masks
- Breaking the Chain
- Upcoming Virtual Conferences
- A Focus on Recruitment
- Phis Recognized for Service to ALS Family
- Phi Delta Theta Awards
Tuesday, July 21
Phi Delta Theta will be sending masks free of charge to all of its returning members this fall. Please have one individual from your chapter complete this form by August 1 in order to receive masks. Each order will have a variety of the four designs seen below.
Doing what ought to be done means something very special to Phis across the world. The Fraternity and its members have the opportunity to set a positive example this fall as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Form – https://phide.lt/masks
Thursday, July 2
This manual, from James R. Favor & Company, is intended to provide some basic guidance for your chapter to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases to members and guests. The information contained in this publication was written by public health experts based on the latest and best scientific and medical infectious disease information available at the time of printing.
Friday, June 26
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Financial Assistance for Chapters
- New Online Recruitment Classroom
- Phikeia Experience College
- Summer CAB Webinar Series
- The Iron Horse Cross-Country Relay
- Negative Articles About Fraternities as COVID-19 Spreads
Friday, June 19
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Our Obligation
- Alumni Sponsorship of New Members and Initiates
- Virtual House Corporation Summit
- The Iron Horse Cross-Country Relay
- Virtual Shaffer Honors College of Leadership
- 44 Lessons from Bob Biggs
Friday, June 5
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Amplify Your Voice
- Preparing for Potential Fall Scenarios
- The Phikeia Experience College
- A Message to Seniors from ESPN’s Trey Wingo
- Does Your Chapter Have a Parents Club?
- We Miss You
Tuesday, May 26
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Data – Our Undergraduates’ Plans for the Fall
- Are You A Campus Leader? Student Ambassador Program
- Student Survey – What’s Most Important to Your Experience?
- A Message to Seniors from Drew Houston (Dropbox CEO)
- Electing a Family Engagement Chairman
- Honoring Our Long-Time Leader (Bob Biggs)
Friday, May 15
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Kleberg to be Offered Regionally in 2020-2021
- A Message to Seniors from Willie Geist
- Alumni Induction Ceremony
- Raising Your Hand for University Committees
- Remaining Socially and Intellectually United
- LiveLikeLou Outdoor Clean-Up
Thursday, May 14
Kleberg Leadership Experience to Be Offered Regionally in 2020-2021
Since the debut of the Leadership College in 1987, 16,682 members of Phi Delta Theta have made a summer pilgrimage to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for a transformational leadership experience and an introduction to a brotherhood that transcended their campus experience. Today, this annual conference is known as the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute.
The ongoing presence of COVID-19 brings uncertainty to what the next few months may bring. As a vast organization comprised of chapters in forty-two states and five Canadian provinces, the feasibility of hosting any event must consider the health, safety, and logistical challenges of all of our members. For this reason, on May 1, the General Council determined that the most prudent decision was to not host the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute on July 31-August 2, 2020 in Oxford.
Monday, May 4
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Assisting Our Graduating Seniors
- International Days of Initiation This August
- LiveLikeLou LUCKIEST May Campaign
- Young Alumnus Pivots Business
- Social Media Assets For Chapters
- Phi Delt Awards Applications
Thursday, April 30
Assisting Our Graduating Seniors
In late March, we offered our graduating seniors who are still looking for employment an opportunity to be featured in this publication. More than 300 individuals responded, and we are excited to see the Phi Delt network go to work to assist them.
Review a resume, connect with them on LinkedIn, offer advice about their desired industry, or lead them to others who can help. These young men deserve our assistance.
Friday, April 24
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Celebrating Our Volunteers
- The Great LiveLikeLou Outdoor Clean-Up
- Phi Delt Small Businesses
- Career Playbook from a 2008 Grad
- Inspiring Stories About Phis
- Further Opportunities to Learn
Friday, April 17
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Phi Delta Theta Awards
- Leading During a Crisis
- Chapter Innovation
- Enhancing Your Personal and Professional Network
- Summer Recruitment
- Summer Report
Friday, April 10
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Pittsburgh Convention Postponed to 2021
- Summer Recruitment Virtual Discussion
- Servant Leadership – Interview with Bob Biggs
- Phi Delta Theta Design Bracket
- Motivation & Goal-Setting – Interview with Vince Fabra
- Phi Delta Theta Foundation Scholarships Deadline
Thursday, April 9
Convention Rescheduled
In this current climate of uncertainty, and more importantly in the interest of the health and safety of our members and the greater community, the leadership and staff of Phi Delta Theta believe the smartest approach for the General Convention scheduled for this summer at the Downtown Westin in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is to delay for one year until June 2021.
Friday, April 3
Federal Assistance for House Corporations
The following Federal Assistance avenues, made available once the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed, was shared with House Corporations.
- Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance Program (EIDL)
- Payroll Protection Program (PPP)
Friday, April 3
Financial Need Added to Phi Delta Theta Foundation Scholarship Considerations
In wake of COVID-19, the Phi Delta Theta Foundation Trustees asked that financial need be added to the overall qualifications, considered by selection bodies, during the application and awarding process of their 2020-21 scholarships.
Friday, April 3
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- A Special Offer for Graduating Seniors
- Virtual Phikeia Education
- Supporting Phi Delt-Owned Small Businesses
- The Power of Phi Delta Theta – Interview with Sean Wagner
- Phi Delt Foundation Scholarships Criteria Changes
- Courage in Leadership – Interview with Billy Anderson
Thursday, April 2
Virtual Phikeia Education Introduced for Current New Members
Phi Delta Theta’s virtual Phikeia education experience kicked off for new members whose educational period was cut short due to COVID-19. Each virtual Phikeia meeting covered Phi Delta Theta-specific content, important lessons from the Phikeia Manual, and unique aspects from the Fraternity’s 170 years.
Wednesday, April 1
Phi Delta Theta Introduces Initiative to Support Phi Delt-Owned Small Businesses
Small businesses are the heart of our communities, and they need our help during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fraternity introduced a list and map of Phi Delt-owned small businesses and encouraged its members to support these brothers.
Friday, March 27
Read the Weekly Six – Topics included:
- Three Cardinal Principles in Times of Crisis
- COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
- Mental Health Conversation with Dennis Gillan
- Supporting Phi Delt-Owned Restaurants
- Virtual Brotherhood Building
- Networking with Phi Delts
Thursday, March 26
Your General Headquarters staff has been working diligently to compile the following list of answers to the most frequently asked questions that we have received from chapter officers, alumni volunteers, and campus partners.
See answers to the most frequently asked questions
Tuesday, March 24
Phi Delta Theta Introduces Initiative to Support Phi Delt-Owned Restaurants
You’ve seen the movement to support local restaurants. We’re 100% on board, and we wanted to do what we can by showcasing Phi Delt-owned restaurants.
Monday, March 23
Webinar for House Corporations
Phi Delta Theta hosted a COVID-19 webinar for House Corporations. Topics included operational modifications if staying open, what to do if you close the house and associated processes, rent abatement, employees, insurance questions, federal assistance, and what if a positive case occurs.
Friday, March 20
An update to House Corporation members was sent to share best practices for chapter facilities, details about an upcoming webinar, how parent inquiries will be sent along to local House Corporations, and a note about community opportunities during this time.
Thursday, March 19
This fall, we introduced our Weekly Six email series, a weekly, succinct email to key chapter officers and volunteers, sharing six pieces of important information relevant to that week. We have received great feedback about the series and have decided to use this model for the foreseeable future. Our audience for the email is being increased to all undergraduates, volunteers, and campus partners. We hope the information below and in upcoming weeks will be of value.
View the Weekly Six
Friday, March 13
General Headquarters Support:
In supporting Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to promote social distancing and limit community spread of COVID-19, the Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters has limited it’s in-person staff to only those essential to business activities on a limited basis. The rest of the staff will be working remotely until March 30. All staff can still be reached through a directory by dialing GHQ at 513-523-6345, by email, or social media. All extensions, email addresses, and links to social media accounts can be found here for the Fraternity and here for the Foundation.
General Headquarters is halting all travel for staff and highly encouraging volunteers to transition to remote support for the foreseeable future. We understand that traditional in-person chapter operations may be unable to happen but do want to ensure that you are able to continue to do what you can as a chapter leader moving forward.
Read today’s email sent to chapter leaders about GHQ support
Thursday, March 12
2020 Convention Update
We’re doing our due diligence on Convention and various scenarios, but as of today Convention is scheduled to occur in Pittsburgh in June as planned.
2020 Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute
Just like with Convention, we’re doing our due diligence on Kleberg and various scenarios, but as of today Kleberg is scheduled to occur in Oxford July 31 – August 2, 2020 as planned.
Wednesday, March 11
University/Government Guidelines
Each University and/or local municipality will communicate their own set of rules and regulations regarding COVID-19. We ask that you follow those recommendations first and foremost. Our utmost concern is the health and safety of our members and those localized guidelines will have the best interest of the community in mind. If any of our suggested actions contradict a local edict, please defer and execute the local guidelines.
Fraternity House Residential Status
If remote or e-learning has been established at your school, we encourage you to follow your institution’s recommendations during the online learning period. If your school is asking students to return to their primary residences during the time when face-to-face instruction is prohibited, please do so. If your members cannot return to their primary residence, we encourage you to plan to allow them to remain in the chapter house if this is allowable by your school. If students are staying in the chapter house during online learning periods, we highly recommend following the Enhanced Facility Specific Actions contained in the next section of this message. t
Enhanced Facility Specific Actions
- If the members are still residing in the chapter facility, the House Corporation and members living in the chapter house are highly encouraged to:
- Make hand sanitizers, sanitizing wipes, and other hygienic supplies readily available to brothers and guests
- Make antimicrobial hand soap available (if not already)
- Increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitization of common areas, especially bathrooms
- Under no circumstances should COVID-19 be used as an excuse to assign additional cleaning tasks to new members or Phikeias.
- Increase HVAC preventive maintenance cycles to ensure filters are cleaned and the system is functioning properly
Gatherings
As mentioned previously, follow any directive from the institution and/or local government as it pertains to the size of gatherings that are allowable. One of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to eliminate or limit non-essential social interactions, especially in large group settings.
Initiation and Volunteer Support
Many of our chapters are in the middle or end of the Phikeia Education process. Phi Delta Theta’s General Council has approved the immediate initiation of Phikeias. We encourage chapters, if their local campus guidelines allow for it, to schedule and execute initiation as soon as possible as prescribed within The Ritual. If you have questions about conducting the initiation ceremony within the confines of social distancing, please contact General Headquarters.
Given the growing focus on social distancing from the CDC, we are encouraging Chapter Advisory Boards and Province Presidents to transition to remote support of local chapters.
Virtual Chapter Operations
During this time, in lieu of in-person chapter events, we encourage our chapters and colonies to focus their efforts on the completion of two important Minimum Standards and Chapter Expectations related to our PDT U online learning platform which are due by May 15, 2020:
- 100 percent of the chapter completes the Your Brother’s Keeper bystander module
- 100 percent of Phikeias completion of PDT U Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude
Update your chapter’s roster in MyPDT. The health and safety of each member is our utmost priority in this uncertain time. Accurate rosters are vital for us to provide timely communications to all members. Click here for a guide on roster updates.
Additionally, we encourage chapter executive boards to take time to focus on chapter strategic planning by hosting a virtual, executive officer retreat. Use this resource to facilitate a chapter planning strategy session to prepare for summer and fall programs and events.
Phi Delta Theta’s awards application is due May 1. Chapters can work on their application collaboratively at this link. Is your chapter aiming for a Gold Star at Convention? Pages 8 and 9 outline what is needed to receive one.
Review the Chapter Greatness Checklist with your executive committee. Are there any upcoming or outstanding items for the chapter to complete?
Risk Management Policies and Alcohol-Free Housing
In this time of change and instability, General Headquarters wants to reinforce that our policies and procedures are still active and enforceable. If your respective campus has transitioned to a remote or e-learning platform, the daily routine will differ as there are no rigid commitments and the potential of social gatherings outside the normal timeframe can become more prominent. The Chapter Advisory Board and House Corporation should keep a pulse on the situation and address any concerns regarding risk management policies and/or alcohol-free housing policies immediately so that it does not jeopardize chapter status in the future.
If a Chapter Member displays signs of potential illness
Recommendations:
- Currently, CDC recommends facilities housing residents follow Interim Guidance for US Institutions of Higher Education to isolate ill persons. Contact your host institution’s health center or state or local health officials for further guidance.
- Cleaning and/or disinfecting the chapter facility is best left to professionals.
- Regularly check the CDC website for up-to-date information on COVID-19.
Study Abroad/Spring Break
If your chapter has members returning from study abroad or spring break trip, specifically from a CDC Level 3-country, they should not return to the chapter facility until completion of the required fourteen-day self-quarantine. For all international travel return or lodging, we encourage chapters to follow the CDC, campus, and local guidelines on self-quarantine or social distancing.
Will spring dues be refunded because of covid? Schools aren’t having classes anymore